Here we are again, and who would have thought it? It’s been 4 years since we were first introduced to the universe of Fabula Nova Chrystallis. It has been without a doubt a bumpy road with some very interesting results, dividing much of the Final Fantasy and JRPG communities. Nevertheless, we have arrived at the conclusion of this massive trilogy with the release of Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII.
It’s been 500 years since the events of Final Fantasy XIII-2 and the effects of its events have resulted in a much-changed world for its citizens: no one ages or dies naturally. Lightning has been awakened from her crystal state by the god Bhunivelze, a mere six days before the end of the world. She has been tasked with the role of savior to guide the souls of the remaining inhabitants of the world to Bhunivelze’s new world.
In order to do this, Lightning must complete quests for the world’s inhabitants. As she does she collects a form of energy known as Eradia, which can be used to extend the time left for the world up to a total of 13 days. If successful, Bhunivelze has promised to return Serah, the recently deceased main character of Final Fantasy XIII-2 and our protagonist’s sister, to the new world.
Lightning Returns is perhaps best summarised as a package of well-learnt lessons from previous experiences. Gone is the linear nature of the first title in the series. In its place is a large open world to explore with a living populace that go about their lives in the world’s final days. The inclusion of a time-based system lends itself to this, creating a vibrant world that allows characters, events and locations to react dynamically to specific times of the day. You will find yourself returning to areas on different days just to see a different quest unfold.
Combat has been refined into a fast-paced costume-driven class system. With the implementation of single party-based combat, Square Enix has taken the opportunity to turn combat into a real time system. While still using ATB, you must switch between different costumes as you expend their energy in order to continue the assault against your adversary. With a multitude of costumes that can be purchased from vendors, there’s no shortage of combinations for players to make use of and master. It truly feels like a step in the right direction for the future of the series.
Graphically, Lightning and the world she explores is stylistically unique and diverse. With four different areas each with their own stylistic motif, there is no shortage of visual eye candy to view. The cast of characters are as expressive as ever, as is expected of a game in the Final Fantasy series. The details on these characters have also been enhanced, now allowing you to see right down to the pores on their skin. It is an incredible testament to the art team at Square Enix, especially considering we’re playing this one on non-next-gen.
The game’s original soundtrack arrives with returning motifs from earlier games. Unfortunately, the tracks a largely forgettable, lacking the charm and memorable of original series composer Nobuo Uematsu. It’s not to say that the soundtrack is bad by any means, but it won’t be remembered like previous installments.
Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII is a mixed bag that largely feels like an experimental title. It’s clear Square Enix has taken earlier concepts from previous entries and refined them into something that succeeds. With so many unanswered questions in the franchise, it’s a relief to finally be able to close this chapter in a wholly conducive manner. No doubt Square Enix will take what’s it’s learned with this trilogy into future Final Fantasy titles.
Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII is available on both PS3 and Xbox 360 from February 13th, 2013.
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