Square Enix announces Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII

The new game in the Final Fantasy XIII franchise is Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII. It was announced at this year's PAX Prime in Seattle, and also in Final Fantasy's 25th celebrations in Shibuya, Tokyo. Lightning, who was absent all throughout  the second game, has the spotlight once again for her final battle. 

The details are a bit scarce at the moment but VG247 reports that there will be more customization with Lightning. There will be a variety of costumes and weapons for the pink-haired heroine. These weapons and costumes, or I guess armor if you will, will also customize her abilities. More mobility for Lightning was also mentioned, giving her the ability to hang off ledges, hide, and take cover. The game will be set on Navus Partus, a set of islands chained together with a monorail used to travel from island to island. Exploration will again be one of the game's main focus and will have tons of NPC to interact with. There will also be a day and night cycle in Lightning Returns.

In a post by IGN, They reveal that Lightning is the only playable character in the third game. With her battling monsters solo, players will have more control over Lightning's movements and attacks. A block system will also be included to make gameplay more active. Lightning Returns is also set hundreds of years after Final Fantasy XII-2.

And last but not the least, a change that, for me, doesn't fit well in a Final Fantasy game - When you start the game, a doomsday clock starts and you only have 13 days until the end of the world. Time is definitely against you and you will have to spend your time wisely. traveling via monorail from island to island will kill time on the doomsday clock, so does certain skills. They haven't gone into detail about this doomsday clock, but this is a big change from what we're used to.

This is the last game for the Final Fantasy XIII saga, Lightning's final battle. Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII is due for a 2013 release on Playstation 3 and Xbox 360.

Any thoughts?