In a recent issue of Famitsu Magazine, Square Enix revealed new details involving the latest installment in the Final Fantasy franchise.  Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII re-introduces players to Lightning, the main protagonist of Final Fantasy XIII, in her last game in her story line.  What makes this game unique is, players will control Lightning through-out the game as a solo character, so no party members this time.

Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII takes on a different role yet again in how the in game mechanics game play.  In the example given, if Final Fantasy XIII is a story-driven game, and Final Fantasy XIII-2is a character-driven game, then Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII would be considered a world-driven game.  Players will have adjust to different environments in the game and characters have to adhere to their own schedules.

The time frame for the game lies near the end of the world, 13 days before its doom.  In real time one to two hours will be one day in game.  To add a dynamic to this mechanic, time will increase in speed or decrease speed, depends on the decisions of the player in game; these decisions could result in the world ending in before the 13 days are up.  This mechanic also allows the game to have replay value, players won’t have to dedicate dozens of hours per adventure through the game.

In game battle mechanics, will allow for Lightning to have free range of movement, but will not be complete action based.  The franchise trademark, active-time battle gauge, will be used in some parts of a battle, where other parts are timing based.  There is enough action to where there won’t be a battle menu, but rather, actions key will be assigned to control buttons.

Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII was announced as part of the 25th anniversary celebration for the series, and will be available on Xbox 360 and Playstation 3.

While you wait for the release of this title, have a look at the announcement video.