Reviews for Square Enix’s latest iteration of the iconic Final Fantasy franchise began pouring in over the weekend – and feedback has been generally positive, much to the relief of long-time fans of the series who have been dealt some tough blows in recent years.

The game is being released for PS3 and Xbox 360 this week Friday, and it is currently perched on a reassuringly positive 80/100 Metacritic score. Here is what some of gaming’s most esteemed publications have had to say about it so far:

Machinima 9/10

Recommending Final Fantasy XIII-2 is an interesting proposition. If you don’t like menus and cutscenes, Final Fantasy XIII-2 won’t change your world view, because they’re still there. However if you, like me, have been waiting for a reason to like Final Fantasy again, this is it.  Read more

Official Xbox Magazine 9/10

FFXIII-2 repairs almost every problem with Final Fantasy XIII, delivering an experience that feels like what that original game should have been. If your faith in Final Fantasy has been damaged by past disappointment, playing FFXIII-2 will restore your excitement for the franchise’s future. Read more

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Eurogamer 8/10

For all its mechanical cleverness and forward-thinking design, Final Fantasy 13-2 is also convoluted, complicated and unfriendly to newcomers. In Square-Enix’s desperation to discover what its flagship series looks like in the modern world, what should be an interesting curio has been inflated to blockbuster proportions. Read more

IGN 8/10

Despite its severe lack of closure, Final Fantasy XIII-2 still deserves your time, especially for a few poignant moments set at the end of days. Read more

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Gameinformer 8.25/10

Progression is player-driven, combat is even more entertaining, and an array of other adjustments makes it one of my favorite RPGs from a mechanical perspective. I just want all of that integrated with a story that isn’t laughable and borderline insulting, and that’s where Final Fantasy XIII-2 falters. Read more

Computers and Videogames 7.7/10

An intriguing time-hopping concept hamstrung by substandard combat and unrefined level replays. Good, but not good enough. Read more

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Gamespot 7.5/10

Just remember to keep your expectations in check: Final Fantasy XIII-2 isn’t a timeless adventure in the grand tradition of the beloved series. But if you’re curious to see the next stage in this ongoing tale, there’s no reason you shouldn’t chase after Lightning. After all, she can’t defeat Caius without you. Read more

Joystiq 3/5

Ultimately, if Final Fantasy XIII took the series five steps back, Final Fantasy XIII-2 takes it one hesitant step forward. Features like non-linear dungeons, optional side quests and NPC-populated towns are wonderful and all, but they were RPG staples twenty years ago. While Final Fantasy XIII-2 does quite a bit to fix the mistakes of its predecessor, it does very little to stand out on its own merits. It’s enjoyable, but it’s also disappointing in many ways. Final Fantasy deserves better. Read more