Until Squaresoft and Enix merged into a RPG producing powerhouse Final Fantasy sequels were virtually unheard of. Yes there are tons of FF games out there, but most of them are set in their own universe and therefore not linked to each other.

Plenty of exploration unlike the linear first game; monster capturing adds a new dimension to combat

Cliff hanger ending spoils an otherwise good story; they reuse enemies from the last game

Somewhere around Final Fantasy XIII-2's seventh or eighth final battle - there are so many of them, it's hard to keep track - I had to save the game and quit playing for the afternoon. I was fighting some tag team coterie of dragons who seem to have flown in from another game.

Final Fantasy XIII may have been a commercial success, selling millions of units around the globe, but it also could also be considered one of this generation's biggest disappointments.

Noel Kreiss is a bit of a dick. There, it's been written. And, much like trapped wind, holding in the core truth of this back-handed apology of a Japanese RPG wasn't comfortable; it had to be expressed somehow and bellowing it out of an office window really wasn't doing us any favours with the...

Final Fantasy has been one of the most well known franchises in the entire video game industry. Square Enix used to do Final Fantasy games as one shots, and never visited that fantasy universe ever again. Thankfully years ago they decided sequels to fantasy universes would be allowed.

If you're a Final Fantasy fan then there is no question, go ahead and purchase Final Fantasy XIII-2 . Impressive visual design, backed up by gameplay that is addictive, and rewards exploration means that this direct sequel outperforms its predecessor in every facet of gameplay.

Final Fantasy XIII-2's box art features the indomitable Lightning, looking strong and feminine in her tough-as-nails armor and flowing skirt of feathers. You remember Lightning, of course: she spent the majority of Final Fantasy XIII trying to release her sister Serah from a crystalline prison.

Monster collection is fun and addictive; Multiple heartfelt moments combine story and gameplay in effective ways; Caius is a fantastic villain; Impressive; varied visual design

The best characters were sidelined in favor of less interesting ones; Multiple sequences bog down the pace; Main story is relatively easy and short

Final Fantasy XIII -2 is a follow-up to 2010's Final Fantasy XIII . It's the second time Square Enix has followed up a main series entrance with a direct sequel, though XIII -2 is much more of a typical sequel than the fanciful Final Fantasy X-2.

Excellent; dynamic battle system; Monster recruitment system is addictive and deep

Storyline doesn't make much sense or tie up loose ends; Seasoned RPGers will likely find little challenge in late-game play

Ever since Final Fantasy VII was released in North America in 1997, the series has become the archetype of what every RPG should be. This reputation carried across many releases, and when Squaresoft (which subsequently became Square Enix) announced their titles it became a foregone conclusion that...

I rarely found myself frustrated or confused in the story, and I am confident that most fans of the series will find it far superior as well. I remember originally it was rumored to be a three part series, so I'm still anxious for more!