Grace in gaming

GAME OF THE WEEK:FINAL FANTASY XIII-2 **** 16 cert, Square Enix, PS3 (also Xbox 360)

Could there be a more inaccurate title? After 25 years, over a dozen sequels, countless spin-offs, a film and reams of books, the word Final looks ever more redundant. Though they're officially role-playing games, the Final Fantasyseries feels more like an endless Manga sci-fi/fantasy soap opera.

It’s hard to summarise this saga within the word count, but . . . Lightning is a native of Cocoon, an idyllic cloud-based city that was ravaged by war. The warrior finally established peace in her lifetime, then disappeared. The only one to believe she isn’t gone forever is her sister Serah, who meets Noel, a mysterious warrior. He’s from a different time and claims to have met Lightning before she disappeared.

Melding elements of fantasy and science fiction, Final Fantasy XIII-2can't be faulted for lack of ambition. The series is beloved for its world-building, and is involving, rich and dense.

There’s real grace and splendour here, and dazzling imagination in storytelling, location and creature design. (Newcomers might want to wade into the “beginner’s primer” before starting.)

Aesthetically, it can’t be faulted, but gameplay might be too knotty for some: It’s bursting with animated cut-scenes, which is a sticking point for many, no matter how striking the graphics.

Quick-time events, another divisive element, are plentiful. And the combat is menu- based: you must choose the combat style, moves and even defences, from an extensive menu. It’s a rarity in today’s games; nuanced and sophisticated, but counter- intuitive for some gamers.

FF XIII-2asks a lot of its players, but it rewards patience, with a captivating, wonderfully presented narrative. As one character says, "lose yourself in the battle and rejoice".