Final Fantasy XIII-2

 Xbox 360
User Score
6.3

Mixed or average reviews- based on 313 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 158 out of 313
  2. Mixed: 64 out of 313
  3. Negative: 91 out of 313
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  1. 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.
  2. jelikey
    Apr 18, 2020
    8
    For a sequel, this is about as big, epic, and robust as it can get. Taking locales and ideas they most likely already finished for the first game and instead using them as a second-game and basis, a lot of this game feels the same. However, as soon as you're ripping through the time-line and jumping to different dates and locales in the future--and past--that's soon easily forgiven and youFor a sequel, this is about as big, epic, and robust as it can get. Taking locales and ideas they most likely already finished for the first game and instead using them as a second-game and basis, a lot of this game feels the same. However, as soon as you're ripping through the time-line and jumping to different dates and locales in the future--and past--that's soon easily forgiven and you find yourself having an absolute blast on this journey through time. The paradigm battle system is perfected and you can hunt down monsters and beasts to be your partners as you piece together the different futures and timelines you create. Without the previous story, it loses a bit of it's soul, but this still stands a bright point Square Enix has finally turned too--and should continue to do so in the future. Well done.… Expand
  3. tom974
    Mar 1, 2020
    9
    So much greater than the previous opus ! Great story, well written dialogues most of the time. Ok the gameplay is mostly the same than the precedent opus but not a bad one, and the monster capture system could have been more pushed. But the time travelling thematic is very well built, plus the graphics are quite good with a one X optimisation.
  4. Xplocion
    Nov 8, 2019
    10
    The good:
    Backward compatible with Xbox One. This game even several years after its release is still looking great, its "Xbox One X improvement patch" makes it look beautiful. At least 800G of easy achievements. The soundtrack is highly recommended with vocal, instrumental, jazz, epic themes. The story is a continuation of the FFXIII but there is enough reading material and flashbacks to    The good:
    Backward compatible with Xbox One. This game even several years after its release is still looking great, its "Xbox One X improvement patch" makes it look beautiful. At least 800G of easy achievements. The soundtrack is highly recommended with vocal, instrumental, jazz, epic themes. The story is a continuation of the FFXIII but there is enough reading material and flashbacks to keep you up to date with the characters and their situations. Charismatic villain who follows you and is always doing his thing. Clashes with bosses that include QTE and make them look spectacular. With “Feral Link” you can include monsters to your team to complete 3 members (two characters and a monster / character from the Colosseum) each with its role and its limit. The locations are distributed as a tree called Crux History which in its node has several ways to travel them to the taste of the player. Various endings (some very hopeful, others very silly). Replayable (once you finish the game allows you to complete the areas that you have not visited and the challenges that you have not completed, even challenge the giant bosses and Caius version more Demoniously difficult
    It has three downloadable add-ons that add more game hours
    * All or nothing. Zazch's story at the Xanadu / Serendipity casino with cards and slot machines
    * The Coliseum / Eternal Battlefield. Here you reach the Colosseum an area outside of time which allows you to face champions of other Final Fantasy in 3D such as Ultros, Thyphone (FFVI), Pupu (FFVIII), Omega, Gilgamesh (FFV), here you can get Snow
    * Requiem for a Goddess. Here we control Lightning in a boss Rush to get it in the main game and the fight mode would be the basis for the third part of the game (Lightning Returns)

    The bad:
    This game changes the "official" end of FFXIII. The downloadable add-ons of the story do not give GP no matter if you play them, pass them or not. I don't like that Square-Enix fashion of abusing by creating “villains-like-a-Sephiroth” Caius is charismatic but personally I am fed up with the single-wing Angel decals that come out in all the JRPGs of the last two decades. The real ending leaves you in a huge "will continue ..."

    Lo Meh !:
    I thought it was a short game. This game is great and many people are disgusted only by the first game of FFXIII. The song Follower of Chaos will be heard even in the soup. Throwing the Mog for fun is stressful.    … Expand
  5. 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.
  6. SolarConker
    Jan 21, 2019
    10
    The story in this one isn't as good as XIII but it improves the combat so much it can be seen as a better experience game play wise
  7. Soujirop
    Nov 20, 2016
    9
    Better than it's predecessor. Final Fantasy XIII-2 is actually one of my favourite XBOX rpg. It is more open, replayable and overall funnier than the first one. The story has several secret worlds that you can discover based on your choices through the game, which is a great and very interesting addition to the gameplay. Even if Lightning is not the protagonist, and there's only twoBetter than it's predecessor. Final Fantasy XIII-2 is actually one of my favourite XBOX rpg. It is more open, replayable and overall funnier than the first one. The story has several secret worlds that you can discover based on your choices through the game, which is a great and very interesting addition to the gameplay. Even if Lightning is not the protagonist, and there's only two playable characters through all the game, Serah and Noel make a good couple and you won't be bored. So for me, it's a must. Can't wait for the 3rd!… Expand
  8. Dagamingphoenix
    Jul 25, 2016
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. FFXIII-2 is a monumental improvement on it's predecessor with my only problems being 1. Replacing the formidable Lightning with her feeble younger sister Serah. 2. As if the story couldn't possibly get any worse, it does. The plot is, find Lightning. No emotional punches. Even Serah's death at the end was empty of any emotion.

    Thankfully, the rest is good. The new soundtrack is absolutely phenomenal ( With "Historia Crux" my current favourite song). The battle system is refined but it still hasn't removed autobattle.(WHY?!?)
    Graphics are still amazing but there is a distinct reduction in the amount in cinematic cutscenes.
    Also, the cinematic battle sequences are... odd, to say the least, taking you out of the action of boss fights.
    It's also more "free" than XII, with tens of 150 side quests and big enviroments to explore. It's substantially better than XII's corridors.
    So, overall, even if it lacks the gravitas of FFXII's story (which, in itself was lackluster) this great game improves virtually all it's previous blunders and is the best game in Lightning's Saga.    … Expand
  9. Gold458
    Jul 31, 2014
    10
    I really enjoyed Final Fantasy XIII-2. I loved the story, the battle system, and I love the world. I liked Serah as a protagonist and I enjoyed how she developed later on throughout the game. I recommend this to all. It is a fun and enjoyable game.
  10. LordDeathsama
    May 29, 2014
    8
    This game is pretty good. There are a lot of sidequests to do, the battlesystem invites you to be creative, the visuals are stunning, but story and characters, or perhaps Serah, are a bit of a letdown. While Noel has a good backstory and Caius is one of the best Final Fantasy villains of all time, Serah is annoying. Story is really confusing but not impossible to understand. If you likeThis game is pretty good. There are a lot of sidequests to do, the battlesystem invites you to be creative, the visuals are stunning, but story and characters, or perhaps Serah, are a bit of a letdown. While Noel has a good backstory and Caius is one of the best Final Fantasy villains of all time, Serah is annoying. Story is really confusing but not impossible to understand. If you like JRPGs and beeing able to look past these flaws, this game is for you.… Expand
  11. chr1so
    Sep 3, 2013
    8
    Thought the story was better on the original (XIII) and there were hardly any cut-scenes in this. The fighting's still fairly rubbish and I was mashing A for auto-battle a lot again, but this one improved it slightly tho by using monsters as the 3rd character.
    Part 2 was a lot less linear and u had more freedom to go where you wanted so extra points for that.
  12. Aston
    May 3, 2013
    8
    As nearly always a good game from Square Enix yet again. Not a masterpiece like some of their games but a decent game nonetheless. Storyline, music and graphics were all up to par. Battles were good although it could sometimes feel abit repetitive with mostly 2 characters. But with 2 main characters the story progressed quickly without going off on too many tangents. A good solid gameAs nearly always a good game from Square Enix yet again. Not a masterpiece like some of their games but a decent game nonetheless. Storyline, music and graphics were all up to par. Battles were good although it could sometimes feel abit repetitive with mostly 2 characters. But with 2 main characters the story progressed quickly without going off on too many tangents. A good solid game that's worth what I paid for it in my book.… Expand
  13. You-Know-Who
    Sep 8, 2012
    9
    Improves the gameplay of the previous one, but the story is a little worse. The new character Noel is a nice addition to the cast, and the same can be said about Caius and Yeul. The art direction changed a bit, and is a lot more anime-ish and colorful. The OST is very good, too.

    Anyway, the game shines in it's gameplay. There's more freedom now, for those who didn't like the linearity    Improves the gameplay of the previous one, but the story is a little worse. The new character Noel is a nice addition to the cast, and the same can be said about Caius and Yeul. The art direction changed a bit, and is a lot more anime-ish and colorful. The OST is very good, too.

    Anyway, the game shines in it's gameplay. There's more freedom now, for those who didn't like the linearity of the original title.

    It's a great experience overall, even without Lightning.    … Expand
  14. IndieLover
    Jun 4, 2012
    9
    Great game, but why is it once again necessary to beat the game and then play a load of levels again to unlock everything? I wonder if to make sure casual gamers can at least feel a sense of achievement but I find it slightly irksome. Nevertheless, the amount of content in the game, if you want to try and collect everything, is impressive.
  15. redgonzo
    Apr 4, 2012
    10
    I enjoyed this game I feel like people are to harsh on final fantasy. there are really high expectations for these games and you start to feel bad for them at a certain point. I mean the hatred these games get seems unwarranted.
  16. natsad11
    Apr 4, 2012
    9
    Summarize a scenario modern Final Fantasy is still quite complicated and delicate. It must be said that the specialty producers is to tell a story so convoluted actually quite simple, a habit became a running gag on the Japanese web. Final Fantasy XIII spoke of the co, of Fal'cie and Purging Cocoon, then in the end it was primarily the story of a security guard who wanted to save hisSummarize a scenario modern Final Fantasy is still quite complicated and delicate. It must be said that the specialty producers is to tell a story so convoluted actually quite simple, a habit became a running gag on the Japanese web. Final Fantasy XIII spoke of the co, of Fal'cie and Purging Cocoon, then in the end it was primarily the story of a security guard who wanted to save his sister victim of a curse, leave to join with his foppish of redneck. Final Fantasy XIII-2 resumes just after this initiatory adventure, telling us that our heroes have created a bug in the space-time, without elaborating. Result, Lightning finds himself in a parallel world beyond time called Valhalla, where she will defend this world against a dark and mysterious warrior named Gaius. Violent struggle, then back to Serah, the famous younger sister need help with the turning of a corridor in the previous panel. The latter is much annoyed, for scarcely saved, she finds herself without her big sister, necessarily disappeared. But the separation does not end there, since her fiance saw his sadness, goes in search of Lightning to have their marriage happier. Serah lives so softly among the charming simpletons that serve as companions to Snow, until she comes face to face with Noel, a mysterious young man who told him to come from Lightning. It does not need more to follow Serah for Christmas in a time warp to go in search of his sister ...… Expand
  17. Tyrannis1964
    Mar 13, 2012
    9
    I really enjoyed this game it fixed all the problems XIII had it was very nonlinear and the story was certainly a step up.The writing at times was a bit silly but easy to get over had an ending with less cliches then I expected and I really enjoyed this game.
  18. Shadexx7
    Feb 27, 2012
    8
    Final Fantasy games aren't what they used to be. As most of the long-time fans of the series will tell you, it's been on a decline since VII. However, I have to disagree with those that think this is one of the worst.

    Final Fantasy XIII-2 improves on the original in many ways, the largest of those being the fact that it is no longer a long corridor. There are actually choices to be made,    Final Fantasy games aren't what they used to be. As most of the long-time fans of the series will tell you, it's been on a decline since VII. However, I have to disagree with those that think this is one of the worst.

    Final Fantasy XIII-2 improves on the original in many ways, the largest of those being the fact that it is no longer a long corridor. There are actually choices to be made, different paths to be chosen. The paradigm system of the original returns, and it is still a good system. The game is fun if this is your kind of game; if not, you could find yourself hating it from the start. The story is not as strong as it was in XIII, not even close. In improving the gameplay, the story has seemed to taken a backseat. The game does look very nice (Square has some of the best cutscenes, in my opinion), though. The newest instalment is a good one. It's not revolutionary in the slightest, but it's a good game that I would recommend.    … Expand
  19. TJ_Kragt
    Feb 20, 2012
    10
    This game exceeds it's predecessor in every way. The battle system is largely the same but it did not need much changing in the first place. Combat has also been brought to life through cinematic action sequences, much like reaction commands from Kingdom Hearts. Every trace of linearity is practically gone and the soundtrack is even an upgrade. The story does not quite have as much focusThis game exceeds it's predecessor in every way. The battle system is largely the same but it did not need much changing in the first place. Combat has also been brought to life through cinematic action sequences, much like reaction commands from Kingdom Hearts. Every trace of linearity is practically gone and the soundtrack is even an upgrade. The story does not quite have as much focus as Final Fantasy XIII, but it is a heart-felt tale nonetheless. Even for those who might not see the narrative as incredibly interesting, they will find the villain Caius note-worthy. The game has plenty of post story content for the player to immerse him/herself in so they can squeeze every last bit out of this game. I would recomend this game to any of my friends.… Expand
  20. ERR0RMACR0
    Feb 19, 2012
    10
    I have been a huge FInal Fantasy fan since the days of the SNES--now most people that I know that enjoyed the SNES days didn't very much like FFVII through current. XII was decent (I know a lot of people liked this one), but I just couldn't get into it, though I'm going to give it another shot soon. Now to the supposedly dreaded XIII. I didn't dislike this game--I enjoyed it, but in aI have been a huge FInal Fantasy fan since the days of the SNES--now most people that I know that enjoyed the SNES days didn't very much like FFVII through current. XII was decent (I know a lot of people liked this one), but I just couldn't get into it, though I'm going to give it another shot soon. Now to the supposedly dreaded XIII. I didn't dislike this game--I enjoyed it, but in a lot of ways, it didn't feel like FF. I enjoyed the set story pieces, but the grinding wasn't fun, the lack of people, towns, etc. Overall, I think XIII was something between an 8.5 and a 9.0. I truly believe that if it were released by a different publisher with a different name, that would have been the case. So here we are--for only the second time a sequel in the main numbered series. XIII-2 for me has been fantastic. The biggest change from XIII is that it feels very much like a FF game, which I'm glad to see (I know the bioware fanboys in most of the reviews here would disagree). Anyway, if you were a fan of the old games, this one is much closer to them than XIII was. The battle systems has some nice changes which makes for fun party building, there are actually people to talk to, random conversations, etc. The shop system is not what I wanted to see, but not that huge of a deal (I won't go into details, I like to keep these spoiler free). The story is crazy--a little tough to follow sometimes, but I really like it. All in all this game isn't perfect, and it certainly isn't for everyone, but for me, I really like it a lot. I would really give it a 9.5 as a FF fan. As a gamer, I would give it a 9.0. But to buff the ridiculous score given by the Bioware loving fanboys here, I'll give it a 10.… Expand
  21. madmad90
    Feb 14, 2012
    10
    I never liked Final Fantasy before the XIII part and then become a fan and lover. The sequel covers the most amazing thing you can tell within a story- time travel. Its awesome how the strory tells certain things and the ending is the one of the best endings i have ever seen. The fighting system is much more improved and the graphics are still the best of this generation.
  22. VisionEagle
    Feb 13, 2012
    9
    I was inspired to write being an Xbox 360 owner whose never played any previous versions of Final Fantasy until the FF- 13 came out last year which I did enjoy very much.The characters,graphics and the "story" (which mostly relied on long cutscenes to explain) were emotional,beautiful and very well done.
    I have to admit I wasn't to keen on a 2 member + monster battle party but I quickly    I was inspired to write being an Xbox 360 owner whose never played any previous versions of Final Fantasy until the FF- 13 came out last year which I did enjoy very much.The characters,graphics and the "story" (which mostly relied on long cutscenes to explain) were emotional,beautiful and very well done.
    I have to admit I wasn't to keen on a 2 member + monster battle party but I quickly got used to and began to enjoy it in Final Fantasy 13-2.In part 2 the story is certainly about time travel which I find interesting and seems like there can be many different ways the story can unfold,even more places to see with future download content....I like the battle system tweaks and the live trigger questions where you get a choice to ask something about another character or the time paradox events.After leveling up pretty high the battles can get much easier but there will always be some boss or unusual monster than can test you.There are paradox puzzles and quiz's on your hunt for time shard crystals,mostly fun,sometimes a bit annoying as they get more difficult.It's faster at leveling up than the first part was.I really wish they'd include a volume level in the settings for the music so it could be lowered sometimes.The only other JRPG I've played and really enjoyed was "Lost Odyssey".I really think that the difference between a JRPG and a western one are just different story telling methods and turn based battle combat systems in a group versus a solo open world explorer.I love Mass Effect,Skyrim,Oblivion and Fallout 3 not to mention Bioshock but both FF-13 games are worth checking out...Based on playing these 2 FF games what I expect and what they have delivered is a pretty game with colorful combat, beautiful characters and an engaging story that often will tug at your heart if you got one.. and yes Serah Farron the main character is beautiful.    … Expand
  23. alltehpie
    Feb 11, 2012
    9
    I'm amazed that people think the story makes no sense. My theory is that these people are either illiterate or only played the demo. The game isn't perfect, but it's so much better than XIII that it's shocking that it's not getting the attention it deserves. It feels like an honest to goodness Final Fantasy game. Something that can not truly be said of the last 3 games in the series.
  24. tyler274
    Feb 9, 2012
    10
    One of the best final fantasy games I have played, great story which builds a connection between you and the characters, fixed just about every issue that Final Fantasy XIII had and it did it without hurting any other part of the game as well. Good combat that scaled with the game, great soundtrack with many lyrical tracks that fit the environment. The antagonist is one of the best in anyOne of the best final fantasy games I have played, great story which builds a connection between you and the characters, fixed just about every issue that Final Fantasy XIII had and it did it without hurting any other part of the game as well. Good combat that scaled with the game, great soundtrack with many lyrical tracks that fit the environment. The antagonist is one of the best in any video game period. Hope square makes XIII-3.… Expand
  25. juda_FF
    Feb 6, 2012
    10
    They are showing some of trade with Yuko - where she get a job in Square Enix, test and play the game, and has a meeting over the content download, and so forth -. Unfortunately, we have to wait Japanese web sites to obtain photos Yuko.
  26. Zeta-Jonnes
    Feb 6, 2012
    10
    Unlike the XIII and -0 Such that their releases were made Tsutaya shop in the mega Shibuya, the events of Final Fantasy XIII -2 will be held in Bic Camera in Yurakucho. T was beginning to 6:30 am, followed until the start of sales at 7:00 AM on 15th December (19h on the 14th, here in Brazil, Brasilia time).
  27. Nick5414
    Feb 5, 2012
    10
    The new FF is simply great ! Ok,the story is stretched and functional satisfying but the game also improved in many ways.
  28. FFBug97
    Feb 4, 2012
    9
    Even though I was skeptical at first, as a true fan of the FF series it was a must for me to have this game. I suppose it's because FFX-2 was so...different. I was nervous that this game would be the same. Its predecessor FFXIII had many things that I wish were different but it was enjoyable. FFXIII-2 WAS different but not in a bad way, in my opinion. I must say overall, I appreciatedEven though I was skeptical at first, as a true fan of the FF series it was a must for me to have this game. I suppose it's because FFX-2 was so...different. I was nervous that this game would be the same. Its predecessor FFXIII had many things that I wish were different but it was enjoyable. FFXIII-2 WAS different but not in a bad way, in my opinion. I must say overall, I appreciated FFXIII-2 much more than I thought I would after I actually played it. Many changes were made but there were still some faults. Nothing that ruined the game for me, though. I didn't expect it to be perfect so I didn't mind. The characters were enjoyable...except for a few. The leveling system was linear but it works for the game. The monsters were interesting. If you're like me and try to collect everything, it gets a bit tedious trying to capture every monster and fragment. One thing I did not care for was the music. Some of it sounded good but most of it was either recycled from FFXIII or not very good punk rock or whatever it was. The battle system is basically a slightly upgraded version of FFXIII with the paradigm shifts. I enjoy the new battle system, though (call me crazy) I will always love turn based combat. I know, old school right? Back to paradigm shifting...Serah and Noel can be any role they want to...if you get the upgrade. :) It's definitely not linear like FFXIII and there's PLENTY of side quests. The game had the same quirkiness and silly stuff as any FF I've ever played. Overall, I'd say it felt like a Final Fantasy game to me! One more thing...I miss turn based combat! That is all.… Expand
  29. MrWhiggy
    Feb 4, 2012
    9
    This game is everything XIII should have been. Square Enix really took everything critics had to see about the first one and improved it in this game. The world is more open, and with the ability to travel through time, you can journey anywhere you previously visited at anytime. However, the story lacks a bit due to the openness of this game. While the story is good, other Final FantasyThis game is everything XIII should have been. Square Enix really took everything critics had to see about the first one and improved it in this game. The world is more open, and with the ability to travel through time, you can journey anywhere you previously visited at anytime. However, the story lacks a bit due to the openness of this game. While the story is good, other Final Fantasy games have outclassed it - especially after the story-oriented XII - it is still well structured and written. But the new villain, Caius, makes a very worthy addition to the cast of villains in the franchise and his own story is interesting. XIII-2's battle system is virtually the same as XIII (so if you hated it you're better off not getting this game) but is a lot faster and feels a lot smoother. Gameplay also includes new features such as chocobo racing. Speaking of chocobos, if you ever wanted one in your party your dream is now realised. Since you only play as two characters, a first for the franchise, you can recruit monsters and level them up separately to Noel and Serah. The leveling up system is also improved, being faster and not being set-in-stone. You spend a bit of time in menu's too, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. The graphics are essentially the same to XIII, but still look good. The soundtrack is, as usual in FF games, amazing and works very well with the situations played alongside it. If everything this game did well and mixed it with XIII's storyline, then we would have had another excellent entry to the FF series. Unfortunately,players of XIII may not give this game a shot, which is a shame because this game is a big improvement and a very good game.… Expand
  30. Eliut
    Feb 2, 2012
    9
    The Final Fantasy series is back... The story was never the great strength of the sequels, but the gameplay has been improved very dramatically for the better, no doubt, if you're a fan of the series and the genre, you should play it.
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Awards & Rankings

65
#65 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2012
28
#28 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2012
79
#79 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2012

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 50 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 40 out of 50
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 50
  3. Negative: 1 out of 50
  1. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Mar 22, 2012
    70
    Stand-alone expansion pack you will not want to play for of the story, but only for its battles. [March 2012]
  2. GameFocus
    Mar 18, 2012
    81
    If you take XIII-2 and grade it on its own merits, it stands out as a fantastic game. But, if you walk in looking for some semblance of what made the series a household name in the RPG world, you'll be sorely disappointed.
    Read full review
  3. XboxAddict
    Mar 2, 2012
    91
    With numerous endings, extremely challenging bonus bosses, and a pokemon-like addictiveness of trying to catch them all, Final Fantasy XIII-2 definitely surpassed my expectations and I'm glad that many of the shortcomings of XIII have been addressed and fixed. If you were let down with XIII, give XIII-2 a shot, you might be impressed with all the improvements and changes.
    Read full review
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