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In preparation for Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII‘s release, Square Enix has taken the… let’s call it atypical step of summarizing the series thus far – in 16-bit form. The eight minute summary/trailer covers the broad-strokes events of XIII and XIII-2, and ends with the worldwide release dates: 2/11 for North America, 2/14 for Europe.

Watch the whole thing here.

Square Enix has revealed a Collector’s Edition for Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII. Priced at $89.99, the CE adds to the package an 80-page hardcover artbook, a silver embossed pocket watch, and a DLC code for Aeris’ – sorry, Aerith’s – outfit from Final Fantasy VII. The CE will only be available from the Square Enix store, and the game itself comes out on February 11 for North America.

Source: Gematsu

Square Enix has announced that the Japanese voice track for Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII will be available as DLC. After the game’s launch on February 11 in North America and February 14 for Europe, players can download the DLC for free in the following two weeks. Afterward it will be available for an as yet unspecified price.

Source: Gematsu

Ready to receive your special seed, baby. Continue reading ‘Belated Mass Media 11-09-13’ »

Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII will reportedly feature a hard mode, accessible after clearing the game. In this elevated difficulty setting, monsters are stronger and drop higher-level abilities, and some items may only be sold in hard mode.

Interestingly, each monster type has a predetermined population which can be whittled down by our protagonist. The last living member of each type will be notably stronger than their mundane counterparts, and they may behave differently as well. Killing a Last One renders the monster type extinct, granting you rare items in the process.

Source: Gematsu

Lightning looks good in yellow. Continue reading ‘Mass Media 08/04/13’ »

At a recent press event, Square Enix unveiled yet more details about Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII. Of particular note are the following:

• Regarding costumes, Lightning will have various outfits to change into, both from regular gameplay and from preorder bonuses. These include Cloud’s SOLDIER outfit from FFVII, a Miqo’te outfit from FFXIV, Yuna’s summoner getup from FFX, and her previous outfits from XIII and XIII-2. Additionally, players can customize the color set of each outfit.
• Vanille will make a re-appearance alongside Fang, Snow, and others. Reportedly, a religious group called the “Salvation Council” is providing her with shelter; shelter from what was not specified.
• Time will be a factor occasionally, with certain quests on a time limit and shop inventories that may change over the course of the game.
• The game will have only one ending, though a New Game Plus feature is in development.

Source: Gematsu

In yet another example of social networking consuming every facet of modern society, Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII will allow players to upload their SNS boss battle scores to social networks like Facebook, Twitter, and so on.

Friendly reminder: Lightning Returns hits the PS360 on November 21 in Japan, February 11 in North America, and February 13 in Europe.

Source: Gematsu

Continuing in their plan to milk FFVII for all its worth, Square Enix has announced that Cloud Strife’s outfit and signature Buster Sword will be featured as pre-order items for Lightning Returns. Special abilities will be included with the weapon, though they have not been revealed as of yet.

Source: Gematsu

Yuno Gasai’s not the kind of girl you bring home to mother. Continue reading ‘Mass Media 03/23/13’ »

Via Famitsu, more details have emerged regarding Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII‘s battle system and character design. In particular, the ATB system will reportedly be a lot busier this time around, and will be used more in the field in place of dashing. Styles can be changed instantaneously, and there’s little to no delay between pressing the button and executing the command.

In other matters, Lightning’s outfit was designed by Toshiyuki Itahana, as opposed to Tetsuya Nomura, who originally illustrated Lightning. Itahana had previously worked on some downloadable costumes for Final Fantasy XIII-2.

Source: Gematsu

Yep, it’s that simple: Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII will see a PS360 release in Fall of this year. So sayeth the extended announcement trailer, available over on that there YouTube if you’re so inclined.

Never take a nap at eight at night. Continue reading ‘Late Night Mass Media 01/20/13’ »

This week’s Famitsu has revealed more about the recently-announced Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII. As the title subtly implies, this entry focuses entirely on Lightning. While Hope will offer guidance remotely, Lightning is the only character in battles, and this will be her last game. Combat appears to be more action-focused, with abilities directly mapped to buttons in lieu of menu commands; an ATB gauge limits their use.

Only one ending exists, however the game is intended to be cleared multiple times, presumably to unlock additional content or story. Time is a constant factor, here. In-game, one day clocks at about two hours and the end of the world is apparently thirteen days away. Various actions either give you more time or take it away.

Presently, the game is about 30% complete. No release date has been given.

Source: Andriasang