Judging by the radio it seems at this stage in the game Lucis has not yet been attacked. I remember it was said that Noctis' crystal powers were new to him, and he had yet to get used to them. It was also said that the party's magic stems from Noctis way back in the day. Is it possible that at this stage of the game shown, Noctis does not yet have his crystal power, hence the absence of the associated crystal dust effects and magic? It seems odd that it would be toned down so severely otherwise to me, just because Square is so all about particle effects.
Then again, they may also just be unfinished and who knows how much of what I said above has changed?