Final Fantasy XIII-2

THE BUZZ: When Final Fantasy XIII-2 was announced as a continuation to Final Fantasy XIII, gamers were not surprised. After all, Square Enix made very public comments about the length and cost of production for FFXIII. Being able to use similar assets would allow them to release a game sooner, and at a lower cost. What may surprise gamers is a claim by Game Informer that says from its time with the game, Final Fantasy XIII-2 may not be the final entry either.

In its review, Game Informer clearly states that a sequel is “inevitable.” Not only does the game fail to wrap up certain story arcs, but according to the review the game even ends with a To Be Continued screen. Clearly, Square Enix has future plans for these characters.

EGM’s TAKE: Final Fantasy XIII is turning into a franchise within a franchise, much like Final Fantasy VII before it and not unlike Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed franchise. Being the Inception of video games hasn’t helped Ubisoft quiet disgruntled gamers with sequel fatigue, so we have to wonder if this gamble will be worth it for Square Enix. Sure, Lightning was a well loved character, but does she have the staying power for three games? As for Hope, at this point we’ll accept a Mass Effect 2 style spaceship explosion to end our time together.