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[Malus]

Previews are rolling in. Feel free to post others.

http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2...might-yet-be-2015s-most-impressive-open-world

In a year in which we've hardly been short of sensational open worlds, Takahashi's Monolith Soft has quietly come along and trumped them all in terms of scale, ambition and sheer spectacle on that most unfancied of consoles. For all the stealth excellence to be found in The Phantom Pain's Afghanistan and Africa, for all the intrigue held within The Witcher 3's Northern Kingdoms, there's really nothing that's a match for the sheer beauty to be found in Xenoblade Chronicles X's.

Like Xenoblade Chronicles before it, there's a real spirit of generosity in X; all that space means nothing without meaningful ways to fill it, and the systems that power this RPG are as rich and varied as the flora and fauna of Mira. Two dozen hours in and I still feel totally lost amongst them, so broad and deep do they run.

http://www.thesixthaxis.com/2015/11/13/xenoblade-chronicles-x-preview/

What’s immediately impressive is the beauty and scale of the world and how smoothly it runs, especially given that this map, which is allegedly bigger than Fallout 4, Skyrim and The Witcher 3 combined, is running on the Wii U. After a brief introduction to combat in the dark rain-filled night, the skies clear as the sun rises and you’re granted your first look at the alien world of Mira and its indigenous species. This opening cutscene is truly epic, with powerful orchestral music combining with the visuals to make it feel as though you’re starting on a truly special journey.

Xenoblade Chronicles X is clearly aiming to be an utterly enthralling experience. Alongside the storyline and engaging combat, there are systems upon systems to explore.

GameXplain Spoiler Free initial thoughts after 40 hours: https://youtu.be/3AssqD-hFhM

Gamexplain uploaded a Q&A with Chuggaaconroy and Derrick giving some of their thoughts on the game.



http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/11/preview_getting_lost_in_the_world_of_xenoblade_chronicles_x

We've had some short spells of irritation with Xenoblade Chronicles X, where balancing and aspects of design could be tighter, but overall we've thoroughly enjoyed the experience so far. At times it feels extraordinary to play, and we're aware that we've barely scratched the surface - we're looking forward to continuing the adventure.

From September: http://www.gameinformer.com/games/x...re-preview-game-informer.aspx?PostPageIndex=1

Stepping into X is overwhelming for its sheer vastness and scope alone, but that's what makes it so thrilling. The game feels endless, but my desire to keep on playing and discovering new things never left me. My early look has me confident that this game will inspire massive playthroughs just like its predecessor, but X feels like it has even more to offer in terms of variety and size. Plus, who isn't excited to see Takahashi and company get back to their sci-fi roots à la Xenogears and Xenosaga?

GameInfomer Test Chamber https://youtu.be/tSHsajNbEBk


http://www.destructoid.com/xenoblad...-and-unforgiving-and-i-love-that-320860.phtml

There are hundreds of locations to find, secret dungeons to delve into, and enemies to battle -- and nearly all of it rewards you for your efforts. Seeing gigantic, screens-high enemies towering over me induced Final Fantasy XI Notorious Monster flashbacks, you know, in a good way.

http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2015/1...ssive-world-of-xenoblade-chronicles-x/177093/

Xenoblade Chronicles X offers so much to see and do that it’s mind-boggling. Of course, the amount of content and overall size of a game is for nothing if the core gameplay isn’t any good, but fortunately, Monolith knew this and has made a feature-rich adventure that plays like a breeze and looks great to boot.

Gamespot video impressions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FaCrXkGYY2U

Gamespot interview with Takahashi: http://www.gamespot.com/articles/designing-xenoblade-chronicles-x/1100-6432549/


French preview: http://www.millenium.org/xenoblade/...de-role-japonais-nintendo-monolith-mtj-137021


Spanish preview: http://www.3djuegos.com/juegos/avances/15526/4567/0/xenoblade-chronicles-x/


http://www.gamereactor.eu/previews/364383/Xenoblade+Chronicles+X/

After our first hours with the new Xenoblade we can confirm that this is indeed a massive game, even bigger than its predecessor Xenoblade Chronicles. We can also confirm that it takes some of the key features that made the first game unforgettable - the combat system and the level design - to a whole new level.

http://www.gamesradar.com/xenoblade-chronicles-x-wants-you-get-lost/

Holy crap. I've played a lot of open world games this year. Too many. But none have given me such an overwhelming urge to explore, to conquer a harsh, untamed land, to study its ecosystem and witness how the different species interact with one another. And Xenoblade is more than willing to oblige my wanderlust, turning me into an amateur photographer in the process.

IGN Nintendo Voice Chat (around 29 minutes in): http://ignwii.ign.libsynpro.com/

IGN Spain: http://es.ign.com/m/xenoblade-chron...lade-chronicles-x-impresiones-finales-para-wi

Soon we realize that Xenoblade Chronicles X consists of a thousand and one small details that create one of the most complete games we've seen.

http://www.kotaku.co.uk/2015/11/25/dont-forget-xenoblade-chronicles-x

There are moments of frustration, yes, and in a year full of open-world games, sometimes it feels like a lot to handle. But a lot of Japanese RPGs feel bloated, and don’t respect the time you put into them. Xenoblade X feels different, further revealing itself as time goes on, pulling me in deeper in. It’s sustained my attention, and if you’ve a passing interest in Japanese RPGs, it will likely demand yours, too.

Giant Bomb Quick Look: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4YKcoPGUHa4


http://www.siliconera.com/2015/11/27/xenoblade-chronicles-x-my-first-steps-onto-mira/

The game gets better. Way better. Once you have some levels, a party, some gear, and access to the full repertoire of game systems Xenoblade Chronicle X is pretty rad. I’m looking forward to writing all about it. But we live in an era where entire single player campaigns can last five hours, and this game takes almost that long just to get going. We aren’t at Final Fantasy XIII levels of delaying gratification, but this is still a bumpy start.

 

[Alcoholikaust]

Every time I see this game-

 

[James Scott]

GameXplain initial thoughts

Spoiler

after 40 hours

https://youtu.be/3AssqD-hFhM
Likes the English VA especially Lyn, which is a surprise.

 

[JCX]

I feel like I'm caught somewhere in the beautiful crossroads between Final Fantasy 12 and Phantasy Star Online, and I really couldn't be any happier.

Great combination of games there. I've felt a strong PSO vibe for a while, probably because the scenarios are so similar. If only this had online co-op like PSO's.

 

[OminoMichelin]

Can't wait. Xenoblade on my bed? Yes, please.
Kinda wanted JP language though, oh well.

 

[Majestad]

I'm lol'ing at those who were listening to some random dudes saying the game wasn't that good based on the Japanese impressions, therefore getting "un-hyped" for X.

The impressions from GameXplain (more reliable AFAIC than random nobodies) were glowing.

 

[KingSnake]

The Eurogamer preview is glowing. Actually all the impressions from the western reviewers until now seem really positive.

And this:

Seeing the sun set over the deserts of Oblivia; getting lost in the haze of a purple rain-storm deep within the exotic neon canopies of Noctilum; catching sight of a meteor shower sprinkling through the night sky above sprawl of Silent Marsh; scaling the impossible geology that frames Primordia to catch a sunrise over its pastoral fields, the tall grass patrolled by towering, apatosaurus-like Lepyx. All that, and there's so much more besides.

This will occupy many of my first hours with the game.

 

[PKMNTrainer]

Great combination of games there. I've felt a strong PSO vibe for a while, probably because the scenarios are so similar. If only this had online co-op like PSO's.

Does it not have online co-op questing with friends? I thought it did.

 

[Katana_Strikes]

I still don't know about this game. I'm unconvinced for some reason. I loved Xenoblade Chronicles on the Wii but I'm not feeling this one. Shame because this could be a nice time filler in December.

 

[takriel]

Can't wait. Xenoblade on my bed? Yes, please.
Kinda wanted JP language though, oh well.

You can play Xenoblade already on your bed on your 3DS or Wii U

 

[Malus]

I'm lol'ing at those who were listening to some random dudes saying the game wasn't that good based on the Japanese impressions, therefore getting "un-hyped" for X.

The impressions from GameXplain (more reliable AFAIC than random nobodies) were glowing.

Well let's not get ahead of ourselves, I remember when the Triforce Heroes demo impressions hit people were really excited, and it ended up getting pretty mediocre reviews.

Though the eurogamer and gamexplain impressions come from many hours of gameplay so hopefully they're more indicative of the final results.

 

[Rodney McKay]

I'm only like 5 hours into the Xenoblade 3DS, so it'll be a WHILE before I get time for this one unfortunately.

 

[Pinky]

Man, I'm really excited for this. The world looks absolutely amazing!

Now, c'mon NoA!! Put the first game up on the Wii U eShop to coincide with the release!

 

[Effect]

Glad things are positive. Haven't looked forward to playing a game this bad in a very long time.

 

[AdanVC]

Niiiice. Even if there's no way I will finish this long ass game, I will certainly enjoy walking (or flying) through those massive landscapes.

 

[Kintaro]

Glowing preview. Actual review will be "Its big, but there's shit to do with it all."

 

[LordOcidax]

Oh man this game... this game.

 

[Majestad]

This game could potentially end up having a metascore higher than Fallout 4 haha.

 

[Iriscomeback]

Aw man...

I can't believe this is finally coming out. So hyped!!!!

The soundtrack is freakin' awesome too.

 

[Mory Dunz]

I would pick it up, but the middling previews have me worried.

Spoiler

/s

 

[kswiston]

The Eurogamer preview is glowing. Actually all the impressions from the western reviewers until now seem really positive.

Maybe this is another Ni No Kuni (PS3) situation. I remember import impressions of that being luke warm as well. Then it was localized and got a rare 85 on Metacritic (for a JRPG).

 

[-Horizon-]

Glad they're enjoying the game. I'm still looking forward to it.

 

[Vincent Grayson]

Glowing preview. Actual review will be "Its big, but there's shit to do with it all."

It'll be the classic scenario: if you like the gameplay loop, this is a massive world where that loop can be executed over and over, and will provide 100+ hours of good times. If you don't, then "it's all filler garbage" will be the response, I suspect.

 

[The_Darkest_Red]

Maybe this is another Ni No Kuni (PS3) situation. I remember import impressions of that being luke warm as well. Then it was localized and got a rare 85 on Metacritic (for a JRPG).

I hope so, I adored NNK.

 

[Prevolition]

The truth is coming out in the West, though some may still seek to deny it.

 

[wmlk]

It'll be the classic scenario: if you like the gameplay loop, this is a massive world where that loop can be executed over and over, and will provide 100+ hours of good times. If you don't, then "it's all filler garbage" will be the response, I suspect.

Which sucks. Open world games get the same tired criticism. Saying that there's "nothing to do" isn't always fair assessment considering these games sell well and are inviting to a lot of people. And more people seem to enjoy them than not.

Also, kinda lame that it takes dozens of hours to get a Skell/Doll/mech. When that's easily the main draw of the game.

 

[Gaiaknight]

Im so glad i bought and pre-loaded this game last night this is gonna be the longest 3 weeks ever >.<

 

[DXB-KNIGHT]

Man I just can't wait &#128126;

 

[ctothej]

You can play Xenoblade already on your bed on your 3DS or Wii U

How can you play it in bed on your Wii U?

 

[Mory Dunz]

Maybe this is another Ni No Kuni (PS3) situation. I remember import impressions of that being luke warm as well. Then it was localized and got a rare 85 on Metacritic (for a JRPG).

I'm expecting around a 83 metacritic

 

[kswiston]

I'm expecting around a 83 metacritic

I don't know. The first game was a 92. I am expecting this to be lower, but I still think it will manage mid-high 80s.

 

[nynt9]

I'm lol'ing at those who were listening to some random dudes saying the game wasn't that good based on the Japanese impressions, therefore getting "un-hyped" for X.

The impressions from GameXplain (more reliable AFAIC than random nobodies) were glowing.

Nice straw man there, but the only detractors of the game aren't "random nobodies". Several sites have posted import impressions and the 8-4 Play podcast has talked about it extensively, and those have all been middling.

It's nice to pigeonhole everyone you disagree with and cherry pick opinions you agree with though.

 

[Astral Dog]

How can you play it in bed on your Wii U?

with the Gamepad (that big thing with a screen that comes with the system)

 

[Sakura]

Which sucks. Open world games get the same tired criticism. Saying that there's "nothing to do" isn't always fair assessment considering these games sell well and are inviting to a lot of people. And more people seem to enjoy them than not.

Also, kinda lame that it takes dozens of hours to get a Skell/Doll/mech. When that's easily the main draw of the game.

It would only take dozens of hours if you are spending time doing other things.
And while it is the draw of the game, once you get the doll, playing on foot is kind of pointless, so I can understand not giving it right away.

 

[GDGF]

Great combination of games there. I've felt a strong PSO vibe for a while, probably because the scenarios are so similar. If only this had online co-op like PSO's.

It's got 4 player online co-op as well as a 32 player loosely connected dark souls type thing going on.

http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/02/06/xenoblade-chronicles-x-will-feature-4-player-online-quests

 

[Riki]

So, basically, it is in fact the biggest and best open world game to is year. Sounds good to me!

 

[Raven77]

Am I remembering incorrectly about a bunch of people on Gaf complaining that the import version had terrible quests reminiscent of an MMO? I really want to get hyped, it seems like my kind of game.

 

[family_guy]

But how many towns does it have?

 

[KingSnake]

Nice straw man there, but the only detractors of the game aren't "random nobodies". Several sites have posted import impressions and the 8-4 Play podcast has talked about it extensively, and those have all been middling.

It's nice to pigeonhole everyone you disagree with and cherry pick opinions you agree with though.

Have you actually read/watched the previews that are actually the topic of this thread? They are right there in the OP.

 

[Meffer]

Maybe this is another Ni No Kuni (PS3) situation. I remember import impressions of that being luke warm as well. Then it was localized and got a rare 85 on Metacritic (for a JRPG).

Ni no Kuni was an amazing game.

 

[Squishy3]

Am I remembering incorrectly about a bunch of people on Gaf complaining that the import version had terrible quests reminiscent of an MMO? I really want to get hyped, it seems like my kind of game.

They're just generic quests, the original Xenoblade had some like this too.

The difference is Xenoblade Chronicles X has a proper quest tracker whereas the one in Xenoblade Chronicles was extremely frustrating and kind of a pain to deal with. Objectives weren't displayed on the map, NPC locations for the quests were unclear, etc.

 

[mrmickfran]

3 more weeks dammit.

 

[ZombiePlatypus]

How's the story though?

 

[Raven77]

They're just generic quests, the original Xenoblade had some like this too.

The difference is Xenoblade Chronicles X has a proper quest tracker whereas the one in Xenoblade Chronicles was extremely frustrating and kind of a pain to deal with. Objectives weren't displayed on the map, NPC locations for the quests were unclear, etc.

Okay so you're saying the quests aren't that great and generic? Is the story pretty solid? Sorry I haven't been following the game very much but am always floored by how amazing it looks. Please don't take this as me trying to troll the game. It's just that the only impressions I can remember from that far back were always complaining about the lack of anything compelling or interesting to do in the game world besides admire the graphics.

 

[Newtype-001]

I want to know about the story too.

 

[Malus]

Also, kinda lame that it takes dozens of hours to get a Skell/Doll/mech. When that's easily the main draw of the game.

The main draw of the game is the world I'd think.

Personally I'm glad you don't get Skells until a while into it. Makes for a greater sense of progression.

 

[jorgejjvr]

i

cannot

wait

 

[Mory Dunz]

I don't know. The first game was a 92. I am expecting this to be lower, but I still think it will manage mid-high 80s.

hm, can't really see it. I feel like games in general have been reviewing lower in general the past few years.


With some recent big releases getting in the mid-high 80s

 

[Riki]

How's the story though?

I want to know about the story too.

Plenty of story (from both main quests and side quests).
It's just kind of a go at your own pace story instead of straight forward like XB.

 

[Astral Dog]

But how many towns does it have?

One, but they say its as big as an entire area on Xenoblade.