Xenoblade X Eurogamer Preview: Maybe 2015's Most Impressive Open World

What about that one menu then, the one where you have 4 main characters and 4 reserve characters? Can't you just use that to switch some party members out on the fly or is that menu only there to add a member to your party whenever you come across a new one?

edit: I mean this menu.

I know exactly what you're talking about and im wondering the same
 
I'm playing through Xenoblade Chronicles 3D as my first Xenoblade experience.

At ~20 hours in I just made it to the Bionis' head and I pretty much stopped giving a damn about any of the sidequests at all. Unless I'm missing something, most don't even award XP and half are like "go kill this monster somewhere" and then I go looking for it and can't find it, then wander around lost for a while before giving up and going back to the relevant main quest (whatever the little story memo tells me to do).

Am I missing anything important by playing this way?

Generic NPC quests don't really do much except provide money, so you can just either not bother with them or accept them and do it at your own pace, since they auto-complete when you meet the requirements anyway.

But unique/named NPCs give a lot more. They provide some additional story and interactions, as well as provide great rewards like experience, money and equipment. So yeah, while these kinds aren't really necessary to progress, these quests help a lot in terms of buffing your team up without grinding due to exp and equipment, and they provide additional flavor to the story.
 
I'm playing through Xenoblade Chronicles 3D as my first Xenoblade experience.

At ~20 hours in I just made it to the Bionis' head and I pretty much stopped giving a damn about any of the sidequests at all. Unless I'm missing something, most don't even award XP and half are like "go kill this monster somewhere" and then I go looking for it and can't find it, then wander around lost for a while before giving up and going back to the relevant main quest (whatever the little story memo tells me to do).

Am I missing anything important by playing this way?

Most quests get completed and reward collected the moment you meet the criteria, with no need to go back to the person who gave you the quest, so I'd argue it's still best to just accept any sidequests when you can.

Those are the fetch quests and "kill this many of these monsters" quests. Others actually give you little side stories which are sometimes rather interesting. You won't miss anything super important though.

Oh, another reason to do sidequests: increasing affinity between your active party members.
 
I'm really contemplating getting the strategy guide for this game.

Getting it at launch will mean that there's no guides or FAQs up for it yet, meaning that those collectibles will be a freaking NIGHTMARE to find. I never had this problem for the first Xenoblade since I was late to the party.

It would be the first strategy guide in almost 10 years for me.
 
I'm really contemplating getting the strategy guide for this game.

Getting it at launch will mean that there's no guides or FAQs up for it yet, meaning that those collectibles will be a freaking NIGHTMARE to find. I never had this problem for the first Xenoblade since I was late to the party.

It would be the first strategy guide in almost 10 years for me.
But you have us. :(
 
I'm really contemplating getting the strategy guide for this game.

Getting it at launch will mean that there's no guides or FAQs up for it yet, meaning that those collectibles will be a freaking NIGHTMARE to find. I never had this problem for the first Xenoblade since I was late to the party.

It would be the first strategy guide in almost 10 years for me.

I'm getting it to have it. There's usually cool art in these guides and the collector's edition is a nice and thick hardcover book. It's cool. You do have a point about there being few resources close to launch, though. It usually takes a while for the internet to amass all necessary information and put it into a convenient format.
 
I'm really contemplating getting the strategy guide for this game.

Getting it at launch will mean that there's no guides or FAQs up for it yet, meaning that those collectibles will be a freaking NIGHTMARE to find. I never had this problem for the first Xenoblade since I was late to the party.

It would be the first strategy guide in almost 10 years for me.

I just pre-ordered it earlier today, though I may cancel my order. I have no idea when I'll end up playing the game, which suggests to me that I don't need the guide, but sometimes it's nice to have one comprehensive resource like that. If I end up buying it, it'll be my first guide in probably the same amount of time as you.
 
I'm really having a hard time believing how beautiful this game is. HD has been so kind to the artists at Monolith Soft. I can't wait for them to have something to show on the next hardware.

Question for anyone familiar with the game: are there any elements of the game that I can plan in advance? The ones I know of currently would be what division I will join (leaning towards Pathfinder, depending on how the HP perk works) and what class/artes I'd like to focus on (haven't looked into this enough).

On that note, does anybody know what the different perks are for the different divisions?
 
On that note, does anybody know what the different perks are for the different divisions?

I got my vague info from the Xenoblade wiki. Here's the information from there. More detailed info would definitely be appreciated, if anyone has it:

  • Curators: They pioneer and survey Mira's various locations, and collect materials. They have an increased critical hit rate (Critical Master). Division Points are boosted through obtaining collectibles and defeating Tyrants.
  • Harriers: Their goal is to defeat dangerous monsters. They experience a boost in damage dealt by melee weapons (Melee Master). Division Points are boosted through defeating enemies, especially Tyrants.
  • Interceptors: They are in charge of creature subjugation. They are also bodyguards for the survey teams and rescue New Los Angeles citizens. They experience a boost in damage dealt by ranged weapons (Ranged Master). Division Points are boosted through defeating enemies and completing missions.
  • Mediators: They aim to resolve problems between citizens of New Los Angeles. They can increase their Tension Points by using Arts (TP Support), as well as the usual auto-attack. Division Points are boosted through completing missions and training scouted BLADEs.
  • Outfitters: They support the development of the Arms Manufacturers, developers of weapons for both Skells and infantry. They receive boosts in commercial points (R&D Support), which go towards Skell and weapon development. Division Points are boosted through leveling up Arms Manufacturers and earning R&D points.
  • Pathfinders: They are pioneers and trailblazers in charge of establishing Data Probes to expand the FrontierNav. They experience greater HP recovery over time (HP Support). Division Points are boosted through planting Data Probes and discovering locations.
  • Prospectors: They aim to maintain peoples' livelihoods by exploring Mira and securing resources. Their main duty is collecting minerals. They take less damage from enemy attacks (Defense Support). Division Points are boosted through mining Miranium and discovering locations.
  • Reclaimers: They search for and recover of the White Whale scattered about Mira, and recover lost items from the battlefield. They are more likely to receive items from enemy drops (Drop Sensor). Division Points are boosted through retrieving White Whale wreckage and planting data probes.

[source]
 
Was thinking of picking up a cheap external drive today so I can buy Xenoblade and jump on the EU discount while it's still active. Thought I was already too late, but I have till 2 weeks after X's release, phew!

On X's character creator, is there a choice for huge, lush beards? I want to try and play through the game as some wise, cranky Abraham looking character.
 
I got my vague info from the Xenoblade wiki. Here's the information from there. More detailed info would definitely be appreciated, if anyone has it:



[source]

Based on this list I feel like Prospector is just straight up the best. Most are situational or dependent on what you're focusing on. But everyone needs higher defense. It also has the easiest conditions for "leveling" it since it's just exploration.
 
Does anyone who played the game have a rec as far as what faction you should choose? My first reaction was to go Reclaimer since it seemed like a lot of quests were tied to drops, but I have no idea and it doesn't seem like something you can go back on.
 
I'm really contemplating getting the strategy guide for this game.

Getting it at launch will mean that there's no guides or FAQs up for it yet, meaning that those collectibles will be a freaking NIGHTMARE to find. I never had this problem for the first Xenoblade since I was late to the party.

It would be the first strategy guide in almost 10 years for me.

I'm thinking about buying one too. I haven't bought a guide since forever. I just want to look through it for fun, not to guide me through the game or anything, plus its only $23 on Amazon.
 
Does anyone who played the game have a rec as far as what faction you should choose? My first reaction was to go Reclaimer since it seemed like a lot of quests were tied to drops, but I have no idea and it doesn't seem like something you can go back on.

The wiki says you can switch.
 
The Xenoblade wiki seems to list all X playable characters locations when they are not present in your party.

Don't go there now obviously, there's spoilers.
 
I got my vague info from the Xenoblade wiki. Here's the information from there. More detailed info would definitely be appreciated, if anyone has it:



[source]

Thanks.

At the moment, I'm kinda leaning into either Curator, Mediator or Prospector, seeing as how these have useful bonuses focused around stuff I'm going to be doing anyways.

Harrier seems like it wouldn't be useful if you're not hunting down dangerous monsters while Pathfinder's perk seems weird since your standard HP regen is probably good enough anyways (unless if it's talking about in-battle health regen).
 
Are the data packs out anywhere else apart from the US?

Haven't checked the AUS E-shop since the direct.

I'm worrying about this in Europe too, no sign of them.
Although we can assume Wii U sales and XCX projected sales are so abysmal in PAL land that they don't plan any server issues. But I would still like to preload that.

Will see this Thursday
 
According to Wiki and Monolithsoft's website, they have about 123 developers. I thought I heard that the Kyoto studio has about 30 employees. Do you know if the remaining 90 or so developers are divided between the two Tokyo teams? Or does the second MS Tokyo team comprise of only a few directors, planners, and producers, but development is actually done by Bandai Namco?
I'm not sure now, but I think it's the former.
 
For anyone that's contemplating getting the guide due to the lack of 'available information', I've got a big spreadsheet I've been working on full of stuff. The only significant things it's missing right now are enemy drops(and the Cauldros enemy details), and a section for devices/crafting, but I should have most of those bits done by the English release.

I'm also working on a simulator for the frontier net thing, since moving the probes around in-game is annoying and takes forever.
 
I had the opposite "problem". I did so many quests I was overleveled by the end of the game. I was fine with that though.

there is nothing wrong with being overleveled.. you worked hard for that experience so being overleveled is your reward IMO...

For anyone that's contemplating getting the guide due to the lack of 'available information', I've got a big spreadsheet I've been working on full of stuff. The only significant things it's missing right now are enemy drops(and the Cauldros enemy details), and a section for devices/crafting, but I should have most of those bits done by the English release.

I'm also working on a simulator for the frontier net thing, since moving the probes around in-game is annoying and takes forever.

do you have any idea what the best Division/Union to join is? Do the bonus effects only affect people in the 32 man squad or is it your character/party... I know you earn division points from the activities that the division is known for, so what is more important, picking because of the status effect or what you are more likely to do in order to earn division points...

how important are division points?

it seems like you have played a lot so I thought I'd ask..
 
I'm also working on a simulator for the frontier net thing, since moving the probes around in-game is annoying and takes forever.

LalhRAN.gif
 
For anyone that's contemplating getting the guide due to the lack of 'available information', I've got a big spreadsheet I've been working on full of stuff. The only significant things it's missing right now are enemy drops(and the Cauldros enemy details), and a section for devices/crafting, but I should have most of those bits done by the English release.

I'm also working on a simulator for the frontier net thing, since moving the probes around in-game is annoying and takes forever.

That's some awesome work!
 
watching the 3 hour gamexplain video right now. based of what I'm seeing I'll probably buy a wii u for this. one question though, can you zoom out the camera when in the skell? it's a bit too close for my taste.
 
watching the 3 hour gamexplain video right now. based of what I'm seeing I'll probably buy a wii u for this. one question though, can you zoom out the camera when in the skell? it's a bit too close for my taste.

Yeah, he does a bit later on that gameexplain video because his producer (I think) scolds him about it, hah.
 
watching the 3 hour gamexplain video right now. based of what I'm seeing I'll probably buy a wii u for this. one question though, can you zoom out the camera when in the skell? it's a bit too close for my taste.

Yep, the game has a ton of flexibility when it comes to the camera.
 
For anyone that's contemplating getting the guide due to the lack of 'available information', I've got a big spreadsheet I've been working on full of stuff. The only significant things it's missing right now are enemy drops(and the Cauldros enemy details), and a section for devices/crafting, but I should have most of those bits done by the English release.

I'm also working on a simulator for the frontier net thing, since moving the probes around in-game is annoying and takes forever.

I have no idea what I'm looking at but holy crap.
 
But you have us. :(
We're all going to be equally as blind at launch :P
You do have a point about there being few resources close to launch, though. It usually takes a while for the internet to amass all necessary information and put it into a convenient format.
Fun fact: one of the best FAQs for Xenoblade came out a year and a half after launch. No way in hell am I waiting that long.
I just pre-ordered it earlier today, though I may cancel my order. I have no idea when I'll end up playing the game, which suggests to me that I don't need the guide, but sometimes it's nice to have one comprehensive resource like that. If I end up buying it, it'll be my first guide in probably the same amount of time as you.
If you don't play it at launch, there's a chance that there will be guides on the internet before you actually start playing it.
plus its only $23 on Amazon.
Which is why I have it preordered :D

For anyone that's contemplating getting the guide due to the lack of 'available information', I've got a big spreadsheet I've been working on full of stuff. The only significant things it's missing right now are enemy drops(and the Cauldros enemy details), and a section for devices/crafting, but I should have most of those bits done by the English release.

I'm also working on a simulator for the frontier net thing, since moving the probes around in-game is annoying and takes forever.
Holy shit. Awesome work.

Were you the who made that awesome Google doc for the first Xenoblade?
 
watching the 3 hour gamexplain video right now. based of what I'm seeing I'll probably buy a wii u for this. one question though, can you zoom out the camera when in the skell? it's a bit too close for my taste.

Also getting to this point, on the verge of buying a Wii U for this. Plus there's some other good games out for it plus Zelda coming next year.
 
Ask your parents for an increase in your allowance my dude. Then get the Splatoon / Smash deal for Black Friday.

It's funny how you assumed that a person interested in Nintendo games is either:
  • a kid living with their parents
  • a manchild living with their parents
instead of
  • having living expenses that wouldn't allow to buy an overpriced console for exactly two games
 
only bad thing ive heard from impressions is this game might have a lot of "padding". can someone break down what exactly that is in this case?

It is a Japanese open world RPG. I'd be more surprised if nobody accused it of padding. What matters more is your personal threshold for finding certain activities engaging or repetitious/wasting time.

Everything in this game is about scale. The world, the systems, the quests. You can spend obscene amounts of time engaging in all facets. Although if your are the personality type that has a hard time disengaging with aspects you don't like you will probably have a bad time. The game expects you to make up your own mind on things like if you are going to do 5, 50, or 500 quests.
 
Does the order you place your party members (aside from the first slot being the character you play as) matter here like in the first Xenoblade? I don't really know how Overclock Gear works but in the footage I've seen it doesn't seem like you're taking turns or anything, just comboing arts with other arts.
 
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