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LTTP: Xenoblade Chronicles is EXCELLENT (Playthrough ongoing; please mark spoilers!)
- Thread starter Neiteio
- Start date
I'm 30+ hours in and absolutely adore the British voice acting. Why would I switch to Japanese, a language I don't understand (and a language I've always found very grating in anime)? You people!
Okay I forgive you in this instance. British voices are acceptable
EDIT: Maybe I should give a reason for going Japanese - more intensity and expression.
I believe Japanese voice actor ('seiyuu') culture is much more developed than the Western world thanks to a long history of anime. There's a higher respect for the profession and an understanding of nuance that goes beyond standard acting. Voice actors aren't actors who also do voice acting - voice actors in Japan are just voice actors. It's like people who have trained and worked their whole life in BBC radio plays. It's a different skillset.
Basically I feel they do a lot more with their voices, compared to the standard of the Western world. And you don't have to understand their words in order to feel the difference. In fact, it can be an advantage in a fantasy situation.
Give a try in your next playthrough maybe
EDIT: Maybe I should give a reason for going Japanese - more intensity and expression.
I believe Japanese voice actor ('seiyuu') culture is much more developed than the Western world thanks to a long history of anime. There's a higher respect for the profession and an understanding of nuance that goes beyond standard acting. Voice actors aren't actors who also do voice acting - voice actors in Japan are just voice actors. It's like people who have trained and worked their whole life in BBC radio plays. It's a different skillset.
Basically I feel they do a lot more with their voices, compared to the standard of the Western world. And you don't have to understand their words in order to feel the difference. In fact, it can be an advantage in a fantasy situation.
Give a try in your next playthrough maybe
Astral Dog
Member
Glad you are enjoying it, high Entia tomb is
i dont remember, i recommend to play other gmes between,its a big game, i stopped playing for two months before continuing
before you enter the Mechonis?
Green Card
Member
First time I have heard this but I think I agree. I stopped playing around the second half of the game after enjoying the first half of the game (- the stupid rabbit). I was not too attached to the plot/characters though but the combat was fun.
fargofallout
Member
The game opens with a really exciting prologue sequence that takes place a year before the game proper begins. You play as Dunban (the other human in Shulk's Final Smash), and you learn the basics of the game. There are some fun battles here, and tutorials that are succinct, well-written and clearly illustrated. It's all short, sweet, and to the point.
Then, it fast-forwards a year and you're playing as Shulk. If you follow the marker -- an arrow at the top of the screen, telling you where to go and how close you are -- you'll arrive at your next destination quickly. (You can turn off the arrow, if you wish, but it's nonintrusive and easy enough to ignore, so I leave it on.)
The first town, Colony 9, can be overwhelming at first, but its layout is actually quite simple. Talk to everyone during the day and night, and don't fret over the huge pile of quests you quickly accrue. They're all optional, their rewards are nothing groundbreaking, and you'll naturally complete many of them by simply following the story, battling the enemies you see and picking up the items lying in the field along the way.
Soon you'll have more characters, and you'll learn to use the Monado. Shit will hit the fan, several times in a row. And then the larger quest begins.
All told, it's very well-paced, IMO. It doesn't feel pretentious or self-serious like so many RPGs these days. It respects you intelligence and it respects your time, with fast-travel, the ability to freely adjust the clock, and more. And there's a lot of warmth and whimsy to the game. It's such a complete world. It really transports you to another place, figuratively speaking.
That's all good to hear - especially being well-paced. I think I will give it a try. I've heard too many good things to ignore it.
SoraanTribal
Member
I'm not sure if someone already mentioned it, but I recommend switching out party members often and changing the person you're playing as, too. A lot of people make the "mistake" of keeping Shulk, Reyn, and Sharla the entire game, and imo, that's really boring and not a very good setup. It's too safe and can make some fights even harder than they would normally be. Dunban is a better tank than Reyn if you load him up with Agility gems - he'll dodge like 90% of physical attacks, so you don't need a healer (boot Sharla to the curb) for most fights and even most bosses. Shulk is good, but he's not required for anything really (although I typically did bring him in for bosses as a "just in case I need to use the Monado" type of situation). Melia is really fun to play as and VERY powerful. Riki is a blast to play as and he's hilarious - he's great at DoTs and has a very nice conal healing move. And the seventh party member is really cool and probably my favorite character in the game.
Hope you continue to enjoy it as much as I did.
Also, British voices FTW! And I do think Xenoblade's world is one of the most original in any game (at the very least other JRPGs).
Hope you continue to enjoy it as much as I did.
Also, British voices FTW! And I do think Xenoblade's world is one of the most original in any game (at the very least other JRPGs).
Yep you totally can. Just googled and it turns out someone actually posted a pic of it
Monolith really planned out their locations well. I still cant believe the scale they managed to achieve on the Wii's hardware.
Oh yeah, a Neiteio hype thread!
Better late than never, hope you'll have a great time, man. I ended up liking it to a point I still think it's the best JRPG since Chrono Trigger, if you end up the same I guess it'll be quite a hype thread! Glad to see you're liking it so far.
Did you finish W101 at least? I'm serious mad at you if you didn't! D:
Better late than never, hope you'll have a great time, man. I ended up liking it to a point I still think it's the best JRPG since Chrono Trigger, if you end up the same I guess it'll be quite a hype thread! Glad to see you're liking it so far.
Did you finish W101 at least? I'm serious mad at you if you didn't! D:
Jawmuncher
Member
I'm on my first playthrough as well and really enjoying it for the most part.
Hoping to beat it within the month.
Hoping to beat it within the month.
From my memory I think its
High Entia Tomb
Valak Mountain
Sword Valley
I can't believe I never noticed that before, that is Godlike design, eh.
I believe the half-way point is
the first visit to Prison Island, after the Monado gets unshackled.
Elfforkusu
Member
I loved Xenoblade by the time I finished it, and unlike most games, my opinion of it has only improved as I put more and more time between me and my playthrough. It's a superlatively good game. I loved the sense of adventure and wonder, and the battle system encouraged me to tinker around a lot with talent and gear specs for everybody, which means it had to have been pretty cool!
PensivePen
Member
I've been making my way through it lately and have been having a blast, plus it's been getting me pumped up for X (though I'm sure I have at least another 9 months to a year before that releases). I'm currently progressing through
and have found myself underleveled for the first time in my playthrough. Guess I rushed through areas a bit too much, so going back to do some sidequests, which is a good chance to improve the affinity of the characters I haven't been using as much either.
Valak Mountain
I was going to make a LTTP for this...
Dude it's not like it's stopping you from sharing your experience here.
Dammit you're right. I guess tend to consider it a part of
Eryth Sea
I mentioned this in the Smash Bros. thread but going Shulk reveal to the game does help one put together a nice little early game surprise, though even then there are other signs.
I do like how Metal Face keeps quiet for the first ten hours or so as to not ruin said surprise.
I do like how Metal Face keeps quiet for the first ten hours or so as to not ruin said surprise.
Jawmuncher
Member
The trailer actually made the fact that he didn't talk pretty fun for me.
I wasn't piecing much together and was curious just what the reason was.
So, you just finished the prologue... You ain't seen nothin' yet.
I'm really itching to see Metal Face again. He steals every scene he's in. Click here to see my favorite cutscene so far.
(Spoilers at the link, BUT you can watch the first five seconds to hear how subdued Shulk sounds in the game vs. the Smash trailer. Just stop watching after five seconds!)
I think I'll fare better with Xenoblade, since Xenoblade is more of a go-at-your-own-pace sort of game that also allows you to venture off the beaten path more. Which is to say, I don't think it'll exhaust me like TW101 did.
To be clear, though, I like character action games. I've beaten Metal Gear Rising like six times between PS3 and PC, lol.
(Spoilers at the link, BUT you can watch the first five seconds to hear how subdued Shulk sounds in the game vs. the Smash trailer. Just stop watching after five seconds!)
Oh wow, is that the city down in the catch basin on the Bionis' leg? It never even occurred to me what was beyond the valley when I was down there. :-O
I haven't finished TW101 yet. I was really, really enjoying that game for the first seven or eight chapters, then I just burned out. I know I'm near the end of the game. I tried going back a few weeks ago, but I couldn't figure out how to beat the very first enemy of the next chapter (a flying enemy that casts a force field of sorts). So, I turned it off and decided I'd come back later, lol.Oh yeah, a Neiteio hype thread!
Better late than never, hope you'll have a great time, man. I ended up liking it to a point I still think it's the best JRPG since Chrono Trigger, if you end up the same I guess it'll be quite a hype thread! Glad to see you're liking it so far.
Did you finish W101 at least? I'm serious mad at you if you didn't! D:
I think I'll fare better with Xenoblade, since Xenoblade is more of a go-at-your-own-pace sort of game that also allows you to venture off the beaten path more. Which is to say, I don't think it'll exhaust me like TW101 did.
To be clear, though, I like character action games. I've beaten Metal Gear Rising like six times between PS3 and PC, lol.
Hey man, you can still make your own, but you're more than welcome to post your thoughts here.I was going to make a LTTP for this...
I just want to throw this out there: Neiteio, you're one of my favorite posters. Your enthusiasm for games is unmatched, plus your 999 thread finally got me to play through what is now one of my favorite DS games ever.
So I'm just going to completely skip the OP, because I can't afford to dive into an 80+ hour rpg right now. BUT, I'm saving this thread for later. Enjoy the playthrough!
So I'm just going to completely skip the OP, because I can't afford to dive into an 80+ hour rpg right now. BUT, I'm saving this thread for later. Enjoy the playthrough!
FreedomFighter
Member
Neiteio, what do you think of the soundtrack?
SoraanTribal
Member
foxuzamaki
Doesn't read OPs, especially not his own
Ive been waiting for this thread
Oh man, I was rereading my own OP and I see I forgot to mention one of the coolest features in the game: the ability to see the future via the Monado.
For those who don't know: When an enemy is about to KO you or one of your allies, the screen will flash blue and you'll see a vision of the imminent attack, as well as who it KOs. Then, when time resumes, there'll be a countdown bar at the top of the screen. You have to intervene before the countdown reaches zero to shatter the bar and "change the future." You can do this by casting a spell that shields you and your allies, or by healing the target so they have enough HP to survive the attack, or by inflicting Break and then knocking the enemy over with a Topple attack, and so on.
Sometimes there are multiple fatal attacks incoming, and it's super-satisfying to quickly shatter one bar after another. It's an amazing system that adds a delicious layer of drama and urgency to combat.
Whenever you feel like playing Xenoblade, be sure to read my OP, since it's a spoiler-free primer on how to play the game.
Also, I'm also wary of long games these days, but I'm glad I dove into this one, since it's very fulfilling whether you play it in bite-sized chunks or weekend-long binges.
Gaur Plain (of course!)
Frontier Village - Night
One Who Gets In Our Way
Frontier Village, btw, is definitely one of my favorite locations in the game. My jaw was on the floor when I saw how colorful it was inside. It's all warm and cozy with all of the cuddly Nopon everywhere. They're such a funny people. They're how I picture GAF (minus the occasional meanie)! :-3
For those who don't know: When an enemy is about to KO you or one of your allies, the screen will flash blue and you'll see a vision of the imminent attack, as well as who it KOs. Then, when time resumes, there'll be a countdown bar at the top of the screen. You have to intervene before the countdown reaches zero to shatter the bar and "change the future." You can do this by casting a spell that shields you and your allies, or by healing the target so they have enough HP to survive the attack, or by inflicting Break and then knocking the enemy over with a Topple attack, and so on.
Sometimes there are multiple fatal attacks incoming, and it's super-satisfying to quickly shatter one bar after another. It's an amazing system that adds a delicious layer of drama and urgency to combat.
I really appreciate the kind words, Ludovico.
Whenever you feel like playing Xenoblade, be sure to read my OP, since it's a spoiler-free primer on how to play the game. Also, I'm also wary of long games these days, but I'm glad I dove into this one, since it's very fulfilling whether you play it in bite-sized chunks or weekend-long binges.
Oh man, the soundtrack is AMAZING so far. Some of my favorite tracks include:
Gaur Plain (of course!)
Frontier Village - Night
One Who Gets In Our Way
Frontier Village, btw, is definitely one of my favorite locations in the game. My jaw was on the floor when I saw how colorful it was inside. It's all warm and cozy with all of the cuddly Nopon everywhere. They're such a funny people. They're how I picture GAF (minus the occasional meanie)! :-3
SoraanTribal
Member
Some people hate Frontier Village because of the layout and it's hard finding NPCs for sidequests (which is a valid complaint), but I loved that town. It was really cool looking and gave me a Zelda-vibe the instant I entered it.
It's a simple layout, but it can be overwhelming trying to talk to everyone there. I would talk to everyone on one floor and then access the clock to fast-forward 12 hours and talk to everyone again. There are a LOT of people there, so it takes a while. You also have to remember the underground area and lake surrounding the base of the tree.
And I agree that it can be tricky finding certain NPCs in there. I had to use a wiki to remember where Cherri was located so I could complete her quests.
That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed talking to all of the Nopon and learning about their culture. And it's just so gorgeous inside the tree. I go back there for fun every now and then. :-D
.
This.
All of it.
I simply cannot think of any other game that has such a completely unique and utterly amazingly-realized world.
And they're going to have a hard time topping this with X.
I also mentioned this previously but the OP of this thread ruined my weekend by linking the 1080p youtube channel of all in game cutscenes. This is the Monado's power.
Just reminded me how much I love this song, which makes an appearance about every 45 minutes in the cutscenes..
Just reminded me how much I love this song, which makes an appearance about every 45 minutes in the cutscenes..
foxuzamaki
Doesn't read OPs, especially not his own
This blew my mind, im going to have to find this
By the way, I went back to Gaur Plain the other day, and I found a new area I hadn't visited before. It was a spiral-shaped hill in a dusty valley. There were a lot of spiders in the area. And when I got to the top of the hill, and approached the cliff... Well, let's just say you'll shit yourself if you have arachnophobia.
Oh man, that wailing guitar is end-of-DKC2 cheese, I love it. And yes, the cutscenes are addictive. :-D
The Xtortionist
Member
Same thing happened to me with TW101. Think I have three more operations to go, but I've pretty much had my fill with the game. I greatly enjoyed what I played and I'm satisfied with stopping there. Can't really think of another game I liked that also made me say "alright, that's enough". Hopefully Bayonetta 1/2 aren't too exhausting
Awesome LttP, btw. Haven't played Xenoblade, but this makes me want to pick it up. And I probably would if Destiny didn't drop tomorrow...but I'll keep it in mind. Sounds like it would be an awesome game to play during a drought.
Yeah, I'm really looking forward to Bayonetta 1/2.Same thing happened to me with TW101. Think I have three more operations to go, but I've pretty much had my fill with the game. I greatly enjoyed what I played and I'm satisfied with stopping there. Can't really think of another game I liked that also made me say "alright, that's enough". Hopefully Bayonetta 1/2 aren't too exhausting
Awesome LttP, btw. Haven't played Xenoblade, but this makes me want to pick it up. And I probably would if Destiny didn't drop tomorrow...but I'll keep it in mind. Sounds like it would be an awesome game to play during a drought.
I know you really got into Metal Gear Rising. I think you and I might take better to character action games where the camera is closer to the character. Makes it easier to "breathe," so to speak, which keeps those games from getting exhausting.And yeah, Xenoblade is the perfect game to play when you anticipate a dry spell. Definitely keep it in mind.
Good luck in the
High Entia Tomb! The boss battle at the end of the tomb is tough!
Any tips? And I wonder who the boss will be. I've been eagerly waiting for Metal Face to come back, but it doesn't seem like the time or place for him to show up again...
Just a heads up... you're not halfway
I'm further than you and I don't think I am either. Also shits about to get REALEdit: Tip:
Focus one target at a time. If you need to, go and grind for a bit in the dungeon before a second attempt.
Stick with your best lineup. Shulk can be pretty useful/useless in that battle depending on how yo go about it.
It will be a 3-on-2 battle as far as I can remember. One is against an Entian while the other is a Telethia.
What's really cool about playing Xenoblade after seeing the Shulk reveal trailer for Smash Bros. is you start seeing all of the references right away. Like Shulk's shrugging animation and thinking pose, or his crouching stance and lunging animation with his sword. Back Slash and Air Slash are actual moves in Xenoblade, too. So are the Buster, Shield and Speed arts, and I suspect the Jump art in Smash Bros. is adapted from Purge in Xenoblade, since Shulk leaps into the air surrounded by a green aura when he first uses it. The way they represent Dunban and Riki in Smash Bros. is also spot-on. And many of the sound clips are straight out of the game.
Playing Xenoblade has made the great Smash reveal even greater.
Playing Xenoblade has made the great Smash reveal even greater.
Oh man, sounds like a battle with multiple adversaries. I'll definitely do some leveling. I'm around Lv. 42 right now, I think.Just a heads up... you're not halfway
Edit: Tip:Focus one target at a time. If you need to, go and grind for a bit in the dungeon before a second attempt.
foxuzamaki
Doesn't read OPs, especially not his own
Neiteio I need you out of the
and at
, yesterday.
high entia tomb
prision island
OverturePT
Member
Damn it guys, I had other stuff to play... first thing tomorrow morning, get back to Xenoblade again.
Also, I always remember this little gem when talking about the OST, it creates such a cool atmosphere. Fucking brilliant.
Also, I always remember this little gem when talking about the OST, it creates such a cool atmosphere. Fucking brilliant.
Ha, I appreciate you cheering me on!
I'm nearly positive I'll see Metal Face again at Prison Island, due to the recurring visions Shulk keeps having about a black tower, so trust me, I'm eager to get there ASAP.
Oh I remember that boss. I spent many underlevelled hours trying to force my way. Neiteio - I suggest you grind a bit.