Remember when Final Fantasy used to be a different, unique universe with each release? Well, after a sequel jaunt with Final Fantasy X (which saw the release of X-2) that’s also not the case with Final Fantasy XIII, which has already had one sequel (XIII-2), and now it’s getting a third.
Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII will see the return of Final Fantasy XIII’s main protagonist, Lightning, as the main character, and in it she’ll have a mere 13 days to save the world from a terrible fate.
Aiming to close off Lightning’s story, the game will star a powerful incarnation of the heroine, and will take place on a series of four, interconnected islands called Navus Partus. These islands will be connected via a monorail, which players can use to traverse the world, which will also be affected by day and night cycles, seeing locations differ depending on the time. The game will also make the most of social networking, and will feature special Facebook functionality.
It’ll also boast a greater level of customisation for Lightning, including costumes and weapons, and the combat system will be enhanced will a greater freedom of movement and more a range of more agile moves and abilities.
The question is, with the series already alienating a big portion of the hardcore Final Fantasy fan base (despite the improved XIII-2 best efforts), will this next instalment help restore the series to its former glory? Surely, the addition of Facebook features isn’t going to endear the game to long-time fans, but we’ll have to see if the game itself can cut the mustard when it arrives.
More information about the game is due to be released on September 4, and it'll eventually find its way onto both the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.
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