Final Fantasy 13 Deserves its Flowers Now That Linear Games Are Cool

Recently, there’s been a renewed enthusiasm for Final Fantasy 13, a title that was once criticized as the low point of the series. Perhaps it’s because fans aren’t fond of the direction Final Fantasy 16 took as a character-action game, or maybe more players are leaning towards linear games; whatever the reason, this previously maligned entry is now gaining traction again.

Indeed, it’s worth mentioning that despite this game being criticized or tarnished in some way, it did manage to spawn two follow-ups during the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 eras. However, let me explain…

Numerous individuals found this thirteenth installment to be overly linear compared to its predecessors, leading some enthusiasts to nickname it ‘Final Corridor 13’. This is because a significant portion of the game’s stages were criticized, as players predominantly advanced through them and engaged in turn-based combat with enemies.

Today, players find themselves immersed in the remake of Final Fantasy VII, a game that follows a more straightforward narrative, as you might progress in one direction only. Some may find it bothersome that it incorporates a common trope seen in AAA games – navigating narrow spaces and gaps which can seem like unnecessary additions.

On the other hand, while Final Fantasy 13 is not considered flawless, its linear structure doesn’t necessarily invite criticism in the current gaming landscape.

A common point of discussion about this game is its combat system, where players control just one character instead of a team. On the surface, creating a turn-based battle setup focusing on a single character appears strange and gives the JRPG a more automated vibe. Nonetheless, mastering new abilities and gradually depleting the enemy’s stamina bar can be quite engaging, particularly when it results in coordinated moves.

It’s worth noting that while some of these systems have gained wider acceptance now, there are still those who disagree with them. For instance, in Nintendo’s Xenoblade series, battles are automatically managed and the player can only direct the special moves their characters perform.

Z-A employs a similar combat system, fans seem to be more understanding and accepting of this aspect.

In terms of visual appeal, Final Fantasy 13 remains timeless and stands as one of Square Enix’s most stunning RPG creations. The game masterfully blends the unusual fusion of realism and anime that Square Enix is known for. At certain instances, it even surpasses the visual quality of Final Fantasy 16 and the remake of FF7.

It’s now apparent that some viewers considered Final Fantasy 13 visionary due to its unique features. As players have grown accustomed to linear games and automated combat, it appears that the game’s status as an underappreciated masterpiece in the JRPG genre is becoming increasingly clear.

Yet, we believe there were several constructive criticisms that hindered this game from gaining wider adoration. For instance, the story deluges players with complex terms such as fal’Cie and l’Cie without initially providing a clear understanding of what they represent. This can make it challenging for players to follow the narrative, given that much of its background is revealed through flashbacks.

The game’s combat system was enjoyable, however, it was frustrating that the controlling character changed during the story. It would have been preferable if only Lightning had been controllable, with other characters having distinct roles to enhance her fighting capabilities. Although players can customize their party later in the game and Lightning is predominantly used, this modification comes too late for some.

As a die-hard fan, I can confidently say that Final Fantasy 13 is an exceptional game that’s definitely worth your time. For those who are hesitant about diving into this genre, FF13 serves as an excellent introduction. If you’re a dedicated player looking to maximize your experience, I’d recommend grabbing the Xbox 360 version and enjoying it on the Xbox Series, where it has been beautifully upgraded for improved visuals.

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2025-03-10 17:12