The teams mission was to bring the concept art to life. Although the art style that Isamu Kamikokuryo had in mind was very difficult to realize, says Toriyama. Although the end result of Final Fantasy XIII looks to be a beautiful successor to previous Final Fantasy titles, it was not without its challenges. Coincidentally, Yuji Abe describes what makes Final Fantasy XIII so extraordinary in a statement that would also describe their trials in making the game altogether. Something that creates a challenge but that the player can actually control.
— CGSociety - Final Fantasy XIII