The latest instalment in the highly praised Final Fantasy franchise is the most adult game in the series so far, and it is no longer a game for children.

In ”Final Fantasy XIII” you play as the female ex-soldier Lightning. She wants to save innocent people from being sent to Pulse, a dangerous underworld. On your way you’ll meet many different characters. You can play as some of them, while others are mere companions that help you on your way. Still, every person you meet is important and you’ll need to use their skills in battles that have to be won in order to complete your mission.

The battles are very advanced and you need to think strategically. You have to choose between different sorts of attacks, defences and battle formations several times during a single battle. You also have to keep your companions alive. If one of your companions is killed during battle, you can choose between continuing with one companion less, or bring in a new one. If the character you play dies, you lose the battle. If you lose you can start over, and you have the possibility to try again as many times as you want.

When you strike your enemies blood is never shown, and when they die they disappear in a black cloud. In order to defeat stronger enemies you have to upgrade your character’s abilities, as well as the abilities of your companions. This is done via a “Crystalarium”, in which you use points earned by winning battles to upgrade the different characters’ strength, speed, magic, health or by providing them with brand new abilities. You can choose between several hundred abilities, but make your choices wisely. Not every ability is available at all times.

Your companions are usually key persons in the development of the plot, and all of them have their own personality and purpose. They can give you advice if you are uncertain what to do.

The playability of ”Final Fantasy XIII” is impressive. Everything is very well made, but the game is very difficult. The story is complex and is explained in a way that might be hard to understand. You have to read several pages of text to fully understand the plot. If you just play the main missions, you will be able to play for at least 50 hours, and if you include the side missions the total gaming time increases by many, many hours.

The graphics in this game is amazing. The animation is impressive, and every scenery seems magic and alive. The music is among the best game music ever made. The Final Fantasy franchise is famous for its excellent music, and this might be their masterpiece.

Child suitability:
But: No matter how well ”Final Fantasy XIII” is made, this is a far too difficult and an unsuitable game for children. You need advanced skills in logic and strategic thinking. The game also contains quite a lot of violence. Even though your enemies disappear in a black cloud when they are defeated, this is still depicted in a violent way. In addition, you often encounter large monsters and move through eerie surroundings that are quite scary. There is also some bad language. However, it must be said that this is not among the most brutal games in its genre, and it can be played by children from 16 years of age.

Level of difficulty:

3-16 years: Under the age limit

16+: This is a very difficult game, but it is extremely well made and has been described as a dream for role playing game enthusiasts.

Suggested age: Suitable for children from 16 years.

Format: PlayStation 3

PEGI: 16+, violence

Our Assessment: Not recommended