Ranking The Final Fantasy 13 Trilogy - Which One is The Best 

I agree 1000%. For me XIII-2 is the best in the trilogy and definitely one of the best FF titles, even if only because of how fun it is to play. The OST is amazing and Caius, Serah and Noel are some of my favorite videogame characters ever. I need SE to announce a remaster of this trilogy for new gen consoles ASAP.

👏NOEL👏 IS 👏 SO👏 UNDERRATED👏

This is a question I like asking fans of this trilogy, because they always give great answers explaining why whichever game is their favourite, like you yourself have done. As a whole, the trilogy is tied together extremely well, but each game comes with a distinct flavour that's sure to resonate with fans in some way or another. So, I may not agree with their overall ranking, but I fully understand where they're coming from. That's typically what trilogies are like. That's what Final Fantasy is like-or should be. Most people like debating on which game in the trilogy is the best, but choose not to participate, for the most part. I like looking at the trilogy as a whole, since the games either elevate or add some retrospect to one another. Each game can stand on its own, yes, but they're also a part of something bigger, and some people forget that, it seems. That said, I do have a favourite. Great video. And thanks for turning down that music drowning you out. That was quick.

Lightning Returns.

Great video as always! It's been a while since I had time to watch one and I need to catch up. I definitely know which channel I am binging during my winter break 😉 My personal order puts them in chronological order for the exact reason you mentioned in the subjective section at the end. OG FF13 is what made me fall in love with the world and its characters. Each game afterwards really divorced itself from the foundation that its predecessors established. FF13-2 is great but for half the time I felt like I was playing an alternative universe spinoff instead of a direct sequel set in the same world. Which isn't a bad thing, but I feel that time travel really hindered the plot since there was no way to do things like going back to when Cocoon was still prospering or the "War of transgression" that is central to the plot but never mentioned outside of 2 cutscenes and datalogs which means we couldn't flesh out the pasts of our OG cast. But the ending of 13-2 was still pretty good, I have never felt more hoodwinked in my life. I am still not over the fact that were making it happen the whole time. Gameplay wise, I think FF13-2 handled the battle system perfectly. Nothing more to say there, the whole trilogy could have followed its example and just kept refining this battle system Lightning Returns is a great game but feels like its own standalone thing with how distant it feels from the source material, which is really my only problem with the game. The rest is fine, the music is stellar and the battle system is fine once you get used to it (or download the DLC and wreck everyone on normal mode). In general, I feel this trilogy is the one that needed a prequel instead of a sequel the most out of any other game. That way we could see more of our OG cast and be invested in the world of Fabula Nova Chrysalis. The datalogs and Fal'Cie make it sound like we missed out on a badass war of the Gods with Man trapped in the middle. People feared L'Cie for a reason, I want to see why that is. Who went absolutely ham with their powers? We know from the Ci'eth stones that not everyone was a misunderstood and sympathetic character like our main cast. Hell give me a Fang, Vanille, and Caius game with them as the MCs set before the main story, since it is pretty much implied they were all around at the same time but from different villages/factions. It would give me a reason to care that cocoon falls and Pulse was essentially genocided or that Caius has been suffering for millennia. It would give Bhunivelze a reason to appear before the final game and not out of nowhere. With what little we got its hard to be invested. I felt like siding with the main villain of FF13 on several occasions because Cocoon seemed like a bunch of a-holes that deserved it, so who cares if it falls. I agree the villain is bland but that's likely because he is exhausted and we missed out on what led him to this point of being done with it all. They had something cooking with the first game but took a hard detour for some reason

I'm glad you feel the same way about the world and lore of FFXIII. I get the complaints about the data logs but once I got into the habit of reading them every so often, I got really engrossed in the game's universe. I really love the story and setting in this game. I like the sequels but they do kind of take away from the main game itself. They kind of recontextualize the original game too much when I think the first one can stand alone just fine.

This is a really good video, it's cool to see someone talking about the 13 trilogy. Like, and it's the fact I was also watching these videos of yours as I was going thru them, that was also kinda cool too lol. Once I got going, I blew right thru the trilogy and wasn't even trying to the point some stuff I'm just not thinking of or can recall from some segments of the games cuz of how fast I blew thru it and cuz of how much I really enjoyed Lightning Returns. Which might be weird, but literally, that's what happened lol and idk if that's happened to anyone else playing any kind of game. I really enjoyed this trilogy overall tho. I think if I was to rank them right now, it'd be Lighting Returns, XIII2 then 13. I'd probably have to sit on it for a bit and sit and think about that but that's more than likely how I'd rank them. But overall, I loved the trilogy and can say with confidence, Lightning Returns is my favorite. I liked the characters and the world of Lightning Returns. And I liked the time mechanic for the world. It gives you a sense of urgency almost, to make you feel like Lightning trying to rush and save as many people as you can. And tbh, I liked how it ends with Lightning defeating a god and basically becoming one. That was cool, showcasing how powerful she's gotten over the trilogy, and Lightning as a character was great in my opinion. Next to Cloud, she might be my favorite in the Final Fantasy series if not, my literal favorite, and idk why, just something about Lightning, she's just awesome. If at some point they returned to this world of Final Fantasy with Lightning and them, that'd be cool I think, but honestly, leaving it on its own would be probably the smartest way to do things.

Please explain to me, how I look at your videos. Enjoy them so much thinking I’ve found someone who’s got several hundred thousand subs. To find you have 2k. You’ve got a big future here, your content is set out fantastically. I’ve genuinely gotten back into wanting play these games again, I go on Spotify to listen to the music as well. Ff13 is my favourite game of all time and you’ve made me want to play it again for like the 10th time

Your Final Fantasy 'Worth Playing' series was one of my most enjoyed content on RU-vid this year! Looking forward to your next videos: is there any plan to do one for FFX-2 ?

Thank you for the vid. Please clarify something for me. Is there an overarching narrative that makes this a "trilogy" or is it just the characters and battle systems? I was putting off these games because taking ~20 hours for a game to be exciting is kind of a deal breaker, but seeing your vids kinda made me think that playing through all 3 games and seeing them as one big game make those 20 hours worth it. But then you say the world/lore etc is different on each game. If the stories are disconnected then damn :(

Your “About” section mentions watching your other channels but doesn’t mention them. So what other channels do you have? I love your content would definitely be interested in more.

Great video all your videos made me buy some final fantasy's just gotta make some time for them.

I love that this showed up in my feed 13 hours after you posted it lol

i am in a bit of a predicament, all 3 games are on sale on steam…should i purchase all 3 games now or just get ff13 and wait for the next 2 to go on sale in case i dont enjoy ff13?

I love all 3. It’s hard for me to rank. But the impact of the original on me as a kid can’t even be touched by the other too. I love the combat systems and stories so much

love this video! been behind on my FF playthroughs so you helped me realize that I shall: - Finish FFXIII - Complete FFXV - Complete FFVI - Complete FFVII Remake - Purchase FFVII Rebirth hopefully by the time I get to the last bit there, the final part three of VII comes out :)

id agree with this assessment, yes. personally i think 13-2 is one of the rare games who did (most of) their dlc correctly.

I agree with this placement, I will say the first one is my favorite because I am a big lightning fan but I will XIII-2 is superior in everyway, I really enjoyed, I do wish during halfway through the game the third party member should've been Lightning, even temporary because them being sisters. Also Caius was an amazing antagonist, Noel was great. Lightning Returns I forced myself to play because every complaint you had for it I had. I hated feeling rushed and the combat system I couldn't get the hang of it and I loved the old ATB way too much. I beat it and was very happy to see the unification between the everything but I give it a 5/10. I wouldn't mind seeing Lightning in future FF's again such a cool a character, plus it was criminal those PS3's never got released outside of Japan.

no wayyyyyy, for me lightning return is the best final fantasy game of all time

For the 'Final Fantasy Feeling' I'll also include the Iconic vilain Wich is Absent of XIII but is absolutly present in XIII-2 (Caïus being the favorite of many) Overall I agree, XIII-2 is great, XIII is good even with it's flaws. (I won't juge XIII-3 as I wasn't able to finish it. Maybe one day if/when I start the whole trilogy again)

For me Lightning Returns is the best in the trilogy and also my number one game of all time. I think it goes likes this for me 3: FF13 2: FF13-2 1: LRFF13 They are all so close and it was hard to choose between the first two. FF13 was my first FF game I was old enough to beat. The Music in these games is the best music I ever heard in my life. Especially Lightning Returns.

Huh I guess people don't like the battle-system in LR, I personally loved the change and customization the game had. Definitely my favorite battle + equipment system of all time. Farming stats and upgrading different weapons was fun as well. But then again I love the whole trilogy, it doesn't deserve the hate it gets. Edit: As much as I love the story in LR, I have to admit, the ending cringed me a bit, but aside that, the main story was really great.

This a solid review, I love the FFXIII as it was the very first final fantasy game I ever played and I can see the pacing can turn people away

I pretty much agree with this video 100% and im still holding out hope that one day this game will get the ffx/x-2 treatment

I think that you should have simply played how you wanted to play instead of going for a "perfect" playthrough. Save that for the NEW Game +. Like Persona 5. It is not fun forcing yourself to play a certain way. Because I promise. you have enough time to explore everything in Lightning Returns and not feel rushed, the world is not that big actually. But I understand some players won't know that or won't feel comfortable. But I think the majority of players play faster than me anyway. I am someone that runs around and does nothing a lot. I love the time limit, it adds the the game and I like picking certain days to do things. Also why I love games like Persona 5. On your Second and third playthrough you can easily and quickly do every side quest.

While I disagree with a few arguments I also think that FF13-2 is the Best Part of the FF13 Trilogy

Never really played any of them except for a few hours of ffxiii but the one with the chocobo death metal song gets my vote

I love xiii-2 my favorite ff game Also noel and serah are definitely my favorite main characters

I loved combat in LR! But it is quite disconnected from 13-2

What I always tell my friends is: If you like more engaging reactionary combat play lightning returns, If you want to get lost in a amazing fantasy world, play the first one, and if you're under the influence, play the second one and you won't regret it.

I love all Final Fantasy 13! for me are to amazing , all.

By the way, the ending of the trilogy is spoiled at the 2:30 mark.

Playing through 13 rn cause of your videos

It’s a shame that nobody gave FF13-2 a fair shot because everyone told them 13 is “too linear” because it’s better in every way.

FF13-2s biggest win? Good villain, imo

Final Fantasy 13 and 13-2 In my mind.

My ranking is 1st FFXIII 2nd LRFFXIII 3rd FFXIII-2

13 2 is the best

It's here! It's finally here! Yes! Give me more of that delicious FF13 video content! -- 8:00 "How could you say something so controversial yet so brave!?" You didn't have to reveal this universal fact to the masses...but I'm glad you did. I worked so HARD to get certain ones, one being the DLC physical Sabateur with the glasses. I fought her so many times to unlock ger that I literally had it down to a formula and went from 11 minutes battles to around 5. I liked the "actually battling alongside your captured monsters" feel of it so much. And Serah going, "What a good boy!" when your monster gets a final blow (hilarious when it's a tonberry) has lived in my head at least once a month since the game came out.

I really love Final Fantasy XIII, Lightning is my favorite character from any video game, I even have a tattoo of her 🤓

3 is much better than 1. Are you serious? 1 is barely interactive. I would not even call it a game. 😂😂😂

FF13 for me was 2nd/3rd . Only positives I had was the soundtrack and cinematic cutscenes. They didn’t really make use of the battle system except for a few fights, side missions , and turtles. 13-2 had almost NO cinematic cutscenes. The 3 party battle was underrated. More strategic with who you chose for the third. Story was okay with the ending twist. I could turn it on right now and have a good ol fight vs Gilgamesh . Lightning Returns I could agree with you on everything. The fighting was different but fun. Nothing memorable . Just remember waiting till the sun went down 😂. I like that some songs too.

Man I started playing FFXIII on PS3 way back, got a good few hours into it and couldn't stand it. Yeah it was so linear and overwrought to me with characters and situations that I didn't care about, and felt kind of gaudy (like lacking artistic inspiration, although that was more present in the music). Having played through all other mainline FFs at that point, it was the first one I quit and never went back to. IDK if I'll go back and give it another shot. Great video though. It almost makes me want to give it another try.

I have to say, 13-2 is my favorite. I enjoyed how the story worked and definitely liked the cliff hanger at the end. Was really hoping for a good finale in 13-3... but then we get Lightning Returns and I'm like WTF is this. Doesn't feel like a proper continuation of the story. Also really hated the Majora's Mask time system and having to fight the final boss on NG+ was stupid. I thought 13-1 was a bit meh. It is on rails, your party is on auto pilot.

Just started the video and i was gonna wait to see but the comments spoiled me lol anyways i agree XIII-2 was the one XIII game i actually loved mostly because of Caius and Noel if they had been on OG XIII i would have liked it much more and i always wanted to play as Caius or Noel in XIII-LR but it wasn't meant to be and it wasn't such a bad finale for the trilogy for the most part

I have a bit of a different opinion. To me, while XIII is the most beautiful one of them, there's so many aspects of the design of the game that makes it the only of the three games that makes me have a headache after playing it for a while: 1 - You can't escape battles. 2 - There are a set of items that makes you invisible (that's the only way to avoid battles in most of the game) but those items are not sold anywhere else so once you run out of them (there's 5 I think), you're stuck with battling every single battle. 3 - There;s a level cap, so every battle no matter what will take the longest time possible because you can't level up more besides that cap. 4 - They split your party so often during the chapters, it's very annoying. Sometimes it takes too long for you to finish battles because of how slow it is to kill certain enemies. 5 - To get all cristariums to level max you will spend more than 300 hours grinding. 6 - There are this annoying animation when you first do a paradigm shift that if you're battling the wrong battle, you will die during that phase. So the best thing would be to do a paradigm shift right away, just to be sure you'll be able to quickly do it on the spot. 7 - Since most of the game happens on tight corridors, it's impossible to avoid battles, especially the most annoying of them. 8 - Since the game is mostly linear corridors, on some very lengthy dungeons, you will get bored. 9 - The Jog speed in FF13 is abysmally slow, even by avoiding any battles it will still take the longest time for you to navigate through some places. 10 - Since you can't level up more than a specific cap, you will be forced on some very lengthy battles in the middle to end game too. 11 - Youc an't change leaders in battle, you're forced to control only one character and if he dies it's game over. Apart from the corridors and boring level design of dungeons, (the game may be beautiful but we can't actually explore it, and if trying to go to the few items you can get you'll end up battling some annoyingly long battles) if Square had issued some patches to add more treasures with the items that can hide your character so you can skip battles, removed the level cap and added a dash option so we could run FASTER, and maybe a ESCAPE button in battles, and removed the damn annoying paradigm shift animation where I have to see each character posing for the camera, and of course the fact that you have to choose one to be the leaser and let the rest to be controlled by AI, I'm sure they would made 13 a better experience. I also thing it was a big mistake to make Pulse literally a beautiful but empty wasteland devoid of people. It was the only change to make us interact with NPCs but instead we can only interact with statues, it's boring again. And by that point, a fast travel method would clearly help a lot. To me, 13-3 Lightining Returns is the... Middle ground. It's horrible, graphicwise it looks like an unfinished game, as if Square released it before it was finished, cutting production in half of the time just because they wanted to be over with 13 and move on all resources to 15. IF 13 is beautiful even for today's standard, LR feels like a very rushed concept, and I hate it. But it's better than 13 for me exactly because it's more freeing. You can run around, you can battle at your own pace, you can flee battles, you can DASH. Yes, there's a fucking clock and I hate it too, but frankly, besides the clock, mechanic-wise, the Gameplay of LR is BETTER than 13, while the gRaphics and Story of 13 are better than LR. However, since the design choices and mechanics of 13 always gives me headache because of how limiting it is, and how slow it makes the entire game be (Really, it feels like if they had done the changes I mentioned, that would cut at least 20 hours out of that game), I end up liking LR more. I WISH there was some modders out there that had ported some of the textures from 13, and 13-2 to replace some of them on LR. Yes the world is ending, but that's not an excuse for the rocks and ground and folliage to look like they have no depth and were removed from a PS2 era game and placed on LR instead. XIII-2 I agree, it's the best version. I love how battle is faster and more freeing. I love how you can build your character the way you want and are not limited to level caps. I love that you can get monsters and level them up. I love how beautiful the game is and how many different timelines you can get on, even if it makes no sense sometimes. I also love how the game actually lets you explore too. The jog speed is a pain in the ass, but at least the battle system feels FASTER, and the enemies don't take like 5- 7 minutes to die like in 13. To me, personally, it's a shame that the only game were we do NOT control Lightning AT ALL, is the best game of the series. And LR could have been an incredible game, if they had given it more time to cook and yes, given more depth to the original combat system instead of creating a whole new one. So for me, From worst to best: 13, LR and 13-2. I still have a copy of 13-2 with me here, with two manuals actually. I really love the game. EVen if I don't have a PS3 anymore. Note: I also hate that to play 13-2 on PC you NEED mods. Square just abandoned the games there and 13-2 WILL crash if you don't mod it. Simple as that.

There's a best?

I agree 💯 with your assessment of the 13 trilogy pretty much everything you said was right but there's no chance in hell that 13 will ever be better than 13-2 Hope sucks ass

Well, when looking at it objectively, yes, XIII-2 is a better game. It's also overflowing with a bunch of needless gimmicks and a half-baked story. Good villain, but it seems like his story really isn't priority among everything else. And it really does suck this sequel to happen, they had to sabotage XIII's great ending. And Lighting Returns is prolly the most obligated RPG to exist for me. The whole thing screams budget & crunch.

It's a tie. they all lose.

"objectively"..... You mean subjectively, please learn English, and PLEASE stop saying objectively non-stop with improper usage, Jesus Christ this hurts my brain, it's ALL subjective!! Also I think 13 is better than 13-2, more challenging use of battle mechanics, far more difficult end game by comparison, much more complex battle mechanics and well made fights that require the complexity, as a whole honestly, overall a better experience. 13-2 great, but was too short, and the story is pretty damn lame all things considered, severely limited in paradigms due to only having 3 roles in final slot, no challenging end game, boring lvl system with bad pacing in regards to leveling.