While we’re in the process of translating the scans (gotten via Final Fantasy Network), it would appear that this week’s Famitsu will contain a wealth of information about the upcoming Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII, including the reappearance of both Caius Ballad and Paddra Nsu-Yeul! Lightning is shown fighting both Noel and Snow, as well as providing peaks at the slum section of Luxerion and several new garb. Vanille appears to be sporting a somewhat altered outfit with a veil.
Average play time for Lightning Returns is confirmed to clock around 20-30 hours – however, should players wish to see everything in the game without skipping a single event scene, then the final total should fall somewhere around 50. Upon finishing the game, a New Game+ option is unlocked where players can venture through the game once again with several difficulty options. Lightning’s costumes and skill sets along with abilities and level progress will carry over as well.
Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII comes out on November 21th in Japan with a North American release scheduled for February 11th and February 14th in Europe.
The translator, who did the complete translation below at our request, wishes to be credited as Ryu-Chan.
Update #1 (CONTAINS STORY SPOILERS): Information from the first couple of pages, mostly about current character motivations and a few battle tips with certain characters from previous games.
- PAGE 104
After the fusion of Valhalla and the visible realm, Noel was stricken down with the overwhelming grief and regret of not being able to save anything he cared for. However, he pursued to find a way to save the dying world. Along his journey, Noel discovered a new Oracle Drive that promised a happy future – one that Noel wished to obtain in the previous game – if a certain “objective” was accomplished. Noel’s current motives are now fueled by this prophecy and he is wrapped in a paradoxical fate. - PAGE 105
In Luxerion, Noel strives to maintain order and peace. But he is ultimately feared by the citizens, earning him the title “Shadow Hunter”. His residence is located within a dark, criminally active part of the city. In his nearly empty room, where disturbing writings in blood can be seen on the walls, Noel shelters the new Oracle Drive. Noel no longer believes Lightning to be human. - PAGE 106
Because he is quick and uses a devastating combination of attacks, Lightning must be especially careful during her battles with Noel.As mentioned in many reports before, Luxerion is plagued with daily murders. During her investigations, Lightning comes across a suspicious group of white-cloaks known as the “Followers of the Goddess”. Unfortunately for her, this group does not appear to welcome the Savior.
A series of notes are left behind by what seems to be the mastermind of the murders. They strangely leave suggestions to the battles between Lightning and Noel. - PAGE 107
After losing Serah once again, Snow has plunged into the depths of despair. Snow is the only remaining l’Cie in the world, but he is running out of time. Along with the powers of Chaos, Snow is gradually gaining the reckless power of a Cie’th and he will not hesitate to use them against Lightning. During battle, blocking is absolutely essential to preserve health.Unlike the Salvation Council, the Followers of the Goddess hold little power over the dying world. However, they make up for their small size by spreading out all over the continent. The Followers of the Goddess can be found in every location. The majority of survivors on Nova Chrysalia have shifted their faith to Bhunivelze. They wish to be saved in the new world he has prepared. However, some people continue to follow Etro, the Goddess of Death, and they wish to die like a “normal” human being. - PAGE 108
Caius and Yeul will be returning and both are strongly connected to the Chaos spreading throughout the world. The ruins of Etro’s Shrine and Academia are located in the Wildlands. As Lightning further explores the shrine she once guarded, she will come to learn of the mysteries hidden within its walls. The significance of Caius and Yeul to the world will also be revealed. - PAGE 109
Yeul is no longer bound to her sad cycle of early death and rebirth. She approaches Lightning with a request to “save” Caius.
UPDATE #2: Some new information gleaned from the Developer interview.
If players happen to lose a battle, they are given the option to change the difficulty settings immediately after. Difficulty settings are not absolute and can be changed throughout the course of the game. There are abilities and items that can only be obtained while playing in HARD mode. This mode can be unlocked after defeating the game once. In EASY mode, grinding is not really necessary and players can defeat the game without even blocking once.
The camera movement during battles has also been improved. Because Lightning will be fighting alone this time, players will have to keep a close eye on enemy actions, especially if there’s more than one. The camera has been designed to give a full view of the battle sequence and allow players to catch and anticipate all movements.
Abilities also have their own levels. Players can strengthen them on their own or seek to defeat powerful monsters to obtain high-level abilities. Strengthening Lightning is seemingly limitless, according to developers. Once she reaches her “regular limit” in strength, players can freely upgrade and customize her stats beyond this. Enhancing abilities such as Brave and Faith are no longer things that Lightning can simply cast. All enhancements are tied to abilities, garbs, and items.
A simple playthrough of the game can take up to 20-30 hours. However, the game can reach up to 50+ hours if players wish to seek out all the cutscenes in every part of the continent.
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