Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII Demo Walkthrough Shows Combat, Exploration

The Final Fantasy XIII saga has almost come to a close after a long, storied adventure. With two major titles in the rearview, the latest of which featured a new protagonist, Lightning is making a comeback in this current-generation blockbuster. The franchise’s famed combat, extended cutscenes, and world exploration will all be a part of Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII, and a fresh demo showcasing a significant chunk of gameplay has just been released for those too eager to wait for the official release date.

If you’re looking to enjoy this summer weather and take a tour of a beach, the above video might just be what you’re looking for. A sandy location, as well as a massive temple filled with deadly beasts, are at the the center of this gameplay presentation. Lightning can be seen engaging in battles, having conversations with major narrative players, and making use of the costume swapping functionality within the clip. Plenty of these aspects of the game were detailed during a recent information blowout, but if you’d rather just see it all in action, this is your best opportunity.

Look, if you haven’t been following this particular branch of the Final Fantasy tree, Lightning Returns probably isn’t the best place to jump in. But if you want to make an educated decision before the game releases on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in North America on Nov. 11, take the next 12 minutes or so and enjoy a few developers exploring the rich, expansive world.