Yuji Abe touched on some of the game’s play mechanics, including action and battle elements. The addition of action game elements allows Lightning to explore environments freely, with things like treasure chests now hidden in places she must jump or climb to. There is some concern, however, due to the game’s reliance on time limits.
As the game ends in 13 days, it seems that the time to move about is limited, especially if you’re trying to explore everything. So is it possible? Abe says it’s all about trial and error.
“At the time of the Final Fantasy 25th Anniversary Exhibit, we showed the alpha version and as time rapidly decreased you could sense the irritation,” says Toriyama. “We’ve since added a mechanic that will increase the remaining time in the world through quests and battles. By actively completing quests and battles, the time available to you will increase.”
Speaking of battles, if you’ve seen the latest trailer you might have noticed the user interface appears much different than the previous games. There are details Abe cannot talk about yet, but he wishes to do a little more tweaking first.
It must be said that LRFFXIII is not an action RPG, although action elements have become quite prominent throughout the game. Battle abilities can be input directly, coupled with action elements. The ATB system from FFXIII and XIII-2 have been evolved even further – the new system tentatively known internally as “amazing ATB.” Toriyama says there is more he can’t talk about yet, but each ability can be mapped to different buttons on the controller, and must be executed with the right timing in order to be effective. For example, you can master Defender-type abilities like guard or evasion in order to tackle difficult enemies.
The break/stagger system will return for LRFFXIII, but unlike XIII and XIII-2 in which the chain gauge accumulated by continuous attacks, more than one condition will be required in this new title – an element that will help players develop multiple strategies according to Toriyama.
When asked about Quick Time Events (QTEs), a feature that was put to heavy use in XIII-2, Abe says that LRFFXIII will not include them this time. There will, however, be something similar to Scene Drive.
In the previous games, Lightning wielded a gunblade for ranged fighting. Abe says that this time she will only have access to short range weapons, and that magic will fill the role of long-range attacks.
The idea of the “amazing ATB” gives the player a feel of realism and strategy all in the same, according to Kitase. The previous two titles had three people per party, although two of the NPCs were controlled mostly by AI. Despite the reliance on Lightning as a solo player, it still feels as if you’re controlling a multiple man team. Much of the battle system remains to be seen, so we’ll have to wait patiently for more information.
Enemies will appear in unexpected places, which Abe says will cause a feeling of tension. Enemy types vary depending on the time of day, with even stronger monsters showing up at night. Moreover, special occurrences known as “eruptions of Chaos” will signal the coming of even more powerful monsters, even in locations that might have been previously safe.
One such night enemy was described by Abe as a “furball bat,” and was recently officially named Gappuru (Niblet in English). Another new monster is known as Anubys, and even more are said to be in the game. Toriyama explains that this time approximately half of the enemies that appear will be new, although he hasn’t been able to determine an exact number yet.
Abe says that range will not affect the outcome of a battle. For example, if you select “Attack” Lightning will move automatically. LRFFXIII’s battle system will require you to switch commands depending on the situation, and if you had to factor in something like distance, then it might get a little complicated. Rather than range, Abe says it’s important to observe the enemy in order to find the right strategy to defeat it. You’ll want to watch an enemy’s specific movement, especially for those bigger monsters. Once you know the state it’s in, you’ll be able to deal with it accordingly.
Lightning will have so many different costumes, weapons and other equipment available to her throughout LRFFXIII. To that end, there are many shops in the world of Novus Partus. Later on you can also gather and assemble raw materials. For the equipment you’ll have the ability to change the color of each part, so a great deal of customization comes into play. You might find yourself sucked in by the amount of time spent customizing in the menu.
Despite time continuing on and playing an important role in the game, whenever you open the menu, time will pause to allow you to fully customize Lightning. Decorations such as Lightning’s sunglasses from the trailer will also be made available.
In regards to Lightning’s growth system, for the most part it’s connected to the completion of quests given to you throughout the game by various people. Unlike the previous two games, leveling won’t be connected to battle results. Battles will net their own rewards in the form of items you can use to strengthen equipment. Points will also be given to delay the impending end of the world, although Abe says there is still a lot he can’t talk about yet.
When pressed about the possible inclusion of mini-games, Abe dodged the question somewhat, while Toriyama says that, for now, they’re focusing on the main game. For LRFFXIII, one play cycle will vary greatly depending on the player’s action. How you go about doing so is left up to the player. The current version of the game is difficult to clear because the story for each continent has taken play testers 3 to 4 in-game days to complete. Current development completion percentage sits at about 25-30% according to Abe, with development rapidly growing for the second half.
Famitsu of course looks forward to next public reveal, and have asked the team to share some closing thoughts. Abe says that creating something like a half action game, half RPG is somewhat confusing, but eventually led to the creation of the “amazing ATB.” Toriyama promises that LRFFXIII will be a complete package, as opposed to FFXIII-2 which relied on additional story DLC to wrap up any loose ends. He says that this time they revealed Lightning’s new costume, and soon they’d like to show even more of them. Kitase says that with LRFFXIII being the latest installment in the series, he’d like to deliver a fresh experience. He promises that, experience aside, the completion of the story for previous characters in the series will be wrapped up in a satisfying conclusion. He hopes you anticipate it.
I'm also of the opinion that the outfit is weird. In the details that I believe Shakarian posted, I think it mentioned being able to change equipment and armor and stuff, especially in connection to the different fighting styles/paradigms, so I'm hoping that at least some of the alternate outfits are a little less...weird, in my opinion. 
SE! Better listen to me and have the fal'Cie.