Ben-DutkaHonestly, I really think it's inevitable that Final Fantasy XIII-3 will become official very soon. The evidence is all right there, I say.
Therefore, it's accurate to call these FFXIII sequels a mini-series of sorts; a series within a franchise, if you will. But we've never really seen this in the Final Fantasy world before; we had FFX-2 (but no FFX-3) and even then, main character Tidus wasn't playable in the sequel. Only Yuna and Rikku returned, along with new character Paine. So the question is this- Is Lightning a popular enough protagonist to have the staying power?
I mean, I usually try to have my finger on the pulse of FF nation, and I'm not sure any die-hard fan of the franchise would place Lightning at or even near the top of their "most beloved hero" list. She actually annoyed the crap out of me in the first half of FFXIII, as she seemed completely one-dimensional to me. She did, however, get a lot better in the second half, although I still found it odd that in many respects, it could be argued that the true heroine of that game was actually Fang. That being said, Lightning was much better in FFXIII-2.
She wasn't even playable (unless you took her down in the Arena or you got that Lightning DLC) but at least she was more of a bad-ass; she was a goddess, for crying out loud, and she really sort of came into her own. The story wasn't fantastic, unfortunately, but the character of Lightning did take a few necessary strides forward in terms of solidifying her role and personality. But this is just me; does the rest of the FF fanbase really want to see Lightning again in a new title? Or are they going, "hey, if you want to make a sequel, make freakin' FFVII-2 and bring back Cloud!"
I admit to being a much bigger Lightning fan now than I was after FFXIII. I'm just not sure if others feel the same way.
Related Game(s): Final Fantasy XIII , Final Fantasy XIII-2
Sorry I don't anything related to XIII makes me sick.
Can't say I find her to be a particularly memorable character… but I also can't get into XIII either so my opinion may not even be valid. Of course… when put up against – say – the ENTIRE cast of FFXII characters, I'd say she's definitely more tangible. Deserving of a mini-series? No. Honestly… I couldn't see many FF characters deserving of such a privilege. Maybe Terra, considering her unique story… but that is about it. Hell, Red XIII (or Nanaki) is more deserving than Lightning.
Personally I loved FFXIII and hated FFXIII-2. And there's a reason why Lightning is a b*tch at the first half of XIII and I understand the reasoning, so that's why I loved Lightning in the first game also Fang and Vanille. If they can fix the story in XIII-3 good for them, but for now I just pretend that FFXIII-2 is just another paradox effect. And for me just finish it on XIII-3 no more XIII-4.
And if you want to know some background story in XIII, here's a link.
http://dilly-shilly.blogspot.com/2009/10/final-fantasy-xiii-episode-zero.html
I think i'll pass on ff13-3. On to 14 and 15.
Yeah…I'm not a fan of Lightning. It seems like S-E is trying to force fans into liking her. She isnt even in my top 10 FF heros.
You can sort of add Dissidia 012 to that too. I like Lightning and thought it was a disservice not to have at least half of XIII-2 focus on her and she was only playable for 10 minutes. The fact that she became some sort of Goddess for no real reason was silly to me. FF has never been about Gods and Goddesses; XIII had nothing to say about that either so it was a total cop out.
I hope XIII-3 makes her the main character again but that still won't win me over to pay good money for poorly milked story. The autobattle single character control has got to GO. It ain't FF and it ain't fun.
This is a translation of the mythological story told in this Fabula Nova Crystallis video shown at the January 18th 2011 Square-Enix Conference.
Once upon a time, a god ruled the world. He was called Buniberzei.
Buniberzei defeated his mother, the goddess Muin, and took control of the world for himself.
Muin disappeared into the unseen world–the invisible world.
Buniberzei was a god with many troubles.
The world, it was certain, was destined to die.
He believed this was a curse laid on the world by his mother Muin. Buniberzei knew he had to destroy her.
To do this, he must search for the door. The door to the invisible world where his mother waited.
Using his will alone, he created the first fal’Cie.
First, he created fal’Cie Pulse.
The duty he laid on him was to open the world, and search for the door to Muin.
Next, he created fal’Cie Etro.
But it was a mistake. Unknowingly, he created her exactly in the image of Muin.
Buniberzei feared her, and gave Etro no power of her own.
Instead, he created fal’Cie Lindzei.
The duty he laid on him was to protect Buniberzei from all who might seek to destroy him.
Buniberzei gave Lindzei one special duty. To wake him once the time came.
Then he turned to crystal, and fell into an endless sleep.
Pulse wished to expand the world, so he created many fal’Cie and l’Cie.
Lindzai wished to protect the world, so he created many fal’Cie and l’Cie.
But Etro was powerless, and could do nothing of her own.
Lonely, she thought of her mother, who she so resembled.
Etro tore at her body, letting her blood flow to the earth, and disappeared from the visible world.
From that blood, torn from her body, sprung humankind.
Creatures that were born, only to die.
The destruction of the visible world was no curse, only fate.
The world was divided into two halves, the visible and the invisible.
If the balance between these two were destroyed, the world itself would be destroyed.
The goddess Muin could do nothing to stop this fate.
She was being swallowed into the chaos of the invisible world.
Just before her last moment, Etro came to her side.
Muin told Etro that she must protect the balance of the world, before slipping into the chaos forever.
But Etro was foolish, and didn’t know the meaning behind Muin’s words.
Etro was lonely, but she felt affection for those humans who live only to die.
As they died, she smiled, and gave them chaos.
The chaos Etro gave them, the humans named “heartâ€.
Their hearts would become their power, but the humans did not yet know this.
Soon, they called Pulse the all powerful ruler. Lindzei they named their protector, and Etro… Etro the named ‘death’.
The humans lived on the world, hold chaos inside them.
Because they held chaos so close, the world once again was in balance.
And Buniberzei still sleeps. A crystal.
Until the end of forever…
Translated by Lissar:
Some names are misspelled but you'll get the idea. And I also want a new battle system.
Yeah I've already read all that rigamarole and concluded most of it was ignored in the making of FFXIII.
The only useful thing to me about it is it explains more the motive of Lindzei. And somehow it explains how Lightning became a goddess that Etro is really a foolish god. And I still don't understand how she can do it when Etro is somewhat powerless. What the hell XIII-2 really sucks.
FFVI alluded to Gods/Goddesses with the Espers, Kefka pretty much was like a God up until the final battle.
Kefka was based on the philosophy of Kafka. He called himself a god, but his character is based on the idea that people we perceive as insane, mad, crazy or whatever are actually superior and "enlightened". Kefka's "enlightenment" is his ability to use magic. Combined with his hurt in childhood and loss of everything he cared for, he just got twisted to the extreme. But basically, his "insanity" is due to his enlightenment… or learning of knowledge beyond what a human mind could ever normally come to understand.
Go look up "Kafka" and you'll find his philosophy is essentially the very definition of Kefka's character.
But kefka only refers to himself as a god because he has godlike enlightenment. Because he is beyond a normal human. Only Terra and the Espers can compete. (And the espers enable all the other characters to compete as well)
Yuna will always be my favorite female heroine (Not the x-2) I really admired her personality. She was going to her death but she never showed fear. She just smiled and walked knowingly into it. And even after being called a liar and everyone in Spira hated her she still wanted to save them. Gameplay wise i after getting holy i put her on lulu's path and she made an epic summoner/mage/white mage. Lightning i remember being kind of sexy because she was a badass. I also liked how she beat the crap out of…the uhh chocobo guy for touching her. otherwise i don't really know. I never beat either one. ff13 made me angry with the constant linearity and ff13-2 made me cringe everytime a story related event happend. The battle system was not for me either. I actually don't like switching class's every ten seconds just to do damage to a certain enemy then switch back when hes staggered. Anyway just my opinion.
Stagger is gay.
Episode Zero: Chapter Three
She had tried not to look like she was in a bad mood, though she was worried that it didn’t work. When she had returned home late last night, she didn’t really talk much with Serah. I’m tired, she said, and shut herself in her room. She didn’t want to say anything she might regret. Lightning thought if she opened her mouth she would start yelling at Serah to break up with that guy. She didn’t want to tell Serah she was against it. She knew her sister’s temperament better than anyone. Though she seems to be gentle and weak, on the inside she is tough. If Lightning told her that she was against it just because she didn’t like him, Serah would try to change Lightning’s mind and keep arguing about it until she did. She didn’t want to have to go through that.
Lightning sighed, and cleaned the tray she used for breakfast. On days she has to leave early they would eat breakfast together, but on days like today when she had to leave later she ate alone. When Lightning got up Serah had already left. Even so, she had already prepared breakfast. Lightning’s work schedule was always changing, and she’d always had to leave quickly.
Their father died early, and when their mother was alive she had to work. So Lightning’s experience with housework was far longer than Serah’s. Serah, however, was a far better cook than Lightning.
“Serah’s just better at choosing delicious food.â€
“Mm-hmm, and I’m a better cook too.†She remembered the conversations she would have with her mother and Serah. She was always happy and smiling. But then their mother fell ill.
It was just before she died. After school Lightning went with Serah to their mother’s hospital. Serah kept trying to run, but Lightning held onto her hand, saying “Don’t run, it’s dangerous.†over and over. If it was like always, she would have just been saying that, while trying to run herself. But today was different.
Yesterday, when she had arrived home from school, the doctor had contacted her, telling her that her mother had worsened. The next time she goes into a fit could be dangerous, he said.
There were no other family to tell. So the doctor had no choice but to tell the fifteen year old Lightning the details of her mother’s illness. If anything happens, he said, there is a social services person I can introduce you to. He told her many places she could go to get help. There are programs so that children without guardians can live freely. You don’t have to worry. You only have to think about yourself and your sister. That’s what the doctor said.
But, with his words Lightning realized that she’d have to take all responsibility now. Did it show in her face? she wondered. Looking back she felt her mother knew what she was thinking.
“I’m feeling good today. Yes, I think I want to eat some fruit. Serah, would you go and buy some for me?â€
“I’ll go.†Lightning said, standing. But her mother smiled.
“Serah’s better at choosing delicious food.â€
“Mm-hmm, and I’m a better cook too.†Serah said, proud of herself. She left the sick room.
“There will be a lot of things you’ll have to do now, not just cooking.†Her mother said. Serah’s footsteps faded into the distance. Lightning’s mother smiled at her. Yes, she understands, Lightning thought. That’s why she asked Serah for the fruit. Now she’ll talk more about what I’ll have to do. But, she didn’t.
“But you know, you don’t have to do it all by yourself. There are a lot of things Serah can help you with too.â€
“But, mom…†She couldn’t say anything else. Her mother stretched out her hand, and held Lightning close. She stroked her hair like a small child. Lightning felt like she would cry.
“Cute little spoiled girl. We used to call you that, before Serah was born.â€
“I don’t remember that…â€
“Once Serah was born, you became an older sister. You were only three. Both me and your father no longer could call you our spoiled girl.†Her mother’s voice was laughing, but Lightning could hear the pain in it. The hand stroking her hair was so thin.
“After your father died, you always helped me, didn’t you. You always watched over Serah. You’re such a good big sister. That’s why I’m not worried about Serah. Because you’ll be there for her.†Her mother continued, “But Serah will be there for you too. She will help you when it hurts, she will give you strength. Don’t forget that.†And then her mother said, once more, in a small voice, “My little spoiled girl ..
The condition of her illness changed quickly after that. She had already prepared herself for it, so she accepted it without a word. That day, the moment she was held by her mother like a small child, her childhood was over. She no longer had anyone she could call mother. So she was no longer a child. Could no longer be a child.
“You don’t have to do it all yourself.†Her mother had said that. But the only one who could protect Serah was her. Of course, she realized, I have to do it all myself.
I want to be an adult. She felt it keenly. To protect Serah, to make my only little sister happy, I have to become an adult as fast as I can. If I can’t be an adult by law, I will have to get rid of the name my parent’s gave me and make myself an adult. It’s okay right, if I’m no longer my mother’s daughter. In exchange I will be Serah’s guardian. I will protect her. She made a vow in front of her mother’s grave. She took herself a new name, Lightning.
At the sound of her holster failing she came back to herself. She hadn’t even realized, but she had already gotten dressed. She smiled humorlessly. It wasn’t even time to leave yet.
But she had woken up earlier than she’d planned. Probably because of what happened yesterday, she wasn’t able to sleep very well. Understandable, she said to herself for the millionth time, and sighed. It just had to be that guy. She wasn’t the type of over protective sister that would want to chase away all the guys who talked to her little sister. She wanted someone who would make Serah happy. She wanted someone who would protect her. She wouldn’t let anyone who couldn’t do that near her. He didn’t have to be a smooth talker or have anything good about him you could see. He just had treat her well, and be willing to protect her.
But that man could never protect her, Lightning thought. He’s just some guy playing king of the mountain. At the first sign of trouble he’d abandon Serah and run. If she let Serah cool her head a bit she’d come to understand. A straight A high school student and some worthless unemployed man could never work out.
If mother was alive, could we stop Serah together?
No, probably not. Lightning’s shoulders drooped. Father was sort of a dangerous type himself. He was easy-going and good-natured, but he wasn’t very reliable. Now that I’m an adult I understand that, Lightning thought. Of course, when I was a child I loved my father. In my memory he was always bright and laughing. But, if he had lived longer would I have been critical of his easy-going nature? I probably would have rebelled against him.
Mother chose father anyway. She probably would have been soft for someone like Snow. She probably would have said, “If it’s the person Serah loves…†and just accepted it.
So it’s up to me to protect Serah from him. I’m not mother, or father. They might have accepted it. But I won’t. Never.
She put on her leather gloves, and opened the door of her room. She decided to leave early today.
Translated by Lissar:
Sorry for the long post, but it's a good read. Hehe. Yeah! I'm a fan of Lightning.
That's all well and good, but where was it in the game. This is why I don't like having to read books from outside the source just to get a better insight into the characters. It should already be there. You never had to read up about Squall's past, it was all presented to you as you followed the character. Maybe a scene like this shown as a flashback in the same manner as the birthday scene from 'XIII' would have been a benefit to her character. But due to the way XIII's story was presented so tightly, we never got insights like this.
There is a chance that the reason why they didn't put it in the game is because there is not enough space anymore in the disc, if that's the case I still do understand. But The Fragments Before and The Fragments After novel of XIII-2 is just there to milk the game. And I think there will be a Snow novel explaining how he became an L'Cie again and his adventures in the events of XIII-2. XIII-2 was made because of greed.
After saving myself 4.99 and watching Lightning's DLC via youtube, I will say that I am officially and totally sick of this series. I wish they would end it. Lightning is becoming more and more of a lame character with each iteration they shove at us. I liked her in 13, but her character and appeal greatly diminished in 13-2. Final nail in coffin.
If only I had saved my 4.99 and the time spent trying to get through the same battle over and over…
They really are tarnishing the small appeal she was building.
Lightning is, bar none, one of the lamest, most forgettable RPG characters I have ever encountered. I remember various NPCs more fondly than her. Half of the time when I think back on FFXIII, I don't even recall her being in the game. I liked Vanille, and Fang was okay. Lightning was…I honestly can't recall what she was doing there. Hope was more interesting. … HOPE! Was more interesting! *shakes head sadly*
HAhahah HOPE! xDDD I know, right?!
She's just okay. I like her but I don't think she's that interesting honestly.
There are many FF games I'd like to have sequels to and XIII isn't one of them…alas, I feel like I'm obligated to buy it regardless. 🙁
I had a scary thought back when they were saying Versus was canceled that they were turning it into Lightning's story…I still can't shake a feeling of dread…
As I have said from the very beginning I am not a fan of Final Fantasy titles having sequels, while XIII-2 is not a bad game, the story just got so convoluted to the point it was far too much compared to the original game. I was content with XIII. I never felt a need for a sequel and now that I have it I feel the need for XIII-3 not as excitement so much, but to just conclude it.
As for Lightning, well in all honesty after XIII-2 it's just to hard to guess after what she has become at the end of XIII-2. Due to XIII-2 making her a goddess, it has made her seem less human, how do you connect with something like that. Normally your meant to be excited for a sequel and build up theories on where it will go, for XIII-3 I have absolutely no idea. Mind you I have yet to buy that Lightning DLC so maybe that's why…
As many have said, the Final Fantasy series has had much more stronger lead characters before. Not that Lighting is bad, there is probably a lot of depth to her character hidden in them books. But I refuse because I shouldn't have to read a book to gain more knowledge on backstories and character development in a story. It should all be in the story through out the game. This has been one of my biggest problems with the 'XIII' series in general, hiding all it's depth in the datalog.
I'll get XIII-3 no doubt, but I want this to conclude it, where will it go I have no idea. I just hope it leads somewhere.
Last edited by Vivi_Gamer on 8/23/2012 2:34:12 AM
Still don't know how XIII-2 ended. Last boss battle is seven kinds of stupid.
Even not knowing, I really can't fathom the mythology of this Fabula Nova Crystallis and Lightning's role in it. I'd prefer were they to just end it with a DLC episode, rather than trying to wrap all these bizarre story threads together with another wannabe epic tale.
And honestly, Lightning bores the crap out of me. She just feels like a nonentity. I mean… what can you even say?
I'd be happy to tell you how it ends. And I can do it in one sentence.
Tell it in one sentence. Hehe.
No, he couldn't do it in one sentence. There are seven Paradox endings he never saw, several of which add a great deal to the story. 😉
Last edited by Ben Dutka PSXE on 8/23/2012 3:58:48 PM
hehe.
Another FFXIII sequel from Square Fail?
Nah! not even if its Freemium model FtP.
Lets make a spin of series focusing on one of the worst written Final Fantasy characters ever. Alright it is official Square is run by angst ridden teens, or a shrewdness of apes. Or even worst, angst ridden apes.
I don't care if you like aspects of lightnings, but seriously her attitude for 75% of FF13 was borderline psychotic. She just punched Snow half the time, and was this really melodramatic pain in the arse.
Oh well, I don't care what they providing they give me my damn versus 13 and KH3 sometime in the future. They can make a chocobo guitar hero rip off for all I care, so long as I get me those two games.
I like psychotic women though 🙂
Then answer is no.
In a word, no. Good grief I can't wait for the XIII games to go away.
Glad I never bought any of these games. FF13 was my deciding factor for purchasing the PS3 at launch, when they went multi-plat, it was a slap in the face to me…not that I regret the PS3 but still. I'm sure if "vs 13" ever comes out, it'll be multi-plat as well.
I'm done with this series.
I understand they have the graphics engine and world already in place, but I think they should released games based in the same world but not the same characters. Maybe have them make a cameo or evidence of them but it should similar to what they did with Ivalice Alliance. That was bad ass. Personally, I trully love FF12…it was very refreshing. And you have FF Tactics, which is a part of it as well. That's what they should've done, set a new story with new characters in the same world.
and yes, I know they are very different in terms of gameplay. Even a game based in the world of Midgar with completely new characters doing their own thing. New enemies and objectives…perhaps 40-100 years after the main game.