It's too bad that hard mode is locked behind ng+, because the build options are a lot more interesting. With ng+ stats it ends up being easier than a first play on normal, though.
An insane video game, in which Lightning grapples with PTSD while trying to save a mostly despondent society from a Majora's Mask"esque" doomsday clock scenario. I don't expect this thing to ever be canonized, but I love it. Very pertinent themes.
yeah I think I can appreciate a flawed batshit game that shoots for the stars more than a bland game with less flaws. This is a far more memorable experience than most JRPGs out there.
I'm in the middle of this game after starting the trilogy about 5 months ago. What a damn ride. The strange plotting (starting in XIII-2, as the first game is in fact coherent and cohesive) is a constitutive element.
wtf is she wearing on the cover? that has to be one of the worst female character wardrobe designs I've ever seen. the weird-ass corset, the shiny skin-tight breast-covering turtleneck, the white umm fabric hanging from her waist with some leather zippered... things..., the half-armored arms. fucking hell. girl wears kneecaps but couldn't be bothered to cover her groin outside of some spandex.
as a throwback/celebration of the series, I prefer this to Final Fantasy IX.
side-quest and world building galore.