January 28, 2012 - Good - It's an encouraging step in the right direction; if nothing else, it at least demonstrates that Square Enix is open to other studios being involved in the production of its tentpole franchise and realize they can't expect to sell on name alone. Final Fantasy is sporting the clothes and attitude of its cooler peers; now it just needs to learn to wear them with confidence.

January 28, 2012 - Good - Hurling money at a development team that has been labouring without firm creative leadership for close to a decade now has led to a game that is, in many ways, as disjointed as its world, as rambling as its lead character. In those fragments excellence, confusion, beauty, strangeness, wonder and loss may all be found.

January 28, 2012 - Good - For Final Fantasy XIII-2, Square Enix set out to correct the issues fans had with the first game, and they have succeeded across the board. With improvements to combat, exploration, and storytelling, it feels like this is the game that XIII should have been. But it isn't just a sequel, as it carves out its own tale to stand among the Final Fantasy pantheon.

January 28, 2012 - Good - Progression is player-driven, combat is even more entertaining, and an array of other adjustments makes it one of my favorite RPGs from a mechanical perspective. I just want all of that integrated with a story that isn't laughable and borderline insulting, and that's where Final Fantasy XIII-2 falters.

February 3, 2012 - Good - XIII-2 seems to have been designed entirely to address the many complaints of the original, and against all odds manages to do just that. Even if you don't care about the story, the monster taming is a particular selling point.

February 27, 2012 - Good - This direct sequel isn't an improvement in every single way, but it's a huge step forward that corrects many of the most glaring mistakes the fan base took issue with. What of Lightning and her gorgeous Valkyrie-inspired costume? You'll have to play to find out, and I recommend that you do.

January 28, 2012 - Good - You won't perform awe-inspiring summons as a matter of course, and the ending--well, the ending isn't likely to leave you with the sense of closure you might want. Yet the monster collection and time-hopping freedom alone are enough to make it worth embarking on this enjoyable adventure.

January 30, 2012 - Good - If XIII was making a case for the quickest route from A to B being a straight line, XIII-2 instead argues that a time gate directly to your destination is both more practical and more interesting. We're inclined to agree.

January 28, 2012 - Good - If you're a newcomer, answer this question as honestly as possible; are you likely to be put off a game by the idea that one of the protagonist's most powerful weapons transforms into an adorably cute imp that says "Kupo!" at the end of every second sentence? If the answer is no, then FF XIII-2 is well worth exploring. If the answer is yes, then move on - there's nothing for you here.

January 27, 2012 - Good - Final Fantasy XIII-2 proves itself the better game, but it lacks the same focused storytelling employed in the original. It benefits from an improved battle system, open environments, and an overall level of polish that deserves a nod of respect.

January 28, 2012 - Good - Any game that feels too short when you've been playing it for forty hours is clearly flying by. Final Fantasy XIII-2 eliminates some of its prequel's complaints admirably, but while it's a great game, it'll probably be remembered as the game where you couldn't explore.

February 3, 2012 - Good - It's fair to say Final Fantasy XIII-2 is an appealing return for the much-adhered franchise. It offers some truly unique and intriguing gameplay elements that will invite newcomers whilst challenging series aficionados.

January 31, 2012 - Good - Final Fantasy XIII-2 is beautiful and packed with tons of tiny details that will keep you interested even when you've run into your umpteenth random battle. It misses a few opportunities and at times bogs down with its story, but overall provides a satisfying adventure.

January 29, 2012 - Good - It corrects a lot of the issues that fans of the series had with Final Fantasy XIII without initiating a complete sea change, but that's as far as its concessions go. It's not a watershed for the genre, nor is it a return to the franchise's glory days. This is a game for admirers of Final Fantasy XIII and JRPG fans in general.