Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII announced
Today in Tokyo, Square Enix officially revealed what is to be the the third and last installment in the Final Fantasy XIII saga in Fabula Nova Crystallis—Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII.
Lightning Returns places an emphasis on “time.” The game has a real time system, with day turning to night and people and facilities around town changing accordingly. You’ll have to clear the game within 13 days time, although this can be extended as you defeat enemies.
Character customization will be more robust. Lightning will have a large number of costumes, available from the start.
In a press release issued following the stage, Square Enix said that Lighthing Returns will be the final chapter in the Lightning series. It will offer a more active and free style of play.
A trailer and play demonstration was also shown at the event, but just for attendees (meaning it was not broadcast through the stage’s live stream). According to an attendee, the build shown at the event was an alpha version, even using development staff in place of professional voice actors. The demonstration showed Lighthing facing off against a Behemoth, apparently changing her fighting style during combat.
Lightning Returns will be available on Playstation 3 and Xbox 360, and is set for a 2013 release.