Final Fantasy XIII-2 for PlayStation 3 Reviews by Gamers

Much like the troubles facing our heroes in FF XIII-2, this game is a paradox, as it both improves on the previous game but also takes a step back at the same time. Gone is the linearity of the former title, as you have more choices on how to proceed through the game. Also back are side quests that can be undertaken in addition to the main quest. Another nice improvement is the addition to adding monsters to your battle party, a la Pokemon, adding a new wrinkle in designing your paradigms. The battle system is more fluid, and switching paradigms is faster than before. Also nice is the addition of a new save feature, where you can save your game most anywhere (no more hunting for save spheres!). But along with all of these niceties come a few flaws, flaws that hold this game back from being a great entry in the long running series. Random battles are back, to the point of absolute annoyance (especially later in the game). Your main cast is down to two characters, Serah and Noel, though you will encounter a few from FF XIII. Your main task is to find Lightning, and- that's about it. Levels consist of fight, find an object, solve a paradox, advance to a new time period. Late in the game, you get a ridiculous fetch quest to complete, and the game doesn't help to point you in the right direction. Voice acting is decent for the most part, though both Chocolina, your vendor, and Mog, your moogle, both are annoying. The music is good but at times seems out of sync with the scene. The dialogue ranges from fairly good to outright stupid, taking the story, which is thin to begin with, down a notch. Fortunately, there is a lot of game content here, with the main quest taking about 25-30 hours with other quests to return to once you've finished the main plot, if you care to. Loved the previous game? Then this is a definite buy. For others, it's merely a rent, something to pass the time until some of the more anticipated titles are released. Fun and frustrating sums this one up.

they improved in the linear department but the story suffers from that and a small cast still an amazing game. Combat is like 13 with adult pokemon added