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7.1

Mixed or average reviews- based on 2976 Ratings

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  1. Jan 5, 2015
    8
    Although i feel it was a step back from final fantasy 12 (Due to gameplay mechanic changes), Final fantasy 13 still has the magic of the previous games in terms of atmosphere, story and character development.
    Although the gameplay has become slightly more repetitive with less opportunity for customization as some of the previous final fantasies, but is still solid in it's own right.
  2. Dec 11, 2012
    8
    For all it's faults, I found Final Fantasy XIII to be an enjoyable experience. Yes, the linearity of 80% of the game is off putting, and yes some of the characters are annoying idiots (looking at you Hope), but I found the scope and history, and most importantly the mystery of this world to be an incredibly absorbing affair. I didn't find reading the Datalog to be too big a deal (ThisFor all it's faults, I found Final Fantasy XIII to be an enjoyable experience. Yes, the linearity of 80% of the game is off putting, and yes some of the characters are annoying idiots (looking at you Hope), but I found the scope and history, and most importantly the mystery of this world to be an incredibly absorbing affair. I didn't find reading the Datalog to be too big a deal (This kind of thing is in Mass Effect too people). I actually like the combat system. Yes, it seems limited (especially at first) but once it opens up and lets you experiment you'll find it to be a great and fast paced tactical affair. It's not about selecting attacks, it's about selecting strategies! I found myself warming to most of the characters, the graphics are STILL spectacular, and the music is solid (not Uematsu good, but what is?) It doesn't have the same magic as past Final Fantasies, but it is still a solid entry into the series. If you're a fan of JRPG's check this one out. Expand
  3. Apr 11, 2016
    8
    Quite possible the worst final fantasy in the entire series. It shouldn't even be considered a true final fantasy. Nothing about this game is good, I returned it. Something that took 2 years to make, was delayed for ps3 for another 2 years and downgraded so they could put it onto 360. Pathetic. Besides that, graphics still are bad with ps2 style environments.
  4. Nov 1, 2013
    8
    It's a very linear game, the gameplay is nice but have some issues, the worst are the fact that you can't trade the leader in the middle of the battle.
    The soundtrack are really nice and Fang is awesome!
  5. Nov 7, 2013
    8
    Well, it's true that the linear part is bad, but not so much, I mean, maybe it was disliked because this was not the case with previous titles, but when you think about if, can't this be taken as some kind of revolutionary 3D side scroller instead? I really disliked this 'stagger' system where monsters have ridiculously big health pools, but whatever, you get used to it. I enjoyed theWell, it's true that the linear part is bad, but not so much, I mean, maybe it was disliked because this was not the case with previous titles, but when you think about if, can't this be taken as some kind of revolutionary 3D side scroller instead? I really disliked this 'stagger' system where monsters have ridiculously big health pools, but whatever, you get used to it. I enjoyed the game not as much as other FF titles but it had his own magic plot. At least I feel like wanting to play the sequel, so yeah, it took me ages to finish this game because I left it at some point (again, hate stagger mechanic) but retook it and well, next. Expand
  6. Dec 28, 2013
    8
    I had this game since release and it took me this long to complete it. Not from lack of trying but a general lack of interest. I finally sat down and decided to beat it and came across the realization that I had really missed out on something fun in the end. I wasn't bothered by the apparent linearity (most FF games are pretty linear if you realize it or not) or the characters (althoughI had this game since release and it took me this long to complete it. Not from lack of trying but a general lack of interest. I finally sat down and decided to beat it and came across the realization that I had really missed out on something fun in the end. I wasn't bothered by the apparent linearity (most FF games are pretty linear if you realize it or not) or the characters (although Hope was pretty annoying at the start) but I just didn't have the energy to continue it at first. Once I dug into it, I found an enjoyable experience as the action and pace kicked up and characters stopped being a little you know what (Hope).
    My biggest problem is that the final boss battles were a joke. It was entirely too easy to me, but it may have been due to all the grinding I had done beforehand. Hitting the end credits, I was still satisfied with my adventure but mildly disappointed by that final string of battles.
    Overall a good experience. Way better than the trash that was FF12, but nowhere near the best Final Fantasy titles (like 4).
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  7. Jan 14, 2014
    8
    Final Fantasy 13 was a good game but it wasn't great. I enjoyed the story very much but constantly fighting the same creatures to level up wasn't that exciting.
  8. Feb 11, 2014
    8
    The improved combat system and graphics is the only thing that this game got going for. The active time-based combat system is truly thrilling. Battles are more fast-paced and action-oriented. The graphics is breathtaking, from the moment you start playing. It's truly one of the best looking games of this generation. But the game is bogged down by the game's linear gameplay and weak story.The improved combat system and graphics is the only thing that this game got going for. The active time-based combat system is truly thrilling. Battles are more fast-paced and action-oriented. The graphics is breathtaking, from the moment you start playing. It's truly one of the best looking games of this generation. But the game is bogged down by the game's linear gameplay and weak story. The story is typically about a heroine and her team trying to save the world, not exactly the best they've come up with. The gameplay is just fight monster, fight boss, fight monster, fight boss, fight monster, fight boss throughout most of the game. There are 13 chapters so I would say about 10 chapters is basically the game on autopilot, you're constantly doing the same thing and you're constantly moving forward. All you can do is complete the game, there's nothing else to do after and during the game. You're free to explore, fight and obtain Platinum but there's no side stories or puzzles or anything like that which makes exploration pointless. In previous FF games, you're free to take a break from the main story to complete a series of side quests. None of that is presented in this game so it's likely that I'll never play this game, after completing it, again. A good game overall, but it doesn't do justice for the best JRPG franchise. Avoid if you're uninitiated but give the previous games a go because you're missing out. For fans, it's worth a rental! Expand
  9. Feb 28, 2014
    8
    Enter, a refreshing new female heroine, reminiscent of your previous cool aloof mains from the other titles, Lightning is very much like Cloud and Squall/Leon with their cold shoulder personality and military backgrounds.

    Characters are varied and typical of the franchise. Their responses are typical but that what makes it the signature Final Fantasy game. Some personality changes occur
    Enter, a refreshing new female heroine, reminiscent of your previous cool aloof mains from the other titles, Lightning is very much like Cloud and Squall/Leon with their cold shoulder personality and military backgrounds.

    Characters are varied and typical of the franchise. Their responses are typical but that what makes it the signature Final Fantasy game. Some personality changes occur a bit too quickly for comfort but this isn't a huge game breaker as you spend much more of the game utilising the new combat system.

    This game introduces the new battle system, although many people say pressing 'A' will play the game for you, I disagree. This mechanic requires the player to chain abilities with the use of particular damage classes such as the Ravager or the Commando - a system which hasn't been implemented in the other games. The new instantaneous switching between roles provides relief as it doesn't take as long as some changes in other games (FFX-2 Dress-spheres for instance which took one turn each time you changed).

    It brings clearly defined roles to your party which can be set in the options according to your likes. Various characters are more suited towards particular classes such as Lightning - Ravager/Commando, Snow - Sentinel/Commando and so forth. There are Ultimate items as there has been in some titles but they require some crafting to be created.

    Storyline is not the best but it is interesting, the race created by the Gods, fal'Cie, and then those who are chosen by the fal'Cie. Those who are chosen, the l'Cie' are given a task called the 'Focus'. You explore Lightnings home 'city' the Cocoon, before venturing to the rumoured hell: Gran Pulse. Although somewhat linear you do explore areas and grind as you do in the usual games although you're just on a shorter leash this time.

    Music is quite a pleasure to listen to, a bit more modern than the usual fare. Reason being a new composer on the block. The graphics are amazing and most actions are seamless and smooth - what I'd expect from Square Enix's quality of work.

    Bottom line: it is a game typical of the FF universe, some interesting implementations that seem to be a hit or miss with its audience at times. It is of personal opinion in most cases. The combat system is definitely very interesting to use, it may take some time getting used to. Game play is the usual. Storyline isn't up to the usual standard. Graphics is top notch. Interesting characters and a satisfying ending. Not for all but it is all for some.
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  10. Mar 19, 2014
    8
    this game is good but it has some down fulls one is the characters are a bit of a let down to the newly found series. it has very nice grapics on the ps3 that ive currently got and so far the game has never really cut out on me.
  11. Sep 22, 2014
    8
    i get what why most fans doesn't like this game, due to it is more linear and no towns, NPCs. still love the new battle system. they could have handled the NPCs better and with towns but the director might have thought where to add those towns, NPC from the story. hence it was done like this. they really borrowed from the previous FF games in terms of character but i think Lightning isi get what why most fans doesn't like this game, due to it is more linear and no towns, NPCs. still love the new battle system. they could have handled the NPCs better and with towns but the director might have thought where to add those towns, NPC from the story. hence it was done like this. they really borrowed from the previous FF games in terms of character but i think Lightning is still a great protagonist. Expand
  12. Aug 25, 2018
    8
    The game gets perfect score for art and music.
    However, the story makes no sense until chapter 9. Level design is also horrible.
    Combat is intense and satisfying towards the end, but this game don't have many memorable boss fights to complement that.
  13. Nov 10, 2014
    8
    Definitely the best in the series, as the story is decent and the fighting is fresh and goes well with the game. The characters for the most part are likeable and the game has an excellent system. Again, you may not like this game as it is extremely linear, but I didn't mind it much. The game is fun and while the game can stall at times, it is still worth playing. On the other hand,Definitely the best in the series, as the story is decent and the fighting is fresh and goes well with the game. The characters for the most part are likeable and the game has an excellent system. Again, you may not like this game as it is extremely linear, but I didn't mind it much. The game is fun and while the game can stall at times, it is still worth playing. On the other hand, the entire FFXIII series falls well short of the previous games in Final Fantasy, which are epic and are must haves. Check them out on the PS store, as they aren't too pricey and are fun, that is if you don't care about graphics and care about great story telling. Expand
  14. Nov 17, 2014
    8
    Is this game worth your time? Well yes and no.

    Alot of people will find the gameplay repetitive and probably boring those who don't usually play JRPG's or aren't fans of the FF Series might not like this game. Gameplay - I admit the gameplay does get a bit repetitive but its still a fun game to play why? Because of the Boss Battles they are exciting and fun and also the Summonings
    Is this game worth your time? Well yes and no.

    Alot of people will find the gameplay repetitive and probably boring those who don't usually play JRPG's or aren't fans of the FF Series might not like this game.

    Gameplay - I admit the gameplay does get a bit repetitive but its still a fun game to play why? Because of the Boss Battles they are exciting and fun and also the Summonings are awesome + the Gameplay gets better as you continue to play.

    Graphics - This game has some of the best Graphics on the PS3 it rivals almost every game on the system Arkham City & Origins are probably the only games I can think of with this level of graphics. The Areas in this game look amazing you can just look at some of the areas in the game and just be in awe like wow who drew this ****

    Characters - Some people might be like Vanille Snow & Hope are all lame well newsflash they actually are lame. But they all get character development and very good character development. I'll add coolness points to Snow for having some good scenes and to Hope for becoming a man. Lightning is badass Sazh is just being who he is and I like him for that. Fang is another badass. Cid Raines is badass too.

    Story - Do I even need to say it? This games story is amazing **** amazing the story kept me playing from start to finish. When you want to figure out why FFXIII is so popular? The reason is because of the story.

    Soundtrack - The 2nd best thing in this game is the soundtrack its just as good as the story. The Soundtrack is amazing.

    Overall - Everything but the gameplay is amazing. The Gameplay brought something new to the table but its presentation could have been done better, there should have been more abilities for characters and we should have been able to revisit the places we explored already for extra missions and stuff. Other than that I would change nothing about this game its awesome.
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  15. Jul 18, 2015
    8
    First of all I would give this game a 7 or a 7.5 out of 10 but I give in 8 just to balance things up with all the angry reviews.So the game is fun with a combat system that is more focused on timing and wants you to be quick rather than thinking .Enemies like every other Final Fantasy game have their weaknesses but in XIII you need to exploit them more like in X.The story is a mess,yeahFirst of all I would give this game a 7 or a 7.5 out of 10 but I give in 8 just to balance things up with all the angry reviews.So the game is fun with a combat system that is more focused on timing and wants you to be quick rather than thinking .Enemies like every other Final Fantasy game have their weaknesses but in XIII you need to exploit them more like in X.The story is a mess,yeah but if you give it some time and actually pay attention you may actually like it,but it's still not very strong.The characters are a give or take,you either like them or not,nothing more to say here(I personally like them all,except Hope).But the game IS linear for the first 20 hours or so (not something I hate though) and then it opens up. So having played VII,X,XII,XIII trilogy I have to admit that this game is one of the weaker entries on the series,BUT i do not believe it is a bad game and I am sure as hell it doesn't deserve all the 0 here.If you really want to see what a bad game is go play Ride to Hell Retribution.Also the game can be damn Hard sometimes,something I found that other entries on the series lacked. Expand
  16. Aug 5, 2015
    8
    While the story does sort of collapse at the end, for the most part I think the story is great. The characters are generally fine, with lightning and Fang definitely being my favourites (Snow really needs to shut up about being a hero). Everyone needs to stop hating on how whiny Hope is though, his mother literally died right in front of him and the guy who he thinks is responsible isWhile the story does sort of collapse at the end, for the most part I think the story is great. The characters are generally fine, with lightning and Fang definitely being my favourites (Snow really needs to shut up about being a hero). Everyone needs to stop hating on how whiny Hope is though, his mother literally died right in front of him and the guy who he thinks is responsible is constantly grinning like an idiot. I think I'd be a little unhappy too to say the least.

    The best parts of this game are definitely the presentation which is mesmerizing, and the battle system which is one of the best I've seen in any game.
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  17. 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.
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  18. Nov 19, 2017
    8
    I think people underrate this game. Graphics are great. Music is good as well. The battle system is different than in FFX or FFII but like in FFII you get used to it. Characters are ok but I miss other spicies in this game. You only see humans and enemy monsters. Plot is ok, it could be better. About the landscapes it is true that most of them are simply path with an exception of a bigI think people underrate this game. Graphics are great. Music is good as well. The battle system is different than in FFX or FFII but like in FFII you get used to it. Characters are ok but I miss other spicies in this game. You only see humans and enemy monsters. Plot is ok, it could be better. About the landscapes it is true that most of them are simply path with an exception of a big valley. It took me 60 hours. Some bosses may be tricky but if you look for help in the Internet it's easy to beat them. If you fight against all the enemies that you find during the game you won't have any problem to defeat the final boss (in fact was easier than I expected). Tu sum up, if you like RPGs and FF games you must buy it.

    PS: Don't forget to spend the points of the team members that you don't usually use because if you have 999.999.999 and you don't spend them you'll be losing points (It happened to me with one character at the end of this game but it wasn't a problem cause I didn't use him).
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  19. Aug 4, 2016
    8
    Sure not as good as other final fantasy games but I still like it. The game is a bit repetitive and bland but besides that this game is pretty good to be honest.
  20. Jun 16, 2016
    8
    The graphics are fine even to this day I guess. However, exploration is very very limited and for the most part you'll be running in a straight line fighting battles until you get bored and start avoiding them all together. There are no hidden treasure boxes since all you have to do is just take a look at the map and realize there's an area outside the straight line you're supposed to goThe graphics are fine even to this day I guess. However, exploration is very very limited and for the most part you'll be running in a straight line fighting battles until you get bored and start avoiding them all together. There are no hidden treasure boxes since all you have to do is just take a look at the map and realize there's an area outside the straight line you're supposed to go to. The story is sort of nice, but considering the sequels and all it kinda doesn't make much sense sometimes, but then again, this happens a lot in final fantasy. Now about the battle system, it's nice but could be way better. You only get to control the party leader and until you reach chapter 11 (where the game stops being so damn linear) there are barely any interesting battles. Even boss fights are quite easy since all you have to do it buff up, use libra and spam auto-battle. I think it would be much more fun if there was no auto-battle, perhaps no libra and more importantly if we had control of the whole battle team -although the battles would have to run at a slower pace-. All in all it is a decent game, but quite different from previous titles. If you expect a classic then this game is not for you. Expand
  21. Jul 30, 2016
    8
    The hate this game gets makes little to no sense, yes it's linear as hell for most of the game, but the other criticisms make no sense to me, I like this story for the first half but the second half it made no sense, the Gameplay is great though the fact that when your leader dies it's game over, that's kind of retarded, the soundtrack and graphics are amazing, if your problem with theThe hate this game gets makes little to no sense, yes it's linear as hell for most of the game, but the other criticisms make no sense to me, I like this story for the first half but the second half it made no sense, the Gameplay is great though the fact that when your leader dies it's game over, that's kind of retarded, the soundtrack and graphics are amazing, if your problem with the gameplay is the auto battle mechanic then TURN IT OFF you **** idiots! Expand
  22. Dec 28, 2016
    8
    I have played most of the FF games and have beaten most as well. FF 13s main campaign is amazing. The game has the best combat system of any FF game, and the visuals and musical score are incredible. The story is terrible though, and the mission structure (Gran Pulse) and grinding are extremely tedious and poorly thought out. I would suggest you skip the cut-scenes and spend 30-40 hoursI have played most of the FF games and have beaten most as well. FF 13s main campaign is amazing. The game has the best combat system of any FF game, and the visuals and musical score are incredible. The story is terrible though, and the mission structure (Gran Pulse) and grinding are extremely tedious and poorly thought out. I would suggest you skip the cut-scenes and spend 30-40 hours playing the main campaign to get a 8.5 experience. If you try to plat the game though, then the score drops to about a 6. I think its ridiculous that you have to spend 15 minutes on foot to get to a monster that you can defeat in under a minute. Rinse and repeat for 64 missions, and you can see how tedious the game can get.

    Pros: Visuals, music, combat system.
    Cons: Mission setup/structure, plot, grinding.
    Caveats: The game is mostly linear. There are also no towns to explore or NPCs to interact with. Many fans seem to hate these issues, but I personally prefer linear games, and hate micromanagement and side/fetch quests so I liked that the game was linear.
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  23. 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.
  24. Nov 5, 2019
    8
    The game have some impressive visual effects and graphics, outstading CGs like any other FF game, but at the same time have a combat that becomes repetitive after some dozens of hours, and not the best plot in the series. They could get more from the FFXII combat. exploring is not that rewarding like were in FFXII. but is cool to observe the visually enjoyable well detailed scenery.
  25. 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.
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  26. Feb 13, 2020
    8
    While the repetitive combat through linear hallways is easily tiresome, if you are invested in the characters all the way to the endgame, the combat nuances that open up are rewarding enough to provide an enjoyable experience with graphics ahead of its time.
  27. 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.
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  28. Jun 23, 2020
    8
    I played this game a few years ago and loved it back then, but never realized how much content I missed, after replaying the game and achievement hunting on it for over 90 hours (and still going up) I love the game even more, yes there are Linear parts to it, but with it being mostly story focus, I can give it a pass on that. This game is always going to be one of my favourite games,I played this game a few years ago and loved it back then, but never realized how much content I missed, after replaying the game and achievement hunting on it for over 90 hours (and still going up) I love the game even more, yes there are Linear parts to it, but with it being mostly story focus, I can give it a pass on that. This game is always going to be one of my favourite games, because the story felt different to most games I've played, and how all the characters worked out their grudges and banded together, over all it's a great experience to play again Expand
  29. 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.
  30. 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
Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 83 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 73 out of 83
  2. Negative: 1 out of 83
  1. 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.
  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. 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.