[25/12] Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII features an “amazing Active Time Battle” system

[C i d]

Some more Lightning Returns details have leaked out following this week’s Japanese magazine release.


A few bits and pieces of this we already know, such as Lightning’s new costume design being drawn up by Tetsuya Nomura. Lightning will also have access to other outfits, including the ability to change colors.


Given that the game’s core concepts revolve around time, time itself will always be moving forward on the field except for when you’re messing about in menus. To create an even more living environment, NPCs will often change their location and well as their movements. Time also factors into information gathering – there’s only specific times when you’ll be able to find key clues throughout various locations.


In LRFFXIII the player controls Lightning and Lightning alone, however, the game is not an action RPG. Weapons, shields, accessories, and abilities are formed into “Styles” which can be switched out during battle. The outward appearance and performance of these Styles will enjoy a great selection of customization.


While the name of LRFFXIII’s combat system has yet to find a name for itself, it’s tentatively being referred to as “sugoi ATB,” or rather something along the lines of “amazing ATB.” Commands can be set up and mapped to face buttons, combined with action elements such as real-time blocking and direct control over Lightning’s movement. It’s a system that gives the impression that multiple members still take part in battle despite the reality of Lightning’s solo situation.


Source: NovaCrystallis

 

[Razberry Knight]

Basically is FF 13 system but weapons and shields are split into paradigm shift. Paradigm shift mixd with dressphere in a way.

 

[~Griever~]

I'll take this with a pinch of salt for now. Obviously the biggest fear is that we're going to get another "repeatedly press x for 60 hours" again. I really hope they do away with the autobattle command. To be honest I just wish we could go back good old turn based combat. I understand things have to progress though and perhaps this will be third time lucky?

 

[The Master]

^This

However, I may just give this one a chance. It seems interesting and 'different' enough for me to might be able to enjoy battling... But I do wish they would go back to turn based combat...

 

[Tmoo]

This is slightly confusing. If it's not an ARPG, then what is it? It doesn't look to be turn-based. Or perhaps the ATB has to fill up after a certain amount of actions are taken.

 

[tilinelson2]

For me the "old turn-based" combat was the real "press X button for 60 hours". FFXIII system was better because it cut out some of the crap of waiting long attacks, and it also let you do whatever you wanted each battle instead of the old systems that forced you to save your MPs to the big bosses. However, even that is not enough, I think. It is about time for the RPG makers stop making a million meaningless battles per game.

 

[AddleBoy]

From what I can see from this article, it looks like a mixture of ATB and and Action RPG style. Like an action RPG, you can control Lightning and make her walk around the battle field, and you can also control blocking in real-time. I guess the ATB aspect of it is that you still have to wait a little for attacks and other actions to go through.

There are a couple things I don't understand, like in what way it's supposed to feel like multiple people when it's only Lightning? Also, what's so great about this?

Given that the game’s core concepts revolve around time, time itself will always be moving forward on the field except for when you’re messing about in menus. To create an even more living environment, NPCs will often change their location and well as their movements. Time also factors into information gathering – there’s only specific times when you’ll be able to find key clues throughout various locations.

I remember this happening in Majora's Mask, and that was on the N64.

 

[Razberry Knight]

Who says she can block in real time? This is still an ATB but i guess the more action oriented stuff they were talking about in earlier statements may not have been battles. Im guessing blocking has an ATB bar too and that would be a good idea but the paradigm shift seems to still be there...so idk...