Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy 13 fourth continent detailed

Square Enix has released a ton of new information on Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy 13. Customisation, locations, difficulty, characters and more detailed within.

Square Enix gave more details on the RPG during a Japanese press event; Gematsu gathered the details below from a number of Japanese sources.

Perhaps the most significant piece of news is the existence of a fourth continent; up till now, we'd only had limited information about the game's geography. The Wildlands is an open-world area with natural terrain and greater player freedom where the player can ride on chocobos. Going by series history, it's probably late-game content.

Speaking of late-game, Square Enix said there'll be content left to explore after the main storyline has ended. It also said it's busy fine-tuning the difficulty of enemies, noting that some players have described past bosses as "impossible". At present, some play-testers have beaten the final boss in 50 seconds. That could probably use some work.

Square Enix also outlined what happens on the other landmasses. In Luxerion, the capital city, play will be divided into "Detective" and "Tracking" play, as Lightning investigates a murder.

In the Dead Dunes, Lightning will encounter relics and ruins. Just like in the city of Yusnaan, where governer-general Snow lives (if ever there was a relic of 2000's character design, it's this beanie and trenchcoat-clad fellow. Happily he's had a decent makeover). Yusnaan hosts various attractions, but has a tight time limit.

Vanille is back, too: Square Enix didn't want to give too much away, but said she's being "sheltered" by a religious group in Luxerion called the Salvation Council. Hope's mysteriously youthful appearance was explained as a gift from the gods.

Square Enix also said a little bit more about the costume customisation; apparently, different outfits will have different numbers and types of customisation options. For example, one outfit allows you to change the colour of the lining, pocket, and body, while another also lets you fiddle with the accessories, vest, inner section and boots.

You can alter as many of the available sections as you like. Colour palettes will be available, but you'll also be able to select from a colour wheel.

Weapons and shields can't be customised, but there are over 70 weapons to collect. While Lightning is wandering the world, she'll encounter over 100 types of shops. The product line-up in each shop will change over time. In the beginning of the game, Lightning can only hold six items, but this increases.

Finally, there will only be one ending, as this entry marks the end of the Lightning Saga.

Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy 13 is coming to PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, hitting the west in February after a November Japanese launch.