New Lightning Returns Screenshots Go Dune Hopping

Square Enix released new images from Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy 13 featuring the Dead Dunes area.

The new shots show off some of the desert area players will visit in the upcoming sequel. They also reveal Lightning's abilities, such as being able to cast recovery spells on herself. Lightning will also have a new Lightspeed ability, which slows time before an enemy attacks, allowing players to unleash massive damage.

Traversal in the Dead Dunes uses a neat trick in sliding down sand dunes to get to areas faster. There's also an oasis village which Lightning can use as a hub town to find information for her quests.

There's still no concrete date in sight for Lightning Returns, but the game is expected on both the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 later this year.