As it is with most games these days, Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII will be released in both traditional retail “video game only” form, as well as a collectors edition. The collectors edition will be available at the launch of Lightning Returns starting next year, February 11, 2014.
The collectors edition will come embossed in a premium style packaging featuring brand new artwork. The items contained in the collectors edition will include a silver embossed pocket watch and a downloadable content code for Aerith Gainsborough’s “Midgar’s Flower Girl” outfit, based on the original Final Fantasy VII heroine.
For the art and illustration enthusiast, the collectors edition will include an 80-page hardcover art book filled with never before seen illustrations. Among the 80-page art book will be some original early sketches of some of the characters in Lightning Returns, by character designer, Tetsuya Nomura.
Other items included are:
- Foreword by FINAL FANTASY XIII Series Art Director Isamu Kamikokuryo
- An introspective look at the worlds and architecture of the Nova Chrysalia world
- A FINAL FANTASY nostalgia section that showcases crossover costumes and series’ fan favorites moogles and chocobos
Final Fantasy fans outside of North America might be upset to hear that this collectors edition is an exclusive to North America. On top of that, it can only be purchased through the Square Enix online store.The collectors edition for Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII will be priced at $89.99 for both the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions.