Players have a high degree of freedom and will see new roads and cities from tall landmarks and can easily get lost. The game's world, Nova Chrysalia, is an active open-world with some platforming elements. Also unlike its predecessor, the game has just one ending. Unlike Final Fantasy XIII-2, the game's retail version contains the complete story, meaning players won't have to purchase downloadable content. The game takes place five hundred years after the events of Final Fantasy XIII-2 where Lightning is tasked with saving the souls of humanity in a world heading for destruction. Intended to end the Final Fantasy XIII trilogy, it features Lightning as the main protagonist. Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII is the direct sequel to Final Fantasy XIII-2, and a part of the Fabula Nova Crystallis: Final Fantasy series.
