"Xenoblade Chronicles X" by Monolith Soft

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Comments

  • My hope is that the story and setting can live up to Xenoblade Wii. Clearly the gameplay will blow away Xenoblade Wii, even from that short demo, but that's only half the game in my eyes.

    Putting the player on the bodies of 2 massive titans with such varied and unique environments was super cool, so if they can live up to or be better than that...
  • Yeah feelings haven't changed on this since its debut I am still in!
  • Firstly, I would just like to state that Xenoblade: Chronicles for the Wii was my favourite game of the last generation, it delivered the JRPG experience that the 360 & PS3 failed to deliver. I loved everything about it from the characters to the grande setting and how even though it was a massive game, the story would progress at your own pace.



    I bought a Wii-U in anticipation for the new X game, which clearly was to be a sequel. Just the thought of a new Xenoblade experience got me thrilled and it is something I wanted to invest in. As the trailers went on, Nintendo were keeping details ambiguous, from the title to if it was a multi-player or single player JRPG & A release date. I just felt as if I were being messed around a little.



    Is this an MMO RPG or Classic JRPG...? It was so hard to tell.



    The latest E3 demonstration brought tremendous fear. One thing I cannot stand in JRPG's is silent protagonists - which I call silent protagonist syndrome. I understand the concept, YOU are the player, you're stepping into the shoes of the character. However, when I look at the character all I see is a blank avatar with no personality. I need lead characters which I can engage which, even if they're as grumpy as Squall from Final Fantasy VIII, his character development was wonderful in the game, from isolating himself from people to opening up and embracing love and friendship. A blank character like in this game has no presence like that. Even in the gameplay demonstration you see him respond with a flat not, I don't want to play as a nodding dog for a 100+ hour JRPG...





    I don't want a blank character, Shulk was a very engaging character, why not be him or another character written into the story.



    What's even worse is that in games with Silent Protagonist Syndrome, all the characters and how they react to this, they just come across as so patronizing mostly because they HAVE to talk too much due to the lack of interaction with the mute. The thing is, you can have a game where you create a character and still have them engage with the scenario and have a personality. Mass Effect being a prime example, you could name and customise your Shepard to your hearts content, even switch gender, but the character still had presence. Silent Protagonist Syndrome in games just comes off as a techincal limitation and I think by 2014 we're really beyond that now.



    Even analyzing the E3 trailer, did you notice how it focused on the NPC's not the lead character. It is clear that he/she has no impact in the story. Which reminds me of one of my worse gaming experience of all time. Final Fantasy XII. You play as Vaan, a character who has no purpose within the story or even a personality, he is just so bland and what is worse, he brings Penelo into the story who is equally as useless. All I remember from that game was running through landscapes and temples wishing for the story to progress - which would happen every 5-10 hours. It was just agony and I don't want to experience anything like that again.





    Never... again.



    So I am now selling my Wii-U. Xenoblade Chronicles was meant to be the reason the console would thrive, but due to this awful creative decision the game has been ruined for me. There isn't much else I want from the Wii-U as I don't care much for the Nintendo Family's games (Mario, Toad, Kirby), I enjoyed Zelda: Wind Waker, but that was more for the exploration, I loved sailing from land to land. Zelda is another series which suffers from Silent Protagonist Syndrome and I have to be honest, I had the same problem with it. I never cared for link and it was awkward to see the characters work around him being mute. I'll be keeping my Wii for Xenoblade Chronicles, The Last Story & Pandora's Tower 3 amazing game I adore, but I am calling it quits with the Wii-U now.
  • . . . . . Disappointing, care to elaborate on that? I was hoping for a more engaging conversation. . .
  • It's 3am where I am forgive me, but quick thoughts before I pass out:

    While I don't think you're wrong about the possibility of a silent protagonist, we only saw 30 mins of the very beginning where the main character just awoke from a cryo sleep. For all we know he's still groggy or can't speak yet and there weren't enough cutscenes to really judge.

    Also, Monolith has never had a silent prot, not Xeno-gears, saga, blade 1. It'd be odd to change it up now especially since awesome main characters have been a staple for the series.



    I think it's still too early to tell and the game is another year away which means plenty of dev time still. The game clearly hasn't been localized to English either, so I think it's best to wait and see before jumping to conclusions.
  • Hopefully the main character isnt silent, I really liked Shulk. But Im a sucker for giant robots and RPGS so this is still a must buy for me so far.

  • Originally posted by: Tanooki



    I seriously had zero interest in the xeno title on the Wii, but this one given when it comes out and what they'r doing with it I think I could seriously play this one and like it.



    Tanooki, tell me you wouldn't want to explore this area. Should I send you my new game + save data so you can just experience the story/world and don't worry about quests and battles?




    If the Wii can do this, I can't wait to see what's in store for X. I just hope the imagination in the art style can live up the incredible feeling of seeing this for the first time. The trailers look promising!


     


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  • New info shown off at the recent direct. Got to see a little more about questing and how walking through the city looks. Pretty excited! Still looks to be a 2nd half 2015 release
  • The gameplay they showed off today looks great! I want to learn more about our new Nopon part member, although im probably the only one.
  • I'm with you, I love the Nopon!
  • it looks really cool to me
  • If I have Xenoblade Chronicles and a Wii U, is that worth playing through prior to this game coming out? I mean, I'm going to play it before X comes out either way, but I'm not sure if I should play the Wii version or wait to see if the New 3DS version looks better.

  • Originally posted by: TobyManhattan



    If I have Xenoblade Chronicles and a Wii U, is that worth playing through prior to this game coming out? I mean, I'm going to play it before X comes out either way, but I'm not sure if I should play the Wii version or wait to see if the New 3DS version looks better.





    The 3DS version won't look better graphically, it's still not as powerful as the Wii. The amazing thing about Xenoblade was how it push the Wii to INSANE limits. The draw distances are massive and the 3DS won't have the same wow factor. I say play it on the Wii U as long as you have a classic controller (do not use the remote/nunchuk). I don't know if they'll add any content or update anything, but given how limited the 3DS is, it likely won't be significant.



    Keep in mind the game will take between 70-100+hrs depending on how much side content you do and ability to pick up the battle system quickly, so be sure to start it at least 1-2 months before the new one comes. Depending on your amount of free time of course I did probably 85-90% of the side content in my first playthrough and explored everything. Took me 100 or so hours.




  • Okay, I'll play the Wii U version then. That does seem like a ton of time. I'm also going back and forth between this or just messing around in Skyrim some more. I always get an open world RPG itch around this time of year.
  • Yeah just play whatever you're in the mood for. Xenoblade and Skyrim are very different experiences, so if you're looking for some very unique environments with a deep combat system and excellent story go for Xenoblade. While I respect Skyrim for what it is, you won't find another experience quite like Xenoblade.



    Now, I've heard of people getting tired of Xenoblade in that 35-50 hr mark, even I was getting a little burned out at that point. But then halfway through it REALLY kicks into high gear in terms of story which will get you hooked until the end. So the first half is all about the exploration of amazing environments, learning the battle system, and setting up the story. The 2nd half is all about the story. but still has some great areas to explore.

    Honestly, you could play about 1/2 of Xenoblade, then watch the rest of the story on Youtube or something if you aren't really feeling it, but you should be:




  • KEEPS GETTING BETTER. These environments look insane, potentially much better than XC (HD graphics aside). Still no release date, but with footage in 2 directs in a row, it must be summer-fall this year.
  • The only "Xeno" games I have played were Xenogears and Xenosaga Part I but I am absolutely pumped for this as I am seriously in need of a new generation JRPG.
  • Xenoblade Chronicles X looks great, but I used to own Xenoblade Chronicles on Wii, played it for a bit, didn't like it, sold it, and now I want it again. I want to give the game a second shot, but not with the prices the way they are... But even so chances are high I will be buying Xenoblade Chronicles X.

  • Originally posted by: KrakenSoup



    Xenoblade Chronicles X looks great, but I used to own Xenoblade Chronicles on Wii, played it for a bit, didn't like it, sold it, and now I want it again. I want to give the game a second shot, but not with the prices the way they are... But even so chances are high I will be buying Xenoblade Chronicles X.





    You could also get the new 3DS version if you want to retry Xenoblade, it's coming in April. It's definitely the kind of game you have to commit to and take the time to learn the battle system properly, and X looks to be similar. I don't think story from the first will carry over, so either way you're good with the sequel!

  • Originally posted by: KrakenSoup



    Xenoblade Chronicles X looks great, but I used to own Xenoblade Chronicles on Wii, played it for a bit, didn't like it, sold it, and now I want it again. I want to give the game a second shot, but not with the prices the way they are... But even so chances are high I will be buying Xenoblade Chronicles X.

    How much are you willing to spend? i have 4 copies.





  • Originally posted by: LudwigKoopa



    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A...



    KEEPS GETTING BETTER. These environments look insane, potentially much better than XC (HD graphics aside). Still no release date, but with footage in 2 directs in a row, it must be summer-fall this year.



    I cant wait!! Trailer looks amazing! i keep watching it looking for little details! They said its supposed to be 5 times larger than Xenoblade!



  • Originally posted by: LudwigKoopa




    Originally posted by: KrakenSoup



    Xenoblade Chronicles X looks great, but I used to own Xenoblade Chronicles on Wii, played it for a bit, didn't like it, sold it, and now I want it again. I want to give the game a second shot, but not with the prices the way they are... But even so chances are high I will be buying Xenoblade Chronicles X.





    You could also get the new 3DS version if you want to retry Xenoblade, it's coming in April. It's definitely the kind of game you have to commit to and take the time to learn the battle system properly, and X looks to be similar. I don't think story from the first will carry over, so either way you're good with the sequel!

    I was planning on getting the New 3DS version, so I'll probably skip getting the Wii version again and just wait for the portable version.



  • Originally posted by: dqualls187




    Originally posted by: KrakenSoup



    Xenoblade Chronicles X looks great, but I used to own Xenoblade Chronicles on Wii, played it for a bit, didn't like it, sold it, and now I want it again. I want to give the game a second shot, but not with the prices the way they are... But even so chances are high I will be buying Xenoblade Chronicles X.

    How much are you willing to spend? i have 4 copies.



     

    I'll PM you
  • I hope the music is as good as the first game! i havnt really been wowed by the music in the trailers so far. I know some people dig it and are happy they got the guy who did Attack on Titan. I havnt really watched the show or listened to his music so i guess im hoping it lives up to first game. The soundtrack was one of my favorite parts. I mean come on, how can you listen to this and not want to go on an adventure?


  • Originally posted by: dqualls187



    I hope the music is as good as the first game! i havnt really been wowed by the music in the trailers so far. I know some people dig it and are happy they got the guy who did Attack on Titan. I havnt really watched the show or listened to his music so i guess im hoping it lives up to first game. The soundtrack was one of my favorite parts. I mean come on, how can you listen to this and not want to go on an adventure?

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p...





    I watched Attack on Titan and the music is very good. That doesn't necessarily translate to a game, but I think it will be good! The more I listen to the songs we've heard so far, the more I like it. But I don't think it can beat the first game's music because it's one of the best of all time. It's one of those instances where the multiple people collaborating came together and did something special that doesn't happen too often. 
  • Originally posted by: LudwigKoopa


    Originally posted by: dqualls187



    I hope the music is as good as the first game! i havnt really been wowed by the music in the trailers so far. I know some people dig it and are happy they got the guy who did Attack on Titan. I havnt really watched the show or listened to his music so i guess im hoping it lives up to first game. The soundtrack was one of my favorite parts. I mean come on, how can you listen to this and not want to go on an adventure?

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p45gdP2OKmU





    I watched Attack on Titan and the music is very good. That doesn't necessarily translate to a game, but I think it will be good! The more I listen to the songs we've heard so far, the more I like it. But I don't think it can beat the first game's music because it's one of the best of all time. It's one of those instances where the multiple people collaborating came together and did something special that doesn't happen too often. 





    I hope the original team was involved somehow? Like consulted upon..

  • Originally posted by: dqualls187




    Originally posted by: LudwigKoopa




    Originally posted by: dqualls187



    I hope the music is as good as the first game! i havnt really been wowed by the music in the trailers so far. I know some people dig it and are happy they got the guy who did Attack on Titan. I havnt really watched the show or listened to his music so i guess im hoping it lives up to first game. The soundtrack was one of my favorite parts. I mean come on, how can you listen to this and not want to go on an adventure?

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p45gdP2OKmU





    I watched Attack on Titan and the music is very good. That doesn't necessarily translate to a game, but I think it will be good! The more I listen to the songs we've heard so far, the more I like it. But I don't think it can beat the first game's music because it's one of the best of all time. It's one of those instances where the multiple people collaborating came together and did something special that doesn't happen too often. 







    I hope the original team was involved somehow? Like consulted upon..





    I was talking about the music specifically, none of those composers are back as far as we know. The actual development team and directors is still the same as before.
  • Originally posted by: LudwigKoopa


    Originally posted by: dqualls187




    Originally posted by: LudwigKoopa




    Originally posted by: dqualls187



    I hope the music is as good as the first game! i havnt really been wowed by the music in the trailers so far. I know some people dig it and are happy they got the guy who did Attack on Titan. I havnt really watched the show or listened to his music so i guess im hoping it lives up to first game. The soundtrack was one of my favorite parts. I mean come on, how can you listen to this and not want to go on an adventure?

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p45gdP2OKmU





    I watched Attack on Titan and the music is very good. That doesn't necessarily translate to a game, but I think it will be good! The more I listen to the songs we've heard so far, the more I like it. But I don't think it can beat the first game's music because it's one of the best of all time. It's one of those instances where the multiple people collaborating came together and did something special that doesn't happen too often. 







    I hope the original team was involved somehow? Like consulted upon..





    I was talking about the music specifically, none of those composers are back as far as we know. The actual development team and directors is still the same as before.





    I was talkin about music 2!

  • Originally posted by: dqualls187




     



    I was talkin about music 2!





    This is an interview that talks a bit about the process they went through with the music. http://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/#/wii/xenoblade/0/0



    The game's director Takahashi (been in charge since Xenogears) is a huge influence on the musical direction, so as long as he's there, even with a different composer, I'm not worried at all
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