Square Enix’s Final Fantasy series is one of the most iconic names in the gaming industry. Nearly every title is met with praise, and even after 16 mainline games, it is still going strong. Final Fantasy is known for its innovation, reinvention, and at times, controversy. Each mainline entry brings a distinct tone, world, narrative, and battle system that separates it from the others. Square Enix’s willingness to take risks and experiment with Final Fantasy has kept the franchise alive for more than three decades. Yet sometimes, these risks come at a cost, and some Final Fantasy games become a lightning rod for debate and criticism.
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While some Final Fantasy games have fallen short of the mark, one in particular was unjustly persecuted. Released during the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, this entry has been caught in the middle of the series’ most polarizing conversations. Even to this day, fans are split. One side praises it, while others dismiss it as a flashy misstep. Today, Final Fantasy 13 remains trapped on old consoles and is long overdue for a revival into the modern era.
Final Fantasy 13 Was Treated Unfairly
Final Fantasy 13 launched in 2009, four short years before the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One were released. It was the first mainline game in the series to jump to the PS4 and Xbox 360, and Square Enix’s work was evident in the new engine built specifically for Final Fantasy 13. It pushed the series’ graphics to unprecedented heights and crafted a combat system designed to blend cinematic spectacle with strategic depth. Yet, despite this, it is one of the most divisive games in the series.
The biggest critique, and what would prove to be Final Fantasy 13’s downfall, was its linearity. Unlike previous Final Fantasy games that opened with towns, side quests, and sprawling overworlds, Final Fantasy 13 funneled players through a series of areas, almost railroading them at times. Fans did not like this restrictive aspect and overlooked everything else the game had to offer. At this time, linearity was taboo, especially for a series that was celebrated for its freedom and sense of discovery.
The saddest part is that Final Fantasy 13 isn’t as linear as everyone believed. The beginning of the game was certainly on rails, but it did eventually open up. But by this point, players had written the game off and did not care to give it a second chance. Had they persevered through the opening linearity, they would have discovered a tight, emotional tale without distractions. In today’s age, when bloat plagues AAA gaming, Final Fantasy 13’s focus on pacing, character arcs, and cinematic storytelling would be celebrated, showing how ahead of its time it was.
Final Fantasy 13 Deserves a Remaster
More than a decade later, Final Fantasy 13’s absence from modern consoles remains a mystery. Square Enix has released nearly every other mainline Final Fantasy game from previous console generations. Even Final Fantasy Tactics is receiving a rerelease through Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles. So why is Final Fantasy 13 stranded on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3?
It is time for Final Fantasy 13 to receive a remaster or remake. Not only is it deserving of one, but it would give a chance to recontextualize the game for a new generation of players while providing fan service to long-time fans. Updated textures, faster load times, and modern quality-of-life improvements could help Final Fantasy 13’s strengths—combat, visuals, and music—shine brighter than ever.
What’s more, a remaster could ease some of the complaints the original launch had. New side content could alleviate the linearity, especially in the game’s beginning. Faster pacing between story beats and combat encounters could also mitigate this sense. More attention could be given to the incredible Paradigm battle system to make it easier for newcomers to grasp. This could fix Final Fantasy 13’s issues without erasing its DNA.
The most important thing, however, would be preserving Final Fantasy 13. Not only would it see the game brought to modern consoles, but it would also show the value of a turn-based Final Fantasy title. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 showed the genre is not dead. Final Fantasy 13 would be the perfect answer for Square Enix. The Paradigm system is an excellent combat system, and its influence can be seen in titles like Final Fantasy 15, Final Fantasy 7 Remake, and Final Fantasy 16.
There is much debate, but Final Fantasy 13 has to be considered for having one of the best stories in the series. Lightning is an outstanding protagonist and one of the most powerful beings in all of Final Fantasy. It also featured some of the most fascinating environments. Crystaline landscapes to futuristic landscapes perfectly capture the sci-fi fantasy vibe Square Enix loves to use. Even today, the art direction holds up remarkably well, and a remaster would bring its beautiful alien world to a wider audience.
Final Fantasy has always been about reinvention, moving forward while honoring the past. With Final Fantasy 13 locked on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, only PC players can experience it anymore. While it was dismissed at launch and for years afterward as a major misstep, time has allowed fans to reevaluate Final Fantasy 13 and recognize it as an overlooked gem.
Final Fantasy 13 remains one of Square Enix’s boldest and most misunderstood experiments. It broke tradition to emphasize cinematic storytelling and innovate Final Fantasy in ways players weren’t ready for yet. One could argue it led to the modern age of Final Fantasy ditching turn-based combat, possibly because of its reception. However, with the benefit of hindsight, Final Fantasy 13 was a risk worth taking, and one worth repeating.
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