Info about LIGHTNING RETURNS™: FINAL FANTASY® XIII:

Official game description:
Lightning Returns is the concluding chapter of the Final Fantasy XIII saga and series heroine Lightning's final battle. The grand finale of the trilogy brings a world reborn as well as free character customization and stunning action based battles.  
The world is sinking into a sea of chaos, and in thirteen days, nothing will remain.  
Though the planet is doomed, there is still hope for those who call it home.  
After centuries in crystal stasis, a hero has awoken—a legendary warrior on a god-given mission to save the souls of mankind. Her name: Lightning.  
Blessed with incredible strength and an arsenal of new weapons, she has everything she needs for the coming battle. Everything except time. And now she must make an impossible choice...
Downloadable content included in-game
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*   "Divine Wear" schemata  
*   "Moogle Lover" schemata  
*   "Ultimate Saviour" schemata  
*   "FFX-2 Yuna" schemata  
*   "FFVII Cloud" schemata  
*   "FFX Yuna" schemata  
*   "Tomb Raider" schemata  
*   "Shining Prince" schemata  
*   "Dark Samurai" schemata  
*   "Sohei Savior" schemata  
*   "Utsusemi" schemata  
*   "Art of War" schemata  
*   "Flower of Battle" schemata  
*   "Shogun" schemata
The "FFVII Aerith" schemata is not included in this pack. Furthermore, there are no plans to make this schemata available in future.
Key Features:
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**LIGHTNING UNDER YOUR CONTROL**  
Lightning will be the playable character - with a highly evolved range of techniques for battles and exploring the environment. Customise Lightning with a large range of different outfits and weapons; that affect not only the way she looks, but also her actions and abilities.  
**ACTION-ORIENTED COMBAT**  
A new battle system gives a level of direct control over the action unlike any FINAL FANTASY game, while having iconic elements that are known and loved throughout the series too.  
**DLC CONTENT FROM THE ORIGINAL CONSOLE VERSION**  
The PC release will also include all the amazing DLC content from the original console version\*, including Japanese voice-overs and various costumes, shields and weapons.  
\*Except for “FFVII Aerith Costume”  
**A CONSTANTLY MOVING, BEAUTIFUL WORLD**  
Stunning artistic direction depicts a doomed world filled with choice and diversity. Living, expansive environments featuring a rising and setting sun provide unique experiences for every player.  
**USE YOUR TIME WELL**  
A world on a course for total annihilation presents unique challenges; where certain areas, missions, and people will only be available during selected periods. How will you use your remaining time?  
**A CONNECTED EXPERIENCE**  
Stay connected to FINAL FANTASY and its characters, with unique features that link the in-game world to the real world.  
**Notes:**  
*   This version of the game has had no changes or additions made to the story of the original LIGHTNING RETURNS FINAL FANTASY XIII.  
*   Supports Dolby® Digital output compatible sound cards.  
*   This version of the game includes some of the downloadable content released for the original.  
*   The bonus items originally awarded for having save data from previous games in the series will be awarded in this version regardless of whether there is suitable save data present or not.  
*   Includes no functionality linked to Square Enix Members or social networking sites.  
*   It is not possible to change the names assigned to chocobos, map markers or schemata.  
    **Key functionality features of LR:FFXIII**  
    Supports graphics options intended for high-end PCs:  
    \- Rendering resolution  
    \- Scaling of the display area  
    \- Shadow processing  
    \- Texture filters  
    \- Colour correction  
    \- Depth of field  
    \- Lighting  
    \- Glare  
    Supports full screen and windowed display modes  
    Supports a maximum frame rate of 60fps  
    Supports Full HD display with a maximum resolution of 3840x2160

Release date: Dec 10, 2015

Categories: Action RPG, Character Customization, Time-based Mechanics, Schemata-based Combat, Open-World Exploration, Non-linear Progression, Boss Fights, Single-player

Feature scans:
- MTX: score 30; verdict: Fair with Minor Issues; summary: The game's monetization strategy is primarily centered around the inclusion of Day-1 DLC, which is largely praised for adding value to the base game without requiring additional purchases. However, the DLC content provides overpowered advantages that can significantly alter the game's balance, creating an indirect pressure to engage with it. A minor point of contention is the exclusion of the Aerith DLC set, which was available in the console version. Additionally, the game features cosmetic microtransactions in the form of an item shop, but these are optional and do not impact gameplay. Overall, the monetization practices are fair but could be improved by addressing the DLC imbalance.
- Wiki: score 50; verdict: Wiki-Dependent (The Student); summary: The user feedback for *Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII* reveals a heavy reliance on external data due to poor in-game systems. The most critical pain points are time-sensitive quest management (requiring instructional guides) and navigation complexity (forcing spatial data dependency). Technical bugs and missable content further exacerbate the need for external resources. While grind-related complaints exist, they are less frequent than other themes.
- Steam Deck: score 80; verdict: Broken with Critical Issues; summary: User feedback on the Steam Deck experience for this game reveals significant technical barriers, including controller mapping issues, frequent crashes, and performance problems like stuttering and frame rate drops. While some users report a smooth experience, the prevalence of high-severity issues—particularly stability and performance—indicates a largely inconsistent and frustrating experience. The lack of keyboard and mouse support further limits accessibility for some players.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price: No data
- Playtime Metrics: No data
- Time-to-fun: No data
- Player Archetypes: No data


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Innovative Combat System (weight 0.97): The real-time, schemata-based combat system is lauded for its depth, customization, and strategic elements like role-swapping and timed attacks. It is considered one of the best in the Final Fantasy series and JRPGs overall.
- Memorable Side Quests (weight 0.74): Side quests are praised for their emotional depth, philosophical themes, and integration with the main story. They enhance world-building and provide meaningful progression rewards.
- Stunning Visuals and Soundtrack (weight 0.74): The game features beautiful graphics, detailed environments, and a phenomenal soundtrack that enhances the atmosphere. The art direction and music are frequently highlighted as strengths.
- Exceptional Story and Conclusion (weight 0.74): The game is widely praised for its strong narrative, emotional character arcs, and satisfying conclusion to the FFXIII trilogy. Fans highlight the story's depth, closure, and ability to resonate with long-time players.
- Challenging and Rewarding Boss Fights (weight 0.72): Boss fights, including superbosses, are designed to be strategic and challenging, offering a satisfying experience for players who master the combat system.
- Strong Character Development (weight 0.69): Lightning's character arc is a standout, with players praising her nuanced growth and emotional resolution. The game's focus on her perspective adds depth to the narrative.

Common complaints:
- Time pressure ruins exploration (weight 0.53): The time-limit mechanic is frequently cited as stressful, restrictive, and detrimental to exploration. Players feel rushed, miss content, and experience frustration due to poorly implemented time gates and artificial urgency.
- Combat system is flawed (weight 0.46): The combat is described as unintuitive, repetitive, and poorly balanced. Players struggle with outfit-switching mechanics, limited healing, and difficulty spikes, especially in boss fights.
- Poor technical performance (weight 0.33): The PC port suffers from performance issues like stuttering, frame drops, and poor optimization. Controls are criticized for lacking mouse support and being unintuitive.
- World feels empty and dull (weight 0.31): The open world is described as lifeless, with repetitive quests, sparse environments, and a lack of engaging content. Players feel the atmosphere is depressing and uninspired.
- Disjointed from Final Fantasy legacy (weight 0.14): The game is seen as a departure from traditional Final Fantasy elements, with criticisms of its combat, story, and scope. Players feel it fails to live up to the series' standards.
- Lack of guidance frustrates players (weight 0.13): Quests lack clear directions, map markers, or in-game hints, forcing players to rely on external guides. This creates confusion and inefficiency, especially for completionists.

Gameplay feedback:
- Time-Limited Gameplay Mechanic (weight 0.82): A 13-day countdown creates urgency, requiring players to manage time efficiently. Side quests extend the time limit, and Chronostasis allows temporary time manipulation, adding strategic depth to progression.
- Schemata and Customization System (weight 0.67): Players customize combat roles via Schemata (outfits), each with unique abilities, weapons, and stats. Abilities can be merged for upgrades, and gear is fully customizable, allowing for deep strategic variety.
- New Game+ and Replayability (weight 0.61): New Game+ modes carry over equipment and unlock harder difficulties, including exclusive gear. The time-limited structure and multiple endings encourage replayability for full completion.
- Solo Protagonist Focus (weight 0.58): The game centers on Lightning as the sole playable character, with non-controllable party members. Combat and progression revolve around her customizable Schemata and abilities.
- Open-World Exploration with Quests (weight 0.26): The game features four large, non-linear zones with abundant side quests, ranging from fetch tasks to narrative-driven missions. Exploration is encouraged, though some quests lack clear objectives or map markers.
- Quest-Based Progression System (weight 0.24): Traditional leveling is replaced by quest-based progression, where stats and abilities are unlocked through main and side quests. This system ties character growth directly to exploration and completionist playstyles.
- Monster Extinction Mechanics (weight 0.07): Enemies can go extinct after repeated defeats, with rare 'Last Ones' appearing as powerful variants. This system adds urgency to resource gathering and combat strategy.

Performance notes:
- Mixed PC port performance (weight 0.27): The PC port is functional and supports high-end graphics options like 4K and 60 FPS, but suffers from inconsistent performance, including frame drops, stuttering, and occasional crashes. Optimization varies across hardware configurations, with mid to low-range PCs experiencing more issues.
- Hardware and driver tweaks required (weight 0.18): Performance can be improved with NVIDIA power settings or tools like DXVK, but the game should run smoothly without additional programs. Optimization varies, with some users needing to adjust resolution or scaling for stability.
- Graphical inconsistencies and downgrades (weight 0.13): While the game supports high resolutions, graphics are inconsistent, with detailed characters but poor environments or NPCs. Some users report a downgrade compared to previous entries, and performance worsens after lowering settings.
- Inconsistent input and controls (weight 0.13): The PC port lacks proper mouse-and-keyboard support, requiring gamepad use or keyboard remapping. Controller input issues arise from Steam Input conflicts, making controls feel clunky or unresponsive.
- Stability improved but crashes persist (weight 0.08): While the PC version is more stable than previous entries in the series, occasional crashes and stuttering still occur, particularly in specific areas or without patches. Some crashes are attributed to hardware or driver conflicts.
- Better than previous FF13 ports (weight 0.07): The port is an improvement over previous *Final Fantasy XIII* games, with better optimization, stability, and performance on modern hardware. It runs well on platforms like the Steam Deck and scales better than older entries.
- Minor bugs and glitches (weight 0.07): The game has minor issues like clipping, graphical glitches, disappearing seeds, buggy monster spawns, and missing battle quotes. These do not severely impact gameplay but are noticeable.
- Optimization issues in crowded areas (weight 0.06): The game struggles with performance in open-world or crowded areas, leading to lag, stuttering, FPS drops, and pop-ins. Combat remains smoother at 60 FPS, but overworld performance is inconsistent.

Recommendations:
- Not for casual players (weight 0.34): The game’s time pressure, complex mechanics, and lack of traditional JRPG pacing make it unsuitable for casual players or those seeking a relaxed experience. It is best enjoyed by hardcore fans or those familiar with FFXIII’s systems.
- Combat and customization appeal (weight 0.34): The dynamic combat system, deep customization, and strategic planning are praised as standout features. Fans of action-heavy RPGs and replayability find these mechanics highly engaging and rewarding.
- Final trilogy conclusion reward (weight 0.33): The game is highly recommended for its strong narrative closure, particularly for fans of the FFXIII trilogy. Players emphasize the emotional and satisfying ending as a major reason to play, even if other aspects are flawed.
- Guides and mods recommended (weight 0.33): Players frequently suggest using walkthroughs, mods, or trainers to mitigate frustrations like unclear quest conditions, time limits, and performance issues. These tools enhance the experience but may detract from immersion.
- Time management strategies (weight 0.32): The time limit is a polarizing mechanic, with players advising either embracing it (e.g., using cronostasis or safety saves) or disabling it via mods. Side quests are best tackled in downtime without obsessive completion.
- Trilogy context required (weight 0.31): The game assumes familiarity with FFXIII and FFXIII-2, making it less accessible to newcomers. Playing the trilogy in order is strongly recommended for full lore appreciation and narrative impact.
- Unique mechanics and experimentation (weight 0.3): The game is praised for its bold innovations, such as extinction and time-based progression, which set it apart from predecessors. However, these mechanics may feel punishing without proper preparation.
- Difficulty and accessibility tips (weight 0.3): Starting on Easy mode and progressing to Hard is a common recommendation, especially for first-time players. The game’s difficulty curve and lack of mouse support are noted as barriers for some.
- Audio and performance tweaks (weight 0.27): Japanese audio is recommended for better story clarity, while performance mods (e.g., DXVK) or platform choices (PS3/Xbox over PC) are suggested to improve stability and gameplay experience.
- DLC and challenge balance (weight 0.03): Players advise avoiding overpowered DLC equipment to maintain challenge, while also noting that the game’s flaws (e.g., rushed main story missions) could be improved in a remaster.

Other player notes:
- Unique world and story structure (weight 0.09): The game features a world divided into four distinct regions with unique biomes, set 500 years after FF13-2. The storyline involves organized religion, a 13-day countdown to apocalypse, and themes of a dying world.
- Challenging superbosses and Easter eggs (weight 0.08): Superbosses like Yoshinaga and Aeronite are praised for their difficulty and depth, while cross-game references and Easter eggs enhance the experience for dedicated fans.
- Nostalgic and emotional closure (weight 0.03): The game provides a sense of nostalgia and closure for the FFXIII trilogy, with players expressing emotional attachment and defending the trilogy against criticism. It ties loose ends from FF13-2 and offers a single happy ending.
- Origins of game development (weight 0.01): Speculation exists that the game may have been repurposed from a different project into the FF13 canon, or that it served as a precursor to later titles like *Origins* or *Type-0*.
- Desire for remaster or port (weight 0.01): Players express a strong desire for a remaster or port to newer consoles, indicating the game's lasting appeal and potential for broader accessibility.
- Crossover skins and collaborations (weight 0.01): The game includes skins and collaborations from other franchises, such as Cloud and Lara Croft, adding fan service and variety to character customization.
- Critique of Square-Enix's marketing (weight 0.01): Some players criticize Square-Enix's shift in marketing strategy, suggesting it may have impacted the game's reception or development process.
- Lack of language support (weight 0.01): The absence of Ukrainian language support is noted as a limitation, potentially alienating some players in specific regions.

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.29): Players frequently cite the game's restrictive time-management system as a major source of frustration, as it limits exploration, pressures decision-making, and creates stress during quests. Additionally, poorly balanced combat, unintuitive mechanics (e.g., disruptive mode shifts, cumbersome equipment switching), and repetitive or unclear side quests exacerbate the frustration, often leading to repeated failures or forced replays.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.14): Players express satisfaction with the game's narrative closure, particularly the emotional payoff of concluding the trilogy and character arcs. The refined combat system, customization options, and gameplay versatility—such as fluid battles and strategic depth—also contribute to a rewarding experience, especially after overcoming initial challenges or mastering the mechanics.
- Disappointment (weight 0.14): The game disappoints players due to its perceived decline in quality from earlier titles, including shallow storytelling, unresolved plotlines, and underutilized characters. Technical issues (e.g., poor PC port performance, lack of mouse support) and design flaws (e.g., forced pacing, repetitive content) further detract from its identity as a Final Fantasy title, leaving many feeling the experience fell short of expectations.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.06): Players enjoy the game's dynamic combat system, which offers strategic depth, customization, and rewarding mechanics like the just guard feature. Engaging side quests, non-linear gameplay, and the overall atmosphere—including charming characters and visual feedback—contribute to a fun and immersive experience, particularly after acclimating to its systems.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.05): The game evokes nostalgia through callbacks to earlier Final Fantasy titles, such as recurring music, characters, and locations. Players reflect on personal journeys with the trilogy, comparing it to beloved past experiences (e.g., Majora's Mask) and appreciating the emotional closure of completing a long-running saga.
- Appreciation (weight 0.05): Players appreciate the game's unique risks and innovations, such as its ambitious combat system, rich lore, and divisive but memorable narrative. The customization options, replayability, and thematic depth—along with its willingness to stand out from other Final Fantasy entries—garner admiration despite its flaws.
- Excitement (weight 0.05): The game excites players with its deep customization options, engaging combat, and strategic challenges, particularly during boss fights. The final portion of the trilogy, including cinematic moments and the resolution of long-running storylines, also generates excitement, especially for those invested in the series.
- Amusement (weight 0.03): Players find amusement in the game's lighter or quirky elements, such as humorous side quests (e.g., 'find his boil cream'), Lumina's taunting behavior, and Lightning's outfits, which add a playful or sarcastic tone to the experience. The game's goofiness and fan service also contribute to moments of levity.
- Surprise (weight 0.02): Players are surprised by the game's positive aspects, particularly when it exceeds low expectations set by earlier entries in the trilogy. Hidden features (e.g., graphical options in the PC port) and the overall engaging experience—despite initial skepticism—also contribute to this emotion.
- Relief (weight 0.02): Players feel relief when they realize the time-limit system is more permissive than feared, especially with mechanics like Chronostasis. Completing the game or overcoming technical hurdles (e.g., smooth performance in the PC port) also provides a sense of relief after initial concerns.
- Confusion (weight 0.01): Players experience confusion due to the game's non-linear storytelling, abrupt transitions (e.g., final boss to ending), and lore inconsistencies, particularly for those unfamiliar with the trilogy's context. The initial complexity of battle mechanics and lack of in-game guidance further contribute to this emotion.
- Love (weight 0.01): Players express strong affection for the game's unique risks, depth, and character-driven storytelling, particularly for Lightning. The emotional investment in the trilogy's conclusion and the game's ability to evolve from initial dislike to appreciation foster a deep sense of love for the experience.
- Joy (weight 0.01): Players derive joy from the game's combat model, side quests, and the emotional fulfillment of completing the trilogy. Reuniting with series characters, experiencing the epic finale, and mastering the gameplay systems contribute to a sense of happiness and satisfaction.
- Affection (weight 0.01): Players develop affection for the game, particularly for Lightning as a character, due to long-term attachment to the FF13 series. The emotional resonance of the story, characters, and personal connections to the trilogy foster a lasting fondness for the experience.
- Boredom (weight 0.01): Players report boredom due to repetitive gameplay elements, such as monotonous combat, fetch quests, and excessive time spent in limited areas. The lack of late-game content and repetitive side quests further contribute to a sense of tedium.
- Annoyance (weight 0.01): Players are annoyed by technical issues (e.g., poor port performance, lack of mouse support) and design choices like time-gated quests, unclear objectives, and fanservice elements (e.g., outfit-based powers). These frustrations disrupt immersion and enjoyment.
- Admiration (weight 0.01): Players admire the game's innovative combat system, Lightning's character development, and its willingness to take creative risks. The craftsmanship behind its interlocking mechanics and the emotional depth of its storytelling also earn respect.
- Anger (weight 0.01): Players express anger over poor game design, such as frustrating final boss mechanics, technical issues (e.g., controls, graphics), and perceived rushed or poorly executed elements. These flaws lead to intense frustration and dissatisfaction.
- Disgust (weight 0.01): Players feel disgust toward the game's poor storytelling, repetitive interactions (e.g., forced final boss encounters), and overall terrible gameplay experience. These elements create a visceral negative reaction, particularly when the game fails to meet basic expectations.
- Hope (weight 0.01): Players express hope for future improvements, such as graphical upgrades or a remaster, based on the game's potential. Encouragement from others to try the port or revisit the game also fosters a sense of optimism about its legacy.}