7. Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII
Platform: PS3, 360 Final Fantasy XIII may have been the most controversial big budget video game of the seventh generation. While it certainly had its fair share of support, the game was largely derided by long time fans of the seminal series for its linearity and its emphasis on style over substance. The game looked beautiful and did have an interesting battle system, but it was difficult to deny that the game was missing that heart that has historically made Final Fantasy such a beloved series. The game's direct sequel, Final Fantasy XIII-2, looked to a make improvements in both the battle system and allowing more freedom in the game, and was successful to a degree at both. Yet, fans have still been unsatisfied with this new direction and universe. With Lightning Returns, SquareEnix is controversially returning yet again to the world of Final Fantasy XIII to conclude the story of protagonist Lightning as well as the events of game's universe. And once again, they're looking to shake up the formula of the game significantly in order to address issues players had with the previous games. This time, players will solely be controlling Lightning, discarding the party-based system of the previous two games. The game will also be adopting an open-world format, allowing Lightning much more freedom in deciding how to accomplish tasks. She will now be able to visit various towns, talk to NPC's and accept side quests. The battle system will be fusing the turn-based elements of the previous games' paradigm system with a real time action system, creating a game that will play much more like an action RPG than ever before. The biggest curiosity, however, is the new time limit that will be imposed, giving the player a certain amount of days (with each day measured by an in-game hour) to complete the game, and allowing players to extend time allotment only by completing certain quests. It's a bold decision, and it will be fascinating to see how the game is received when it is released in early 2014. Whether you loved or hated Square's new direction for Final Fantasy during the seventh generation, Lightning Returns looks like it will be a game to pay attention to, for better or for worse.