Lighting Returns: Final Fantasy XIII producer Yoshinori Kitase recently spoke to IGN, and indicated that Final Fantasy XV will thankfully not have the same battle system.
“The two things that we put great emphasis on when designing the battle systems for all games in the Final Fantasy series are that the character’s personalities are expressed through them and that there is a deep and satisfying strategic element.
“Apart from that we strive not to be bound by any particular conventions and try to absorb all possibilities in order to evolve new systems. Final Fantasy XV is in no way a direct extension of Lightning Returns and will no doubt introduce completely new battles with new surprises of their own.”
As for the release dates of FFXV and even Kingdom Hearts 3, Square Enix has debunked an internal document that had been doing the rounds which failed to list either game for a 2014 release.
“We’re aware an internal document has been in circulation listing release dates for select Square Enix titles. This information contained in this document is inaccurate and features placeholder timing. Specifically – no announcement has been made to date for Kingdom Hearts III and Final Fantasy XV – their projected release window remains to be advised.”
Both games are coming to the Xbox One and PlayStation 4, though a release date is still pending.