Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII represents Square’s last chance this generation to redeem the overall Fantasy XIII saga for plenty of fans who felt disappointed by the primary two titles within the FFXIII trilogy. Some of the trailers up until this point have all been involved in the game’s plot, but now we have an outstanding study the gameplay and quest structure to boot.

In a brand new 8 minute long gameplay trailer for Lighting Returns, game design director Yuji Abe takes us through an early mission within the game. What you’ll see is a large open world that players can explore at their leisure that’s complemented by an actual-time battle system.

Speaking of which, the actual-time battle system is totally different from the last two games within the trilogy. In preference to inputting commands in a quasi-turn-based/real-time battle system, the battle system within the latest game allows players to take full control of Lightning. You could move her freely round the battle map while performing one in every of four actions which might be custom mapped to the four face buttons.

Players can be tasked to change costumes frequently during battle. These costumes allow Lightning to exploit new abilities, but just for a limited time because the costume’s charge will drain through the years. Players should switch to a brand new costume to permit a depleted one to recharge. It’s the same as the Paradigm Shift that was seen inside the first two Final Fantasy XIII games, however it looks to be better implemented here.

I’m sure many are still skeptical of Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII. Despite that skepticism, there’s an awful lot to be excited by with this latest game. It feels like Square Enix is finally back on the right track with its flagship series, and it gives me much more hope that Final Fantasy XV may prove alright.

[Image: SQEXMembersNA/YouTube]