FFXIII Lightning returns - Difficulty and how it compares...?

[Mexican Joker]

Hi,

I've read quite some negative opinions regarding the internal clock system and that's why I wanted to ask from the people who have played through this game if it's a good idea to start with easy or normal difficulty. It seems some people think this game should be played in easy mode, at least the first playthrough. I also saw a thread saying that easy mode might be TOO EASY and normal mode TOO HARD. Quite many also say that the time limit is not so bad and that you shouldn't focus too much watching the clock.

So my first question is: Considering I've played through FFXIII & FFXIII-2, is it ok to start with normal mode and how much does the chosen difficulty affect the time limit?

Second question: Is this game anywhere same level as FFXIII & FFXIII-2 in terms of, let's say story, combat, characters, world etc.

Oh yeah and third question... Is there any replay value? If I play the first playthrough with easy difficulty is there still some interesting stuff to do in NG+ played in normal/hard?

Thanks in advance if someone cares to explain! :)

[Yuuki]

First question:
The difficulty does not affect the time limit itself.
You can use a skill called Chronostasis to stop the time temporary.
It uses EP that you get from fights. The amount of EP depends on the enemy (small, medium, big) and difficulty.
But you have to keep one thing in mind if you choose normal or hard;
If you escape from a fight, the time advances by one hour!

Second question:
I won't say anything about that 'cause it's subjective.

Third question:
You won't get everything on your first playthrough.
And if you want the best upgraded gear, you have to play at least three times through the game.

[Vandhal]

Depends on your gameplay style and your previous experience. I like difficult games and I've played a bunch of other FF games so I'm definitely going to start with Normal mode.

There are items that you can only get on NG+, and even rarer items drop on HARD mode. IIRC there is no item difference in easy and normal modes. You also keep most of the stuff and stats you already have.

[Domova]

Normal mode really wasn't difficult at all, there was a few of your typical FF style fights that are close calls but other than that, it really wasn't that difficult.

[Mexican Joker]

Thanks guys... Rly appreciate these tips. I'm starting the game in normal mode then, trying to do as much as I can within the time limit and if I understood correctly I'll then use chronostasis if I'm running short on time :)

[Marsson]

Start with normal, I only had problems at a few places (including the last boss since I was undereleveled, but the game was fun enough to restart the whole game and keep my stats)

[starcypher]

No regen in normal mode all chrono skills cost more easy is like normal normal is hard

[Yuuki]

Originally posted by starcypher:

all chrono skills cost more

Except Esunada, Decoy, Army of One, and Chronostasis

[chrcoluk]

normal, first playthru can be tough e.g. your early fights against eater enemies and other big hitters.

easy, the main thing easier about it is the extra EP you get making chronostasis and teleport much more available for use (teleport is also cheaper to use), Whilst it has auto healing, once you have access to mediguard that only becomes a minor benefit. The fights wont be that much easier.

[Bloodhawk]

I think the developers themselves said when the game originally released that normal mode would be too difficult for the average player to start with.

If you're the kind of person that usually play games on normal difficulty your first time through, you'll probably want to start with easy in this game. Easy is still quite challenging, the biggest difference is that it's much more forgiving, which is exactly what you want when you're playing a game that is as ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ crazy as Lightning Returns. The battle system is weird as Hell and there really isn't any conventional about it in any sense. It's a really weird game, so I recommend starting with easy.