Lightning Returns...With a Chance of Cloud?

SquareEnix, the makers of the Final Fantasy series, has released a new promotional video for the upcoming release of LIGHTNING RETURNS: FINAL FANTASY XIII...cause all caps, y'know?  The vid features the main character of FF13 (Claire Farron/Lightning) wearing the famous gear of Cloud Strife from Final Fantasy VII.  People go ape-sh*t over FF7, but we'll have to see if his alternate universe garb (?) will get gamers pumped about this third story arc in the FF13 series of games.  That's right, a series within a series.  Confused?  Get in line...

I have a love/hate relationship with Final Fantasy.  The ninth game is the best ever, but I hate when my character gets stuck in the game's story.  Oh no, you're not leveled up enough to fight this mega-boss, but there's no opportunity to go back and level up.  So you're stuck in game limbo.  It's probably my fault for not saving correctly in certain points, but you know what, screw that!  You shouldn't make a game with this kind of snag, Final Fantasy 8!! Grrr...

Anyway, check out the video and SquareEnix's YouTube page for more game footage.  Let us know what you think of the promo, and the series, in the comments section.  And expect a full-review of this game in 10 years when I figure out how to level up properly.  - AT

Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII

Platforms: XBOX 360 and PS3

Release Date: February 2014 (NA)