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Xenoblade |OT| Sorry I Kept You Waiting!

B

braves01

Banned
How hard is this? I want to get on the band wagon because of all the good buzz, but I don't want to put dozens of hours into a game that I get too frustrated to actually finish.
 
A

Alrus

Member
braves01 said:
How hard is this? I want to get on the band wagon because of all the good buzz, but I don't want to put dozens of hours into a game that I get too frustrated to actually finish.
Click to expand...

If you do sidequest, the main story is piss easy. The real challenges comes from optional boss monsters and named monsters when they're higher level than you.
 
G

Gambit

Member
braves01 said:
How hard is this? I want to get on the band wagon because of all the good buzz, but I don't want to put dozens of hours into a game that I get too frustrated to actually finish.
Click to expand...

There are two difficulty spikes in the main storyline (if you completely ignore sidequests, as I did). You can overcome them with a better tactic and maybe minimal grinding (20 mins).

If you do sidequests, I understand there won't be any problems at all with the main storyline.

Two of my friends got too frustrated to finish the game, as you feared, but difficulty is not the reason.

They both tried to do all the sidequests and simply got burnt out. It's important to find your own pace. Generally, the ideal for most people will probably be "Do some sidequests, but not all of them".
 
M

mclem

Member
If you have a completionist attitude - and a hacked Wii - there's an Oracle code which reduces the XP reward from quests, which should mean you can do all the quests at a level that's relevant without being massively overlevelled as a result.

I ran that code from about L25 to about L60, then started to feel like I was falling behind a little.
 
T

Tenck

Member
Honestly can't wait for this. Unfortunately my order is on backorder from Nintendo, and don't know when I'll be getting it :/
 
-tetsuo-

-tetsuo-

Unlimited Capacity
First Wii game I will have bought Since Monster Hunter Tri. I hope it lives up to the MASSIVE hype.
 
RPGCrazied

RPGCrazied

Member
Hope you guys enjoy it. Best 95 hours I've spent with a game. I can only think of one boss that drove me crazy, other than that, not that hard. Just do quests. :)
 
G

Gregorn

Member
I really hope the hype doesn't destroy peoples opinions, it's a great game that people will enjoy but it's not that great. Especially the side quests, man they're dull. But then there's no need to do them as you level way too quick and the game is long enough without them.
 
C

chaosblade

Unconfirmed Member
Subscribed and prepared to answer questions that are probably already answered in the OP/extended FAQ.

Fantastic game.
 
I

It's Reyn Time!

Member
To all of those who've managed to stay spoiler-free and are heading into this for the first time, enjoy. It really is a brilliant game and I hate you for getting to experience it for the first time.
 
E

Electivirus

Member
Already imported the game, but I'll be starting a new playthrough on launch day. I've only made it about 20 hours into the game anyways and haven't played in months. May as well be new for me. xD
 
T

thebeeks

Banned
Imported the Euro version and preordered the American version last year, but I got super sidetracked with other games and never had a chance to sit down and enjoy the import copy.

Now my backlog is pretty clear and I'm itching to play some great games. So hyped.
 
R

RDreamer

Member
Maybe people talking about this will give me the kick in the butt to continue on my imported version. I just haven't been able to get into this like everyone else. I feel like I'm broken or something. I'm normally a huge JRPG fan.

The environments are pretty amazing, though every minute I see them seems to just sadden me that it's on the wii and all blurry and pixelated. The story seems sort of intriguing, but it feels like it goes at barely a snail's pace. I don't feel like I'm getting rewarded with enough story as I go. The characters are only ok, really. I don't really find myself attached to any of them... Especially Riki, though I know he's kind of the token annoying as hell character. The battle systems seems kind of bland, too. It feels kind of dumbed down from something like FFXII, which I thought did that sort of system WAY better. The music is amazingly well done, though...
 
R

Ricker

Member
Anyone that ordered from Nintendo.com got their copies yet or will we be getting it a few days after the release date,meaning they will ship on the 4th?...I think I could track the thing or something but can't find the info for now lol...
 
S

SecretMoblin

Member
RDreamer said:
The environments are pretty amazing, though every minute I see them seems to just sadden me that it's on the wii and all blurry and pixelated. The story seems sort of intriguing, but it feels like it goes at barely a snail's pace. I don't feel like I'm getting rewarded with enough story as I go. The characters are only ok, really. I don't really find myself attached to any of them... Especially Riki, though I know he's kind of the token annoying as hell character. The battle systems seems kind of bland, too. It feels kind of dumbed down from something like FFXII, which I thought did that sort of system WAY better. The music is amazingly well done, though...
Click to expand...

How far did you get? The first half of the game is very light on story, with only a few major events. The second half is where the bulk of the cutscenes/twists/weirdness/craziness starts to kick in.
 
DeSo

DeSo

Banned
The soundtrack is godlike. Best JRPG I've played in years. Incredible game. Mind you I'm only about 30 hours in and having a blast.

RDreamer said:
The environments are pretty amazing, though every minute I see them seems to just sadden me that it's on the wii and all blurry and pixelated.
Click to expand...

iknowthatfeelbro.jpg

Doesn't take away from the game too much though because the gameplay is just so much fun. I plan to play through it again on emulator when I pick up a great PC.
 
R

RDreamer

Member
SecretMoblin said:
How far did you get? The first half of the game is very light on story, with only a few major events. The second half is where the bulk of the cutscenes/twists/weirdness/craziness starts to kick in.
Click to expand...

I think I'm like 35 or so hours in. Not exactly sure, I haven't played in a while.

I just got to
Galahad Fortress


DeSo said:
iknowthatfeelbro.jpg

Doesn't take away from the game too much though because the gameplay is just so much fun. I plan to play through it again on emulator when I pick up a great PC.
Click to expand...

That's my problem so far, though. I don't really find the gameplay that fun at all. It feels kind of bland, honestly. I feel like the battle system is really dumbed down compared to the other games that have done it better (FFXII and Dragon Age).
 
S

SecretMoblin

Member
RDreamer said:
I think I'm like 35 or so hours in. Not exactly sure, I haven't played in a while.

I just got to
Galahad Fortress
Click to expand...

Hm. That's when the game starts getting much more intense, story-wise. Shame it didn't click by now. If you can, try and push on for a bit. There is a major, massive, gargantuan event that you're closing in on, and it might convince you to stick it through to the end.
 
R

RDreamer

Member
SecretMoblin said:
Hm. That's when the game starts getting much more intense, story-wise. Shame it didn't click by now. If you can, try and push on for a bit. There is a major, massive, gargantuan event that you're closing in on, and it might convince you to stick it through to the end.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I could feel that the story was going to pick up, but so far, as I said, I really don't give a shit about these characters. They're either annoying or almost one dimensional.
 
DeSo

DeSo

Banned
RDreamer said:
That's my problem so far, though. I don't really find the gameplay that fun at all. It feels kind of bland, honestly. I feel like the battle system is really dumbed down compared to the other games that have done it better (FFXII and Dragon Age).
Click to expand...
Too MMORPG?
 
S

ScOULaris

Member
Alright, I give in. I'm gonna go pre-order this today.

The GAF hype has me sold, and I have to support what is often heralded as the one great JRPG of this gen.
 
R

RDreamer

Member
DeSo said:
Too MMORPG?
Click to expand...

As I said, I liked FFXII and Dragon Age. Actually, I freaking loved those games and I loved the MMO-ish feel of those games. But this one I don't like. I feel like I don't have enough control of the other characters. I feel like I'm just playing one character in a party of three, and that always annoys the hell out of me in RPGs. Action RPGs can sort of get away with it because it's pretty physically impossible to control 3 characters in real time. But for a menu based RPG to offer no way to control your teammates outside of when you're about to die or something it just sucks.
 
K

kagete

Member
This is a great game and I wish it was released on PC so everyone that can't run dolphin can see it with awesome graphics.

Be prepared for 80% of all item drops to be Reyn's weaboo jackhammers for the first ten hours of this game :|
 
T

truly101

I got grudge sucked!
I basically stopped playing the import version because I go so sidetracked with other games that I'm just going to start over with the NA version once it releases. I was on the
Bionis sword arm
so I had about 40% left I think.
 
H

hlhbk

Member
A friend of mine imported the game last year and it looks amazing. That being said I feel Nintendo is setting this game up for failure. Please see examples below.

  • Releasing the game a year later in the US after the real fans have already bought the EU version.
  • Making this release exclusive to 1 retailer.
  • Releasing a year old game for $50

Anyone with common sense would see that the list above points to major lack of sales. It's like Ubi releasing AC2 6 months later on PC and being shocked it didn't sell as well as consoles. I don't care for brick and mortar stores anymore. If I actually buy a game on a console (as opposed to most of my games I buy via Steam) it comes from Amazon.

So considering its a forgone conclusion that there is no realistic way sales can live up to what Nintendo wants out of them due to self inflicted wounds I would like to hear a counter arguement to why I should support the game that is already setup to fail? I love RPG's and especially ones with great stories, is it really worth biting the bullet on this one?
 
G

gerudoman

Member
Neon_Icarus said:
It looks like NOE made a new trailer featuring all their recent
RPG/adventure games. Xenoblade is after Zelda.

Only two more weeks until Pandora's Tower... :)
Click to expand...

Be careful, there are several scenes from both Xenoblade and TLS very final stages.

Watching this has made me realize how better is going to be Wii's death compared to the ones of N64 and GC. It's been 8 unforgettable months without letting my Wii take a breath with Xenoblade, Skyward Sword and The Last Story, which are easily in my top 5 of the system. I'm not really interested in Pandora's Tower, though. Hope you guys have ordered a massive load of batteries and enjoy them :p

And for Xenoblade, I would recommend you to play it calmly and, since you're going to play it for at least 50-60 hours, trying not to play other complex or time-consuming games at the same times. About sidequests, Xenoblade is a really flexible game and allows the player adapt to it in many ways, so if you don't feel comfortable with doing hundreds of clonic hunting missions, you can skip them and don't have many dfficulties to finish the main quest. I have to say that despite being really similar and basic, they can be really addicting!
 
W

whitehawk

Banned
The colours on this picture are amazing. Is there a desktop sized version?

i7VfsWWJAZYKS.png
 
C

chaosblade

Unconfirmed Member
hlhbk said:
A friend of mine imported the game last year and it looks amazing. That being said I feel Nintendo is setting this game up for failure. Please see examples below.

  • Releasing the game a year later in the US after the real fans have already bought the EU version.
  • Making this release exclusive to 1 retailer.
  • Releasing a year old game for $50

Anyone with common sense would see that the list above points to major lack of sales. It's like Ubi releasing AC2 6 months later on PC and being shocked it didn't sell as well as consoles. I don't care for brick and mortar stores anymore. If I actually buy a game on a console (as opposed to most of my games I buy via Steam) it comes from Amazon.

So considering its a forgone conclusion that there is no realistic way sales can live up to what Nintendo wants out of them due to self inflicted wounds I would like to hear a counter arguement to why I should support the game that is already setup to fail? I love RPG's and especially ones with great stories, is it really worth biting the bullet on this one?
Click to expand...

Don't buy the game "for support." Buy it because it's a good game that you're interested in. I (and a lot of others) found the story enjoyable, but you have some B.K.s as well who thought it was terrible.

Besides, Nintendo doesn't even seem to have much faith in the game, a small, retailer exclusive print of the game is probably all we're going to get. They aren't really putting any effort into the localization or marketing, so they probably don't care how well it sells. It should break even on the print run at minimum, and that's probably enough to make NoA content.

whitehawk said:
The colours on this picture are amazing. Is there a desktop sized version?

http://i.minus.com/i7VfsWWJAZYKS.png
Click to expand...

It wouldn't be hard to make one. With or without the logo (and with the PAL or NA logo)? The logo would stretched and kind of ugly in a full size version.

Edit: But using a screenshot from Dolphin would have a button prompt in there. Not sure how to get rid of that.
 
A

Alrus

Member
RDreamer said:
As I said, I liked FFXII and Dragon Age. Actually, I freaking loved those games and I loved the MMO-ish feel of those games. But this one I don't like. I feel like I don't have enough control of the other characters. I feel like I'm just playing one character in a party of three, and that always annoys the hell out of me in RPGs. Action RPGs can sort of get away with it because it's pretty physically impossible to control 3 characters in real time. But for a menu based RPG to offer no way to control your teammates outside of when you're about to die or something it just sucks.
Click to expand...

I don't really see how you would be able to control your other team member without halting the gameplay and killing the pace of the battles though.

Btw I thought the combat system felt a lot more involved than FF XII (which I loved). I don't really understand the comparison with Dragon Age, they're completely different kind of rpg in term of battle system.
 
O

Omegasquash

Member
Here's waiting for the day that I can come home and have it in my mailbox.

Edit: Next week? Shitballs, I'll be traveling for work. Oh well, KI:U, RE:R and Tales of the Abyss will keep me occupied.
 
R

RDreamer

Member
Alrus said:
I don't really see how you would be able to control your other team member without halting the gameplay and killing the pace of the battles though.

Btw I thought the combat system felt a lot more involved than FF XII (which I loved). I don't really understand the comparison with Dragon Age, they're completely different kind of rpg in term of battle system.
Click to expand...

Uh... You would control the other team members in the same way as FFXII and Dragon Age... by setting up AI sequences. Barring that (or in addition to that), it would also be nice to just have a way to quickly flip to another character so you can use a specific ability whenever you need it.

And how do you not understand the comparison to Dragon Age? They're pretty fairly similar... Both are MMO inspired RPGs where you control one character. The PC version of DA was fairly different, but the console versions were really the same idea, except with way more depth. You could control the AI of your party, and I felt like the ability system had a bit more depth to it.
 
M

Meier

Member
Looking forward to confirmation one way or another if a save from an import EU copy can be resumed with the US version...
 
B

BatDan

Bane? Get them on board, I'll call it in.
Have it pre-ordered, it's going to kick ass!

I also predict plenty of "Melia in the TARDIS" jokes in the future.
 
C

chaosblade

Unconfirmed Member
RDreamer said:
Uh... You would control the other team members in the same way as FFXII and Dragon Age... by setting up AI sequences. Barring that (or in addition to that), it would also be nice to just have a way to quickly flip to another character so you can use a specific ability whenever you need it.

And how do you not understand the comparison to Dragon Age? They're pretty fairly similar... Both are MMO inspired RPGs where you control one character. The PC version of DA was fairly different, but the console versions were really the same idea, except with way more depth. You could control the AI of your party, and I felt like the ability system had a bit more depth to it.
Click to expand...

I kind of wish you could do more to control how the AI responds to situations, but you do have at least a little control by choosing what's on their art pallet. Plus Chain Attacks and communicating after visions.

I disagree about changing party members mid-battle. They'd have to completely redo the battle system to make that work, as-is it would just break the game. But I guess it wouldn't be much worse than Chain Attacks already are, especially for late/post-game stuff.
 
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