[29/04] Paradox Endings may influence the story of Lightning Returns

[Steve-O]

A few weeks ago the website FFDream got to send someone over to Japan for a live interview with Motomu Toriyama and Yoshinori Kitase about several upcoming games, including Lightning Returns. Their team got to ask seven questions about Lightning Returns, two of which were questions we all already know the answers to (Why do you only play as Lightning, is this really the last Lightning Saga game) but the other three contained some brand new information.

FFDream: Did you think of influencing the contents of Lightning Returns in comparison with the different endings of FF XIII-2?
Motomu Toriyama: I would say that the different endings of FFXIII-2 let [the player] envisage several different stories. As regards Lightning Returns: FF XIII, we approached the scenario so this one takes place by taking count only of the main ending of Final Fantasy XIII-2. However the paradox endings draw away several different stories, and it is possible that they will manifest themselves in some way in main history.

FFDream: Will the Coliseum make its comeback in Lightning Returns?
Toriyama: What I can tell you is that it will not be that of XIII-2, but another, more specific version of this episode will be present and integrated into the game.

FFDream: In January, at our last meeting, I offered you an illustration. (Note: Lightning wearing SOLDIER First Class outfit, largely inspired by FF VII) Has it been seen by your team?
Yoshinori Kitase: Once a month, about a hundred-person team working on Lightning Returns meets for planning and your illustration was presented as a gift from abroad.

FFDream: After two episodes of Pulse and Cocoon, Lightning Returns arrives in a totally different atmosphere. What was the biggest challenge in changing history with it. What were your inspirations, your influences … ?
Yoshinori Kitase: The theme of this game is based on the last moments of the worlds of Gran Pulse and Cocoon . The greatest challenge of this game is that the end of the world is announced to lie only thirteen days after the start of the game, so it was necessary to find a balance between the desire to save the world and this very limited time the player has to explore the world.

FFDream: Until now, all Final Fantasy had their musical themes. For Lightning Returns, what kind of music did you ask Mr. Hamauzu and his team (Suzuki-san and Mizuta-san) to create?
Toriyama: Lightning Returns marks the end of the story of Lightning, so we made ​​several arrangements . For example, the theme “Crimson Blitz” is still based on the music “Blinded By Light” but with some modifications. I only remember having said the themes of the game were “save the world” and “the redemption of Lightning” to M.Hamauzu who then created the music according to his interpretation.

If you think you can contribute to a more accurate translation, please let me know!

Source: http://www.novacrystallis.com/2013/04/paradox-endings-may-influence-the-story-of-lightning-returns/

 

[Rydrum2112]

Why do people always ask the same dumb questions in previews? Same thing happens when Bands/Singers are interviewed about their new albums, actors are asked the same questions on every show they go on...

And maybe due to translation but the questions weren't really answered directly.

 

[Linnaete]

I don't recall Square-Enix Japan being capable ever of providing straight and direct answers. The interviewed are usually under instruction and an information embargo, so for the time being aside from the obvious things we know already, they can only utter the most vaguest not-very-relevant/somewhat-relevant responses possible. Heck, I'm surprised no one fucking laughed during that interview - or the transcript just decided to omit it. There's usually at least one [laughs] in there somewhere!

Okay, why should the paradox endings be of any relevance or significance here? This isn't Mass Effect where choices and consequences can carry over, as much as Square seems to want the Lightning games to be Mass Effect. I thought the paradox endings were just "what if" scenarios and considered completely non-canon.

 

[ShadowStar Mila]

Good god I hope they arent serious about those parodox endings, Its allready a big change in the story just going from the main ending of FFXIII-2. The Paradox endings I assumed where just other possible scenaro's. I don't think they need to be continued or further explained in lighting returns.

The last question about the music Im curious about since I loved the soundtrack for both XIII and -2, but XIII-2 really got out of genre on a few songs so hopefully they dont go super crazy in this one. I wouldnt actually mind if a few tracks where remixed like they did "blinded by light". It most likely wont happen since where done with paradox effects now (at least I think) but I really love for them to keep the alternate tracks that overlaps the current one when a monster would appear, I thought that was really cool.

 

[Rey]

This confuses me greatly. Did Square Enix not promise to have a final and concrete ending to the XIII series? The paradox endings are not necessarily even canon, and they are more for back story or foreshadowing. An example that comes to mind is the one with Alyssa and

Spoiler

Snow suddenly appears in the paradox ending knowing Alyssa is working under Caius

I really do not see much going on with the paradox endings in LR: FF XIII-3 as SE did promise they were not going to influence the story and have a final ending with no other choice. That is what I want now. Lightning had a good run and this has to be her last game.

 

[Razberry Knight]

im assuming this is to keep thirteen series consistent or at least try