Hands-On: Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII at E3 2013

[satsugaikaze]

For as much hate as the earlier games got, I really quite enjoyed XIII's character design and combat system. It definitely had its flaws, but the stronger emphasis on real-time party management/synergy in general (as opposed to individual character development) felt unique for a JRPG. And the art department somehow managed to come out with a world that looked simultaneously functional, yet stylistically fantastical.

Lightning Returns looks like the same art department took methamphetamines for the past year or two. Lightning's new costume looks like half a BDSM leather outfit with one third of a suit of armor and the rest made up of exposed skin. It looks like it's more about form rather than function, and despite the similarly schizophrenic-looking environment I'd say Lightning's appearance suffers from the change.

 

[PunkRex]

Lightning though. Goddamit.

I would like to know what people who actually like Lightning specifically like about her. I can understand the logic of how shes just as 'badass' as certain male protagonists so she kind of evens the playing field in that respect but... I don't really like those male characters either. Cloud and Squall were bloody grating, until Kingdom Hearts at least.

Well I have an analytical outlook as to why I like the character:

1. Her motif.

2a. In her development stage in the first game, she did things better than other characters I know of.

2b. Lightning does what Sasuke Uchiha (from the manga Naruto) FAILS to do.

2c. Lightning's "seemingly un relatable but misunderstood" characterization is a bit reminiscent of Byakuya Kuchiki's characterization in the Soul Society Arc of Bleach.

3. She was not "sexualized" in any way.

4. Lightning's costume and gunblade were great and effective.

5. She does not take stupidity from anyone (and neither do I).

This is the reasons why I like Lightning. Hope this help =D

Well, shut my mouth. I never actually played the game but I watched my brother play a good 10+ hours of the bloody thing so I felt I could at least hold an oppinion on it.

1. I already said I agreed with this and I deffinatly agree that 8 looked better than 10 or more specifically Tidus and the Al-bed, freaking hot topic rejects. Just to be clear, I don't actually like 8, the battle system was boring and the story was dumb, really dumb.

2. Okay, big points for mentioning Naruto and Bleach, two series I grew up with and stating an oppinion i've held for years concerning Sasuke.

*On a side note* Is that shit about him wanting to be Hokage true!? Im a few chapters behind but SERIUOSLY!? Gawdammit Kishi sensei, NO ONE BESIDES YOU LIKES SASUKE!!!

3. (Kind of a repeat of 1) Although I have no problem with overly sexualised characters, I veiw them in much the same way I see funny, dumb or evil characters (its just a character trait), it is a nice change of pace to see someone without a dick wielding the sword.

4. Practicality is one thing I feel FF has always had a hard time with. 7 worked more or less, 8 was cool, maybe abit to cool, 9 was great, 10 was a mess and 11 was sort of a mixed bag, it worked and certain characters looked bloody awesome *cough*Balthier*cough* but it was abit much when it came to the armour/soilders.

5. This I can get behind.

I don't completely agree about Lightning but you defend what you like with passion, I definatly agree with that!

 

[BlackMageBob]

I genuinely enjoyed lightning as a character in the previous XIII games. She shows up as a practical, no-nonsense warrior and acts as a direct foil to Snow's inexplicable enthusiasm and Hope's...goddamn everything, while still complementing her sister's story of coming to terms with a harsh world, Sazh's genuine and earnest desire to protect his son, and Fang's raw determination. All-in-all, a good, well-rounded character, even if it took appearances in several games to get it straight.

Between Her, Noel, and Sazh, we were given three appreciable characters to follow through this segment of Final Fantasy. While I can ***** and moan about dozens of issues in FFXIII and FFXII-2, I really enjoyed playing as or with these three characters.

Hopefully LR brings us more of the awesome, cynical, and practical pink-haired wonder.

 

[Legion]

I have never played a Final Fantasy game, and this kind of thing is why. It seems needlessly confusing for anybody who isn't already into it.

It's Final Fantasy 13... but a trilogy of them. I was assuming that they were just really fickle and kept on re-making it in a similar vein as the Evanglion rebuilds.

If I wanted to get into FF, where on earth would I even start? Because they actually look quite interesting to me.