Final Fantasy XIII-2

[Cloudane]

Yes, it does seem to fit the storyline. But I don't think it created the atmosphere it should have. It doesn't feel hostile, oppressive, or unwelcoming, just empty. There have been plenty of other RPGs that have conveyed that sort of attitude much better (the idea of hostile villagers is hardly something new to XIII). And it also undercut the player's connection to the world, which is one of the biggest mistakes I think an RPG can make.

Agreed.

I think the worst decision they made was to make the Pulse people long-wiped-out. It would've been far more engaging to find that Pulse cities and their people were still around even if only in small settlements and being able to explore their culture, maybe have some things that you have to do to earn the trust of the Pulsians etc.

But no.
{For those old enough to remember or geeky enough to watch 70s sci-fi - "There is nooooooo Sanctuary", heck there's not even an old man looking after some cats}
There's nothing but monsters, animated stones and rubble