Is Lightning Truly Happy? Final Fantasy XIII-2 Answers That Question

Speaking with Famitsu, Motomu Toriyama said the end of Final Fantasy XIII had a lingering question is Lightning truly happy? Fans will find out in Final Fantasy XIII, which will give a clear answer. That wasn’t the main reason why the development team started Final Fantasy XIII-2. Toriyama said the primary reason was because many fans over the world voiced their desire for a sequel to Final Fantasy XIII.

Final Fantasy XIII Ultimate Hits International, the Xbox 360 version in Japan, shipped with a novella titled Final Fantasy XIII Episode i. Toriyama says this story, which shows the characters moving on to their regular lives, serves as a prequel to Final Fantasy XIII-2. At the end of that novella, Lightning is wandering in a dark world. Final Fantasy XIII-2 has a different setting, but players will revisit the Final Fantasy XIII world in some way. While Final Fantasy XIII focused on the fal’cie Lindzei and Pulse, Final Fantasy XIII-2 is about Etro.

A certain event at the end of the game emotionally scarred the group. You will see Lightning and her comrades dealing with the aftermath. Final Fantasy XIII-2 will also feature a number of new characters. Toriyama asks fans to please wait for further information regarding them.

Producer Yoshinori Kitase reiterates Final Fantasy XIII-2 will have a serious direction, contrary to Final Fantasy X-2’s "go along your merry way" theme. The game begins with Cocoon in a fallen state, a setting that makes it impossible for the world to be peaceful. Toriyama believes Final Fantasy XIII-2 will have a dark and mysterious side compared to Final Fantasy XIII.

Another change is how Lightning is portrayed in Final Fantasy XIII-2. She had a rose motif in XIII. Feathers are used to symbolize how she is approaching to god in XIII-2. While Lightning may be more exposed, Toriyama jokes, he wants to preserve the noble and elegant feel she had from the previous game. Lightning now has more of a fantasy style with respect to her costume and weapon design.

Lightning’s new mission will come into conflict with the man shown in the teaser trailer. This man is strong enough to face Lightning, the hero that saved the world. Also from the teaser, Lightning is seen kneeling at a chair, which Toriyama teases will have a significant meaning in the game. Other Fabula Nova Crystallis games (XIII and Versus XIII) had an image of a protagonist sitting on a chair.

When Famitsu asked if players should retain their data from Final Fantasy XIII, Toriyama said currently the team is investigating if there will be some kind of bonus.

Toriyama stresses Final Fantasy XIII-2 is a new style of RPG he can’t wait to show people. This game has a number of changes including a revised travel system. Every nook and cranny is packed with people, which gives the feeling of a living world. Toriyama asks fans to please stay tuned for further news.