Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII (Sony PlayStation 3, 2014)

A hidden gem

This is a hidden gem of a game. I didn't give it much of a chance when it first came out because of its steep learning curve, punishing difficulty at the beginning and radical departure from FFXIII-2. But now that I've spent a dozen or so hours with it, I can say that it's a rewarding game with a decent story that makes you think about how you would spend your life if you became immortal.

I never found Lightning to be a very interesting protagonist, but you can dress her up however you like and customize her fighting skills to suit your play style. Many of the NPC voice acting is good, but I found myself skipping alot of the dialogue in the many side quests that you have to endure to level up.

The environments look great, really pushing the graphical limits of the PS3, which at times results in a significant framerate drop, especially during battles with multiple enemies. Fans of the music from the FFXIII trilogy are in for a treat as many of the best tracks from the first two games return, joining a fantastic collection of original tracks for this game.

The FFXIII trilogy got a lot of hate back in the day because of the sluggish pacing of the first game and the disjointed experience of the second game. I recently replayed FFXIII-2 and liked it, mostly because of the fast paced combat and music. I found Noel and Serah to be pretty boring as protagonists, but that's just my opinion, in the end both of the first games are still AAA games and solid RPGs. This one may end up being my favorite just because of how unique it is.Read full review

Verified purchase:  Yes • Condition: pre-owned • Sold by: youngatheartinc

Bad game play bad story great graphics.

Excellent graphics which is about all good I can say. After previous FF12 titles it is too different to be interesting. Avoid it if you like FF series.

Excellent in everything.

I love it! The mechanics are a little different from the previous FF games, but they are awesome once you get used to it. I especially love the New Game+ so I can play the game again with everything I had (except the key items, of course) to try again to make a better run and learn and explore new areas I didn;t get to explore before and get new items and equipment I couldn't get before.

I am on my second run now with a much better perfomance. I think when I play it again, I will know enough and will be able to do enough to actually beat the game. (No i do not use cheats to beat a game).Read full review

Verified purchase:  Yes • Condition: pre-owned • Sold by: jumpoutofamovin...

Great game for FF fans

Just my opinion maybe, but Lightning is the most compelling and complex characters in the FF universe. Though this game - and the xiii series - may have disappointed many fans, give this one a chance. I highly recommend playing the first 2 in the xiii series first.Read full review

Verified purchase:  Yes • Condition: new • Sold by: 4FirMxOhRvW@Del...

The game was brand new, still in plastic...

The game was brand new, still in plastic and looked un damaged from the ride.

Verified purchase:  Yes • Condition: new • Sold by: followifyoulead

LR FFXIII

Great game. Wonderful music and soundtracks in this game. When the item arrived it was in great condition. Highly recommend for anyone who is a fan of Lightning as a character.

Verified purchase:  Yes • Condition: new • Sold by: lootlodge

Completely different gameplay.

I like the different choices but the gameplay is hard to get use to because its so different from the normal game.

Verified purchase:  Yes • Condition: pre-owned • Sold by: blowmegames

Good deal

I plan 2 give 4 stars cause of the casing but still, its a good steal for the complete game ff13.

Verified purchase:  Yes • Condition: pre-owned • Sold by: alcon2000ck

Great classic.

Great graphics and game controls. Catching up on missed game.

Verified purchase:  Yes • Condition: new • Sold by: gamers-online-s...

Great.

I bought the game for my nephew.He loves it.

Verified purchase:  Yes • Condition: new • Sold by: lootlodge