The Beauty of Being Bad - Why Final Fantasy XIII was So Great Despite its Flaws

1/13/2023

Almost ten years ago, the gaming world was abuzz with excitement. After an unprecedented six year development period, Final Fantasy XIII had finally been released. But when gamers got their hands on it, the response was decidedly mixed. While some loved it for its innovative visuals and strategic gameplay, others found it to be too linear and story-focused. But despite all the criticism, one thing is certain — Final Fantasy XIII was so bad it was good.

For starters, there’s no denying that Final Fantasy XIII had a ton of flaws. Its battle system was criticized as being too easy and overly automated, while its linear storyline made exploration feel like a chore rather than a reward. Plus, its characters were often considered to be shallow, one-dimensional archetypes who lacked any real sense of depth or complexity.

But despite these issues, there’s still something about Final Fantasy XIII that appeals to gamers—something that makes it stand out from other games in the series. Perhaps it’s the game's unique visual style or its memorable soundtrack—both of which are arguably among some of the best in the franchise's history. Or maybe it’s just the fact that despite all its flaws, Final Fantasy XIII still manages to remain an enjoyable experience from start to finish.

The game also managed to capture lightning in a bottle by introducing players to Lightning—arguably one of the most beloved characters in Final Fantasy history. She’s strong-willed and determined but also vulnerable and complex—a perfect foil for her companions who often find themselves struggling against insurmountable odds. And while her story may have been predictable at times, she still managed to capture players' hearts with her never-fading determination and courage in a time of great darkness.

All in all, while many people might consider Final Fantasy XIII to be a “bad” game due to its flaws and criticisms, there’s no denying that it holds a special place in many gamers' hearts for introducing us to Lightning and other beloved characters as well as providing us with hours upon hours of enjoyment with its unique visuals and soundtrack. So if you haven't experienced this classic yet (or even if you have!), why not give it another try? You might be surprised by what you find!