While Lightning has been potrayed as the main character and will most likely be the most significant character in the game, the developers have said that FF XIII will be similiar to FF VI where all the characters' stories are important and the main character isn't so clear.

I don't really care that she is female for that has nothing to do with the end result. In the end she could be a really bad developed character. I don't mind that she was based off of Cloud, the reason they have done this is for story purposed more so than the massive appeal towards Cloud. I do like her gunblade, probably the best version of the gunblade in the FF series, which means they somewhat borrowed from Squall even though his gunblade does not actually shoot bullets, instead it sends a shockwave when you pull the trigger.

Lightning's outfit is nice. It's not horrible and overall she looks good. I am eager to see her as a finished product.