The most overlooked Final Fantasy, mostly for the negative stigma we can all thank the Internet for. By thank I mean try not to think about it.

Long story short this is as close as we are going to get to Valkyrie Profile 3 (this and Exist Archive of course).

Face buttons for various attacks that are fully customizable. Attacks, blocks, dodges, all can have various properties (mobility, elemental, de/buffs etc.) together with the schemata i.e. Job system switchable on the fly at the press of a button. Each weapon and shield having its own 3d model (something I feel dumb for pointing out, but it is NOT something that is standard in action rpgs STILL).

It is easily the best combat system mainline FF has ever seen so far in my humble educated opinion.

Knowing the characters from previous games is helpful but the main story stands on its own almost completely. The setting is easily the most intriguing in recent memory, nihilistic, resigned, and at the twilight of its life, the immortal denizens offer some interesting sub stories and plots to follow.

Music is as we all should be used to by now, absolutely phenomenal. Themes from all three games, various arranges at key moments, dynamic music and cues during battle, all creating an immersive and exciting atmosphere.

Many people have a preconception when it comes to time limits, rest easy for LR gives you many tools how to work around it and it is not a complicated process at all. On my first guide-less playthrough I had 3 or 4 spare days after completing every single side quest.

TL;DR Amazing combat, robust aesthetic and build customization, decent post game, excellent soundtrack, dual audio (Sakamoto is essential to FF XIII trilogy).

It became my second favorite FF of all time. (Thanks Tri-ace! I know you did most of the work, even though square is taking the credit). Also, haven't you heard? Lightning is Sakamoto.