Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII

 Xbox 360
Metascore
69

Mixed or average reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
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  1. MondoXbox
    Feb 23, 2014
    85
    Never boring and full of brilliant open environments, Lightning Returns tells a great story coupled with a new and very effective combat system. Square Enix could have done something more on the technical side, but the great artistic design manages to make us turn a blind eye on some of the problems.
  2. Eurogamer Germany
    Feb 15, 2014
    80
    Even though Lightning Returns can seem a bit unfinished at times, it has by far the biggest heart of all the games in this trilogy.
  3. X-ONE Magazine UK
    Feb 11, 2014
    80
    While those that disliked XIII and its sequel might not find anything here to convert them – or at least not allow themselves to be converted by a strong action-RPG due to its cast or past – fans will find an entertaining and surprisingly innovative full stop to this chapter of the Final Fantasy franchise.
  5. Joystiq
    Feb 11, 2014
    80
    Final Fantasy XIII and XIII-2 had some serious missteps, but Lightning Returns ends on a strong note by sticking to what really matters: great combat and a story you want to see through. No gimmicks, no tricks, no convoluted treks through time, no cliffhangers, no tunnels – just one last trip around the world with a pink-haired heroine, and then a fond farewell.
  6. Eurogamer
    Feb 11, 2014
    80
    From its dazzling battle system to its overarching temporal puzzle, this is the best of the set - even if it's dragged down by an exhaustingly impenetrable plot that its creators will no doubt be pleased to be done with.
  7. RPG Fan
    Feb 11, 2014
    79
    Lightning Returns is a game that tries so hard to reinvent itself that it loses some of what made its forebearers special. For every step the game takes forward in an effort to innovate, it takes two back by failing on another (usually technical) level.
  8. Worth Playing
    Feb 11, 2014
    75
    Frame rate problems and a nonsensical story are balanced by one of the franchise's best combat systems, which is held together by a strange patchwork of gameplay mechanics. Some work, some don't, and some are too strange to properly judge.

Awards & Rankings

27
#27 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2014
6
#6 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2014
20
#20 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2014

User Reviews

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User Score
6.6

Mixed or average reviews- based on 271 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 145 out of 271
  2. Mixed: 49 out of 271
  3. Negative: 77 out of 271
  1. pheagolol
    Feb 12, 2014
    10
    Lightning Returns improves upon everything its predecessors brought to the table tenfold. Having the same feel as the previous two games butLightning Returns improves upon everything its predecessors brought to the table tenfold. Having the same feel as the previous two games but improving upon the battle system, exploration, and customization are only some of many multitudes of improvements found in Lightning Returns. Another big feature is the timed mechanic not unlike those found in Deadrising and Majora's Mask, which makes the game more hectic and fast paced. All in all it is a terrific game that get's an incredibly high recommendation.… Full Review »
  2. novasinister
    Feb 11, 2014
    9
    I beleive people are making this game seem a lot worse than it is, people are giving this 1's and 0's! No game is worth a zero unless it isI beleive people are making this game seem a lot worse than it is, people are giving this 1's and 0's! No game is worth a zero unless it is completely unplayable. And this game isn't. This has an incredible new combat system that is extremely customisable, and is really fun. The story is told the way its supposed to, Lightning is supposed to save souls, and thats what she does, their is no other part of the story to it.I know lightning isn't the most likable character in the world but she is becoming a god basically in this game. And the people who made this understood that in all cultures gods don't have emotion. But most fof the other characters in this game are pretty likable. The open world is fantastic! I mean how many other games can you make a certain type of monster species go instinct, there is so much stuff to do in this game that are behind the scenes. I believe this game is a great way to close a fantastic triology in the Final Fantasy series.… Full Review »
  3. sujiro
    Feb 15, 2014
    1
    this game failed me..and whose idea to put time limit in rpg game while you can explore the open world? no sense at all and waste of money.this game failed me..and whose idea to put time limit in rpg game while you can explore the open world? no sense at all and waste of money. 1/10 just for you.… Full Review »
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