Lightning Returns XIII-3

**shidobu** · 2013-03-19 16:57

ill get it when amazon offers it for 20 bucks like 13-2

**Exoduso** · 2013-03-19 17:05

Originally Posted by shidobu

ill get it when amazon offers it for 20 bucks like 13-2

So like a month after release...
I will definitely wait on this too, 13-2 was a flop story-wise, even though the gameplay was fucking amazing.
I don't like what I've been hearing about this game's gameplay though. Instead of expanding on the previous system they seem to make it real-time, which honestly has never been good news for this series (FF12 anyone?).

I probably would have actually been hyped for this game if the damn time travel storyline didn't make a complete horseshit mix of the main story and didn't leave so many plot holes open.

**Cichy** · 2013-03-19 20:28

Story was actually pretty good imo, led to some enjoyable discussions in the other thread

**Tidane** · 2013-03-19 22:29

I thought that the entire mythos of Final Fantasy XIII series was well crafted, but not well-presented (which is the only way it differed, for me, when compared to other Final Fantasy games). There was a lot of genuinely good story-telling potential, but it felt like they created too much to put into a game and what they did put it was shoved around the character-driven story they tried to create. It still could have been good, but everything about the game was just a bit off. It focused on the characters too closely, and their lack of good characterization (for the most part) was plainly evident. On top of that, the way what they did present was often done poorly and didn't foster a desire (for most people) to want to explore the world (and when it did, they weren't really able to do so).

Final Fantasy XIII-2 improved on the gameplay, but not enough (I enjoyed the gameplay of XIII and XIII-2, but they were far too easy). XIII-2 failed to make any noticeable improvement in the way the world was presented and cut down on the cast of characters, making those you had a larger focus. Some games are able to pull this off, by pushing you through the game, giving you tidbits of the world without ever giving you much. XIII-2 pushed you a little bit, then left you to go running around exploring, but failed to present the player with anything meaningful from that exploration. Then they dumped hoards of text on you and basically said "welp, here's what we got; good luck."

I am, unlike many others, it seems, excited for Lightning Returns. I don't expect that the team developing this will learn from all their mistakes. I certainly hope that they take what they've done in the past and iterate on it. What I've seen of the gameplay intrigues me, and I'd like to see if they're able to balance it to be enjoyable and challenging. The story that they've shown has, once again, potential, but they always do. It will be interesting to see what SquareEnix is able to make of it.

I think the biggest reason I'm interested in the game is to see what direction this company is taking. Their more recent adventures haven't been...exciting, to say the least. With the redesign and release of XIV and their announcements about re-focusing on the non-phone market, Lightning Returns is one of (the?) first big releases they'll have (barring any quick surprises in the coming months). I would like to see if this is the start of a new "golden age" of SquareEnix. Publishing great Eidos releases, releasing their own games to markets that are begging to play them (Final Fantasy Type-0, Bravely Default), and creating quality console experiences that draw not only their history as a company, but utilize some goddamn game design from this century.

Or, the more likely scenario, where Yoshida and XIV's restructuring are the one shine on the shit that SquareEnix will continue shoveling.

**Fievel** · 2013-03-19 22:31

People just like to hate on 13, it's the cool thing to do.

The game was in no way great, but it wasn't as horrible as most people make it out to be.

**miokomioko** · 2013-03-19 22:45

It's a shame that so much of XIII's (actually very important) lore and backstory was unnecessarily buried in the Datalog and only unlocked when you completed optional high-level missions.

**Bregor** · 2013-03-19 22:52

Originally Posted by miokomioko

It's a shame that so much of XIII's (actually very important) lore and backstory was unnecessarily buried in the Datalog and only unlocked when you completed optional high-level missions.

They had to squeeze in four or five more scenes where Snow declares that he's the hero.

**6souls** · 2013-03-19 23:09

Spoiler: show

**Spira** · 2013-03-19 23:30

Originally Posted by Tidane

I thought that the entire mythos of Final Fantasy XIII series was well crafted, but not well-presented (which is the only way it differed, for me, when compared to other Final Fantasy games). There was a lot of genuinely good story-telling potential, but it felt like they created too much to put into a game and what they did put it was shoved around the character-driven story they tried to create. It still could have been good, but everything about the game was just a bit off. It focused on the characters too closely, and their lack of good characterization (for the most part) was plainly evident. On top of that, the way what they did present was often done poorly and didn't foster a desire (for most people) to want to explore the world (and when it did, they weren't really able to do so).

Final Fantasy XIII-2 improved on the gameplay, but not enough (I enjoyed the gameplay of XIII and XIII-2, but they were far too easy). XIII-2 failed to make any noticeable improvement in the way the world was presented and cut down on the cast of characters, making those you had a larger focus. Some games are able to pull this off, by pushing you through the game, giving you tidbits of the world without ever giving you much. XIII-2 pushed you a little bit, then left you to go running around exploring, but failed to present the player with anything meaningful from that exploration. Then they dumped hoards of text on you and basically said "welp, here's what we got; good luck."

I am, unlike many others, it seems, excited for Lightning Returns. I don't expect that the team developing this will learn from all their mistakes. I certainly hope that they take what they've done in the past and iterate on it. What I've seen of the gameplay intrigues me, and I'd like to see if they're able to balance it to be enjoyable and challenging. The story that they've shown has, once again, potential, but they always do. It will be interesting to see what SquareEnix is able to make of it.

I think the biggest reason I'm interested in the game is to see what direction this company is taking. Their more recent adventures haven't been...exciting, to say the least. With the redesign and release of XIV and their announcements about re-focusing on the non-phone market, Lightning Returns is one of (the?) first big releases they'll have (barring any quick surprises in the coming months). I would like to see if this is the start of a new "golden age" of SquareEnix. Publishing great Eidos releases, releasing their own games to markets that are begging to play them (Final Fantasy Type-0, Bravely Default), and creating quality console experiences that draw not only their history as a company, but utilize some goddamn game design from this century.

Or, the more likely scenario, where Yoshida and XIV's restructuring are the one shine on the shit that SquareEnix will continue shoveling.

the issue to me for the XIII series is basically the story direction felt very TV drama. this made it hard for any scene to be really as serious as it was supposed to be. it was kinda comic-ish which was pretty bad for XIII and not so much for XIII-2, which for all intents and purposes was more lighthearted, altho not to the same extent as X-2 and X.

I thought XIII-2 introduced good gameplay changes. XIII's battle system was extremely rigid and you could only progress in pretty much one direction. But apart from the battle system, the gameplay mechanics in the field were what I loved most. Jumping, platformer elements, mog throw and other exploration elements really made you feel interested in the world around you.. and giving the ability to revisit each area for various purposes (farming monsters, exp, using new abilities in old areas, etc) truly extended the gameplay and made you feel like you're playing an RPG with a story instead of watching a story and having to trudge along a linear path just to see the story.

THis year seems to be an interesting one for FF. XI expansion, XIV relaunch, X and X-2 on Vita, LR:13.. potential reveal of a new FF and the future of VS13.. and on the side, iOS port of FFV (and soon VI).. they're really pushing ahead with strengthening of the IP.

it might be the start of a new golden age for FF indeed.

**Bregor** · 2013-03-19 23:41

Originally Posted by 6souls

pics

That shield does not seem very practical. It has holes in it for Pete's sake!

**Tidane** · 2013-03-20 05:30

Originally Posted by miokomioko

It's a shame that so much of XIII's (actually very important) lore and backstory was unnecessarily buried in the Datalog and only unlocked when you completed optional high-level missions.

Yep, that's part of what I meant by too much lore and poor presentation. They had a ton of information that is actually pretty important if you want to know what is going on, but it feels hidden.

**6souls** · 2013-03-21 10:17

The new images in English
http://image.noelshack.com/fichiers/...63858920-5.jpg

Spoiler: show

**miokomioko** · 2013-03-21 10:21

Man, I wish they always translated their Final Fantasy concept artwork. I have such a boner for this shit.

**Alkar** · 2013-03-21 10:23

Lol at the Adamantoise skeleton in the middle of the desert.

**Spira** · 2013-03-21 10:55

I must say the dead dunes pic with the adamantoise skeleton is actually quite breath taking.

**Exoduso** · 2013-03-21 15:11

"Fond de Behemoth" lol.

**Bregor** · 2013-03-22 17:16

Originally Posted by Exoduso

"Fond de Behemoth" lol.

I'd eat it. Probably tastes like bison.

**6souls** · 2013-04-15 21:25

http://image.noelshack.com/fichiers/...lightning.jpeg

A new image has been posted in regards to the upcoming Play Arts Kai Lightning action figure. According to a report by Nova Crystallis on April 15, the latest picture shows off a painted version of the main character in the upcoming multiplatform video game, “Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII.” The prototype will be sent to Tetsuya Nomura to get his approval.

http://www.examiner.com/article/upda...e-image-posted
http://www.novacrystallis.com/2013/0...ning-figurine/

**Ayn** · 2013-04-16 02:34

Nomura will only approve it after the requisite number of belts are added to the skirt, and a few zippers on the shield.

**Katlan** · 2013-04-16 12:53

maybe that is just a terrible angle, but I don't like it. looks super bulky on the armor too the point where its overwhelming

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