Common Sense Media Review
By Marc Saltzman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Gorgeous fantasy RPG with combat & some suggestive scenes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
Final Fantasy XIII
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 9 parent reviews
Based on 30 kid reviews
Kids say the game features a linear plot and a somewhat weak story compared to other entries in the series, but many enjoy its engaging gameplay and stunning graphics. While suitable for older tweens and teens, some mention its violence, mild profanity, and suggestive themes, making it a mixed experience for younger players.
- linear plot
- stunning graphics
- mild profanity
- suitable for older kids
- mixed reviews
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's It About?
If you can get past the irony of a thirteenth \"Final Fantasy\" game -- not to mention dozens of offshoots over the years -- Square Enix's latest cinematic epic is ready for action. Available on both high-definition consoles at launch (for the first time), FINAL FANTASY XIII focuses heavily on a moon called Cocoon, once a floating utopia, but now a target of the hostile fal'Cie from the seedy lowerworld. The combat-heavy mechanics should be familiar to fans of past games, though new features have been added including the ability to execute numerous commands in a single turn, the summoning of creatures (called Eidolons), and support for a specialized party of fighters (commando, medic, and so on).
Is It Any Good?
Yes, especially for longtime fans of the series. Final Fantasy XIII once again brings together the talents of producer Kitase Yoshinori, director Motomu Toriyama, character designer Tetsuya Nomura, and art director Isamu Kamikokuryo, to deliver a stunningly deep and breathtakingly beautiful role-playing game that plays out more like an interactive movie -- complete with orchestrated soundtrack and the theme song "My Hands" by Leona Lewis. The modified turn-based battle mechanic should also please veterans as it provides more freedom and tactical options during gameplay.
The game, however, is quite linear, which might disappoint those looking to roam in this gorgeous fantasy world. But this ambitious single-player adventure features an interweaving storyline, new characters, and tweaked battle mechanics that should excite and delight Final Fantasy enthusiasts and RPG fans alike.
Platform Note: Both versions of the game play and look the same.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about whether they like a game with so many non-interactive sequences. As with many other Final Fantasy games, do you like all the mini-movies designed to help push the story along or would you rather play without the cutscenes that break up the action? What do you prefer? Or did the developers do a decent job balancing the two?
Game Details
- Platforms : PlayStation 3 , Xbox 360
- Pricing structure :
- Available online? : Not available online
- Publisher : Square Enix
- Release date : March 9, 2010
- Genre : Role-Playing
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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