C'mon now people. Who is it hurting if there are difficulty or accessibility options? These make me happy; as a man in his 40s who has had 3 brain surgeries, I appreciate still being able to enjoy my favorite hobby.
XIII isn't a bad game. The soundtrack is phenomenal, the enemy designs are wonderful, settings and world design are top notch. I'd even say half the cast is well written.
The linearity and lack of options when leveling up tho.... That does hold this one back, much as I love it.