I would argue that the return to lower grade graphics would force the development team to focus more on gameplay, characters, and story. While I certainly feel the The After Years was an unnecessary endeavor of Squenix, I can't deny the games quality or variety. Its pretty sad when a 16-bit micro-sequel series has more variety, side missions, and freedom of choice then the multimillion dollar cutting edge entry did.

I doubt the After Years or FFLegends had even half of the staff or resources that XIII had.