In this week’s issue of Famitsu, Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII‘s Black mage outfit and counter system have been detailed.
Lightning can take on a number of roles in battle. Since she is the only playable character in the game, this step was necessary. In previous Final Fantasy games, each character had a particular role to play; some were attack-based, others were magic-based etc. In Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII, Lightning is a one-man party. She can change her role in battle by changing her clothes, much like the dress spheres in Final Fantasy X-2.
For example, if Lightning dons the Black Mage outfit, her offensive magic abilities increase. She can also combine spells to create new effects like Thundera + Aerora. When in Black Mage outfit, Lightning can also perform “Area Sweep” that causes an area of effect damage if Lightning is surrounded by enemies.
Roles can be switched at any time during battle. Lightning is also able to interrupt enemy attacks by battering them just before they strike using a command called “Counter Blow”. Enemies can also be made weaker by chopping off their horns or tails.
An Arena Slaughterhouse has also been added into the game. Here you can battle monsters (probably for loot and Gil) when you don’t want to pursue the main quest.
Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy 13 hits PS3 and Xbox 360 in North America on February 11 and across Europe February 14.
Thanks, Siliconera.
