Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII

 PC
User Score
6.7

Mixed or average reviews- based on 144 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 85 out of 144
  2. Mixed: 23 out of 144
  3. Negative: 36 out of 144

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  1. nikitalolo
    Dec 12, 2015
    9
    Recommended! Very good port!
    1080p and 60FPS with upgraded graphic - new lighting, realistic DOF effect and anisotropic filtering.
    But interface texture has drawn for 720p resolution. I have beat a half of this game and i want to say this game is very intresting. I like new battle system, but it a little worse than battle system in XIII and XIII-2, because Lightning in only one    Recommended! Very good port!
    1080p and 60FPS with upgraded graphic - new lighting, realistic DOF effect and anisotropic filtering.
    But interface texture has drawn for 720p resolution.

    I have beat a half of this game and i want to say this game is very intresting. I like new battle system, but it a little worse than battle system in XIII and XIII-2, because Lightning in only one playable charcter in LR:FFXIII.
    And i like game story too, i very glad to meet all of main characters from XIII and XIII-2 again.    … Expand
  2. damianshrinivas
    Dec 16, 2015
    9
    Definitely best port from Square. 1080p and constant 60fps, performance is great without any stuttering like XIII and XIII-2. Game is different than XIII but not much from XIII-2 except for one playable character but i like non-traditional jrpg form. Of course art is fantastic, characters and story that for someone maybe a little confusing. My personal issues are that this game is aDefinitely best port from Square. 1080p and constant 60fps, performance is great without any stuttering like XIII and XIII-2. Game is different than XIII but not much from XIII-2 except for one playable character but i like non-traditional jrpg form. Of course art is fantastic, characters and story that for someone maybe a little confusing. My personal issues are that this game is a nightmare to play on keyboard so buy a gamepad, and anti-aliasing could be better… Expand
  3. enternius
    Dec 14, 2015
    9
    If you can believe it, this game runs flawlessly at 60 FPS, meaning it's potentially the first time SE has made a good PC port. Everything functions as it should, which is miles better than XIII and XIII-2's ports.

    As for the game, I've now played all three of them, didn't much care for the first two but this game is a complete turnaround of that. It's genuinely fun to play and explore,    If you can believe it, this game runs flawlessly at 60 FPS, meaning it's potentially the first time SE has made a good PC port. Everything functions as it should, which is miles better than XIII and XIII-2's ports.

    As for the game, I've now played all three of them, didn't much care for the first two but this game is a complete turnaround of that. It's genuinely fun to play and explore, feeling more like Dragon's Dogma than the other two FFXIII games.

    Surprised to say it, but I would absolutely recommend this game.    … Expand
  4. Krypto_Dogg
    Jan 5, 2016
    9
    I had anxiety about the time limit until the second playthrough when I realized I had like 3 or more days left and I had done everything except wipe out all last ones. Lot of content, but it's set-up to where you can do all of it. Still I'm taking my time and just playing it multiple playthroughs instead of even trying to use a guide and play everything all at once.

    I won't spoil    I had anxiety about the time limit until the second playthrough when I realized I had like 3 or more days left and I had done everything except wipe out all last ones. Lot of content, but it's set-up to where you can do all of it. Still I'm taking my time and just playing it multiple playthroughs instead of even trying to use a guide and play everything all at once.

    I won't spoil anything or even tell you anything you can see from any other honest review--meaning anything 7 and up. I'll just say this is truly Final Fantasy and I haven't felt like this about the franchise since 6 (when it was still called 3 in the US). XIII series is really great. Totally epic. Not sure what the best trilogy in gaming of all time is, but this would be a top candidate for me. Haven't finished Witcher 3 yet.    … Expand
  5. scarfake
    Jan 8, 2016
    10
    good ported game. you can take 60 fps in game. battle system is real time system and have 4 skill you can use in battle. defense attack magic and debuff. there are a lot of skills you can choise and you can use 4 skills. open world gameplay. graphics and city designs are perfect. i liked them. scenario is not good and not bad. it is mixed but there are cliches. no skill tree. you can makegood ported game. you can take 60 fps in game. battle system is real time system and have 4 skill you can use in battle. defense attack magic and debuff. there are a lot of skills you can choise and you can use 4 skills. open world gameplay. graphics and city designs are perfect. i liked them. scenario is not good and not bad. it is mixed but there are cliches. no skill tree. you can make stronger your character with items and skill. skills can be improved. also outfits can make your character stronger. every outfit is different. some of all are phsycal damage some of all magical damage some of all tanky-like paladin-. every outfit has 4 skill you can make custom. no teammates only lightning. and lightning can use 3 outfits in a battle.

    i think it is good arpg game. better than 13 and 13-2.    … Expand
  6. CalemVastia
    Feb 18, 2016
    10
    Amazing music, Original combat system, Open World and best graphics than console versions, highly recommended for players looking for a challenge game , time is not merely a problem, complete the game you tomata at least 50 to 60 hours depending on the difficulty , 100% recommended 10/10
  7. 22446688Bb
    Aug 5, 2019
    10
    Trio 13 is excellent in all respects, offering an excellent story with very famous characters. Turns out to be like the old parts.
  8. Strannik610
    Mar 30, 2017
    9
    Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII - достаточно интересное окончание трилогии Final Fantasy XIII если и не в сюжетном плане, то в геймплейном уж точно. Игра в отличии от других частей делает уклон в экшен добавляя в механику таймер который заставляет игрока продумывать план действий на перёд и активно двигаться по не самом сильном сюжету. В боевой системе управление доступно только заLightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII - достаточно интересное окончание трилогии Final Fantasy XIII если и не в сюжетном плане, то в геймплейном уж точно. Игра в отличии от других частей делает уклон в экшен добавляя в механику таймер который заставляет игрока продумывать план действий на перёд и активно двигаться по не самом сильном сюжету. В боевой системе управление доступно только за Лайтинг (в некоторых случаях в партию дают помощников, но это единичные случаи), система умений перенесена с персонажей на костюмы с помощью которых можно комбинировать разные приёмы. Так же боевая система стала ещо более активная и зрелищная, что в общем учитывая современные реалии скорее преимущество чем недостаток, хотя чистокровным слешером игра не стала. Основной сюжетный квест не особо оригинальный и упорно продвигает одну тему "дружба спасёт мир" что впрочем не смотря на свою наивность смотрится достаточно мило, есть несколько неплохих сюжетных поворотов, а также большое количество сайд-квестов от банального найди/собери/убей до вполне интересных детективных историй. Графика и стиль игры не равномерные, чувствуется "бюджетность игры": основные персонажи и монстры проработанные значительно лучше чем простые боты разнообразие которых создаётся комбинацией разных типов одежды, аксессуаров и причёсок, но особым недостатком не являются, если воспринимать игру на уровне игр поколения ПС3, также в игре реализован псевдо-открытий мир в виде четырёх больших локаций исследования. Музыкальное оформление игры выдержано на достаточно высоком уровне как в плане музыки (особенно музыканты в поселениях), так и внутриигровых звуков и озвучки персонажей. Относительно ПК версии стоить отметить достаточно хорошую оптимизацию и не требовательность игры, хотя в 2015 году можно было и сделать более разнообразную настройку параметров игры, также игра не поддерживает использование мыши, хотя это назвать большой проблемой не выходит, всё равно через пол-часа час привыкаешь.
    В общем игра получилась достаточно добротным представителем JRPG с элементами ARPG.    … Expand
  9. RPGBuff
    Apr 15, 2017
    8
    Good solid game. While I'd say games like Lost Odyssey and Final Fantasy 15 are most definitely the better games, I enjoyed my time in the Lightning trilogy. The branching paths of Final Fantasy 13-2 are gone for the most part in 13-3, replaced by a time limit. This is a bit of a letdown since, I know most players do in fact love exploring in RPG/adventure games rather than being rushedGood solid game. While I'd say games like Lost Odyssey and Final Fantasy 15 are most definitely the better games, I enjoyed my time in the Lightning trilogy. The branching paths of Final Fantasy 13-2 are gone for the most part in 13-3, replaced by a time limit. This is a bit of a letdown since, I know most players do in fact love exploring in RPG/adventure games rather than being rushed through the main story. Although playing parts of Lightning Returns over and over is quite a good time, it is a bit limiting that you can't stop or slow down the clock. Overall I do have to recommend this one as it is many times superior to FF13, and if I was to compare it to FF Type 0...I would give Type 0 the nod in terms of story but not gameplay. There is something very satisfying, in a Devil May Cry sort of sense, about playing Lightning Returns in different ways and what it truly needed was more optional bosses. I give it an 8 out of 10 since it lacks the branching paths FF fans really love. Overall it is an impressive game, don't overlook this even if you've not tried FF13 before since it's better.… Expand
  10. diari
    Oct 1, 2017
    10
    I liked this game a lot, first of all, Lightning used to be together with his friends and family in FFXIII, in FFXIII-2 she was separated from everyone but watching from the shadows. In LRFF she finally fulfills her dreams where she can be reunited with everyone, though, shortly after the events of this game, they are separated (again) but this time Eclair (Lightning) accepts her fate andI liked this game a lot, first of all, Lightning used to be together with his friends and family in FFXIII, in FFXIII-2 she was separated from everyone but watching from the shadows. In LRFF she finally fulfills her dreams where she can be reunited with everyone, though, shortly after the events of this game, they are separated (again) but this time Eclair (Lightning) accepts her fate and steps off the train. It kind of reminds me of my own life: I met people bound by fate and without them I'd never be in the position I'd be in now. I tried to meet everyone again, but it seemed to be impossible.

    Luxerion was very dark, and the slow piano music made me teary. You are looking for your friends; the time is running out, and here you are, in a city where one man sings the saviour song, and you just stand still and want to cry. It feels like there is no hope.

    The romantic music that Masashi Hamauzu really causes me to feel melancholic; the music is 10/10.
    Yusnaan at night felt like Sapporo, northern of Japan, where I was walking around with a girl I liked very much at the park when there were neon lights everywhere, just like that city. During the night the music becomes very festive-like, and then the fireworks parade makes the game feel a little bit more lively.

    The wilderness also had great music composed by Mizuta Naoshi, and re-used tracks from FFXIII-2, this further made me feel very nostalgic. During the dark, I really felt alone and when I found the Moogle village I felt fuzzy and warm. But I kept thinking about the Chocobo. Once we went through the forests together, it didn't feel lonely anymore.

    The desert didn't have a sad atmosphere to it, and also because we meet one comrade. Seeing the train rails in the sky and thinking it will go to the city areas made me feel ''connected''

    Next the battle system: there were so many garbs with abilities attached to them, and in the beginning I was so confused, I couldn't understand how battle worked. However, once I got the hang of it, combining and firing off gigantic spells on my enemies and critting because they are weak to it felt so satisfying.

    The atmosphere was fantastic; the music fitted well and I'm listening to it on daily basis, the story about uniting and then accepting farewell was very sad and nice, the battle system felt satisfying, the art and level design were superb!    … Expand
  11. SolarConker
    Jan 21, 2019
    10
    I didn't like this game at first but it grew on me I still don't like the constant timer but I like how it links back into the plot and how they completely changed the battle style while still being similar to XIII and XIII-2
  12. RayTeamStrategy
    Feb 2, 2020
    9
    Joins my favorite RPGs of all time with Final Fantasy VIII and Saga Frontier. It would get a higher rating but it's just a RPG, not exactly my favorite genre of games. RPGs seem to always have some flaws somewhere. And this game is no exception. I think most of the flaws of this game were due to the low time invested in finishing the game. But functionally speaking, it has worked on myJoins my favorite RPGs of all time with Final Fantasy VIII and Saga Frontier. It would get a higher rating but it's just a RPG, not exactly my favorite genre of games. RPGs seem to always have some flaws somewhere. And this game is no exception. I think most of the flaws of this game were due to the low time invested in finishing the game. But functionally speaking, it has worked on my computer better than the previous installments of the FFXIII series have worked, so at least they didn't sacrifice performance when they rushed out the game. This game does a poor of explaining itself and has hidden data just like the earlier games. Unfortunately, because the game is so radically different from other RPGs... it's sort of a hybrid of action-RPG and rogue-like but it's also very, very, very forgiving which isn't typical of a rogue-like. When you story over, you keep practically all of your battle progression.

    There isn't as much action as one might normally expect out of an action-RPG which is a reason why I mention that it's 'sort of a hybrid'. Definitely the most unusual RPG I've played and certainly out of all the FF games that I've liked also the least like any other FF game but it's still very good so it shows it's possible to make good stuff even though it's different from traditional games.

    I got 100 percent completion (Steam Achievements) on all 3 FFXIII games but I did it on this game the fastest and I enjoyed every moment of it unlike the previous games. I'm still having fun with it and trying to do stuff I haven't managed to do before.    … Expand
  13. HRChan
    Aug 1, 2020
    9
    Such a great mechanic that we are literally against time in this game! I love everything about this game, the new combat, the costumes, and the music! I just wish they remaster this game soon for future consoles or PC remaster, I will buy it no doubt!
  14. tigor91
    Feb 15, 2022
    10
    В 2021 году, в связи с отсутствием нормальных игр перепрошел эту игру на PC. Я понимаю, что для 2014 года оценка может и актуальна, но для 2021 года это просто шикарная игра. Да графика не дотягивает. гемплей слегка устаревший. Зато интересная история. И по сравнению с тем , что вышло в 2021 году это шикарная игра.В 2021 году, в связи с отсутствием нормальных игр перепрошел эту игру на PC. Я понимаю, что для 2014 года оценка может и актуальна, но для 2021 года это просто шикарная игра. Да графика не дотягивает. гемплей слегка устаревший. Зато интересная история. И по сравнению с тем , что вышло в 2021 году это шикарная игра.
  15. aeroslimshady
    Jul 28, 2022
    8
    A great game with a fantastic battle system and a unique time limit mechanic that actually makes the story mean something mechanically and makes this game stand out amongst a sea of overrated mediocrity. PC port's performance is bound to your CPU though, so if you have a laptop, you won't be hitting 60 FPS outside of dungeons.
  16. LastResource
    Jan 14, 2023
    10
    worth it and glad to play this game again. so much memories and nostalgia within this thirteenth game in the series.
  17. NN010
    May 7, 2023
    8
    Lightning Returns is an overambitious, experimental & emotional finale to the Final Fantasy XIII trilogy/Lightning Saga. The combat is pretty fun with a surprising amount of depth for a team that had never really done action-combat before, with it's DNA being pretty visible in Final Fantasy VII Remake. The story, while undeniably a mess that was made messier by the localization, is aLightning Returns is an overambitious, experimental & emotional finale to the Final Fantasy XIII trilogy/Lightning Saga. The combat is pretty fun with a surprising amount of depth for a team that had never really done action-combat before, with it's DNA being pretty visible in Final Fantasy VII Remake. The story, while undeniably a mess that was made messier by the localization, is a pretty decent one that adds a lot of depth and nuance to Lightning as a character. The time limit is an interesting attempt to impose the pressure Lightning faces in her final mission onto the player, but is balanced in such a way that players will either be turned off by it's inclusion or find it too generous to pose much of a concern.

    Decent PC port though. Up to 4K resolution with 60 FPS & improved lighting, Depth of Field & texture filtering (although the visuals are generally pretty poor compared to other late 7th gen games like The Last of Us & GTA V and there still are some performance issues due to the Crystal Tools engine being pushed way beyond it's comfort zone). This PC port is also much more stable than XIII & especially XIII-2's ports.

    Ratings

    Creative score (story, gameplay, voice acting, art direction): 8/10
    Technical score (graphics, audio, performance)): 6/10
    Business Practices score: 6/10 (fine, but there was a **** of costume DLC, all of which have stat boosts due to the Schemata System & consumer outcry over XIII-2’s costumes lacking any (that feels weird to say given the push back against any form of Pay to Win these days), although these costumes are included in the PC port with some exceptions that can be re-added via mods)
    Overall score (my thoughts on a game’s overall quality, doesn’t consider the business practices unless they are detrimental to the experience): 8/10

    An extended version of this review can be read here: https://www.grouvee.com/user/NN010/reviews/3211423/    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

77
#77 Most Discussed PC Game of 2015
91
#91 Most Shared PC Game of 2015

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
66

Mixed or average reviews - based on 7 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. CD-Action
    Mar 4, 2016
    60
    Lightning returns for the last time, as a PC port, and wow, Japanese do not understand computers at all. Not even mouse support!? [02/2016, p.59]
  2. Game Debate
    Mar 1, 2016
    60
    In comparison to XIII it’s certainly a stronger experience, but it’s a case of whether you can stomach yet another adventure in that vein.
    Read full review
  3. Everyeye.it
    Jan 11, 2016
    68
    Quotation forthcoming.
    Read full review
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