Final Fantasy XIII

 PlayStation 3
User Score
7.1

Mixed or average reviews- based on 2976 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,797 out of 2976
  2. Mixed: 513 out of 2976
  3. Negative: 666 out of 2976
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  1. Santa-zero
    Aug 18, 2023
    8
    Stagger mechanics and the visuals safe it. Great head turner, even to this day. The art style boosts the looks of the game where the graphics lack.
  2. Risolu
    Aug 16, 2023
    10
    The best FF in the series. There is no FF with that many challenging bosses and there is no FF with a mythology as deep as this.
  3. 113
    Aug 15, 2023
    9
    I would give this game a 10/10 If Hope was not a pathetic whiny little **** boy and Vanille actually contributed to the story and plot other the being one of the several crystal girlfriends that one time. Otherwise Underrated Final Fantasy Game.
  4. Fitzz
    Jul 21, 2023
    10
    L'un des meilleurs final fantasy au quelle j'ai pû jouer deplus la nostalgie d'y rejoué sur next gen est incroyable je recommande à 10000%
  5. sapphicvalkyrja
    Jul 7, 2023
    10
    One of the few Final Fantasy games I consider S-Tier. Strong characters, laser-focused writing, and a deceptively deep battle system make for my ideal Final Fantasy game.
  6. bohalaa
    Jul 1, 2023
    10
    I love everything about this game , people complaining because it's liner, it's fine for me and I love it.
  7. IMGODD
    Jun 23, 2023
    9
    Final fantasy xiii was my first in the franchise i went in expecting nothing and came out absolutely loving it this is the game that got me into final fantasy and the jrpg genre
  8. glitchtimefail
    Jun 21, 2023
    9
    while the game is admittedly somewhat rinse and repeat gameplay wise (lacking variety, no towns or NPCs) this game is a psychedelic fantasy sci fi with bold style, loveable characters, and great combat. every landscape in this game is incredibly beautiful, and the soundtrack is one of the best OSTs ive ever heard.
  9. THOUSANDEYEKAii
    May 5, 2023
    8
    Though it has it's flaws and was a huge disappointment I actually really enjoyed this game.
  10. ZRHILDE
    Apr 6, 2023
    10
    Un gioco davvero bello con un sistema di combattimento innovativo sottovalutatissimo durante la sua uscita e rivalutato per fortuna con l avvento del game pass
  11. Steyraus
    Mar 17, 2023
    10
    FF fans are just whiney babies at this point. How you can luv 10 but hate 13 is Insane and moronic. 15 got the same negativity from jrgs players even though it's amazing.
  12. Ardalan1
    Jan 26, 2023
    10
    Very beautiful game, with characters and music. the story was very complex for me at first but then I got it 100% thanks to a lot of dialogue the game has. the battle system is very fun. You have to change strategy based on who you are fighting which is sth I have never seen before I payed this game.
  13. 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.
  14. JrDouble
    Dec 20, 2022
    8
    Good Final Fantasy game overall. Very linear compared with XII, but a good looking game, solid voice acting, and interesting story.
  15. YoCHIDAHHH
    Nov 12, 2022
    10
    This game has an amazing plot, likeable characters with developed personalities, and a memorable art style. The ending will stick with you for a very long time. I cannot give a 9.9 so a 10 shall suffice.
    Thank you for reading my review.
  16. hector_bcn98
    Nov 9, 2022
    8
    Gran videojuego, mal Final Fantasy. Gráficamente espectácular, con un buen sistema de combate aunque demasiado automático y linealidad de exploración absoluta. Una oportunidad perdida para hacer historia en las primeras consolas de alta definición.
  17. PersonAHAHAH
    Nov 5, 2022
    10
    Great game I really loved it.
    the +
    - battle system
    - script
    - lifetime
    - we want to play the other opuses of the saga
  18. Snakespeere
    Oct 10, 2022
    10
    There are many controversial talks about FF XIII in part of fandom, but as long-time Final Fantasy fan who played every main entry in the series, except XI and XIV which are MMORPGs, I can say sincerely and with full responsibility that this is one of the best games in the series. Final Fantasy XIII was made by practically the same team who brought us Final Fantasy X, which is arguably theThere are many controversial talks about FF XIII in part of fandom, but as long-time Final Fantasy fan who played every main entry in the series, except XI and XIV which are MMORPGs, I can say sincerely and with full responsibility that this is one of the best games in the series. Final Fantasy XIII was made by practically the same team who brought us Final Fantasy X, which is arguably the best in the legendary franchise. Lead developers from this team also worked on titles beloved by many, such as FF VI, FF VII, Chrono Trigger and FF XII which too was coldly received on release but regained some praise with time. With this knowledge, every gamer who doubts in FF XIII just needs to think: how could these veterans fall so low with this sequel? And they didn't.
    Final Fantasy XIII holds great in nearly all aspects except one that appears in game’s discussions most often — big linearity and lack of towns and NPCs. But FF X was very linear game too. The hint is that it hides this in more delicate and clever way, and there are much more NPCs interactions for sure, so FF XIII defintely lacks in this regard. However, this game has many of its own highlights.
    First of these are, of course, fantastic visuals and overall aesthetics. Technology, art and music of this game are superb. The Crystal Tools engine was capable to show in 2009 such beautiful and detailed locations, characters, scenes and effects that FF XIII still looks great. And every element and effect, even in game menus, purely from artistic side is carefully crafted and placed. But what I appreciate even more in Final Fantasy XIII it's music. Soundtrack composed by Masashi Hamauzu who also greatly contributed to music of FF X is simply magical. It's four hours of rich, sophisticated and unbelieavably gorgeous music that evokes full scale of various feelings and emotions. One of the best soundtracks ever. This music shows that Hamauzu is worthy to stand on its own in one league with legendary Nobuo Uematsu.
    Another strong side of FF XIII is highly underrated battle system that combines qualities of classic turn-based ATB and fast-paced action to some degree. It feels just like classic FF game but with added dynamic and even more involving of strategic thinking than before. It doesn't show in early part of the game, but with your progress battles will become more difficult and variative. There are many fans who try to put down FF XIII for option of "Auto-Battle". They claim that game could be finished with using of only this command, but that's pure and shameful lie. It's useless to rely on this option because of two things. Main one is that basis of combat in FF XIII holds on paradigm system. Paradigms are unique take of FF XIII on classic job system from previous games of the series. To put it simply, you can, or even more correctly, you need to thoughtfully change roles of the warrior, mage, healer or other support class during battle for success. Paradigms cannot be formed and changed automatically. There are many paradigm patterns for the party that will be more or less effective in various situations, and this factor adds a lot more of strategic value in battle system of FF XIII in comparison with most games of the series. Other thing that makes "Auto-Battle" more like useful option for casuals and novice gamers than anything else is rating system's addition. Your efficiency in combat will be rated in 5-star range after each battle, and following rewards depend from it. Of course, only manual control in combat will give you the most effective results. Gils and items are very valuable in FF XIII because of advanced craft system of eqipment. Crafting was rarely included in series before. Only FF IX and X added such systems, and, as I think, FF XIII offers the best example of crafting mechanic in the series for now, at least in its single-player library.
    And last but not least of highlights is surely story and form of its narrative. Lead scenario writer of FF XIII is Daisuke Watanabe who also was co-author of story of FF X and main writer of FF XII after game director Yasumi Matsuno left project's leading. FF XII was stuck in development for years and it affected the execution of game's storyline but, at the same time, it was beautifully written and contained some interesting ideas. FF XIII shares similar traits and adds above. It's not the best story in the series but most ambitious and detailed. There are more than 7 hours of beautifully staged cutscenes and the most complex arcs of main characters. FF XIII concentrates on story of every protagonist in a manner similar to FF VI but manages it even better. The world of FF XIII is also very complex, and, just like in FF XII, it has its own text codex in form of "datalog". It contains all lore info and also serves as some kind of libretto to main events for those who could skip some valuable details of storyline.
    I would give FF XIII solid 9/10 but for balance the game just needs 10/10 (: .    … Expand
  19. wmurphy011
    Sep 27, 2022
    10
    Possibly, the most underrated video game of all time. While I wouldn't say it's the best Final Fantasy ever made, I wholeheartedly put it in the Top 5. And since this franchise has around 30 titles, that's saying something. A truly great game.
  20. 39BAKA
    Jun 22, 2022
    8
    A game that has been unfairly judged during its release from the public, but at large its a great game with a solid and unique combat system while the story is not the best it is still enjoyable. The story follows 6 characters with the majority of them you'll meet in the beginning of the game. The gameplay features a "Paradigms" system in which you basically change job class mid combat toA game that has been unfairly judged during its release from the public, but at large its a great game with a solid and unique combat system while the story is not the best it is still enjoyable. The story follows 6 characters with the majority of them you'll meet in the beginning of the game. The gameplay features a "Paradigms" system in which you basically change job class mid combat to effectively deal with the enemy front of you. The gameplay is much more fast pace as you'll be mostly switching Paradigms instead of selecting attacks as there is an auto select pick which does it for you, while it may seems to dumb done the game, it doesn't. Your main focus in combat is to switch between Paradigms to change between the pattern of the enemy and disassemble them. The OST is quite amazing as you'll be acquitted with an amazing set of musical soundtrack mostly being the main component of a piano. Overall the game is great that has a few and perhaps jarring flaws but not as jarring as you might think, the combat is fun and fast paces while still needing you to think and the OST which is the strongest part of the game in my opinion. You'll surly enjoy it now compare to those who act to quickly when first playing it.… Expand
  21. LMAOpro
    Jan 25, 2022
    10
    My favorite game of all time by far, amazing environments, artistic design, one of the best soundtracks of all time, a beautiful history, a lot of lovely characters, just is soooo good in a lot of aspects, a must play and the best rpg of all time for me, lovely.
  22. dafunkk
    Oct 31, 2021
    8
    Far from perfect. Very linear in terms of level design and character development. Takes 4-5 hours too long to fully open up and let you build your own battle party.

    Gorgeous, even a decade later. Best soundtrack in the series. Great characters, great story (albeit confusing the first playthrough) and an awesomely addictive battle system. Personally my favorite since FF7. And, aside from    Far from perfect. Very linear in terms of level design and character development. Takes 4-5 hours too long to fully open up and let you build your own battle party.

    Gorgeous, even a decade later. Best soundtrack in the series. Great characters, great story (albeit confusing the first playthrough) and an awesomely addictive battle system. Personally my favorite since FF7. And, aside from 7, I've played this more than any other FF game. Very underrated and over-hated. Well worth you're 50 hours.    … Expand
  23. Avid_StoryLover
    Aug 13, 2021
    8
    I feel this game gets a lot of hate, but I found it to be quite enjoyable. I loved the story characters and the world. The music was also top notch. My only real complaint is that it is a little too linear. I feel they could have avoided this by making dungeons with more exploration and less point a to point b. Also it would have helped if they had introduced world travel sooner in theI feel this game gets a lot of hate, but I found it to be quite enjoyable. I loved the story characters and the world. The music was also top notch. My only real complaint is that it is a little too linear. I feel they could have avoided this by making dungeons with more exploration and less point a to point b. Also it would have helped if they had introduced world travel sooner in the game. But I totally understand that the game was their first entry on a new generation of consoles which comes with its own production challenges. I would like to point out that the sequels to this game were really good and solved a lot of this games issues. I'm sad that a lot of people didn't give them a shot because of how they felt about this one. I would for them to release a remaster trilogy on newer consoles.… Expand
  24. Commotion
    May 1, 2021
    10
    This game, while not absolutely perfect, is an example of a really good and flawed Final Fantasy experience.

    The combat system is absolutely perfect, and anyone who has ever said you can just click "auto-battle" and the game plays itself hasn't faced Barthandelus, or any actual boss in the game. Yes, there is an auto-battle option, but you can even change it in the options, if you want    This game, while not absolutely perfect, is an example of a really good and flawed Final Fantasy experience.

    The combat system is absolutely perfect, and anyone who has ever said you can just click "auto-battle" and the game plays itself hasn't faced Barthandelus, or any actual boss in the game. Yes, there is an auto-battle option, but you can even change it in the options, if you want to mash more buttons (as you'd have to click like 4-5 times to have them actually do anything). However, the battles are difficult! Even for very seasoned RPG players, you need to know how to use the different abilities and roles so you can beat normal story bosses, and even mob fights can be a challenge! It's easy to learn (despite how long it takes for it to open up) but it's extremely hard to properly master. Previous FF games faced the problem where there's one or two post-game bosses that are actually difficult, while in XIII you need to plan proper strategies to take down some story bosses.

    The story is linear. It's about as linear as X, where there's one time when you can decide what to do in the Calm Lands, either continue the story or do a little side quest here and there. XIII's story actually prohibits you from exploring too much, as you're on the run, until you land on Pulse and you can actually roam around and actually get lost, possibly! Many people complain the story is jibberish throughout, but if you actually pay attention to cut scenes you'll get it. If not, you have the datalogs to read if you want extra lore or more explanations, which seems like a good layout to me.

    The OST is also marvellous. It sounds RICH and lush, the battle theme is iconic. The only issue audio wise was probably having the English voice actors rely on the Japanese interpretations, which made it feel like a weird anime thing. However, some people like weird anime things. And that's fine too.

    A big flaw for the game is how long it takes to actually let you have some fun, that's granted. But it's not worth the many 0s, 1s and 2s around here. Many people I assume have only played the few hours and quit, and I can't blame them. It's a long long game, and most of the fun content is from the halfway point until the end. I get it cus I have started and stopped playing many more times than I can even remember, just quitting and putting on a more fun RPG instead every time. However, if you're patient, you've got a great game here.    … Expand
  25. aeroslimshady
    Apr 6, 2021
    10
    Absolutely fantastic. By far my favorite entry in the franchise to date. Great characters with memorable designs, the peak of the signature ATB system, intuitive combat system, gorgeous graphics that still hold up, incredible soundtrack that I could listen to for hours, and a wonderful story that left me wanting for more. Highly recommended.
  26. Sharp8
    Jan 7, 2021
    9
    Tiene sus cosas buenas y sus cosas malas, como cualquier juego, pero cuando lo jugé no le di tanta importancia a las cosas malas como hizo la mayoría de jugadores y disfruté de la experiencia que me ofrecía.

    En mi opinión, diré que tanto en el apartado de personajes como el de historia, son a gusto del usuario y es como los colores, te gusta o no te gusta. Los videojuegos están para    Tiene sus cosas buenas y sus cosas malas, como cualquier juego, pero cuando lo jugé no le di tanta importancia a las cosas malas como hizo la mayoría de jugadores y disfruté de la experiencia que me ofrecía.

    En mi opinión, diré que tanto en el apartado de personajes como el de historia, son a gusto del usuario y es como los colores, te gusta o no te gusta. Los videojuegos están para divertirse, disfrutar, sentir nuevas experiencias, etc, no para separar a la gente y que discutan entre ellos masivamente. Que sí, Final Fantasy será una saga muy grande que según casi todo el mundo ya no es como antes, y que esperábais? Una empresa como lo es SE siempre va a evolucionar incluso teniendo a Sakaguchi, que seguro que lo tenéis en un pedestal.

    Quisiera añadir que almenos en España hay, por no decir demasiado pocos, pocos "defensores" de este juego y que la gran mayoría de youtubers españoles famosos, que se les conoce por haber jugado a la saga o se dedica a ello, como Alexelcapo, Dross, Jordi Wild e incluso Caith Sith lo desprecian a más no poder, cada uno a su manera, uno menos que el otro pero el punto es el mismo. No pretendo decir que este juego sea digno de llamarse así o que es un buen juego, sinó que me hubiera gustado que los demás hubieran experimentado lo que a mí me gustó de este juego.    … Expand
  27. Sinmaker
    Sep 12, 2020
    8
    It's a polarize final fantasy. Some people truly love; others truly hate. Both have good points. I personaly think is the best final fantasy for PS3.

    --> Strengths: . Great Graphics . Decent Lore . Great visual design from the main characters. (Lightning and Fang are beautiful). . Combat system are innovative for the RPG genre. . Amazing soundtrack. Have at least 3 songs that are    It's a polarize final fantasy. Some people truly love; others truly hate. Both have good points. I personaly think is the best final fantasy for PS3.

    --> Strengths:
    . Great Graphics
    . Decent Lore
    . Great visual design from the main characters. (Lightning and Fang are beautiful).
    . Combat system are innovative for the RPG genre.
    . Amazing soundtrack. Have at least 3 songs that are beautiful.

    -->Negative points:
    . Too much linear progression. It's so obvious which way is right that you need to forcefully go to the wrong way to explore the maps.
    . Enemies visual designs are terrible. Some of then look like a pokemon from newer generations
    . Side quests are repetitive and you can't take more than one at time; which make you mindless run through the map just to pick a side quest.
    . In the machine that you save the game, you also buy stuffs and upgrade your gear. But you CAN'T switch between shop and upgrade inside the menu; you have to leave the machine and enter again if you wanna change to upgrade from shop or backwards. That sucks a lot.    … Expand
  28. hauwhian
    Jul 7, 2020
    10
    Love this game, I know this game is very LINEAR and the story is not very good. But graphic is awesome and battle music are very good. The BATTLE SYSTEM is very good in my opinion, my only complain is why GAME OVER if party leader is defeated?

    Overall I recommend this game, although there are lots of critics from other users. I played FF XIII until finish more than 3 times and satisfied.
  29. CamyVero
    Jul 5, 2020
    8
    Good game of the genre JRPG. It's true that it's not the best in the saga, but it will keep you entertained for a good few hours. Perhaps its biggest problem compared to previous releases is that it's true that its development is quite linear. But it's enjoyable and as always in the saga very nice graphically.
  30. legendarybad
    Jun 27, 2020
    8
    If you are going to play keep in mind that the game is linear, with a simple narrative and a story with several dramas. I consider the story to be regular, there is nothing so bad and nothing so good that it is worth emphasizing, and the fighting system is simple and easy to play. The graphics are good.

    Se você vai jogar tenha em mente que o jogo é linear, com uma narrativa simples e    If you are going to play keep in mind that the game is linear, with a simple narrative and a story with several dramas. I consider the story to be regular, there is nothing so bad and nothing so good that it is worth emphasizing, and the fighting system is simple and easy to play. The graphics are good.

    Se você vai jogar tenha em mente que o jogo é linear, com uma narrativa simples e uma história com vários dramas. Eu considero a história regular, não há nada de tão ruim e nada de tão bom que valha seja pena ressaltada, e o sistema de luta é simples e fácil de jogar. Os gráficos para época são bons.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

37
#37 Best PS3 Game of 2010
2
#2 Most Discussed PS3 Game of 2010
3
#3 Most Shared PS3 Game of 2010

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 83 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 73 out of 83
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 83
  3. Negative: 1 out of 83
  1. RPG Fan
    81
    As an RPG, it is an excellent experience that provides a beautifully crafted world and engaging battle system. However, as a Final Fantasy game, it falls short of expectations somewhat.
    Read full review
  2. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    90
    Ten hours in you might have doubts, but stay with it and you'll be smitten right through to the frankly unbelievable end. [Apr 2010, p.104]
  3. Everyeye.it
    85
    An unexpected Final Fantasy. The 13th chapter has a great story and some of the most incisive characters of the whole series, and even the battle system works very well, being deep and complex (even if you control only a single character). But on the other side the overwhelming linearity of the plot, the absence of cities to explore, and the small amount of side quest will disappoint fans' expectations.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »