The Final Fantasy XIII saga’s third episode is Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII. It tells the story of Lightning, who returns after a lengthy absence and must fight through numerous opponents and even allies due to a prophecy predicting the Savior’s return to destroy the planet.
The game must be finished within a set time limit of seven days, which can be extended to thirteen days. The NPCs are constantly moving; thus, depending on how much time has passed, they will be in different areas. Rather than the previous games’ Crystarium System, the protagonist’s talents grow as she completes tasks, some of which are optional and can be received at the Canvas of Prayer or offered by NPCs. Lightning is returned to the Ark every day at 6, where she gives Eradia, an energy provided by NPC quests, to the Yggdrasil tree to extend her allowed time.
The enemies can be seen on the World map, and whoever strikes first will harm their opponent. During the night, enemies will come in more significant numbers. The combat employs the Style-Change Active Time combat System, an improved version of the Paradigm system from the previous game. Lightning can wear numerous clothes that grant her diverse skills. The system is similar to the Garment system from Final Fantasy X-2. These clothes are frequently influenced by other games, such as Final Fantasy VII and even a crossover scenario with Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn. Instead of a list of commands, each costume has its own skills tied to the controller buttons.
