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

Recently, there’s been a renewed enthusiasm for Final Fantasy 13, which had previously been criticized as the series’ low point. Perhaps it’s because fans aren’t fond of Final Fantasy 16 being a character-action game or because more players are leaning towards linear games; nonetheless, this once maligned title has regained popularity.

Indeed, let’s talk about this game that was met with controversy and went on to have two successors during the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 era. Now, here’s our take on it.

In contrast to earlier versions, numerous individuals found this thirteenth installment overly linear, suggesting it more appropriately titled “Final Corridor 13”. This is due to many of the game’s stages receiving criticism, as players primarily moved forward, encountered enemies, and engaged in turn-based combat.

Today, players are finding joy in the remake of Final Fantasy VII, a game characterized by its straightforward progression and limited exploration, often leading players forward. It also shares the familiar trope found in many AAA games, where one must navigate narrow gaps and confined spaces that can sometimes feel like unnecessary additions. However, while Final Fantasy 13 is not universally praised as a flawless game, its linear structure seems less criticized in today’s gaming landscape.

A common point of discussion about this game is its combat system, which allows players to control just a single character. Initially, creating a turn-based battle where commands are given only to one character might seem unusual, imparting an automated feel typical of Japanese RPGs. Nevertheless, mastering new abilities and gradually depleting the enemy’s stamina bar can become quite engaging, particularly when it results in coordinated maneuvers.

It’s worth noting that while some of these systems have gained wider acceptance over time, there are still those who criticize them. For instance, Nintendo’s Xenoblade series features an automated battle system, allowing players to select special moves for their characters to perform during combat.

It might seem dull at first glance, but it sets the stage for intense clashes in the future – particularly when facing mammoth opponents like the bosses. Given that Pokémon Legends: Z-A shares a comparable battle system, players appear to be more understanding about its inclusion.

In terms of appearance, Final Fantasy 13 appears as fresh today as it did upon its release, standing among Square Enix’s most visually stunning role-playing games. The game masterfully blends realism with anime aesthetics that Square Enix often strives for. At certain instances, it even surpasses the visual quality of Final Fantasy 16 and the remake of Final Fantasy 7.

It’s been suggested by some enthusiasts that Final Fantasy 13 was actually quite visionary due to its unique characteristics. With players now appreciating linear games and combat systems that are largely automated, it almost seems obvious to label this JRPG as a game ahead of its time, and perhaps even a misunderstood masterpiece.

Nevertheless, we believe there were some justifiable criticisms that kept this game from being widely adored. For instance, it was problematic that players were thrust into complex terms such as fal’Cie and l’Cie without any initial explanation, making it challenging for them to grasp the story. This issue becomes even more pronounced since the narrative backstory is presented through flashbacks.

In the game, the battle system was solidly built, but it was frustrating that the control shifted between characters in the story. Ideally, we’d prefer to have Lightning as the only character we could control, with other characters playing various roles to support her in combat. Although players can customize their party later on in the game and Lightning is used frequently, this change comes too late for some, making it less satisfying.

Without a doubt, Final Fantasy 13 is an exceptional game that warrants everyone’s focus. For those hesitant about the genre, it could serve as an excellent introduction point. If you’re a dedicated fan seeking the best experience, opt for the Xbox 360 version and enjoy the upgraded visuals on the Xbox Series platform.

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2025-03-13 00:42