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TODAY IS MONOLITHSOFT'S 15 YEAR ANNIVERSARY!
Can you believe they've been around for 15 years now? To celebrate, let's have a look back at their games, and discuss and appreciate all things Monolithsoft!!!
For a more in-depth history of Monolithsoft, check out this article here: http://www.nintendojo.com/features/editorials/developer-profile-monolith-soft
The Games of Monolithsoft (Prior to becoming a Nintendo First-Party Studio):
Xenosaga Episode I: Der Wille zur Macht
Publisher: Namco
Release: JP February 28, 2002, NA February 25, 2003
Platform: Sony PlayStation 2
Genre: RPG
A spiritual prequel to Xenogears, the Xenosaga series was at first meant to have 6 chapters in all. There was quite a bit of hype and expectation for this first game in the series due to Xenogears. One of the notable complaints was that this game (and series) featured unusually lengthy cutscenes -- with a few of them being even over 20 minutes long. The North American version had some censorship.
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXDk8ufe7I8
Xenosaga Episode I Reloaded: Der Wille zur Macht
Publisher: Namco
Release: JP November 20, 2003
Platform: Sony PlayStation 2
Genre: RPG
A re-release/special edition of the first game with added English voice-acting and a few special features. These included two additional armors which serve as alternate costumes for KOS-MOS and MOMO, and a theatre mode in which the game's cutscenes can be played at will (provided they have already been played in an existing saved game).
Baten Kaitos: Eternal Wings and the Lost Ocean
Co-Developed with Tri-Crescendo
Publisher: Namco
Release: JP December 5, 2003, NA November 16, 2004
Platform: Nintendo Gamecube
Genre: RPG
A unique RPG that features cards for its combat system. Baten Kaitos was one of the more surprising releases back in the day because it was one of the few RPGs for a Nintendo console, along with Tales of Symphonia (which was also released by Namco) -- not to mention that the N64 had virtually no RPG games at all. The game's combat system was deep and rewarding but also quite slow. Aside from the combat, the game is most notable for its beautiful pre-rendered backgrounds, one of the most surprising twists in videogames, and the way odd mixing/processing on character voices which caused all characters to sound as if they were speaking through a tube -- though the reasoning for this was written into the story. Storywise, this game was ok -- but when pieced together with Baten Kaitos Orgins' story becomes even better.
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iih9uTM26w0
Xenosaga Freaks
Publisher: Namco
Release: JP November 20, 2003
Platform: Sony PlayStation 2
Genre: Fan-Disc
Basically a fan-disc for Xenosaga. Xenosaga Freaks contained four separate parts: Xeno Komi, which plays like an illustrated, voiced text adventure, a word puzzle game called Kotoba no Puzzle: Xenopittan, which is a Xenosaga themed version of Kotoba no Puzzle: Mojipittan, an encyclopedia of Xenosaga Episode I terms, and a playable demo version of Episode II.
Xenosaga Episode II: Jenseits von Gut und Böse
Publisher: Namco
Release: JP June 24, 2004, NA February 15, 2005
Platform: Sony PlayStation 2
Genre: RPG
The second installment of the Xenosaga series. Most notably, the art direction received a lot of stylistic changes from the first installment -- which includes a new composer as well. The game received quite a bit of criticism for all the changes made, and is widely considered the weakest entry in the trilogy. Sales-wise the game did not meet expectations and it was announced a bit after the NA release that the 3rd game would be the end of the series instead of what should've been six. This game's NA release featured censorship as well.
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7Ws6CfWQq4
Xenosaga: Pied Piper
Publisher: Namco
Release: JP July 14, 2004
Platform: Mobile
Genre: Visual Novel
Set 100 years prior to Episode I and the only mobile title from the studio. The purpose of Xenosaga: Pied Piper is to develop the back stories of some of the most important yet rarely felt presences in the Xenosaga universe.
Namco X Capcom
Publisher: Namco
Release: JP May 26, 2005
Platform: Sony PlayStation 2
Genre: Strategy-RPG
Notable for bringing both Capcom and Namco characters into one game.
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AaBsDC0_fZM
Baten Kaitos II: Hajimari no Tsubaso to Kamigami no Shishi (JP)/ Baten Kaitos Origins (NA)
Co-Developed with Tri-Crescendo
Publisher: Nintendo
Release: JP February 23, 2006, NA September 25, 2006
Platform: Nintendo GameCube
Genre: RPG
One of the best games for the GameCube, Baten Kaitos Origins pretty much fixed all the flaws that was present in its predecessor. The combat still used cards but there was no longer a defense phase, and combat was very fast and engaging. You can also now move more quickly across the map and the voice acting was superb and not muffled. Storywise, if you've played the first game -- it's fantastic, and has quite a few plot twists and elements that really rewards those that have experienced the first title.
It should be noted that the announcement of this game was a big surprise for a few reasons: 1. The first game wasn't a huge seller so a sequel was not something people expected. 2. The game was being published by Nintendo -- who actually funded the development of the game. 3. The game was announced at Tokyo Game Show -- which Nintendo doesn't attend (though it was announced by Namco). 4. It was a new game that was coming out at the end of the GameCube's lifecycle.
Original Tokyo Game Show Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkYyQQqMIIs
Xenosaga I・II
Co-Developed with Tom Create
Publisher: Namco
Release: JP March 30, 2006
Platform: Nintendo DS
Genre: RPG
The only Xenosaga game to grace a Nintendo console. This was not an exact retelling of the previous two games. Some major changes have been made to the storyline of the game without changing the pre-existing elements the first games have already laid out. Some scenarios have been edited and some new but minor characters have been included in these new parts. The Episode II portion of the game, originally told through Jr.'s perspective, will now focus on Shion, much like Episode I and Episode III. The Episode II portion of the game has been completely rewritten by Xenosaga creator Tetsuya Takahashi, which expands and enhances the storyline. This fills in some of the holes caused by Episode II, allowing for a better understanding of the plot and reducing the amount of questions that will be unanswered in Episode III.
Xenosaga Episode III: Also sprach Zarathustra
Publisher: Namco Bandai Games
Release: JP July 6, 2006, NA August 29, 2006
Platform: Sony Playstation 2
Genre: RPG
The final game in the Xenosaga series -- and also widely considered the best in the series. The game was widely praised and it was also the last game from the studio on a non-Nintendo platform. Many of the issues from the second game were addressed though like the first 2 games, the NA version featured censorship still.
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Pq6tE7UP0g
The Games of Monolithsoft (After becoming a Nintendo First-Party Studio):
Soma Bringer
Publisher: Nintendo
Release: JP February 28, 2008
Platform: Nintendo DS
Genre: Action-RPG.
The first title as a Nintendo-first party. The game was well received by JGAF but was released during the time where Nintendo was passing on localizing a lot of good games. 2008 was notable for Nintendo of America's lack of release of core titles.
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwJjVzcZ-KY
Super Robot Taisen OG Saga: Endless Frontier
Co-Development with Banpresto
Publisher: Namco Bandai Games (JP) / Atlus USA (NA)
Release: JP May 29, 2008, NA April 28, 2009
Platform: Nintendo DS
Genre: RPG
Endless Frontier features multiple worlds with combat taking place on foot. Aside from the playable characters in the game, mecha, many of them similar to the ones from the Original Generation games, are controllable by the player's actions and issuing of commands. The battle system is similar to that of Namco × Capcom (another game developed by Monolith Soft), in that attack commands during battle are issued via timed button presses, rather than through the menu system typical of the role-playing genre.
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbdE9Zu1eVE
Disaster: Day of Crisis
Publisher: Nintendo
Release: JP September 25, 2008, EU October 24, 2008, AUS November 13, 2008
Platform: Nintendo Wii
Genre: Action/Adventure
Disaster played like a cliche hollywood movie. The game featured exploration and shooting elements. Though set in America, ironically the game never received a North American release.
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6UR3UVB4U8
Dragon Ball Kai: Saiyajin Raishū (JP) / Dragon Ball Z: Attack of the Saiyans (NA)
Publisher: Namco Bandai Games
JP April 29, 2009, NA November 10, 2009
Platform: Nintendo DS
Genre: RPG
A turn-based RPG that allows players to take on the role of six characters from the series, starting from the 23rd Tenkaichi Budokai through the Saiyan story arc. Generally well received by gaming critics, complimenting the battle system, its visuals, and its ability to stay true to the series.
Super Robot Taisen OG Saga: Endless Frontier Exceed
Co-Development with Banpresto
Publisher: Namco Bandai Games
Release: JP February 25, 2010
Platform: Nintendo DS
A sequel to the first title.
Xenoblade (JP) / Xenoblade Chronicles (NA)
Publisher: Nintendo
Release: JP June 10, 2010, NA April 6, 2012
Platform: Nintendo Wii
Widely considered the best JRPG of last gen, Xenoblade Chronicles was originally titled Monado: The Beginning of the World when it was announced at E3 2009 via a trailer that wasn't even shown at the conference. At that time, the expectations for the game were pretty low due to the unappealing trailer, but in January 2010 the game was re-announced as Xenoblade. The game far exceeded everyone's expectations when it released because of how the in-game world was, which had seamless travel and pretty much no load times throughout the game -- and it was absolutely beautiful as well. The popular Operation Rainfall campaign centered around this game: http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=435214
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Q_KFemPumA
Project X Zone
Co-Development with Banpresto
Publisher: Namco Bandai Games
Release: JP October 11, 2012, NA June 25, 2013
Platform: Nintendo 3DS
The sequel to Namco X Capcom.
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uUPS_B64ic
Publisher: Nintendo
Release: TBA 2015
Platform: Nintendo Wii-U
Announced in January 2013. this is one of the most anticipated Wii-U titles to date.
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GxUMMGyZcM
Trailer 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APWTJMyM4qg
Trailer 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hg2PTVi7fl8
Xenoblade (JP) / Xenoblade Chronicles (NA)
Publisher: Nintendo
Release: TBA 2015
Platform: New Nintendo 3DS
Not much is known regarding this port at this time.
---------------------
Development Cooperation Titles
These are titles that Monolithsoft helped developed. The amount of work and roles Monolithsoft had with each game varies.
Dirge of Cerberus: Final Fantasy VII
Publisher: Square-Enix
Release: JP January 26, 2006, NA August 15, 2006
Platform: Sony Playstation 2
Super Smash Bros. Brawl
Publisher: Nintendo
Release: JP January 31, 2008, NA March 9, 2008
Platform: Nintendo Wii
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword
Publisher: Nintendo
Release: JP November 23, 2011, NA November 20, 2011
Platform: Nintendo Wii
Animal Crossing: New Leaf
Publisher: Nintendo
Release: JP November 8, 2012, NA June 9, 2013
Platform: Nintendo 3DS
Pikmin 3
Publisher: Nintendo
Release: JP July 13, 2013, NA August 4, 2013
Platform: Nintendo Wii-U
The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds
Publisher: Nintendo
Release: JP December 26, 2013, NA November 22, 2013
Platform: Nintendo 3DS
Links:
Official Site: http://www.monolithsoft.co.jp/
Can you believe they've been around for 15 years now? To celebrate, let's have a look back at their games, and discuss and appreciate all things Monolithsoft!!!
Wikipedia said:
For a more in-depth history of Monolithsoft, check out this article here: http://www.nintendojo.com/features/editorials/developer-profile-monolith-soft
The Games of Monolithsoft (Prior to becoming a Nintendo First-Party Studio):
Xenosaga Episode I: Der Wille zur Macht
Publisher: Namco
Release: JP February 28, 2002, NA February 25, 2003
Platform: Sony PlayStation 2
Genre: RPG
A spiritual prequel to Xenogears, the Xenosaga series was at first meant to have 6 chapters in all. There was quite a bit of hype and expectation for this first game in the series due to Xenogears. One of the notable complaints was that this game (and series) featured unusually lengthy cutscenes -- with a few of them being even over 20 minutes long. The North American version had some censorship.
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXDk8ufe7I8
Xenosaga Episode I Reloaded: Der Wille zur Macht
Publisher: Namco
Release: JP November 20, 2003
Platform: Sony PlayStation 2
Genre: RPG
A re-release/special edition of the first game with added English voice-acting and a few special features. These included two additional armors which serve as alternate costumes for KOS-MOS and MOMO, and a theatre mode in which the game's cutscenes can be played at will (provided they have already been played in an existing saved game).
Baten Kaitos: Eternal Wings and the Lost Ocean
Co-Developed with Tri-Crescendo
Publisher: Namco
Release: JP December 5, 2003, NA November 16, 2004
Platform: Nintendo Gamecube
Genre: RPG
A unique RPG that features cards for its combat system. Baten Kaitos was one of the more surprising releases back in the day because it was one of the few RPGs for a Nintendo console, along with Tales of Symphonia (which was also released by Namco) -- not to mention that the N64 had virtually no RPG games at all. The game's combat system was deep and rewarding but also quite slow. Aside from the combat, the game is most notable for its beautiful pre-rendered backgrounds, one of the most surprising twists in videogames, and the way odd mixing/processing on character voices which caused all characters to sound as if they were speaking through a tube -- though the reasoning for this was written into the story. Storywise, this game was ok -- but when pieced together with Baten Kaitos Orgins' story becomes even better.
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iih9uTM26w0
Xenosaga Freaks
Publisher: Namco
Release: JP November 20, 2003
Platform: Sony PlayStation 2
Genre: Fan-Disc
Basically a fan-disc for Xenosaga. Xenosaga Freaks contained four separate parts: Xeno Komi, which plays like an illustrated, voiced text adventure, a word puzzle game called Kotoba no Puzzle: Xenopittan, which is a Xenosaga themed version of Kotoba no Puzzle: Mojipittan, an encyclopedia of Xenosaga Episode I terms, and a playable demo version of Episode II.
Xenosaga Episode II: Jenseits von Gut und Böse
Publisher: Namco
Release: JP June 24, 2004, NA February 15, 2005
Platform: Sony PlayStation 2
Genre: RPG
The second installment of the Xenosaga series. Most notably, the art direction received a lot of stylistic changes from the first installment -- which includes a new composer as well. The game received quite a bit of criticism for all the changes made, and is widely considered the weakest entry in the trilogy. Sales-wise the game did not meet expectations and it was announced a bit after the NA release that the 3rd game would be the end of the series instead of what should've been six. This game's NA release featured censorship as well.
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7Ws6CfWQq4
Xenosaga: Pied Piper
Publisher: Namco
Release: JP July 14, 2004
Platform: Mobile
Genre: Visual Novel
Set 100 years prior to Episode I and the only mobile title from the studio. The purpose of Xenosaga: Pied Piper is to develop the back stories of some of the most important yet rarely felt presences in the Xenosaga universe.
Namco X Capcom
Publisher: Namco
Release: JP May 26, 2005
Platform: Sony PlayStation 2
Genre: Strategy-RPG
Notable for bringing both Capcom and Namco characters into one game.
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AaBsDC0_fZM
Baten Kaitos II: Hajimari no Tsubaso to Kamigami no Shishi (JP)/ Baten Kaitos Origins (NA)
Co-Developed with Tri-Crescendo
Publisher: Nintendo
Release: JP February 23, 2006, NA September 25, 2006
Platform: Nintendo GameCube
Genre: RPG
One of the best games for the GameCube, Baten Kaitos Origins pretty much fixed all the flaws that was present in its predecessor. The combat still used cards but there was no longer a defense phase, and combat was very fast and engaging. You can also now move more quickly across the map and the voice acting was superb and not muffled. Storywise, if you've played the first game -- it's fantastic, and has quite a few plot twists and elements that really rewards those that have experienced the first title.
It should be noted that the announcement of this game was a big surprise for a few reasons: 1. The first game wasn't a huge seller so a sequel was not something people expected. 2. The game was being published by Nintendo -- who actually funded the development of the game. 3. The game was announced at Tokyo Game Show -- which Nintendo doesn't attend (though it was announced by Namco). 4. It was a new game that was coming out at the end of the GameCube's lifecycle.
Original Tokyo Game Show Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkYyQQqMIIs
Xenosaga I・II
Co-Developed with Tom Create
Publisher: Namco
Release: JP March 30, 2006
Platform: Nintendo DS
Genre: RPG
The only Xenosaga game to grace a Nintendo console. This was not an exact retelling of the previous two games. Some major changes have been made to the storyline of the game without changing the pre-existing elements the first games have already laid out. Some scenarios have been edited and some new but minor characters have been included in these new parts. The Episode II portion of the game, originally told through Jr.'s perspective, will now focus on Shion, much like Episode I and Episode III. The Episode II portion of the game has been completely rewritten by Xenosaga creator Tetsuya Takahashi, which expands and enhances the storyline. This fills in some of the holes caused by Episode II, allowing for a better understanding of the plot and reducing the amount of questions that will be unanswered in Episode III.
Xenosaga Episode III: Also sprach Zarathustra
Publisher: Namco Bandai Games
Release: JP July 6, 2006, NA August 29, 2006
Platform: Sony Playstation 2
Genre: RPG
The final game in the Xenosaga series -- and also widely considered the best in the series. The game was widely praised and it was also the last game from the studio on a non-Nintendo platform. Many of the issues from the second game were addressed though like the first 2 games, the NA version featured censorship still.
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Pq6tE7UP0g
The Games of Monolithsoft (After becoming a Nintendo First-Party Studio):
Soma Bringer
Publisher: Nintendo
Release: JP February 28, 2008
Platform: Nintendo DS
Genre: Action-RPG.
The first title as a Nintendo-first party. The game was well received by JGAF but was released during the time where Nintendo was passing on localizing a lot of good games. 2008 was notable for Nintendo of America's lack of release of core titles.
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwJjVzcZ-KY
Super Robot Taisen OG Saga: Endless Frontier
Co-Development with Banpresto
Publisher: Namco Bandai Games (JP) / Atlus USA (NA)
Release: JP May 29, 2008, NA April 28, 2009
Platform: Nintendo DS
Genre: RPG
Endless Frontier features multiple worlds with combat taking place on foot. Aside from the playable characters in the game, mecha, many of them similar to the ones from the Original Generation games, are controllable by the player's actions and issuing of commands. The battle system is similar to that of Namco × Capcom (another game developed by Monolith Soft), in that attack commands during battle are issued via timed button presses, rather than through the menu system typical of the role-playing genre.
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbdE9Zu1eVE
Disaster: Day of Crisis
Publisher: Nintendo
Release: JP September 25, 2008, EU October 24, 2008, AUS November 13, 2008
Platform: Nintendo Wii
Genre: Action/Adventure
Disaster played like a cliche hollywood movie. The game featured exploration and shooting elements. Though set in America, ironically the game never received a North American release.
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6UR3UVB4U8
Dragon Ball Kai: Saiyajin Raishū (JP) / Dragon Ball Z: Attack of the Saiyans (NA)
Publisher: Namco Bandai Games
JP April 29, 2009, NA November 10, 2009
Platform: Nintendo DS
Genre: RPG
A turn-based RPG that allows players to take on the role of six characters from the series, starting from the 23rd Tenkaichi Budokai through the Saiyan story arc. Generally well received by gaming critics, complimenting the battle system, its visuals, and its ability to stay true to the series.
Super Robot Taisen OG Saga: Endless Frontier Exceed
Co-Development with Banpresto
Publisher: Namco Bandai Games
Release: JP February 25, 2010
Platform: Nintendo DS
A sequel to the first title.
Xenoblade (JP) / Xenoblade Chronicles (NA)
Publisher: Nintendo
Release: JP June 10, 2010, NA April 6, 2012
Platform: Nintendo Wii
Widely considered the best JRPG of last gen, Xenoblade Chronicles was originally titled Monado: The Beginning of the World when it was announced at E3 2009 via a trailer that wasn't even shown at the conference. At that time, the expectations for the game were pretty low due to the unappealing trailer, but in January 2010 the game was re-announced as Xenoblade. The game far exceeded everyone's expectations when it released because of how the in-game world was, which had seamless travel and pretty much no load times throughout the game -- and it was absolutely beautiful as well. The popular Operation Rainfall campaign centered around this game: http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=435214
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Q_KFemPumA
Project X Zone
Co-Development with Banpresto
Publisher: Namco Bandai Games
Release: JP October 11, 2012, NA June 25, 2013
Platform: Nintendo 3DS
The sequel to Namco X Capcom.
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uUPS_B64ic
Xenoblade X (JP) / Xenoblade Chronicles X (NA)
Publisher: Nintendo
Release: TBA 2015
Platform: Nintendo Wii-U
Announced in January 2013. this is one of the most anticipated Wii-U titles to date.
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GxUMMGyZcM
Trailer 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APWTJMyM4qg
Trailer 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hg2PTVi7fl8
Xenoblade (JP) / Xenoblade Chronicles (NA)
Publisher: Nintendo
Release: TBA 2015
Platform: New Nintendo 3DS
Not much is known regarding this port at this time.
---------------------
Development Cooperation Titles
These are titles that Monolithsoft helped developed. The amount of work and roles Monolithsoft had with each game varies.
Dirge of Cerberus: Final Fantasy VII
Publisher: Square-Enix
Release: JP January 26, 2006, NA August 15, 2006
Platform: Sony Playstation 2
Super Smash Bros. Brawl
Publisher: Nintendo
Release: JP January 31, 2008, NA March 9, 2008
Platform: Nintendo Wii
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword
Publisher: Nintendo
Release: JP November 23, 2011, NA November 20, 2011
Platform: Nintendo Wii
Animal Crossing: New Leaf
Publisher: Nintendo
Release: JP November 8, 2012, NA June 9, 2013
Platform: Nintendo 3DS
Pikmin 3
Publisher: Nintendo
Release: JP July 13, 2013, NA August 4, 2013
Platform: Nintendo Wii-U
The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds
Publisher: Nintendo
Release: JP December 26, 2013, NA November 22, 2013
Platform: Nintendo 3DS
Links:
Official Site: http://www.monolithsoft.co.jp/
