E3 2013: Lightning Returns Final Fantasy XIII Demo Gameplay Revealed

Square Enix have released a new gameplay trailer from E3 2013 for Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII. It showcases most of the combat mechanics at play, along with a boss fight and the slow-motion technique Lightning can use to gain an upper hand against enemies.

The demo shows an atypical dungeon, not unlike those seen from Final Fantasy XII (except more cramped), and this provides ample opportunity to show off the platforming elements of the game. Actually, it’s just Lightning hopping over an object here and there, along with sliding down a pole. Nothing big, but it does help break up the monotony.

The combat appears to ditch the Active Time Based system of the original two games in favour of a more action-oriented, hack and slash approach. Not that we mind, but we hope to see some more of the mechanics for the game beyond weapon play and some Thundaga strikes.

Lightning Returns: FFXIII is currently slated to release on February 11th in North America and February 14th in Europe for Xbox 360 and PS3.