Xenoblade Chronicles

[Cosmonautical]

So far it's only slated for release in Europe and Asia/Pacific regions. One glance at this game puts every other Wii title released into question, its art direction and environments are gorgeous:

Click to view video.

I don't know much about the plot yet, although I'll probably grab a copy for the limited edition controller:


Europe's Fancy Big Box of Xenoblade Chronicles

[Loot]

Okay so it looks even better than games like Monster Hunter Tri both graphically and in world design, but uh what is this supposed to play like cause all that trailer told me was there was a lot of running

[Cosmonautical]

Yes Loot, you are observant. This is a game about running.

It has been stated that the game will convey the feeling of freedom to the player, and would not be as focused on cutscenes and story as its sibling games.

Xenoblade Chronicles has an action-based battle system where normal attacks will happen automatically at intervals, similar to the set up in Final Fantasy XII. However, special attacks known as arts each have their own cool down time as opposed to being on a continuous time queue with normal attacks and are performed manually by the player. Arts for each character have to be set on a "battle palette" at the bottom of the screen, which can be modified outside of battle.[10] Movement of the character in play also needs to be executed manually with the analog stick, however this only plays an integral role when using Shulk's arts as they are more effective if used from the side or behind. Xenoblade also has the "Visions" system, where Shulk can see glimpses of the future, and the player has to try to react or prevent it from happening.[11]

The game is known to have a number of features labeled as "Time Saving Support Features".[12] For instance, while the game will have a day and night time cycle, players can "wind the clock" to the time they want to go to, rather than just letting time elapse. Additionally, while the game is about exploration, many warp points will be added to aid in traversing the land. The game will also sport a "save anywhere" feature, a feature relatively rare among the console RPG genre.

Another of the game's systems is the "bonds system", in which characters can partake in many optional sidequests with non-player characters. Completing such quests can alter perception of the character in the towns, and open up additional story sequences.[13]

The game will also have extensive customization, such as being able to change the character's outfits, and having those changes be seen in battle, field, and even event scenes.[14]

CHARACTERS

All names come from the Japanese version of the game, and may be subject to change when the game becomes localized.

* Shulk is the main protagonist of the game. Early details show that he is able to wield the energy blade Monado. His first act upon acquiring the "destined weapon, the Monado" is to hunt the Mechon, the mechanical forces of the Mechonis (Kyoshin), that attack his home, known as "Colony 9".
* Fiorung is Shulk's childhood friend and the younger sister of Dunban.
* Dunban, age 30. Considered a great hero by all on the Bionis (Kyojin), Dunban previously wielded the Monado against the Mechon (Kyoshinhei). He was a principle force in the battle of Sword Valley (approximately one year before the game's main events take place). Prolonged use of the Monado took its toll on Dunban, and afterwards he could no longer use his right arm, and is unable to wield the Monado. However, he is still able to effectively wield a katana with his left arm to fight his enemies.
* Rein - Another of Shulk's childhood friends. Although he is a member of Colony 9's Defense Force, he can often be seen at Shulk and Fiorung's side. He uses a shield-gunlance, which can switch from shield mode into gun or lance mode.
* Carna - A medic of Colony 6's Defense Force. Uses an ether rifle as her primary weapon but is also skilled in curative ether so fills the role of team medic.
* Melia - A powerful mage that uses ether arts. She is member of the High Entia race (Haientaa) who reside on the head of the Bionis (Kyojin). Her age is unknown, but her brother is 151 years old. She seems to show some interests in Shulk later in-game.
* Riki - Looks like a child but he is actually 40 years old, and he has at least six children. A member of an race of merchants known as Nopon. Riki is a "black sheep" for his denying his race's destiny. A natural story-teller, he will go on at length about how he is actually the true legendary hero spoken of in the prophecies. He also sometimes cheers up the team when they are in despair.
* Dickson - An old friend of Dunban. He uses gunblade in battle.

Xenoblade Chronicles - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The game will also feature gunblades. Running and gunblades.


Here's some gameplay footage of the japanese game, apparently as played by a guy who has no idea what the game is saying:

Click to view video.

[Rainbow Dash]

f u europe and other regions that are not america

[X-3]

Operation Rainfall has been created to get this game, Pandora's Tower and the Last Story released in NA.

The strange (okay annoying) thing about Xenoblade is that I think its English localization is basically done, so um yeah.

I guess NoA seriously expects Zelda and Kirby to make up for a year of nothing.

[Cosmonautical]

Originally Posted by Rainbow Dash

f u europe and other regions that are not america

It's seriously criminal that NoA isn't planning a release for the RPGs NoJ has published, especially since they're already being localized. NoA is pretty out of touch if they can't market a game made by Sakaguchi. BTW, is it just me or does "The Last Story" sound awfully similar to "Final Fantasy" ...? I guess he can get away with it, though, since he created both games.

[Rainbow Dash]

that was the joke with the name yes

[Loot]

Originally Posted by People of the AMS

Yes Loot, you are observant. This is a game about running.

HAH. HEAR THAT GUYS? AI COMPLIMENTED ME

[Sim Kid]

Wasn't this game actually made by some of the people who made Xenosaga? I only heard rumours of the game.

I know that Shinomura and Mitsuda were involved with the music. :B

[Cosmonautical]

Yeah, it's something like that. I'm sure you could probably look up info about the dev pretty easily if you wanted to, since they're published by Nintendo.