14. Final Fantasy XIII-2 (2011)

Much like Final Fantasy X-2 before it, Final Fantasy XIII-2 feels like a reaction to criticism of its predecessor. From quality-of-life changes like allowing you to switch characters after your primary one is knocked out (instead of getting a game over), structural changes like letting you have more freedom over when you go to different areas, and investing hard in the lore it glossed over in the first game, the sequel clearly wants to make up for its predecessor’s perceived failings. In a lot of ways, it succeeded. Final Fantasy XIII-2 is a much more lighthearted, experimental version of an already experimental game.

But despite all those changes, I think what makes Final Fantasy XIII-2 feel special is that it brings the emotional crux of the trilogy into focus (no pun intended). With a smaller cast, XIII-2 solidifies that these games aren’t really about these larger-than-life conflicts, but about two sisters separated by time and space, fighting for the chance to be together once again. XIII-2 makes Serah, Lightning’s sister, a heroine in her own right, where she was once just a crystalized afterthought in a larger war. In a series that has been pretty male-centric recently with Final Fantasy XV and XVI, the XIII games’ story of sisterhood stands out as a differentiating factor alongside all the other swings these games took. — Kenneth Shepard

Read More: Final Fantasy XIII-2: The Kotaku Review