Final Fantasy 13-2 is the continuation of Final Fantasy 13 and the Final Fantasy Fabula Nova Crystallis series. The story continues right where it left off from the ending of Final Fantasy 13. However, many things have changed, first off Lightning (Final Fantasy 13 main character) is in a mysterious place, then you are introduced to the antagonist of the story Cauis, and then other characters like Noel and Serah then ensue. I don't really like spoilers, so I’m going to keep the story to a minimum. But from what you can already tell from the trailers, Noel and Serah have to go travel in time to save the future so the human race doesn't become extinct. You're never told how the human race becomes extinct, but for some reason, there will be nobody left.
     Final Fantasy 13-2 has an amazing battle system, much like the one in 13, 13-2 has an upgraded battle system where the command gauge fills up faster, and battles become more strategic. Instead of just sitting back and hitting "auto attack" like in 13, 13-2 tests how quickly you can respond to enemies attacking you. Another new feature of the battle system is the "wound" mechanism, this allows you to make an enemy’s HP (health points) lower so that when they try and cure themselves, they have less HP to cure. However, enemies can induce "wound" on your party members as well, so be careful. Another great new feature is the ability to have monsters joins your party. At first I was a little skeptical about how this would all work out, but in the end it was just like having a human party member there and the great part about it, the monsters don't know talk as much! Leveling up your characters is pretty much the same like in 13, except for your monsters you have to find special items that will help them level up, these items could level up the creatures HP, or AP (attack points), and the possibilities are endless.
     The graphics in 13-2 are candy to the eyes. The bright and gorgeous graphics Square Enix puts into this game comes out looking like one of the best Final Fantasy's off all time. Of course there will be a frame rate problem here and there, but mostly the game flows with the updated graphics pretty well. I wish they would have had more CGI cut scenes in the game, but you can't always get what you want.
     The music in 13-2 is the best I’ve heard from a Final Fantasy game ever. Even if you are the most uptight person when it comes to game music, you will find yourself humming along to the music in no time. Eventually, if you stay in a certain area too long the music can get kind of repetitive, but luckily Square tries to counter this by adding new battle music every time you go into a battle.
     Final Fantasy 13-2 is a great improvement from 13. There are more open spaces to explore, monsters to find, and extra quests to finish. All-in-all if you want to beat 13-2 in its entirety, it will take you at least 60 hours. And that's just if you want to finish the game that's on the disc. Square Enix is currently updating new DLC (Downloadable Content) to the Xbox Live store so you can get new bosses, new clothes, and new episodes. Don't get upset in the main game when the story doesn't end to your liking, there are eight possible different endings to this game, and it's your job to find all of them! Only then will the true ending be unlocked. If I had to rate this game on a number scare, Final Fantasy 13-2 would get a 9/10! 
    

Recommended: Yes