See how Final Fantasy XIII-2 begins in Battle of Valhalla video

In this time of series reboots and upheaval in the Japanese gaming space, if there’s one thing you can count on it’s crazy high production values in Final Fantasy games. The CG action in this opening salvo is pretty exciting, though it also features the predictable appearance of a fay, all-powerful bad guy. Take a look at how the epic begins here…

If you’re confused by the intro to Final Fantasy XIII-2, we’ll break it down for you. As Lightning is hanging out in the timeless realm of Valhalla, she’s been watching over that world some time after the conclusion of Final Fantasy XIII. But peaceful vigilance wouldn’t be all that exciting in a game, so it’s broken almost immediately by the arrival Caius and his army of evil… things. The throwdown commences in classic FF style with giant swords swinging and summons being summoned. If you’d like to know what happens after the video’s abrupt end, read our recent preview of XIII-2. The game comes out January 31 in the US.

Henry Gilbert

Henry Gilbert is a former GamesRadar+ Editor, having spent seven years at the site helping to navigate our readers through the PS3 and Xbox 360 generation. Henry is now following another passion of his besides video games, working as the producer and podcast cohost of the popular Talking Simpsons and What a Cartoon podcasts.