What is Final Fantasy if not divisive? Arguably no game in the series is more divisive than Final Fantasy XIII (Square Enix, 2009). I didn't like it when I played it back then, but I've since spoken to a lot of people that really love it, which activated my "I need to see what they like about it" brain worm. So here we are! I'm also glad to have brought Jenny Windom back on board for the discussion. As always, no spoilers for a while- enjoy!

Guest info: Jenny Windom (she/her)

• Check out Geeks and Grounds https://www.geeksandgrounds.com/
• Check out Wholesome Games https://wholesomegames.com/
• Listen to The Indie Council https://theindiecouncil.carrd.co/
• Follow on Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/kimchica.bsky.social

TIMESTAMPS

• 0:00 Podcast Start
• 0:15 Introductions
• 6:50 Our Histories with FF13 and the Series
• 12:46 Top-Level Thoughts
• 21:30 World and Story Setup
• 29:48 Characters, Pacing and Hallways
• 44:12 Paradigm System and Combat
• 53:13 Side Quests and Crystarium
• 1:05:35 Art and World Design
• 1:16:08 Music
• 1:26:43 Who Should Play FF13?
• 1:31:40 Geeks & Grounds and all of Jenny's Work
• 1:37:30 Spoiler Wall and Patron Thank-Yous
• 1:39:42 Spoilers- Fang, Vanille and Backstory
• 1:50:40 Spoilers- Vanille & Sazh, Anger, Hope & Snow
• 2:19:25 Spoilers- Lightning, Fate, Duty and Free Will
• 2:41:03 Spoilers- Ending and Backstory

Music used in the episode is credited to Masashi Hamauzu unless otherwise noted. Tracks used: The Promise, Defiers of Fate, Blinded By Light, The Archylte Steppe, Saber's Edge, The Sunleth Waterscape, Lightning's Theme, Desperate Struggle, Battle Results

Check out Dave on NOLANerdcast https://www.youtube.com/@NOLAnerdcast

Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures

Support Tales from the Backlog