Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII

As a PC port Lightning Returns is pretty barebones, but it’s still going to be the best version of this game out there. On my 970 I ran it at 1080//60fps without any hitches, so it’s definitely serviceable enough.

For the PC port, Square Enix has done wonders, with upwards of a 1080p resolution and a non-demanding 60fps, improving heavily over the somewhat subpar looking PS3 predecessor. Unfortunately, it’s not all roses and rainbows as there could have been more graphical options and a lot of the existing assets, specifically shadow resolution and texture work, show their age.

Perhaps if I was previously enamored with the worlds of Final Fantasy, Nova Chrysalia would have intrigued me more. While I'll never know what my perspective would have been, I do know that, as a newcomer to Final Fantasy, Lightning Returns didn't feel unwelcoming. From combat to characters, the game did a lot to make sure I knew where I was, what I was doing, and why I was doing it. The problem isn't that it's a poor choice for newcomers; the problem is that it's a poor game.

Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII is a vastly different game to any other in the franchise. Your enjoyment will depend heavily on whether you liked the previous two titles, with close followers of the story arc much more likely to appreciate the closure that this instalment provides. There are flaws, but the combat, characters, and time system all provide plenty of entertainment. And while we’re sure that those that have disliked the divisive plotline so far will be glad that it’s over, fans will be thrilled to see the series end with a bang rather than a fizzle.

I’ll give Lightning Returns one thing, though. At least it didn’t slip up on the background music. The game’s music is pretty evocative, and it raised goosebumps on my arms more than once. But background music is not enough to redeem this sinking ship of a game, and I’m glad Square Enix is finally letting the Final Fantasy XIII series sail off into the sunset.

Final Fantasy remains trapped in limbo, then, but at least it now has all the right moves to fight its way out.