5 Games That Prove Final Fantasy Has Become Nothing More Than A Cash Cow

Exemplifies - Pointless DLC

We've already touched upon the concept of the pointless sequel, which is definitely something that Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII could be considered as given that it was the second follow-up to a game that didn't really deserve one, let alone two. Nevertheless, whilst Final Fantasy XIII-2 was arguably an improvement on its predecessor, Lightning Returns fell into the same distinctly average bracket.

Both games featured hefty amounts of downloadable content (DLC), which is another concept that has become prevalent in the gaming industry in recent years. Unlike micro-transactions, DLC is not universally despised and derided, given that carefully-crafted add-ons can add to what is an already comprehensive game.

Too many developers use it to make a quick buck, however, making players pay for content that should've been in the finished game in the first place or encouraging them to shell out for pointless gameplay additions that add nothing to the experience whatsoever.

Square-Enix haven't been innocent when it comes to this practice, offering additional storyline scenarios and optional bosses for Final Fantasy XII-2, alongside a handful of exclusively purchasable items and costumes. Lighting Returns ditched the former and focused solely on the latter, offering no fewer than eighteen different packs of clothing.

If only they'd focused as much on the gameplay as they had on letting players play dress-up with their main character (who has now inexplicably become a Louis Vuitton model), they might've wrapped up the trilogy in a dignified manner. Instead we got style over substance and a trio of games that undersold and underscored with critics.

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