Final Fantasy XIII-2

The main pros of the game

• Improved Gameplay Mechanics: The game features enhanced combat mechanics, including a more refined Paradigm Shift system that allows for quicker transitions between roles.
• Engaging Story: The narrative includes interesting plot twists, particularly with time travel elements, and a compelling antagonist in Caius Ballad.
• Monster Capture System: Players can capture and train monsters to use in battles, adding a layer of strategy and depth reminiscent of Pokémon games.
• Exploration and Non-Linearity: The game offers a more open structure compared to its predecessor, allowing players to explore different timelines and locations.
• High-Quality Music: The soundtrack, featuring both orchestral and vocal tracks, is praised for its emotional impact and variety.

The main cons of the game

• Terrible PC Port: The port is plagued by numerous technical issues, including frequent crashes, frame rate drops, and audio problems like buzzing sounds.
• Lack of Character Depth: Main characters Serah and Noel are often viewed as underdeveloped, with some players finding them less engaging than characters from the previous game.
• Difficulty Spike: The game experiences a significant difficulty increase towards the end, particularly with the final bosses, frustrating many players.
• Backtracking and Puzzles: The game includes tedious backtracking and frustrating puzzles that can detract from the overall experience.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

• Lack of Official Support: Users express disappointment over the absence of official patches or support from Square Enix to address the port's issues.
• In-Game Settings: Players note the lack of graphical settings and audio controls, which could enhance the gaming experience.
• Character Variety: Some players miss having a larger party of characters, as the game only allows for two main characters plus a monster.
• Improved Tutorials and Guidance: Many reviews mention the need for better guidance on quests and objectives, as some side quests and tasks are poorly explained.

Summary

• Overall, while FINAL FANTASY® XIII-2 has many positive elements, particularly in gameplay and story, the poor execution of its PC port severely impacts the experience for many players.

Summary generated on: October 29, 2025