REVIEW: Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII

Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII

Reviewed By: Giuliano V.

Platform: PS3

Gameplay: 7

Lightning Returns introduces a heavily-altered version of the combat system from Final Fantasy XIII & XIII-2. In some ways, the combat is watered down, in other ways, it is more action-packed and full of depth. If you prefer gameplay that is set more in real-time and more action-based, then you will likely prefer the combat of Lightning Returns. However, I prefer the system from Final Fantasy XIII & XIII-2, simply because it is more reminiscent of a typical JRPG. 

The difficulty curve in Lightning Returns is also completely disorganized. I had to restart my game after reaching the first boss because Normal Mode became too difficult, especially because the game's tutorials do a lousy job of teaching you how you use the new combat system. Even on Easy Mode, the game can pose quite a challenge, and while you may breeze through most of the game, the final boss will still likely give you a run for your money, as it is insanely harder than anything encountered prior.

The doomsday-clock provides the player with 13 days before you are forced to face the final boss. While this may seem silly, it really isn't all that bad. In fact, you will likely be done the main missions by the sixth day, leaving you either six days to skip or to do side-quests.

Story: 8.5

The story of Lightning Returns may be a little far-fetched, but at least it ties up loose-ends. Each of the main characters in the series gets their own little portion of the story devoted to them and ultimately gets a somewhat good ending. Lightning's character actually seems to have undergone an actual journey in this game, as opposed to the previous two games where she did not really seem to have undergone any sort of change throughout the entire story. Even the villain of the previous game, Caius Ballad, gets a great ending. However, the story of Noel Kreiss that begun in Final Fantasy XIII-2 was wrapped up too quickly and suddenly, and did not receive the amount of focus it should have. This story may have been made just to wrap up the saga, but it did a great job of giving us a final taste of all our favourite characters and giving them satisfying closures to their stories.

While the personal stories of the characters may not be breathtaking, the way the story deals with the mythos of the Fabula Nova Crystallis is amazing. While I will not spoil the plot, I will just say that the conflict between the gods told in the game's lore truly comes to full circle, and when you take this into account, the story is actually quite brilliant.

Sound: 8.5

One part of the Lightning Saga that has never failed to impress is the soundtrack. Mixing music from both Final Fantasy XIII and XIII-2 along with some new tracks made for a great soundtrack to the game. In fact, there are even some tunes from previous Final Fantasy games thrown in the mix, so there is tons of audible pleasure to be found within the game.

Presentation: 8

The visuals of the game itself are quite visually stunning, even if it is the third time we've seen a style like this. There is a lack of variety of enemy types, which was a common problem in the predecessors, but the beautiful environments given to us in the game more than make up for it. Lightning Returns actually offers us a true open-world experience that was lacking from XIII and XIII-2. The world is quite grand and full of tons of colourful characters, which is always nice to see in an RPG.

Lasting Appeal: 6.5

While the game does have over 60 side-quests in addition to the five main quests and countless "Canvas Quests," most of them are fetch-quests, which is quite disappointing, especially when the only reward is a lacklustre extra dungeon. There is a New Game+ that allows the player to keep most of their inventory and face harder versions of the bosses and enemies, but there is not much in the game to warrant a second play through unless you are a diehard fan of the series. To be fair, one play through of the game will take somewhere between 15 and 30 hours depending on how many side quests you want to do, but there isn't much else enticing further replay ability. 

Final Verdict: 7.6 / 10

Lightning Returns strays too far from the predecessors in attempt to gain a fanbase it had lost with the first game. Unfortunately, this was not as satisfying for fans of the previous games, who were hoping to have a third game that would play more like the predecessors. Even so, Lightning Returns is a decent game that adequately closes up the Final Fantasy XIII Saga and is recommended to any fan of the series.

Article By:

Giuliano V.