 The score was created with far more percussion than previous entries in the series , and featured " Blinded by Light " , a recurring theme in the XIII games related to the series ' central character Lightning , as a leitmotif . The theme was meant to emphasize the focus on Lightning , with several tracks relating directly to her . Unspecified ethnic musical elements were also incorporated . Each composer worked on one of the four game 's key locations . Due to the game 's day @-@ night cycle , different music was composed for morning , afternoon , evening and nighttime . The thirteen @-@ minute @-@ long final boss theme was meant to reference the title 's numeral . Hamauzu wrote " Crimson Blitz " , the first piece of the score and one of the game 's battle themes , while on tour in Switzerland . Unlike the previous two games , Lightning Returns did not feature a theme song as it was felt that this would diminish the emotional impact of the ending . Instead , the composers created a purely orchestral piece . The final theme , " Epilogue " , was co @-@ composed by Hamauzu and Nakama . It was based on the concept of the XIII games coming to an end , and so was intended to convey the themes and atmosphere of the soundtrack . Nakama created multiple versions of the piece and sent them to Hamauzu , who performed alterations and made the final choice . The game also featured multiple musical Easter eggs , including tunes from previous entries in the franchise . 
