Lightning Returns Final Fantasy XIII

amazon Lightning Returns Final Fantasy XIII reviews

Overview

Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII is set in a post-apocalyptic world where the protagonist, Lightning Farron, must navigate a dying world and prevent its ultimate destruction. Unlike its predecessors, this entry introduces a new gameplay style that emphasizes time management, action-oriented combat, and an open-world structure. The game’s primary focus is on Lightning’s quest to save the world from an impending apocalypse, with a new, unique gameplay experience compared to the earlier games in the trilogy.

Narrative and Setting

The narrative in Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII builds upon the storylines established in Final Fantasy XIII and Final Fantasy XIII-2.

1. Setting and Premise

The game is set in a world known as Nova Chrysalia, a realm on the brink of destruction. Unlike the previous games, which had a more linear structure, Lightning Returns offers an open-world experience divided into several distinct regions.

• Nova Chrysalia: The world is divided into four main areas: the Wildlands, the Yusnaan, the Dead Dunes, and the Luxerion. Each region has its own unique environment, lore, and challenges.
• Time Limit: The game operates on a 13-day time limit before the world’s ultimate demise. This time constraint adds a sense of urgency and impacts the player’s approach to exploration and quest completion.

2. Main Characters

• Lightning Farron: The protagonist of the trilogy, Lightning, returns with a new role as the savior of the world. She is tasked with preventing the end of Nova Chrysalia and finding a way to save the souls of its inhabitants.
• Supporting Characters: Throughout her journey, Lightning interacts with various characters, including familiar faces from the previous games and new allies. These characters provide additional context to the narrative and influence the story’s progression.

3. Plot and Themes

The plot revolves around Lightning’s mission to save the world and its people from destruction. The game explores themes of fate, redemption, and the struggle against overwhelming odds.

• Redemption and Sacrifice: The narrative delves into themes of personal redemption and sacrifice, with Lightning confronting her own past and making difficult choices to save others.
• Fate and Free Will: The game examines the concept of fate and the impact of individual actions on the course of events. Lightning’s journey is a struggle against a seemingly predetermined fate.

Gameplay Mechanics

Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII introduces several new gameplay mechanics that distinguish it from its predecessors.

1. Combat System

The combat system in Lightning Returns is action-oriented and dynamic, with a focus on real-time battles and strategic decision-making.

• ATB (Active Time Battle) System: The game retains the ATB system from the previous entries but refines it to fit the new combat style. Players can execute a variety of attacks and abilities in real time.
• Stagger System: The stagger system is a key feature of the combat, allowing players to break enemy defenses and deal increased damage. This system requires players to time their attacks and abilities effectively.
• Customizable Abilities: Lightning can equip various abilities and magic spells, which can be customized and upgraded throughout the game. This allows for a tailored combat experience based on player preferences.

2. Time Management and Exploration

A unique aspect of Lightning Returns is its focus on time management and open-world exploration.

• 13-Day Time Limit: The game operates on a 13-day cycle, with each day representing a certain amount of in-game time. Players must manage their time effectively to complete quests and explore the world before the deadline.
• Side Quests and Activities: The open world is filled with side quests, activities, and collectibles. Players can choose to focus on main story quests or engage in optional content to enhance their experience.
• Dynamic World: The world of Nova Chrysalia is dynamic and changes based on the player’s actions. Certain events and quests are only available at specific times, adding depth to the exploration.

3. Character Customization and Development

Character customization plays a significant role in Lightning Returns, allowing players to tailor Lightning’s abilities and appearance.

• Costume System: Lightning can equip different costumes, each with its own set of abilities and effects. This system provides a visual and functional aspect to character customization.
• Skill Tree and Upgrades: Players can upgrade Lightning’s skills and abilities through a progression system. This allows for specialization and enhances the gameplay experience.
• Quest System: The game features a quest system that includes main story missions, side quests, and optional objectives. Completing quests rewards players with experience points, items, and other benefits.

Although there is a serial plot of the previous two parts, Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII has completely different gameplay. The player controls a single character, Lightning, throughout the entire story.

If the first two versions have linear gameplay, forcing players to move, Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII allows players to freely move around in the open world of the game. The world in the game is divided into four regions, from bustling cities close to the sea to large highlands, hiding many different stories in each area.

With Square Enix deciding to turn the traditional turn-based RPG into an action RPG, the combat system in Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII has made a dramatic change: Very good design, allowing players to handle faster and more proactive.

More specifically, all Lightning actions such as attacking, using moves, or defending are controlled through the corresponding buttons on the handle. Each action will consume a certain amount of ATB (Active Time Battle), the stronger the attack, the greater the amount of ATB required.

Attacking a monster’s weak spot as well as blocking at the right time can put monsters in a “Stagger” state, making it possible to destroy them faster. The new combat system is not easy to get used to, but once you can master the timing of attacks and the correct defense, the battles will become 70-697 easier and more enjoyable. The lightning outfit is fitted with a Schema and has a separate ATB bar. Players can equip up to 3 outfits and switching between Schema will help players make the most of the ATB, as well as the pros and cons of each outfit to go to EP (Energy Points) system in Lightning, Returns: Final Fantasy XIII. Using energy can help Lightning teleport, restore health, or even slow down time in battles.

In addition to the main missions throughout the game, Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII also owns a multitude of sidequests. Counting in the hundreds, side quests are scattered across the areas of Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII and have a certain difficulty level.

Although high-difficulty quests will require more time to perform, the rewards for completing them are well worth the effort the player put in. Collect materials, hidden in many side quests are fate, stories full of humanity, and make players ponder. Through it, Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII has aroused the human adversity when they achieved one of their greatest dreams – immortality.

The time limit in the game requires players to calculate reasonably to not spend too much time on side quests. One secret that could help players tackle more side quests before the last day is to make the most of Lightning’s time lag.

Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII’s graphics are quite slick and good-looking. Characters in the game are designed elaborately, the movements are also very well done, rhythmically.

Square Enix also shows its strengths through impressive cut-scenes, making the audience satisfied. However, compared to the previous two installments, Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII does not bring any significant improvements in terms of graphics.

The sound in Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII is also very good when it comes to the sound of Lightning attacks or defenses as well as monsters.

The soundtracks in Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII are Western, consistent with the game’s Nova Chrysalia world.

Each continent in the game has its background music, and will change alternately based on the morning-afternoon-evening-night time frame in the game.

Although there are many new and interesting changes, Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII still has a lot of problems. Time in the game is limited to a maximum of 13 days. Players will start the game with 7 days and can extend time through completing in-game missions.

Due to the time in the game passing quite quickly, Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII sometimes feels rushed and constrained for players, making it difficult for them to perform all the sidequests in one play, nor explore the continents in the game.

Although the Schemata system in the game is quite interesting, many of the costumes in Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII is designed not to match Lightning’s appearance or personality and sometimes “offensive” for the player.

The booty obtained after the 70-698 battles is not worth it. Meanwhile, performing quests will give players more rewarding rewards as well as increase the power of Lightning. This makes players tend to avoid random battles with monsters in the game.

where can you get a Lightning Returns Final Fantasy XIII online

Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII: Buy it now

Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII – Xbox 360: Buy it now

Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII for Xbox 360 with Pre-order Bonus: Buy it now

Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII: The Complete Official Guide: Buy it now

Graphics and Art Style

The visual design of Lightning Returns contributes to its immersive experience and reflects its post-apocalyptic setting.

1. Art Direction

• World Design: The game’s world is designed with a mix of futuristic and dystopian elements. Each region has its own distinct style, ranging from bustling cities to barren wastelands.
• Character Design: The character models are detailed, with a focus on realistic and stylish designs. Lightning’s costumes and appearance are highly customizable, adding variety to her visual representation.

2. Technical Performance

• Graphics Quality: The game features high-quality graphics, though it may not stand out compared to more recent titles. The environments and character models are well-designed, but some players may find the graphics dated by modern standards.
• Performance: The game generally performs well on its target platforms, though there may be occasional technical issues or performance hiccups. These issues do not significantly detract from the overall experience.

Sound and Music

The sound design and music in Lightning Returns enhance the game’s atmosphere and emotional impact.

1. Soundtrack

• Composition: The soundtrack is composed by Masashi Hamauzu, who also worked on the previous games in the series. The music features a mix of orchestral and electronic elements, contributing to the game’s immersive experience.
• Themes and Motifs: The soundtrack includes themes that reflect the game’s narrative and emotional moments. The music enhances key scenes and adds depth to the overall experience.

2. Sound Effects

• Combat Sounds: The sound effects during combat are impactful and contribute to the intensity of battles. The variety of sounds, including weapon strikes and magic effects, adds to the overall immersion.
• Environmental Sounds: The environmental sounds, such as ambient noises and background effects, help create a believable and immersive world.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Innovative Mechanics: The time management and open-world exploration provide a fresh and unique gameplay experience compared to traditional RPGs.
• Engaging Combat: The action-oriented combat system is dynamic and enjoyable, with a variety of abilities and tactics to explore.
• Character Customization: The costume and skill customization options add depth to the gameplay and allow players to tailor their experience.
• Narrative Closure: The game provides a satisfying conclusion to Lightning’s story and the Final Fantasy XIII trilogy.

Cons

• Dated Graphics: The graphics may appear outdated compared to more recent titles, affecting the visual appeal.
• Time Management: The 13-day time limit can be stressful and may detract from the enjoyment of exploration and side quests.
• Mixed Reception: The game’s reception was mixed, with some players and critics finding certain aspects of the gameplay and design less appealing.

Conclusion

Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII is a noteworthy entry in the Final Fantasy series, offering a unique gameplay experience and a conclusion to Lightning’s story. The game’s innovative mechanics, dynamic combat, and character customization are standout features, providing an engaging experience for fans of the trilogy and RPG enthusiasts.

While it faces criticism for its dated graphics and the stress of the time management system, it remains a memorable and distinctive title within the Final Fantasy franchise. For players who appreciate a blend of action, strategy, and narrative depth, Lightning Returns offers a compelling and immersive adventure through a world on the brink of destruction.