So, it begins… Thirteen days to go! Thirteen days to save the world… Again!
Some key points that this game offers:
- New combat system
- Open World gameplay
- Day and night cycle
- Time based gameplay
- New Game + mode
- Hard Mode
Gameplay & Controls:
The controls for the game are pretty straightforward here. Depending on the console you are playing on, there are some customizable options for you. The default layout is decently implemented making gameplay fun and easy to navigate. This goes for fights and exploration
The gameplay itself is very smooth and handles with ease. Installing the game to the console HDD reduces loading times and usually makes playing the game a whole lot easier for numerous reasons.
500 years have passed since the events of Final Fantasy ® XIII-2; and the world is in need of saving again.
Lightning has awoken from her crystal stasis. The countdown to the end of the world has started and Lightning will be racing against time to save the souls of mankind. Lightning returns offers us a brand new experience. The biggest being time; Thirteen days, Thirteen days is all you have to complete your mission. Open world gameplay is back and you can pretty much go where you want and do what you want! Besides the stunning story line, there is an abundance of side quests for you to partake in.
Taking on these quests will consume much of your precious time, so carefully choosing what you can get to and what not is vital here. Successfully completing side quests results in souls being saved and saving these offers you the one thing you can never have enough of… Time
This new time based mechanic is not fun, this being an open world RPG where we pretty much explore every corner of the world searching for loot, grinding out XP and completing quests. Now we sit with this mechanic that punishes us for taking too much time. Sure, Yggdrasil, the tree of life rewards you if you have managed to ‘save’ enough souls during the day, the fact that you are timed in an open world RPG game simply isn’t my idea of fun.
The new battle system is truly remarkable and totally badass! Lightning gets to equip herself with a variety of new weapons and gear. These new outfits called garb are more than just eye candy. Each garb has its own power set and makes use of its own ATB bar.
Style-Change Active Time Battle system is the new battle system and although it uses some of the previous battle systems mechanics like the Active Time Battle (ATB), the rest of this system is brand new. The new system makes use of several other key features that improves the overall quality of battle and makes it more fun to battle, putting it frankly.
Graphics:
No Final fantasy game has ever been ugly; however; Lightning Returns could of and should have looked better. Sure, it is pretty and very nice to look at. It just falls short of where it needs to be. Battle scenes, especially the post battle scene was very well implemented.
Character design and models are fair, they are pretty to look at, but lack a more detailed appearance. The same goes for the enemy type that Lightning encounters. The day and night cycle remains a beautiful sight. Watching a sun set is truly a beautiful experience.
Cinematics are done decently as well; they are fluid and very entertaining; the beauty behind these scenes ensures that you stay captivated.
The settings panel has a wide range of customizable options for you.
Sounds:
The one thing that Square Enix always gets perfect. The Soundtrack and in game sounds.
It does not matter where Lightning finds herself; facing a tough opponent or exploring ancient ruins. There is always gorgeous music to add to the drama and memorable journey that awaits.
Voice over artists did an excellent job to bring each character to life.
Replayability:
Lightning returns offers us a New Game + mode, so that alone offers you the means to replay the game again and again. With it is the Hard Mode to really test your skills out.
There is a pretty insane number of weapons and gear for Lightning to acquire so you will be busy tracking them all down. For the serious hunters, Lightning Returns offers a few other specials.
MGR Gaming’s Conclusions:
Spoilers Ahead:
Lightning has been reborn, blessed with incredible power and a new arsenal. She has everything she needs to carry out her god given missions! Everything but time! Become the Goddess of Death!
Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII is the much anticipated sequel to Final Fantasy XIII-2, a sequel that I myself and so many others have been very impatiently awaiting on. Looking back at how X2 ended, the state of our beloved heroes… It left us wanting.
Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII finally came, and it was not exactly what we expected or wanted. The new battle system is truly remarkable and quite fun to play with. Instead of the Paradigm system with its roles, we have Schemata; donning Lightning up in style and ready to kick ass. The story line is breath-taking which can be expected given that it is Final fantasy; The side quests and extra hunts keep you entertained; however, the time limit really dampens it.
The New Game + mode really stepped the game up and made a lot of these hassles easier; especially since you can pretty much restart when you want to. Lightning Returns offers you a great experience, one filled with joy and one that will leave lasting memories.
When it comes down to the numbers; we have a new Final fantasy title, it might not be exactly what we wanted, it does offer us a conclusion to the Epic story we started all those years back. The journey towards that story is fun filled and memorable.
Additional Info:
Platforms: PlayStation 3: Xbox 360: PC: IOS: Android
Genre: Final Fantasy: RPG: JRPG: Open World: Female Protagonist: Anime: Atmospheric
Censor Rating: Mature
Age Rating: 16
Developer: Square Enix
Publisher: Square Enix
Release Date: 14 February 2014
MGR Gaming Steam Curator:
https://store.steampowered.com/curator/32364038/
