I haven’t heard too many people say that they’re excited for Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII. Is there potential for the third game in the Final Fantasy XIII series (that just seems weird to write) to be fun? Absolutely. The mechanics and world waiting within this chapter of the franchise have been solid up to this point. However, it seems like most core fans of this legendary RPG franchise have lost a bit of the narrative on this one, and don’t hold a burning desire to return to this particular cast of characters.
Throw all of those feelings away. If you pre-order this PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 game right now, you’ll receive a free Cloud Strife outfit to wear in the game, as well as his massive Buster Sword. Square Enix has release both the above trailer and an official statement on the news.
“When you preorder Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII, you will receive the exclusive Cloud Strife Soldier 1st Class DLC — straight from Final Fantasy VII — for free!” the publisher stated. “So you’ll get the SOLDIER 1st Class Uniform, Buster Sword, and Soldier Band… but not Cloud’s blocky hands.”
Like most of you, I just wasn’t grasping what made this game so appealing to people who have enjoyed Square’s staple franchise for years and years. We’ve seen some gameplay trailers and action figures in the lead up to release, but there’s something about this shot of pure nostalgia extract that might push fans over the edge. If you’re as weak spirited as me, expect to pick this one up Feb. 11, 2014.