Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII

The latest Final Fantasy is solid but not up to the series’ usual standard

Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII
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Publisher: Square Enix
Reviewed On: Playstation 3
Cert: 16
Available On: Playstation 3,Xbox 360

The enormous, apparently infinite Final Fantasy saga continues with Lightning Returns, another epic of conflict, religious allegories, and incredible hair. And, once again, there are extravagant visuals, a grandiose score and a dense sci-fi/fantasy story. It's the end of days, and the warrior Lightning is the unlikely saviour – "banisher or darkness, bringer of light" – who must save souls in the lead-up to the apocalypse. It's an action/role-player, with more traditional, third-person combat than in previous FF titles. There's also more than enough exploration, menus, weapon and character augmentations, and conversations with nonplayable characters. The combat is much more accessible and exciting than previously, but the RPG elements aren't quite so strong, with sometimes meandering storytelling and a cold lead character over its long running time. A new Final Fantasy game is always worth a look, but this may not be the best place to start.