- RELEASE DATE - NA: 31.1.12 AU: 2.2.12 EU: 3.2.12 - REVIEWS - RPGSite - 80%Story is Final Fantasy XIII-2's downfall, and in that area it falls hard - but thankfully it shines more than enough in other areas to redeem that fact. It is in general a much-improved, fun experience - it's just wrapped in an often nonsensical story that is almost ruinous to the rest of the game. Despite that, Final Fantasy XIII-2 is definitely worth the time of even those who were disappointed by the original title, as many problems have been brilliantly and tactfully addressed.
IGN - 8.0Final Fantasy XIII-2 proves itself the better game, but it lacks the same focused storytelling employed in the original. It benefits from an improved battle system, open environments, and an overall level of polish that deserves a nod of respect. Despite its severe lack of closure, Final Fantasy XIII-2 still deserves your time, especially for a few poignant moments set at the end of days.
Gamespot - 7.5Just remember to keep your expectations in check: Final Fantasy XIII-2 isn't a timeless adventure in the grand tradition of the beloved series. But if you're curious to see the next stage in this ongoing tale, there's no reason you shouldn't chase after Lightning. After all, she can't defeat Caius without you.
Eurogamer - 8/10For all its mechanical cleverness and forward-thinking design, Final Fantasy 13-2 is also convoluted, complicated and unfriendly to newcomers. In Square-Enix's desperation to discover what its flagship series looks like in the modern world, what should be an interesting curio has been inflated to blockbuster proportions.
1UP - BAs a whole, the package doesn't come together nearly as well as FFXIII did. It's a mishmash of interesting systems and bold ideas that never quite gel. Still, it's an encouraging step in the right direction; if nothing else, it at least demonstrates that Square Enix is open to other studios being involved in the production of its tentpole franchise and realize they can't expect to sell on name alone.
Joystiq - 3/5Ultimately, if Final Fantasy XIII took the series five steps back, Final Fantasy XIII-2 takes it one hesitant step forward. Features like non-linear dungeons, optional side quests and NPC-populated towns are wonderful and all, but they were RPG staples twenty years ago. While Final Fantasy XIII-2 does quite a bit to fix the mistakes of its predecessor, it does very little to stand out on its own merits. It's enjoyable, but it's also disappointing in many ways. Final Fantasy deserves better.
Gameinformer - 8/10In most respects, the team at Square Enix did a great job singling out and addressing the chief problems. Progression is player-driven, combat is even more entertaining, and an array of other adjustments makes it one of my favorite RPGs from a mechanical perspective. I just want all of that integrated with a story that isn't laughable and borderline insulting, and that's where Final Fantasy XIII-2 falters.
Metro - 6/10An improved sequel on paper only, with an overall experience that is still ruined by incoherent storytelling and unsympathetic characters.
- TRAILERS - E3 2011 TGS 2011 Characters Moogle New Adventures Guided Tour Environments
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