Final Fantasy XIII-2 is the complete sequel to Final Fantasy XIII, but acts as a stand-alone game for older fans as well as those new to the series. It attempts to enhance and surpass its predecessor, with a new game play system and stunning graphics.
When Final Fantasy XIII first hit the shelves, not everyone was impressed. There was a lot of criticism surrounding the guided paths and save system. FF XIII-3 has set out to fix this.
At the end of FFXIII, Cocoon fell and a new era began; yet it seems Lightning has disappeared. In Final Fantasy XIII-2, it becomes clear that Lightning is alive and younger sister Serah sets out on an adventure to find her. Throughout the course of the game, you encounter characters old and new, but a previous knowledge of the prequel is not one hundred per cent necessary, although it can be useful to fully understand the opening.
The environments have been created in such a way to allow for exploration. Time Travel is also a huge feature in the story, allowing players to choose their own path through the game.
Serah and Noel (a time traveller hunter from the future) team together on the mission and are able to travel through time with the use of time gates called Historia Crux. It gives players the option to choose a location to explore as well as a time in which they want to explore it. Gates appear all over the world and need to be unlocked. These give players access to new parts of the game, while offering plenty of exploration. No place will stay the same and one interesting aspect is seeing the differences in the locations when visited at a different time period. It adds a new dimension.
Not everyone was a fan of the battle system of FFXIII and they may be disappointed to note that this has not really changed. The Active Time Battle (ATB) system returns with just a few tweaks. Players can now switch leaders mid battle and recruit defeated monsters to use later on in battle.
The Paradigm Shift system is still in place and as with FFXIII, players can give the characters various roles, such as Medic, Commando or Ravager, all familiar titles if you have played XIII. If needs must, these roles can also be switched in the midst of battle.
One new feature of the battle system is the Cinematic Actions. These take place during certain battles and as well as offering some sweet visuals, they make the player focus and pay attention as at any point, they could be prompted to tap a button on the controller.
Each and every environment or location visited is beautiful and unique. The graphics are a feast for the eyes, while the sound quality is brilliant. The characters and monsters throughout the game follow this, each one stunningly detailed.
Some may find the story itself a little long-winded and as the game goes on, the narrative seems to fall behind. Yet this doesn't create a problem. The game is so fantastic in so many other areas, this little slip is not an issue.
Where the prequel lacked, XIII-2 has delivered. There are many different story missions, NPCs and side quests to dip in too. The main story can be completed in 24 hours, but with all this extra content, you can be playing for a long time yet. It also offers the opportunity to take more than one stab at the game as there is more than one possible ending to the game.
Any fans of this genre or series will not be disappointed with Final Fantasy XIII-2. It set out to improve its predecessor and this is a goal it has definitely achieved. The soundtrack and graphics are enough to warrant a purchase, while the many features, expansive environments and dynamic game play continue to reinstate this.
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