2012 Gaming Sessions

So here we are! The 'end of the world' year! If that is the case, I guess it's time to take note on how cathartic this year is in regards to some aspects of my gaming time! Though suffice to say, because of certain events, I have not been TOO deep into gaming. In fact, there might be a new subject here if I have the 'NEED' to put in that section. Well, time will tell as I work on this blog.


FIGHTING GAMES: Year by year my 'love' for this genre has decreased because of a few certain issues; first and foremost, it's going to be the idea that they aren't as enamoring as they used to be because of their lifetime. Another issue that has become a bit more prominent that factors in to my 'love' for these kind of games is the act of treason of DLC's; and this is mostly on Capcom's doing. Anyways, I have only played two fighting games this year and to judge which one held my interest more is well....

Winner is: 

Dead or Alive. Why? Well, the story of this game isn't that enticing AT ALL. The gameplay is entertaining enough, but why? Well.... I have no real rhyme and reason. It held my interest far more than the other fighting game I did buy this year. Which of course would make the second game the 'runner up'.

(Past posts: Currently, Gaming for the next 2 months)


Runner up:

If I was to care about a fighting game's story aside from Street Fighter's, it would be Persona's. Even though this game has an otaku like sense behind it; deep, but still too Anime'ish for me to an extent. But the mechanics was smooth, the aesthetics are flashy, and the characters are mostly interesting. But again, it didn't capture my attention as much as DOA did.

(Past Posts: Yukiko Amagi)


Action/RPG(Sandbox): I have mentioned before that this genre can be a bit mixed in with another genre. It's few and far between as to how to really distinguish, again I have no real description as to why and how I pick it, I guess I use the 'RPG elements' that isn't completely on the RPG based world. To me, any sort of game that indulges in the notion of leveling up, equipment, character skill/s build up but isn't ENTIRELY leaning towards to the whole feel of RPG like some games like Final Fantasy, etc. is action RPG. It's obscure, and hard to put a grasp on it. But these are the two that stick out. Honestly, in this 'genre', I only have two that really concur in this category.


Winner: 

Dark Siders II Review

This game did a fine job picking up where the other one left off. I only had one play through, but I would say that it was something note worthy to mention as one of the games this year that kept me interested.

(Past Posts: Currently Playing, Currently Playing, Currently Playing: DarkSiders 2, On An Update)


Runner Up:

The Amazing Spider-Man Review

Movie games are hit and miss. Spidey's new game went back to the 'open world' roots, however, it still lacked the flavor that I would prefer. That and the graphics weren't that great and the whole movie tie in wasn't exactly enough to cajole me to think and feel it's Parker's best Video game appearance.

(Past Posts: The Amazing Spider-Man, Currently Playing)


Action/3rd person: This is the other genre that is far too similar with the previous category. Again, they might be one and the same but the fact that the whole 'open world' is taken out as a factor in some of the games, I considered this a completely and totally different game. I am obstinate at the notion that they are different even though the solidity of my argument may not be as tangible as I would like. But again, this is my blog, right?


Winner:

Lollipop Chainsaw Review

Sensual. Funny. Jovial. And not to mention that  there are elements of fan service that appeals to me. This game may not be receiving mainstream appraisal, to me however it is far too enjoyable to NOT claim it first in rank!

(Past Posts: Damsel of the Month, Lollipop Chainsaw MV, Why Lollipop Chainsaw?)


Runner Up:

Asura's Wrath Review

While this game wasn't entirely heavy on the aspect of gameplay, it did serve enough purpose on the story element and when it was indulging in gameplay, it was entertaining enough. QTE is the theme of this said game.

(Past Posts: Currently Playing, I am Enamored, Currently Playing)


BEST RPG: Eventually in the future I want to make it 'Western RPG and JRPG' into two separate category like I did for last year. That is if the case being that JRPGs can actually MAKE a good rpg in this day and age suitable for the need of a much more mature and extensive gamer like me. Truth to be told, what was the biggest JRPG that came out this year? Final Fantasy XIII-2? Suffice to say, while I did eliminate a category in my gaming likes, some games this year like the infamous FFXIII-2 DID help me make a new category in which we'll see later. But anyways, reverting the attention back to the this notion. Role Playing Game. Those three words. With that said, it would be plainly obvious as to why the choices are make are what they are.


Winner:

Mass Effect 3 Review

Why won't it be Mass Effect 3? Aside from PC games (in which I do not indulge) who else will stand in the way of Shepard and his endeavors? The most complaints I have ever received from this game are either Premature and the uneducated kinds, lousy and rather love lost JRPG'ers, non hardcore gamers, and then there are those supposedly fan of the series who allow the ending to completely annihilate the the past decade the game had offered. Sure, the ending is quite important, but Bioware rectified, didn't they? Unlike games like Final Fantasy where if you don't like the ending its your endeavor lost, Bioware made a effort, and although in the end it didn't please everyone, still! Suffice to say, no words I can say will TRULY be enough to capsulize as to why. Mass Effect is the RPG of the year.

(And there are too many posts relating to Mass Effet 3 that I'll leave this 'past posts' side out of the way for the given moment.)


Runner Up:

Mass Effect 2?! Really?! As much as that thought would be cool...

None. I only really finished a few Rpgs this year including Mass Effect 3 (and Mass Effect 2), however there isn't one that is noteworthy to put as runner up. None of them were memorable and the other one that DID stick out is Final Fantasy XIII-2 and that game is atrocious!


Best Humor: Laughter is universal but the quirk that makes one laugh isn't so much. So what I'm really trying to point out is what elicited a few chuckles and grins in the two games I'm going to lay out will probably not be the best games that will adhere to everyone's sense of humor. And if one must scrutinize the humor that concurs with the two games, it's not that hard to tell that I like the more sexual but over the top humor, with some good use of vulgar and articulate words behind it. So...

Winner:

Yes. Lollipop Chainsaw made me freakin laugh! The sexual themes, yes was a good perk, but the dialogue is where it's about as well as the overzealous parody in the whole 'zombie' apocalypse hype. There isn't really much to say aside from the fact that the hours I have put in this game was never short of a 'WTF' moments as well as some rather entertaining game time. Hearing Tara Strong say 'What The Dick' is rather erroneously hilarious.

Runner Up:

NONE as well. No other games had humor that stuck out to me like a sore thumb. So suffice to say we shall leave it as it is, just Lollipop Chainsaw getting the said award.

Best Dialogue: Now this is a new topic I started this year. This can be a tricky one as well, but I'll be eloquent about this, it's not so much as the way the voice actor conveys the dialogue, although that has a big facto to it, it's also in WHAT is being said. How words are articulated, what words are being used, and is it cliche and insipid phrases? Or does it have a very rich and thought provoking verbal usage behind it? So, with that said, here we are!

Winner:

This game is a testament on how gaming should be dictated for the next generation. The last real game to have gameplay, a plethora of good characters, an engaging story that spans through three games, and a real engaging character rapport within side characters and the protagonist regardless of the choices the player makes. A codex that is well written and a good ability to make players comprehend the lore behind it, and with voice acting able to bring forth the character and a well written dialogue that has articulation as well as quirks within each one; well, let's just say, This game is the pinnacle of RPG. 

Runner Up:

It's a pity it's one of those games that I didn't beat this Record of Agarest War II (who's to say I won't beat it sometime in 2013?) because of major flaws within the 'flow' of the game. While gameplay itself isn't entirely the most exhilarating, I have always found them engaging enough and there is still that side of me that loves the classic RPG feel despite it being a 'thing of the past' for me. Though the one thing I would say about Agarest War (all three) is that despite the sexual themes, the rather 'too anime'ish' ambiance, looking past all the rather repetitive character personalities, within the dialogue is a rich and very articulate usage of words. 

Believe it or not, articulation is present through wording as well as limb movements!

Though I wouldn't recommend the english VA, the dialogue when read is rather refreshing for me and something very rare in the gaming industry. If only Agarest would improve on its rather stale story and characters, the perhaps there is hope in JRPGs for me in the form of Record of Agarest War.

(Past Posts: Fan Service: Agarest War)

Worst of the Year: There are games that are just so damn bad that it helped me make a new category for my yearly gaming. I don't think I have to scrutinize the meaning of the topic since it is self explanatory! With that said, let's just list the games, shall we?

Final Fatnasy XIII-2

Ninja Gaiden 3

Resident Evil 6

All three of these franchises used to be enamoring! Now the only erroneous thing that reminds us of what they used to be are the title. The names are what carries them on but inside the package or what not are poorly polished games that shouldn't even BE called what they are called.

Missed Games: These are some of the games this year that came out that I didn't have the opportunity to try out. Eventually next year when they are in a bit more affordable price, I'll be trying them out I hope, but regardless...

Assassin's Creed III

Hitman

Tranformers 2

Prototype 2

Street Fighter VS Tekken

Game of the Year: It's hardly a contest for me this year because of a myriad of factors: lack of games to my liking, lack of sufficient funds for all the games that I would want to play, lack of motivation to finishing a lot of my games, and the fact that Mass Effect 3 kicked some serious ass! So suffice to say...

Winner:

Nuff said.

(Okay, past posts: Extended Cut, Leviathan, Omega, Mass Effect Trilogy, ME3 Memories, ME3 Stills, Mass Effect 3)

The Unfinished: For a number of factors, there are games in my shelves that have yet to see the light at the end. Some are just not enamoring enough to get me going, while others just got pushed away for reasons I have forgotten or know not. The reason why I still claim them as part of the section is because in some aspect, I still enjoyed them, however I just didn't have that much incentive to beat them. Maybe in a dry season of gaming I'll have my chance. But alas, here they are.

Hyperdimension Neptunia MK II

Reckoning: Kingdom of Amalur

Record of Agarest War 2

2013 Prospects: There are a few in the crosshair that caught my attention that might make 2013's gaming session either as fun, or mediocre in contrast to 2012. Mass Effect made my gaming year, so to me, there's a lot to go against; regardless, there are some good prospects. Here are four of them that are in my definitive sights!

Tomb Raider Reboot

Deadpool the Game

Injustice: Gods Among Us

Devil May Cry Reboot

Afterword: Though I must admit that my gaming endeavors had decreased this year since I have started to delve into a hobby that I haven't been as constant and adamant about in the past and that is just this: Writing. So needless to say, the nights when I would come home from work and focus my time on Gaming became more for writing and such. So I'll have to admit that my days this year hasn't exactly been abundant when talking about Gaming; so my choices are sparse this year so maybe things are a bit more biased and lacking a real source of options. However with that being said, I still believe that the ones I have been exposed of this year had given me enough point of views. There was a couple of games I had been waiting for, a few games that came into the radar that proved its worth, but of course there are some disappointment and perhaps a scar in some genres that would perpetuate for years and years. So 2012 has ended and these are the results for me. I can only fathom what would 2013 would give me...

Fantasy Effect (Just a preview)

Is that...?

Omni Tool and All. Sure is.

An unlikely pair. I know. One from the Game of the Year. The other, from the worst game of the year. Regardless, I like them both a lot; 'toy' and Character wise.

I've done Lightning's detailed opinion on my end of the spectrum (Lightning Playarts Kai). Shepard's will come soon. Along with someone else's.

Playarts Kai: Lightning FFXIII-2

I've always been a Final Fantasy playarts collector. When Playarts Kai started coming out (and they started to expand too, not staying bound to the Final Fantasy Franchise), well I didn't know what to expect, all I know is that they better live up to the old playarts. My thought in that notion was quite... asinine. They lived up to it alright... and then some.

         

Truth to be told, some of the line ups that they came up with in terms of character and series are pretty darn impressive and needless to say, I am enamored by them, and the NEED for them to be part of my collection, well, became an ordinance rather than a must! Right off the get go, just the window box alone of this Lightning from FFXIII-2 is something to admire. It's no longer just a 'transparent' front cover, but an upgraded 'DOOR'. Makes it really easy to view the toy inside AND have a cool little feature of seeing the 'still image' of the said toy.

It even has a little bit of writing on the inside face of the 'door' which, the story of FFXIII-2 is terrible, however, one can have any qualms for the aesthetics it's trying to bring, right? The way the door can also remain closed with the connection of a velcrow is more than appreciated. Definitely a good box in both artistic care and just plain good show! I had some qualms about taking her out, did so once and put her back... but!

The detail is enticing.

First and foremost, the visage is quite astounding and filled with grace. Then again, that has always been Playarts' strength is mirroring the attracting qualities each final fantasy gal has. With the new Kai edition however, they have climbed up in higher heights; not only does the face elicits more impressive grins, the added effect on her hair adds more vanity. Lightning, according to FFXIII-2 became a knight for the Goddess Etro, so her having some celestial qualities isn't that far from the idea that she can have the regal hairstyle that causes elation in one that is an avid collector for such beauties!

Of course I cannot abstain from commenting about the work put into her armor. While at times one can wonder at how practical Lightning's armor REALLY is, but again, Final Fantasy apparel are known for a bit less adequacy when in combat. They lean a lot on looks, and of course the female characters HAVE to be sexy in one way or the other. Lightning's is indeed commanding and has its very promiscuous side to it, the playarts Kai captured the fine details in my opinion. Shield, sword, and even the frivolous feather 'skirt' that is going on (reminds me of Yuna's FFX-2 attire dilemma) is in the toy with dearest grace!

Now I can go on with the details with the toy, however this is one of those that I believe that the picture can do more justice than I in regards to the description. On to the next big enticing thing in regards to this toy is the articulation. Honestly, given how 'fragile' this toy can be, I'm not so keen on bending and doing so many intricate posing with her. And truth to be told, she doesn't stand that great without a lot of effort, or maybe I didn't try hard enough. The conundrum I am stuck with when I buy figures as good as these, they have every capability (for the most part) to be pose able, but their fine details makes you cringe with every 'wear and tear' that happens when a different pose is required of them. They aren't cheap as one can discern so 'replacing' them isn't as easy as a hasbro toy. So suffice to say, I didn't explore her full capacity on that notion, although I can imagine she can imitate a lot of her in-game stances or what not.

She just looks regal in here. The immaculate detail that makes her almost an exact clone copy of her game version makes her well worth the price I paid for her.

This if the first time the table underneath matches the figure I'm taking pictures of. 

In final words in regards to Lightning FFXIII-2 playarts Kai, her comparison to the other playarts are very distinguishable. Just details and coloring alone! It is of course to her advantage that she dons an armor and not just a skimpy clad outfit like Rikku and Tifa! But regardless, her as an addition adds a final flare (but it won't be the last spell casted on this shelf) to my collection. 

And if one must wonder, she isn't new. Not at all! The playarts Kai have just been prudent in regards to their toy line ups and they have branded out to certain franchises... one can wonder what else is next in the horizon...

Gemini Signature!

This will be the patent trademark that I will be putting after every video I make! It will probably change in the future, but as of right now, this is what it will be.

So it's going to be in everything I do in regards to video blogs or what not. Again, I might revert back to doing music videos and such since I have the adequate components to do so! Exciting stuff, if I do say so myself! In the future I will probably add a bit more adjustments according to whatever I decide to do (more Mass Effect endings... One on the way, mind you... gameplay tandems or what not!).

Well, Enjoy!

FFXIII-2 The Lightning DLC

So it's no big secret from my review on FFXIII-2 ("My Words on") That I am not a big fan of the game. I will not further delve into the whys and what not because my review dug into it pretty deep, HOWEVER, I will say that I was a big fan of the visuals and the gameplay. And I am a big fan of Lightning. Her new look on FFXIII-2 was on lines of sexy as it was bad ass. Well one of my other big disputes on FFXIII-2 was that Lightning was only a side character; a monumental side character, but playable only once and it was in the beginning. But not to digress on that little "MAJOR" mistake, there will be a Lightning DLC coming out in May 15 this year.

G4's Article: Lightning DLC/Future Costumes

While I am still not entirely thrilled with the idea that game companies like to have you buy something that they COULD'VE put in, but I'm not going to complain too much about this one. I mean, hell, I Downloaded/bought a lot of the outfits!

This was my favorite costume; wonder why!

Now this was a MUST!

This was free!

Free. Came with pre-order!

I also downloaded Noel's Assassin's Creed Outfit, which I thought was his most intriguing and note worthy outfit. So needless to say I do spend money on this game despite my note so high rating of it. So I won't have problem with paying for a Lightning DLC. Hopefully when they mean her being in the party means I get to take Noel out or exchange it for the stupid monster Idea thing!!! And I hope she gets to be a real playable character, leader qualities and all!!!

Give you more insights once I actually have the damn DLC.

Just an Update

I have no April Fool's joke on the blog.

I have been into my Gaming and Rp'ing to even have a thought of an April's Fools.

Well to update, I am now into my second play through of Mass Effect 3 as Female Shepard. I believe I am on the last stage of Ninja Gaiden 3 (not as good as I have hoped). Planning on popping in Hyperdimension MK2, Amalur, and FFXIII-2 sometime during the dry season.

And yes, I will be putting up a review on them.

DC comics action figure wall growing. Marvel Legends Wave 2 are out. Looking for Spidey and Fantomex. And... yeah!.

My Words On:

Story/Plot: This game's greatest downfall is the story. I've played A LOT of Jrpgs and I can say from experience that stories sometimes don't make sense or you have to dig real deep to get a full comprehension of the game. The first game FFXIII-2 spun out from didn't have the qualities to meet a standard Final Fantasy game in regards to story. Anyone who would like to argue this has never truly played the past games therefore do not know what Final Fantasy is capable of when it comes to telling a story. Although I can say that FFXIII's story was not a total failure.  I was able to look pass the very bland way the story was projected and still enjoyed it. It had a few confusing parts and a few areas where I wondered why they kept going about in circles only to end up doing what they didn't want to do in the first place. The conclusion of the game however brought it the player and the characters a sense of closure. The battle was won, the antagonist (which there wasn't a real solid one) was defeated, and everyone for the most part got what they desired with a real good twist that explains FFXIII's symbol. Well it appears that the end of the game brought an opening for a FFXIII-2 and man it was a ride.


Unfortunately it wasn't a good ride at all. It was bumpy, redundant, confusing, and down right a sloppy mess even for it being a spinoff. Like I said, I get Final Fantasy plots. First they'll introduce the main characters, confuse you with the whole enigma behind them, then add the twists from the main conflict along with the trials of the party, then put it all together hoping to hell that the player would get it. Well normally the characters would be interesting enough that you are able to comprehend the elaborate story through their eyes. For the most part the narration through past Final Fantasies were decent and entertaining that I was able to get it. If worse comes to worse, the game would be so good that I'd play it at least twice and I would get the story the second time around. FFXIII-2 was not the case.

I think I kind of get it since they mentioned 'Paradox' fifteen times a sentence. There was a disturbance in the waves of time that caused history to be thwarted. People got thrown left and right through different time lines and the only person that can save them is the person that can see the whole timeline which happens to be Lightning's younger sister, Serah. The player will have to jump through past, future, and the present left and right to  fix the paradoxes that are created. If one has to guess what the reason was for their next problem it was plainly obvious that it would end up being a paradox. But with all that past, alternate dimension, and just awful presentation, it was just hard to grasp. The whole meat of the story was just all jumbled up in the completely different and non related to its predecessor. What's even worse was what made Final Fantasy XIII confusing  they capitalized in the sequel and made it harder to understand with the concept of time traveling!  I couldn't get into the conflict cause I just didn't get it! Maybe I'm just plain incompetent but I don't think I'm the only one. I did beat the game, hoping that the ending would put it all together. Well, not so much. Pretty much what I got was a solid NEGATIVE and 'see you next time'. There was no closure, instead it left me on a cliff hanger that pretty advocated the idea of 'Buy our next game!' It was a damn struggle just to get  through the game as it is, but to end it the way it did and get no real closure for what I did for the past 30 hours?! Well, I guess that's my fault for not liking the story and the characters as much.

So my biggest advice, don't expect a great story for this game and SLOW down. Or maybe you are smarter than me and you'll actually grasp it in the first shot. As bad as this may sound I will play it again in the future just so I can say 'I really tried.' But as for right now, here's the score:

4/10


Gameplay: Final Fantasy had always been about the turn base system. The gameplay that allows you to make smart and tactical moves which involves lots of reading and picking and choosing in a very slow paced manner. But time proved that even great games needed to adapt and change their ways to the demand of not only their loyal fans but the mainstream population in order for their games to thrive with the constant changing generation. Unfortunate as that may sound it's business. I don't necessarily think that Final Fantasy's on going route is on the turn for the worse as many believe, at least their decision to evolve the gameplay of Final Fantasy is not at all a bad decision in my point of view. Final Fantasy XIII back in 2009 brought a new fresh start while still keeping some elements of turn base but adding a lot more haste to the feel. 


Along with the faster pace, FFXIII also brought a new way to access the 'Class System' that had always been a popular asset to the Final Fantasy Series. One can change 'jobs' in mid battle for all three characters adding a new twist to the whole game. One doesn't have to go through 4-5 slots just to access white magic; one can just flip and switch and all the abilities for curing (or whatever one needs) is right there for one's disposal. 


(*NOTE* FFX-2 did the same thing, but not a lot of people were impressed at the whole 'Sailor Moon' Transformation with the girls. Personally, I didn't mind watching Rikku jump about, flailing her body and all her nice wonders just to go from Thief to Dark Knight. I'm a pervert when it comes to video games. what can I say?)


Final Fantasy XIII-2 kept all its predecessor's strengths with the faster feel of combat but also did its own modification that made it an even more enticing game to play in the gameplay sense. First let me point out that FFXIII had a pretty great flaw with the whole 'leader' concept. A player can only use one character in battle and once that character dies, the battle is over. FFXIII-2 took notes on fan complaints and remedied that. Between Serah and Noel, the player will be able to switch in mid battle as well as not completely dying when the leader falls in battle, instead it will automatically go to Serah/Noel which doesn't take the turn to a complete game over. It gives the player a fighting chance so to speak and not an annoying outcome like it did in FFXIII. One thing though is that you only have Serah and Noel and a monster which was a good twist, but a full on party is still a better choice.


Fixing that slight error in judgement was a big step for making the gameplay even more up to par with expectations and it made me happy (as well as others). The one other thing which I thought was a good flare to add was the popular interactive cut scenes where a player must respond with the button sequence desired at the moment. This had been a popular and successful tool for many games and FFXIII-2's decision to bring that into gameplay was well worth it for it made the game more intense for after boss battles. One can't simply assume anymore that s/he can just sit there and awe at the beautiful rendered cutscenes.Although I am not entirely sure what would've been dire consequence for failing since I didn't miss a single cut scene, I would actually hope that they had some ramifications for failing to do so, however it was gratifying to hit every button at the most perfect moment.


 In the grand scheme of things FFXIII-2 just kept the tempo that its predecessor started with a few different twists and turns for the better. It is the main reason that I kept playing and probably its second strongest attribute. I would say that the whole 'auto battle' should be taken out since it does give the player a bit more of a lazy get away when one simply doesn't want to choose different attacks.

8.0/10
Graphics: Let's face it, Final Fantasy had always been really good with polishing how it looks. Aside the regress it did with FFVIII to FFIX where they went backwards with the whole 'chibi' look, every single Final Fantasy that followed always took advantage of the ability to make the game just plain beautiful. The art style is still FFXIII which to me was just plain eye candy. Great looking game in a very JRPG environment full of vibrant colors, too perfect looking gals and pals, and monsters that are out of this world wether big or small. The sequel itself provided the same aesthetic vision. Through the character designs, which I have mentioned are too perfect for the norm, I mean come on, how much hotter can Lightning get? She looked damn good in the first game in her 'female Cloud SOLDIER' uniform. Then she ends up donning armor that properly compliments her feminine attributes (which yes, the armor does like to show her sexy side, but it is freaking badass, admit it!). Her younger sister, Serah abandons the school girl look but ends up gaining her own sexy side in an attire only a JRPG can conjure up. While she lacks the real prominent feel of a lead female like Lightning did, she is in her own way a very attracting individual as Square's graphics have proven time and time again through their female characters.


I'm not going to talk about the male characters and how they look since, well, they can pass for females most of the time. And what the hell was up with Snow's hair?! But my point is that they graphically look amazing (not that way). But let's talk about the flares and what not. The environment paid homage to the original game with mix of Sunleth's very green color and then of course we have some very future based areas like Academia which goes to show Square's ability to imagine many different kinds of places wether it be a forest or 'Tron' like metropolis. There were many familiar places to visit as well as some new ones so they didn't completely recycled every single land; some they just kind of tweaked through the Paradox events which added a different tint to a very familiar place way back in FFXIII. I'd have to say Academia 4XX was a magnificent sight and I had the incentive to just walk around the city just to indulge on the beautiful setting of sci fi and fantasy mixed into one.


I can't quite explain how incredible the graphics are in-game and during acts like casting spells. The flare that Square had been able to do just makes things more alluring. Each spell adding its own majestic color in the screen, making battle vibrant while the details on each action from both enemy and player seems to just awe inspire. The creative look of each enemy monster is something from Final Fantasy but far more whimsical to say the least. Even the little things like certain parts of the game where there is rain, the camera seems to get rain drops adding the extra sense of 'involvement' on the player's eyes. Speaking of incredible graphics, FFXIII-2's CGs are just another testament of Square's ability to capitalize on the modern console's capability for beauty. I'm even at awe at the in game CGs. There is vast difference between the two obviously, but watching the in game CG doesn't bother my eyes like they used to in old FFs. Then to add one more final perk, if you get the DLC outfits, they can be seen in the in game CGs! Yeah I know, it's not much, but hey, watching Serah in her swimsuit hop about is food for thought (or something else) and it sure takes away Noel's lack of epic outfit for supposedly such a 'bad ass' Hunter.

So there's nothing to it. In my opinion this is one, if not the most attracting thing about FFXIII-2. From cut scenes to in game, to the battle, to the environment and of course the 'easy on the eyes'  heroines and the usual pretty as girls heroes, FFXIII-2 is just astonishing and a beautiful game. It's a dying shame that Square can't put anymore of this effort on everything else to make it on par on just how good the game looks.

10/10

Audio/Voice Acting: The actors from FFXIII retained their roles for the direct sequel of the game. Truthfully, I was impressed with the acting in FFXIII. Nothing extraordinary, but nothing less than adequate to be able to convey emotions when speaking. There were probably a few NPC's that were just generic, but none of the main NPCs really bothered me. Lightning had always had that somber, but in a way somewhat attractive voice that highlights her strong character as well as the tender feminine side of her; She narrated a lot of the time so hearing her voice didn't bother me at all, in fact it had a nice nostalgic moment when I played the living hell out of FFXIII back in '09. Serah and Noel are the protagonists and I was able to tolerate their acting. If there was any hint of annoyance from the two, it wasn't from their voice, that's for sure. However Mog seemed to hold the title in this game for the most irritating character both in voice and the way it is. I guess from playing FFVI and having a badass Moogle in you party I didn't expect the voice to sound anything like the way it does in FFXIII-2. 


As for the music is concerned, Nobou Eumatsu's absence in the soundtracks of Final Fantasy was a for sure obvious gaping whole in the series. It's a little bit too J-pop'ish and every single classic music just have to have lyrics now. Well I'm not totally against vocals at all, in fact I loved 'Eyes On Me', 'Melodies of Life' and 'Suteki Da Ne', however I don't need to hear singing when I'm walking around the world map. I don't need to listen to the Chocobo tunes with a girl singing in the background. Not at all. Not interested. The victory fanfare disappeared altogether since FFXIII and the Crystal Theme doesn't have it's original nostalgia because of the fact that they don't use it the same way anymore. I miss the old soundtracks. I really do. Maybe sometime down the future they will be able to revive what made Final Fantasy well known for its music.  As of right now it seems to stick to how it started out in FFX-2: J-pop and way too impersonal for a lot of Final Fantasy veterans.

6.5/10


Difficulty: It starts off pretty simple but gradually gets difficult. Just like any other game in the series, the player has to spend some time grinding  through leveling up and getting the right weapons, armors, and accessories. FFXIII-2 also took out the limits to building one's character through progressing in the main story which was good; the player can modify his/her team the way s/he wants, which adds more compatibility between the gamers and the game; and not to mention it also addressed a complaint that fans had about FFXIII. If I was not in a hurry to beat the game, I'd say the last stage of the game would not have been so hard. I was literally barely on my fifth weapon, I picked the wrong ranks at the wrong time, and I had no care to hunt for specific enemy item drops to get the better accessories and/or weapons that I struggled through the random encounters and the final boss. I honestly feel that I would've had a pretty decent time with the final part if it wasn't for me being so impatient with the game. 


There are some minor puzzles in the game which were too easy. At times solving the puzzle felt like it was more of a filler rather than a challenge which didn't help the score for the difficulty of this game in my point of view. Even the fun interactive cut scenes weren't overly bearing and they weren't anything like God Of war's demands. 


Honestly, if I had the patience like I did with FFXIII I would think this game would somewhat be a breeze. Sure there would be the uber hard bosses and the gigantic Adamantoise and all the crazy side quest creatures, but truthfully, the main road with story and enemies would probably be moderate. But considering how 'hard' it was for me at the end, I'll raise the bar a bit. But again I will emphasize the idea that it was because of my lack of real patience for grinding in this game that resulted in my defeat (yeah yeah, sounds like excuses).


7/10


Overall: My experience for the game was nothing short of a coin toss on a day by day basis within the two months it took me to beat it. There were days when it was just a task to just barely crawl through one part because I had to hear about confusing events on time rifts and paradoxes. Then the days that I found the game breath taking as I watch the cut scenes (Serah in beachwear both sun and snow environment) and obliterate monsters with the amazing graphics this game had to offer. I can't decide which one I had more until the very end of the game where I am given this "Ending" and it leaves me appalled at the fact that they would end it just like that. So was it worth it? In all the trophies I have lined up for Final Fantasies beaten, will this make a rank worthy of the game it spun out of? Of course not! To me it ruined Final Fantasy XIII and now I can't even bare to think that I have to play the next game because I don't like how this on ended. I need closure. I need for my own self to say: "what you did was worth it." 


If they keep the same gameplay with of course change for the better, stay on track with their graphics, revive some of their characters that they decided to just cast aside, and of course improve vastly on the story line, FFXIII-3 may have a chance for redemption. But for now, FFXIII-2 is a game that I am ambivalent about. But my score reflects which side the spectrum my ambivalence falls at the moment (it might change after I replay it. MIGHT.)


6/10

Currently playing...

The sequel for FFXIII. So far, entertaining. Full review later.

Collector's Edition!

While I still like FFXII's box better, this one suffice!