Final Fantasy XIII-2 is a step in the right direction for the franchise and it is clear Square Enix have listened to fans and implemented a lot of the changes they wanted. One thing that will be frustrating is the ending, or at least one of the ten possible ones, and that it's left on somewhat of a...

Not linear! Exploration is a key part of the game; Brilliant graphic yet again; Ability to capture monsters and have them fight by your side

Cliffhanger ending is a little frustrating

Final Fantasy XIII-2 represents only the second time that we've been given a direct sequel to a Final Fantasy title on a major console.  The first time was the PS2 title Final Fantasy X-2.

Warning: Opening 2 paragraphs have a couple of FF XIII spoilers in. Sorry! Final Fantasy XIII-2 starts with a bang. Set in the realm of Valhalla, the scene shows Lightning (one of FF XIII's protagonists) locked in a fierce battle with Caius, the villain of this story.

Likeable characters; The battle/Paradigms systems are great; Looks fantastic; Some of the music is wonderful; Hunting monsters can get very addictive; Lots to do outside of the main story

Parts of it are just too easy; Some of the dialogue isn't that great

Tradition meets innovation, experiments meet apologies, and worlds collide.

+ Lightning-fast battle system with a highly addictive growth interface; + Monster allies and the time travel system are awesome

+ Lightning-fast battle system with a highly addictive growth interface; + Monster allies and the time travel system are awesome, - Perhaps the worst story in Final Fantasy history.

It seems like everyone who played Final Fantasy XIII, even those who truly liked it, had at least one bone to pick. Complaints were like snowflakes, unique in shape and consistency.

Engaging story and characters; Witness how actions change events through time travel; Significantly improved battle system; Side quests and puzzles add welcomed variety

Character customization is lacking; Side plots occasionally vanish without a trace; QTEs remove agency from some battles

Kevin VanOrd travels through time searching for Lightning in this video review for Final Fantasy XIII-2.

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'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

Considering the lukewarm reception Final Fantasy X-2 received, resembling a prototype of Project Runway only available in the Teen Vogue "Couture designed by Gaultier" edition, where you changed outfits more often than Lady Gaga at her concert (so we hear), it would be a safe bet to think Square...

Final Fantasy is a name that's lost its former glory. After such shaky outings as Final Fantasy XII and XIII, and that one numbered online game, the series of titles haven't had the fiery following that any prior release of the same name has had.

A superior game to its predecessor, Final Fantasy XIII-2 is the game that probably should have been originally released. Even if it doesn't quite achieve everything it sets out to do.