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Final Fantasy XIII-2 Director Talks About the Controversial Ending

More DLC is on the way to help explain what happens at the end.

Final Fantasy XIII-2 was intended to right the wrongs of its predecessor, and it did a pretty good job of that, even if it faltered in spots. One of those problem areas was with the game’s ending. We don’t like to spoil story here at PixlBit, but for this  news story it is necessary. For those already in the know (or curious parties that don’t mind spoilers), the controversial bit will appear after the jump.

Instead of wrapping up Serah and Noel’s time spanning adventure in a nice little bow, Final Fantasy XIII-2 ends with a confusing “To Be Continued” message. The story takes a dark turn in the final moments of the game, putting it on par with the endings of The Empire Strikes Back and The Matrix: Reloaded. The puzzling ending led to immediate speculation that there would be a Final Fantasy XIII-3, which was given further evidence when it was discovered that Square Enix has registered a URL for just that purpose.

At least some clarification was given at a recent stage event for the Taipei Game Show 2012. Director Motomu Toriyama stated that there were multiple reasons for the game ending the way it did. The most immediate reason stems from the “paradox endings” that can only be reached after completing the main story and turning back time to experience events in different ways. But beyond that, Toriyama talks of an aggressive DLC plan. He says his team is still working on the game, and the DLC that brings in Lightning as a party member (releasing tomorrow) is only the start. They have an entire story episode that revolves around Serah’s big sister in the works, with more content planned beyond that.


 

Comments

Our Take

Julian Titus Senior Editor

02/06/2012 at 08:35 PM

I didn't go into full detail in my review for spoiler purposes, but the ending of Final Fantasy XIII-2 was so infuriating that it made me lose any interest in doing the post-game content, which appears to be the opposite reaction it was supposed to ellicit. It factored into my final score for the game, and now that I realize that the "to be continued" ending is a ploy to drive DLC sales makes me even more angry.

I'm glad to see Square Enix taking steps towards DLC, as it can extend the life of an RPG, but this is the wrong way to do it. The game is already structured to allow for DLC easily without giving players an ending that pulls the rug out from under their feet.

Jon Lewis Staff Writer

02/06/2012 at 10:00 PM

Yeah, it doesnt seem that Square understands that DLC is supposed to be an add on, that serves to bring players back and provide something satisfying that can ultimately stand on its own. Games like Mass Effect i think fully grasp that concept, where the game itself is full and complete and the DLC's add extra stories that arnt necessary (save for Arrival) yet they are enjoyable. Sacraficing the story's cannonical ending because they want to add dlc is pretty dumb if you ask me.

Matt McLennan Staff Alumnus

02/07/2012 at 10:04 PM

I just want everyone to know of a game called Xenoblade Chronicles. Its coming out on Wii in April and it doesn't pull this bullshit.

Honestly, I think the only good Square Enix game that I played this generation and loved it was The World Ends With You. On the DS. I'm awaiting the sequal for 3DS S-E, but you pull this DLC BS on me, no sale.

Nick DiMola Director

02/07/2012 at 11:16 PM

I'm probably some sort of terrible human being, but I really love XIII and I'm super excited for XIII-2, so the thought of a XIII-3 makes me kind of excited. I know, awful, but whatever.

Jon Lewis Staff Writer

02/07/2012 at 11:42 PM

Yeah dont get me wrong, i was actually a fan of XIII and i do eventually want to play XIII-2. I still kinda dont like the idea of XIII-3 but eh.

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