FFXIII-2 Worst FF yet.

[KoRny]

It really irritates me that people keep giving this game good reviews. I don't understand how people are ok with it. I am going to list every aspect of this game that disappointed me and I would like people to defend their own opinion if they disagree with any specific thing I say.

Characters:
Noel and Serah look very generic. They don't look like you'd expect classic FF heroes to look like.(by classic I mean FF2-9) There isn't really anything special about them at all. Noel just looks like a rip off of a Kingdom Hearts character, and Serah just looks like an ordinary girl with a white skirt.
The dialog and voice acting between these two is so childish it's painful to listen to most of the time. It reminds me of watching old school Power Rangers when i was 7 years old. A Final Fantasy character should be original, look bad ass, and his actions should also reflect that same attitude. In FF13 and 13-2, all the characters are a bunch of cry baby pussies that do nothing but struggle with their emo problems the entire time. The only one who has even the slightest bit of a bad ass quality is Lightning, and even she acts like she's on her period half the time.

The Story
people seem to think that a far out, complex story is automatically a good one. This story is so "out there" that it's hard to follow at times. The characters also come to conclusions that no one could possibley reach with the given information. The whole time I'm just struggling to keep up with Noel and Serah's random epiphanies. Maybe it's because at some point I lost the will to pay attention, but I still don't understand how or why Lightning came to be in Valhalla, what the real purpose of Yeull's existence is, or why she needs Caius to protect her.

Capturing Monsters
Originally I liked this idea, but they screwed it up. From my experience, the first Medic, Commando, and Ravager you capture will remain your best 3 monsters until you get to the end of the game. Even powerful monsters you capture half-way through the game don't compete with the original 3 you get as long as you've been leveling them up properly. I didn't switch my 3 monsters 'til I got the Gold Chocobo near the end of the story. The game should have found a better way to encourage the use of more monsters.

Soundtrack
some of the songs were just re-used from the previous FF. The first time I got on a Red Chocobo and herd the screamo song I laughed. the lyrics are so weak it still makes me shake my head everytime I hear it. Pretty much every other song in the game just kinda reminds me elevator music. It's just kinda background noise I don't even really notice is playing. Whatever happened to brilliant soundtracks like FF7 and 9? The music in those games actually fit what was happening in the game and helped set the mood for certain situations. Like the song playing in FF7 when Aeris dies actually sounds tragic.

Post-Game Play
After defeating the final boss, there is really no reason whatsoever to play this game anymore. The end boss is the hardest in the whole game, so if you beat him then there really isn't any other way to prove yourself. I found no reason to even bother 100% filling out the crystarium, or bothering to find the perfect combination of monster fusions. I even downloaded a couple of the Coliseum fights hoping they would be a challenge but both fights took 1 attempt, 3-4 minutes, with no character/monster even close to maxed out....absolutely no sense of accomplishment.
Everyone was talking about how this game wasn't going to have the same problem being too linear like the previous title, but they still failed to give any real incentive to do any side missions. All you get out of it are stupid fragments that really don't help you with anything. I found that straying off the main story line path was just a waste of time.

Classic Final Fantasy Elements
I don't understand why this game deserved a "Final Fantasy" title...they should have just called it something else. It's missing way too many classic elements that make a game a Final Fantasy. There are no summon abilities, no conventional towns with different shops, no open world to explore, no airship, not being able to choose a party from 7-8 different characters, all the weapons look the same, no challenging optional bosses, and they've done away side quests that are only open for certain windows of time throughout the story that actually provide you with useful items. (secret quests, as they might be called)

Side Note - I'm not a fan of the whole theme of the last two games...It's called "Final FANTASY" not "Final Science Fiction Story."

 

[kratoscar2008]

FFXIII and XIII-2 are one of the worst dissapointments i have on all my life of gaming the only closest one been Parasite Eve the 3 birhtday, what is happening to the SE guys?

 

[C i d]

Not going to argue much, but aren't fragment skills incentives for the sidequests? Well if you don't count them as incentives, I don't know what is.

 

[Tucker]

One look at Snow's outfit and hair and I agree that it is the worst FF ever

I mean really? Are mullets popular in Cocoon or something? Snow, you have a huge body, and you are already poorly accenting it by wearing a giant trench coat and boots. And now you mess up your hair even worse than before? Time to go. SE, how could you fail so badly when it comes to hair? That is your pride and glory! This is worse than Seymour's, and Seymour was excused since he was a villain. But isn't he the "hero"? HEROES ARE SUPPOSED TO HAVE GOOD HAIR

/end rant

 

[KoRny]

Not going to argue much, but aren't fragment skills incentives for the sidequests? Well if you don't count them as incentives, I don't know what is.

they're not incentives because out of all the fragment skills, only 3 of them even sound appealing at all, and even those ones still aren't very useful for anything.
Instead of just playing hide and seek to find most the fragments, why didn't they give fragments as rewards for beating challenging bosses? and instead of making 90% of fragment skills novelty in purpose, they could make them actually help you kill even harder bosses for more "prestigious" fragments.

 

[charliepanayi]

'It's called "Final FANTASY" not "Final Science Fiction Story.'

Yes, god forbid they should try some different settings for a game and look beyond traditional fantasy tropes (besides, SF elements have been in FF games since FFVII anyway).

 

[Prince Oberyn Martel]

I haven't even got the game yet (still playing through XIII...) so can't really bring much to this, but what I have played from the demo I didn't mind. I'd say that so far XIII pretty much is the worst of the series to date, to the point that I actually prefer X-2 (a game I dislike with a passion), so if it isn't any better than that then I may just end up agreeing with you.

Seeing as XIV is another Online game that im not likely to bother with, im hoping that XV will be a return to form so to speak. I'd like to see the Final Fantasy that XII should of been, as I believe that was a really good game overall but certain areas lacked too much to make it a truly great game (Gambit system was a bit flawed, parts dragged, License Board was a little lame and Espers weren't exactly that awesome).

'It's called "Final FANTASY" not "Final Science Fiction Story.'

Yes, god forbid they should try some different settings for a game and look beyond traditional fantasy tropes (besides, SF elements have been in FF games since FFVII anyway).

I'd say VI really. Magitek and all that jazz.

 

[KoRny]

Yes, god forbid they should try some different settings for a game and look beyond traditional fantasy tropes (besides, SF elements have been in FF games since FFVII anyway).

I'm not knocking on them for trying to use new original settings. I know every single Final Fantasy has at least some Sci-Fi aspects to them, but with XIII and XIII-2 the only fantasy aspects of the whole game(until you get to pulse) are the L'cie using magic. And from seeing the trailer for XIII Versus that game just looks more or less like real life.

 

[ribbit]

It really irritates me that people keep giving this game good reviews. I don't understand how people are ok with it. I am going to list every aspect of this game that disappointed me and I would like people to defend their own opinion if they disagree with any specific thing I say.

I haven't played the game aside from parts of the demo, so I don't have an opinion on it yet, but just because you believe that the game is terrible and shouldn't be receiving good reviews (good, not great or fantastic), doesn't mean others (critics, etc) can't enjoy it. From what I've seen, it's done a whole lot better than XIII did, and people like it for that. It's not the best FF game, and they're not implying that. What they're saying is that it's a step in the right direction. Your opinion isn't fact so you shouldn't be treating it as such.

 

[Shaissa]

'It's called "Final FANTASY" not "Final Science Fiction Story.'

Yet people want another game like FFVII which was very Science fiction, and VI which again was very science fiction. The two most loved games in the series by the fans are very science fiction.

That being said, Reviews are the opinions of certain people not of everyone ever made! If you don't like the game write your own review on it.

I tend to actually agree that this is a good game, and the characters are very unique, now do I like every character and every bit of this game? No I think it could use improving and changes, but overall I say it is a great game.

 

[KoRny]

I haven't played the game aside from parts of the demo, so I don't have an opinion on it yet, but just because you believe that the game is terrible and shouldn't be receiving good reviews (good, not great or fantastic), doesn't mean others (critics, etc) can't enjoy it. From what I've seen, it's done a whole lot better than XIII did, and people like it for that. It's not the best FF game, and they're not implying that. What they're saying is that it's a step in the right direction. Your opinion isn't fact so you shouldn't be treating it as such.

I dished it out like facts because I gave supporting evidence to back up my opinions. You even quoted me where I'm ASKING people to defend their opinion based on specific points that I'm trying to cover. I want this to be a discussion, not for people to read my review and reply with "I disagree with you."
If you're opinion is different than mine on the points mentioned in my original post, then defend yourself using specific examples please.

 

[KoRny]

Yet people want another game like FFVII which was very Science fiction, and VI which again was very science fiction...


...and the characters are very unique...

yep, FFVII was my favorite, and it was heavily Sci-Fi based. Which might bother me if the game wasn't so perfect in every other way. If I say Squaresoft should go back and try to incorporate some classic FFVII elements it's not like I'm saying go back and copy the story/setting/characters. I just want them to look at some of the features that made the game so fun. As far as setting goes, FFIX is easily my favorite.

...okay, so you disagree with me and think Serah and Noel are unique. Don't just say that and be done. Argue against the points I made. I want to know exactly how you disagree with me...discuss.

 

[Shaissa]

I was making the point of FFVII and VI to charliepanayi about how the games should be "fantasy" and not "science fiction" when arguably the two most loved FF games are Science fiction.

As far as Noel and Sarah go I'm not saying there characters are 100% unique in anyway, but they still had emotions feelings, and the biggest feeling I think was the "longing" feeling. The longing for a better future, or to find loved ones again, longing to turn things around. They weren't just doing things because someone told them to.

Now the story does get a little confusing sometimes if you skip around, but I don't think the story is so far "out there" that it can't be understood. I mean it's time traveling which can get confusing in games or in movies, but as long as you know what era you are in and what is basically going on (which I believe the game does well in telling you what is happening) then I think it is actually simple to understand.

 

[KoRny]

Now the story does get a little confusing sometimes if you skip around, but I don't think the story is so far "out there" that it can't be understood. I mean it's time traveling which can get confusing in games or in movies, but as long as you know what era you are in and what is basically going on (which I believe the game does well in telling you what is happening) then I think it is actually simple to understand.

Maybe I'm simple minded and I should be embarrassed, but there were so many major things in the story that I don't understand.
How did Lightning come to be the one in Valhalla fighting Caius?
How and why did Noel end up in Valhalla to meet Lightning at the begining?
How and why did Noel and Caius end up being tasked with protecting Yuel?
What is it exactly that makes Yuel so special?
If Yuel dies everytime history is changed, well, how often was history being changed before Noel and Serah started messing around? 'cause it seemed like Lightning was already trying to stop Caius from exacting his master plan before they even got started.

 

[ribbit]

I dished it out like facts because I gave supporting evidence to back up my opinions. You even quoted me where I'm ASKING people to defend their opinion based on specific points that I'm trying to cover. I want this to be a discussion, not for people to read my review and reply with "I disagree with you."
If you're opinion is different than mine on the points mentioned in my original post, then defend yourself using specific examples please.

I specifically stated that I don't have an opinion, nor did I say your opinion was wrong. I said the way you're coming off is that your opinion is fact and that no one can enjoy this game unless they can beat you in a debate over why the game deserves whatever praise it's gotten. You backed up your opinions with more opinions. It is not fact that the story or characters are the way that you described them because others may feel differently about it. Saying it can't be called a Final Fantasy game because you want them to include more classic elements is also an opinion. Things change. If we're going to take this route, then all games after FFIII aren't Final Fantasy because they switched to magic points and have more than 4 playable characters. No one complained that things weren't "Final Fantasy" until XII or XIII. Using that argument is ignorant. Every Final Fantasy is different and continues to evolve, whether you like it or not and for good or bad. If things stayed the same it would get stale and we'd get stuck with the same thing over and over. If you don't like it, don't play it. I'm aware you want a discussion, but quite frankly, I don't think enough people care to defend their opinion on a game that they may have enjoyed somewhat and you didn't.

 

[KoRny]

yes, this whole entire thread is nothing but my opinion squished between two more layers of my opinion...at no point do I try to deny this. I have no idea why you're trying to attack me. I can't tell if you're trolling or just irrational.
I'm trying to understand what people like about this game and why they like it. If nobody wants to express their opinions against mine, then nobody is making them. Nobody asked you to jump in and randomly try to defend everyone's possible apathy on the matter.

 

[Shaissa]

KoRny Not everything in a game gets answered... I can't think of one FF game where things went completely answered.
I will try to answer some of your questions but answering them some of these might be opinions also.

How did Lightning come to be the one in Valhalla fighting Caius?

Theory, same way Snow and Sarah and Noel and the rest time traveled, through a gate, maybe like when Snow couldn't travel with Sarha and Noel, it was a gate that only she could get through and Caius was the one there, and the fight broke out. (prety sure they are making a DLC on this so maybe I can answer it better later)

How and why did Noel end up in Valhalla to meet Lightning at the begining?

Again Time gate, and why?

Spoiler

Well I can't answer but it might have something to do with the fact that he was the last born at the end of the current world when FFXIII-2 first starts.

How and why did Noel and Caius end up being tasked with protecting Yuel?

Can't answer why, except maybe they were one of the few left at the end and they were maybe the strongest?

What is it exactly that makes Yuel so special?

Spoiler

She is a seeress and has the ability to see possible outcomes of the future

If Yuel dies everytime history is changed, well, how often was history being changed before Noel and Serah started messing around? 'cause it seemed like Lightning was already trying to stop Caius from exacting his master plan before they even got started.

Can't really answer this question without going on a limb and guessing.

 

[Lirael]

How did Lightning come to be the one in Valhalla fighting Caius?

The answer to this will no doubt be revealed in Lightning's DLC, but there are other theories I can make based on evidence.

Spoiler

There seems to be a connection between Lightning, her friends and the goddess Etro. Serah and Dahj awaken from their crystal slumber because Etro takes pity on them; she also takes pity on Lightning and their friends, wanting to help them achieve their goal in XIII.

Perhaps Lightning is taken away in order to repay a debt. Lightning's friends have been saved; now she must save the entire world. Why is the world in jeapordy? Well, Etro is growing weak and consequently won't be able to protect the world for long. The goddess must stay alive to control Chaos. At the end of XIII-2

Spoiler

the goddess dies, which is why chaos is released! I believe Etro takes Lightning away to replace her so that Lightning may keep Chaos contained within Valhalla

Content from the Limited Edition Guide also reveals that Lightning willingly accepts her fate as the new goddess. It's possible that Etro knew she was fading away and chose Lightning because she's strong and willing to sacrifice herself for the common good. The eyes of Etro are pretty much omniscient, so Etro would have known how Lightning behaved before she behaved that way!

How and why did Noel end up in Valhalla to meet Lightning at the begining?

Also a little mysterious, but I'll look into it for you!

How and why did Noel and Caius end up being tasked with protecting Yuel?

Spoiler

Caius has had this task for Centuries, hence why is wants to destroy the world; he has seen numberous Yeul's die before they have even had a chance to live. Etro asked him to protect Yeul. I don't think Noel is required to; he WANTS to. He's seen everyone around him die and believes that protecting Yeul will repair some of the damage done. I guess it's like his last glimmer of hope.

What is it exactly that makes Yuel so special?

She's a seeress and can see the future. She sees changes to the timeline; when an event happens which transforms events in the future, she sees this new future. This takes a toll on her body, which is why she eventually dies.

If Yuel dies everytime history is changed, well, how often was history being changed before Noel and Serah started messing around? 'cause it seemed like Lightning was already trying to stop Caius from exacting his master plan before they even got started.

This one's a mystery to me, I must admit, but Serah and Noel attempt to FIX the timeline rather than distort it. One distortion occured at the end of XIII, though, and that was caused by Etro.

Spoiler

Lightning and her friends were not meant to be saved; this is why Caius resents Serah so much.

I still don't understand...what the real purpose of Yeull's existence is, or why she needs Caius to protect her.

This is all down to Etro.

Spoiler

Etro gave Yeul her eyes so she could see the future and also gave Caius her heart so that he could live forever and continue to protect Yeul. Etro's reasons are less clear, but even in real history we have had supposed seers who have fortold the future,so it's possible there are no specific reasons why these characters exist as they are. Like the existence of humans and animals, it's probably just meant to be accepted as the way things are.

 

[KoRny]

^I like your explanations

 

[C i d]

Just to add on,
When Noel was the last human left, he fell into despair and pray to the goddess. The goddess took pity on him and brought him through a time distortion to Valhalla. It's kinda obvious why the goddess noticed him, because well, he's the only human left at that time.

Caius has been guarding Yeul since long long ago. He was tasked by the goddess in return for the immortality given to him. Yeul not only requires protection, but someone who is immortal so that he can always remember what Yeul sees in the future. He's like a living tape recorder that never breaks.

What Caius forbids Serah and Noel to do is not specifically to fix the timeline. Whatever happens to the timeline, whether for the better or for the good, whether turned to the truer timeline or the more distorted timeline, Yeul WILL inevitably sees the change and her life gets shortened. So even though Serah's intentions are good, it doesn't change the fact that she's killing many Yeuls in the process. Caius just wants the timeline unchanged.

Yeul not only sees changes in the timeline, but also ordinary future visions. For example, she saw a vision of the fall of Paddra. This is just a mere vision, without changes in the timeline. However, the larger the change in the timeline, the greater impact it has on her life. So the more drastic time is changed, the faster she dies. Still, Caius has already felt the sorrow since long ago before Serah and Noel change the timeline, because even ordinary visions can kill Yeuls.

There is no logical flow of time in Valhalla. What has happened there, is caused by a future event in the human world, vice versa. Think like a single point that is connected by threads to every single point in the timeline. This is probably also the reason why Lightning can see all of the timeline.

(the following paragraph is half speculation, so read it with a pinch of salt)
Then why did Lightning send Serah on a mission since she can apparently sees her death at some point? It's likely because, she can only see one version of the timeline at a time. What she currently sees is the timeline Serah is in when she hasn't changed the future. Perhaps, as Serah begins to change time, Lightning began to be suspicious that something bad is going to happen. But she can't be sure until one of the last time distortion is fixed, that is, when Caius dies in the final battle. This is probably when Lightning realizes that there's almost no hope. Thus she has no choice but to crystallize herself.