Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy 13's time progression and open world explained

Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy 13 was originally conceived to have a real and constant flow of time, but the mechanic was ditched in favour of the game's current 'Glory Point' system. Developer Square-Enix has explained how players can use the points to master the flow of time across the RPG's open world in a new interview.

Speaking with Dengeki, the game's design director Yuji Abe explained that while the game is based around the concept of the world coming to an end in 13 days, he added that players will be able to halt time using the Glory Point, or 'GP' system.

Abe explained, “The gauge on the lower-left part of the screen is called GP, which is something like a convenience point system. This can be used during battle, to teleport to specific areas on the field, or to even stop time. For example, if you have a lot going on (and not enough time), you’ll be able to stop time. So, if you go ahead and use GP without any hesitation, your playthrough will surely be easier.”

“It stands for Glory Point, which can be acquired upon clearing battles. Originally, it was part of the Radiant Power (points given to the Tree of Life, Yggdrasil, to extend the lifespan of the world) but that would weigh in on the balance of the world’s life span, so we separated it so as to not cause any hesitation. Now, it can be used without having to worry about the world’s life span.”

Abe then shed some light on what will happen if players decide not to use GP to halt time's flow, "I believe there will be a huge hurdle to doing that; however, Lightning will be able to level up by simply clearing key events, which will increase her parameters. Again, if you want to increase her parameters by a larger amount, you can also purchase equipment.”

Regarding the game's open world, Abe stressed that most players wont find all of the game's tucked away areas and dungeons on the first try, and that the open world will be seamless and without loading times, except for whenever you teleport across it, or when you get into a vehicle.

What do you make of the GP system? Let us know below.

Thanks Siliconera.