Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII Announced

[machomuu]

Square Enix has recently announced Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII as a part of the Final Fantasy 25th Anniversary Event. Lightning Returns is the third title in the Final Fantasy XIII trilogy and will be the final episode in the Lightning saga. Not much is known about Lightning Returns at the moment, but it is set to take place hundreds of years after Final Fantasy XIII-2 on a planet called Novus Partus. The game will feature a new story, a new world, new characters, and an enhanced, Real-Time battle system. Supposedly, the world of Novus will end in 13 game days as indicated by a clock in the corner of the screen, though by what means it will end are currently unknown. Rather than controlling several characters, the player solely controls and freely roams with Lightning. Lightning Returns is set to release in 2013.

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Originally I was put off by another FFXIII title, but it seems this one isn't quite the cash in that one would expect. It's quite an upgrade from the other titles, taking quite a few liberties to set itself apart. The battle system is far more involved, allowing you to actively control Lightning (supposedly, only Lightning)and her movements, rather than inputting a command and watching. It's implied that the game itself won't be as linear as its previous iterations and freely roam the world. Also, there's character customization, one is able to change how Lightning looks and fights, and I'm a sucker for customization.

Source

In-Depth Analysis

Official Website

 

[ShadowSoldier]

I never even finished Final Fantasy XIII. I started it but I found it too fucking boring. Then again I wasn't that far in the game, but still. It was enough to turn me away.

 

[machomuu]

I never even finished Final Fantasy XIII. I started it but I found it too fucking boring. Then again I wasn't that far in the game, but still. It was enough to turn me away.

Well then you're in luck, this one's not going to be much like it. Just hit up a wiki page and check this one out.

The fact that the game cuts loose so many elements of its predecessors gives us reason to be optimistic. The FFXIII combat system was interesting, but for most modern audiences, a menu-driven combat system is a tough sell for a fairly realistic-looking high-definition RPG. As a game's visuals become more detailed and elaborate, the abstraction of a menu-based interface feels increasingly out of place (and I'm saying this as someone who's most recently been immersed in Etrian Odyssey II and Pokémon Black & White, menu-driven experiences in the most classic sense imaginable). LR:FFXIII trades the strategic, somewhat hands-off approach of its immediate predecessors in favor of a combat style that emphasizes skill and timing. Again, in the fine tradition of the Mario RPGs, a well-timed parry can leave even the most powerful foe open to a counter-attack.

 

[AshuraZro]

Mmmm. We're dealing with tender wounds here. In fact I'm pretty sure that knife is still in my back. And what does Square Enix do? Do they remove it? Oh no. Let's just push it deeper into me and also give it a good twist while you're at it.

 

[wolffangalchemist]

Knowing what SE does now days this'll be nothing more than more of the same that FFXIII was, Because there's nothing better they could do for the 25th Anniversary for the fans than release more games with Female Cloud in them that are also coincidentally crap.
SE is just not as good at making games now as they where back when Square and Enix where two separate companies.
Where are my games like Terranigma or Chrono Trigger/Cross i ask you?

 

[Hells Malice]

Woah there. Real time combat?

Fuck off Squeenix i'll believe it when I see it.
...and i'll buy it if it is.

 

[rad140]

So they took Majora's Mask and combined it with a Tales-esque combat system. Creative.

Watch this be Versus XIII.

 

[machomuu]

BTW, those of you who were put off by the battle system of 1 and 2 should be happy to know that the battle system this time around is far more involved, you won't just "press one button and watch".

 

[Gahars]

Huh, it looks like Lightning strikes thrice.

 

[Izzy011]

Good bye to Final Fantasy XIII's "Press X to win"

 

[shakirmoledina]

lol 3 games for the first time. definitely the next ff7. she was the girl cloud actually.

 

[EJames2100]

will be the final episode in the Lightning saga.

Best thing about it, 1st game was alright but that should have been it for 13 :/

 

[machomuu]

will be the final episode in the Lightning saga.

Best thing about it, 1st game was alright but that should have been it for 13 :/

This game's different enough that it could, in essence, be it's own FF game. Seriously, the only thing that prevents that is the fact that you play as Lightning. That's it. Saying that that's the best thing about it is kind of impulsive for a game that you know so little about, especially since that little that we know about is filled with new content.

 

[T-hug]

FFXIII is like a cursed game for me. I started it on 360 when it leaked but lost my save on the third disc. Then I started it on PS3 but sold the PS3 half way through the game, then I picked it up for 360 again for 99p but am still on disc 1 as so many more great games came out it got pushed further and further down the backlog.
I don't dislike the game (can see why people do though!) it just feels like it's never going to end or I'll never finish it.
Next to that I have a sealed FFXIII-2 which I'm dying to play and a sealed Kingdoms of Amalur. These 3 games total like 4-500hrs play time and it's really off putting seeing them all lined up knowing I'm still playing Skyrim ugh

FFXIII-3 sounds interesting with the world timer, maybe there will be many different outcomes depending what you do with the allotted time.

 

[Blaze163]

Sooo.....

- RPG game with a sword-wielding strong minded female lead character.
- Free roaming.
- World has a time limit.
- Fast paced combat with over-the-top special attacks...

Sounds familiar....

Spoiler

http://gendergamers.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/valkyrieprofileangels.jpg

 

[Issac]

Oh dear, this I want.
I guess I have to start playing my games more intensively now, so that I actually complete them before the sequels comes out!

 

[Depravo]

If it's not menu-driven turn-based combat it's not Final Fantasy. There, I said it.

 

[Guild McCommunist]

If it's not menu-driven turn-based combat it's not Final Fantasy. There, I said it.

Fortunately that means it's not boring either.

I'm really hoping they finally ditch the turn based combat, it feels very dated given all the other tech the games have shown off.

 

[Hellmaster]

Please no more lightning this games kill the series for me

 

[1234turtles]

Why do they keep making games in a final fantasy series that a majority of there fanbase dislike.