Give Final Fantasy’s Most Underrated Game a Second Chance in 2025

As a devoted enthusiast of the Final Fantasy series, I’ve always made it a point to explore each entry within the franchise. This includes titles that have not enjoyed universal acclaim or have been criticized for their design choices. Among these titles, I believe it’s time to reassess Final Fantasy 13, which I consider an undervalued treasure that deserves a second look.

An Overview of Final Fantasy 13

The narrative of Final Fantasy 13 centers on a diverse group of characters united by a common goal to challenge the oppressive regime of Sanctum. Set in Cocoon, a floating utopia, the story unfolds against the backdrop of a purge orchestrated against those marked by contact with the malevolent Pulse Fal’Cie. The government perceives Pulse as a malignant force, taking extreme measures to rid Cocoon of any perceived threats. Consequently, the protagonists emerge as rebels, striving to oppose the unjust actions of Sanctum.

Understanding the Linear Structure of Final Fantasy 13

Why Linearity is Essential

Final Fantasy XIII, Lightning navigating the hallways

Final Fantasy 13’s initial gameplay experience bears resemblance to the early portion of Final Fantasy 7 Remake, where characters find themselves targeted by the authorities of their surroundings. While Midgar serves as the setting in FF7, the equivalent for FF13 is Cocoon. Many players have expressed dissatisfaction with the perceived linearity of the game during its Cocoon segment. However, this structure is not only warranted by the narrative context, but it also sets the stage for an effective tutorial experience.

Characters face relentless pursuit from Sanctum’s forces, which renders exploration limited as they navigate a world where they are on the top of the government’s wanted list. This intentional design choice serves dual purposes: advancing the plot and allowing players to familiarize themselves with the game’s mechanics.

Progressing Beyond Linearity in Final Fantasy 13

Discovering Pulse and Beyond

Despite its linear beginnings, Final Fantasy 13 quickly evolves, especially upon reaching the expansive world of Pulse. Future titles in the trilogy also initiate with a more open-style gameplay that provides players with greater freedom to explore. While they don’t adhere to a fully open-world format, players benefit from enhanced exploration opportunities beyond straightforward pathways.

In Final Fantasy 13-2, the shift in protagonist introduces a different feel, providing a slightly less open-world experience compared to the latter sections of FF13. However, I appreciate the design choices that allow for frequent travel between various locations, especially given the series’ focus on time travel mechanics. Therefore, while the world appears limited, it effectively harmonizes with the narrative’s demands.

A Content-Rich Trilogy

Engaging Journeys with Lightning and Serah

The length of gameplay can vary widely based on the player’s style and engagement with side quests. On average, completing the trilogy’s main narrative will take approximately 110 hours. However, if you delve into side content and exploration, expect to invest around 150 hours for a full experience.

While it may not top the charts for longest gameplay time across the franchise—especially when compared to the extensive nature of Final Fantasy 14—it still offers enough content to build a strong connection with the characters, particularly Lightning and Serah. The combat system allows for strategic depth, enabling players to choose between utilizing game mechanics or leveraging their creativity to succeed.

Graphics and Gameplay Remain Relevant

Timeless Visuals

Protagonist Lightning from Final Fantasy 13 holding a weapon while sitting on a white couch.

Originally released in 2009, Final Fantasy 13 maintains impressive graphics and gameplay that standup by today’s standards. Known for its groundbreaking visuals, the Final Fantasy franchise has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible with the hardware of its time. Moreover, controls feel intuitive, comparable to modern gaming standards.

Accessibility has also improved significantly, with digital platforms like Steam providing PC ports that allow easy access to the trilogy. While technical discrepancies can exist with ports, my experience using them was largely positive, with few issues encountered after adjustments were made to my settings.

Despite facing considerable criticism upon its release, Final Fantasy 13 offers a uniquely crafted experience not as dire as its reception suggests. The initial linear format serves a practical purpose, and as the story unfolds, players will discover vast, immersive gameplay. While it may not achieve the iconic status of titles like Final Fantasy 7, it certainly merits a renewed exploration and appreciation.

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