Very interesting ideas, but also some weaknesses

after nearly durchgezocktem weekend with Lightning Returns - Final Fantasy 13 (hereinafter: LR), I would like to sometimes write your own review.
Before I go into the game, I want to mention that I do not compare this game with the old Final Fantasy games since Square Enix has widely adopted by actually typical RPG. Personally, I would also like once again had a classic RPG á la Final Fantasy VII, VIII or X, but sei`s drum.
I see more than LR Adventure with RPG elements and rate this also fully self contained.

I'm trying the whole review to divide something and to write a final conclusion. I will not use any spoilers below!

Story:
About the story, I can only say that they are very far like that. I have not finished the game, but I am very curious to see how it turns out. Previously some had commanded. There were scenes that were very moving, scenes that have yet brought a laugh (really macabre, since it around the end of the world goes) and also very beautiful and harmonious scenes.
While it is, one might LR play without the two predecessors to know, but I think you should know the story of both games, so that they can fully develop here.
What me so far still missing, are surprises and twists, but that is surely quite come. The so far most interesting character is definitely Lumina, which seems very opaque at the moment.
For the story I give 4 out of 5 points.

Graphics:
In my opinion, LR makes the biggest step backwards here. One erinner at the release of FF XIII. The graphics were stunning. Maybe it's on my mind, but I think in the trilogy makes the graphics from game to game a small step backwards. I myself am definitely not someone who can be fooled by good graphics and I also like to play retro games, but I think you should not but deteriorate within a game series.
The main characters are well represented and also quite detailed. The NPC's but are the complete opposite.
For me, the 3 by 5 points.

Sound:
The issue I can make relatively short:
Some songs were recycled, what I do not find particularly bad. But I'm missing at least one epic piece, which remains in the ear.
There I 3 out of 5.

Gameplay:
Now to the main issue, where Square Enix also some trusts, which is not popular with everyone (see several bad reviews).
Let's start with the combat system. Very action-heavy, but tactically and far away "just press X button" from simple. The various costumes fighting gets an enormous tactical depth. Again and again I am sometimes failed due to a stakren opponents, have then adapted my Köstüme and skills and then something could thus the hard battle but decide (I'm playing on Normal) for me. I love fighting even after more than 20 hours of playing time still a lot of fun.
The considered probably the most critical innovation in the gameplay is the time system. The world is ending in 13 days and in the background mximal ticking almost incessantly a clock that is stopped only at talks, in fighting and in the menu. Many are talking about a tremendous time pressure, but I definitely can not understand. Initially perhaps a little getting used to, but once you get that uses the ability to stop time properly, you have but virtually infinite time to look at the environment more closely and to explore the area. Now I'm playing now well over 20 hours and am the sixth day and more six days I remain until doomsday, and I can get an extra day even. So you can definitely not say that one is rushing on just in this game. Rather, it is so that you can use the time just makes sense. Explore the area? Sure, but always with a few side quests in the luggage to get more time and strengthen his character. The latter is namely no longer do through experience points by fighting, but by completing quests. The heavier the Quest, the higher the reward. Another new feature that is implemented well in my opinion and that bothers me not at all.
The quests themselves are very different in quality. From typical "Get me DAS" and "Kill this monster" tasks, there is also always very nice tasks that can show off with a nice backstory.
For gameplay, I give it 5 out of 5 points.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, I can only say that the spirits are divorced at this game. Some, give the game a try and sit properly with the system time apart will surely have lots of fun with the game and can also give this 3-5 star. The others, which the gameplay just does not like (the opinions are finally different), will be definitely wrong to advise with this game. However, the statement that but time constraints created by the, in the background ticking, clock, one of a only so rush to the next place is simply wrong, because even with this game, you can leave a lot of time.
Who FF XIII and FF XIII-2 liked and want to know how the story ends, ultimately, should access.

Since I do not write many reviews, I would be pleased about this criticism very. But please apart from that I'm right or wrong with the points that I have treated;) But rather about how the review is written.
Thank you.

Furthermore, all enjoy Daddeln.