Xenoblade Chronicles

[motherbra1n]

I'm just having too hard of a time enjoying this game, it feels like a chore to play at times.

Like I said before, every single sidequest so far (at least the ones I've tried, and I have tried a lot) either consist of "kill x number of Y" "collect X number of Y" or "escort X item to Y person". Which is what so many RPG's do and it bores the living daylights out of me. People always tell me "each one has a different backstory" as if that makes everything OK and completely excuses their repetitive nature. When playing a game, I'm playing it first and foremost for the gameplay, not for the story, if the most important thing to me was the story I would read a novel or watch a movie. Yes it's great having a good story but if it can't go hand in hand with interesting, non repetitive gameplay, then I'm not interested.

Also the difficulty in this game relies way too heavily on grinding (or side questing, which is incredibly boring to me in this game), I often find it practically impossible to go past certain areas, regardless of how well I time and position my attacks, chain attacks and so forth until I take the time and effort to go level up by killing some of the weaker guys, side questing is probably even more boring than classic grinding so I just have to stick with grinding my way up to a high enough level. I cannot STAND games like this.

[StarStabbedMoon]

If you're past Bionis' Leg, and 5 levels or less below the enemies in the area (highlighted any color than red), than they should be beatable. Many enemies simply aren't meant to be beaten the first time around, and this doesn't always come in the form of the obvious level 80 monsters, but many unique and normal monsters as well. A good attacker/tank/healer combo should be able to get you through the main story up until the last few bosses without any grinding. Other advanced Xenoblade players prefer attacker/attacker/tank to beat enemies quickly before there is a need for healing but this may be a more complicated setup to pull off. Even at the end of the game, it doesn't necessarily require grinding, maybe just a different setup and approach for the more unusual battles.

Rushing through the game like this without having a high level and grinding is how I recommend people play it the first time just because it'd be too easy otherwise. So you're not doing it wrong, your intuitive desire to avoid grinding and side quests is a good one that you shouldn't give up on too quickly. I'm doing the side quests now on my second game not so much for the quests but because they give me an excuse to explore the world. I think that's what the point of them is because, well, they're just side quests. Just a means to an end, like any other game.

[motherbra1n]

If you're past Bionis' Leg, and 5 levels or less below the enemies in the area (highlighted any color than red), than they should be beatable. Many enemies simply aren't meant to be beaten the first time around, and this doesn't always come in the form of the obvious level 80 monsters, but many unique and normal monsters as well. A good attacker/tank/healer combo should be able to get you through the main story up until the last few bosses without any grinding. Other advanced Xenoblade players prefer attacker/attacker/tank to beat enemies quickly before there is a need for healing but this may be a more complicated setup to pull off. Even at the end of the game, it doesn't necessarily require grinding, maybe just a different setup and approach for the more unusual battles.

Rushing through the game like this without having a high level and grinding is how I recommend people play it the first time just because it'd be too easy otherwise. So you're not doing it wrong, your intuitive desire to avoid grinding and side quests is a good one that you shouldn't give up on too quickly. I'm doing the side quests now on my second game not so much for the quests but because they give me an excuse to explore the world. I think that's what the point of them is because, well, they're just side quests. Just a means to an end, like any other game.

but then the main game itself isn't very fun to play either, it's literally just walk, battle, walk, battle, walk battle cutscene, repeat, and it gets really boring really fast

[Broken_Cartridge]

@motherbra1n Sounds to me like it's just not your kind of game. That's the reason why it will get repetitive to you fairly quickly. Xenoblade is moreso for people who like the rpg grind and having a lot of things to do in the game (quests, levels, relationships, etc), but if it's not your kind of game then that will seem like it's the same thing and get boring really fast. To each his own.

[Gulshog]

but then the main game itself isn't very fun to play either, it's literally just walk, battle, walk, battle, walk battle cutscene, repeat, and it gets really boring really fast

It's a JRPG. If you don't like JRPG's, the repetitive nature of RPG's in general will pretty much bore you to death after the first few hours. A quick look on youtube would have shown you what the game is about 90% of the time.

To me, it breaks the mold in the exploration...if you are just walking to get to a battle, you are losing sight of the whole point of the huge world in the game. I get lost in the game sometimes, especially at night under the stars. It is a beautiful game, and the exploration is great fun. Just existing in the world...losing yourself in it. It may sound silly, but I love doing it. That's what is so great about Xenoblade, it draws you into the world. But, yeah...if you are just running to the nearest red dot on the compass, you aren't doing it right.

[Irritating Stick]

I usually do find myself getting lost exploring the world. While I'm only about 6 hours in so far, the massive overworld which you are free to explore turns the game from a good JRPG to a great one. If someone can point out a better game, feel free, but IMHO this is the greatest JRPG of this generation hands down.

[KingBroly]

I think the game's overall scale is beginning to get to me. I've played for nearly 14 hours and I've only hit the third area and I feel increasingly overwhelmed in almost every area. I sort of want one small, intimate area to help me re-establish my bearings.

[Lex_Informer]

After about 30 hours of play:

High points (+)
Low points (-)
Mixed (=)

Story
+ The game's intro; starting the story in the middle of a tense battle was pretty much the best narrative move ever
+ Plot is relatively unintrusive, with no overly long cutscenes (so far)
= Plot twists have been somewhat predictable, but this isn't necessarily a bad thing as most of my correct predictions have come from logical connections and observations and not just random guesswork

World
+ That moment when you realized how huge Colony 9 was and that nothing was stopping you from taking a break from the story to explore every nook and cranny except fights you aren't strong/good enough to win
+ Open areas are wide and huge but full of monsters to fight, caves and shortcuts, secrets, and stuff to just sit back and look at
- Being unable to enter most buildings partially breaks what is otherwise a consistent open-world feel
+ Stepping out onto the Bionis Leg for the first time was the first time I've replicated the "stepping onto Hyrule Field for the first time" effect since OoT
+ Good balance between wide open areas and maze-like dungeons and caverns
+ Love the presentation of Frontier Village
- Cases of linear level design and ineffective use of space (Achamoth comes to mind) stick out like a sore thumb due to the sharp contrast between them and more open-ended areas

Visuals
+ Character designs tread the line between conservative Western conventions and the quirkiness we've come to expect from JRPGs, with interesting results
- Textures and models are a mess, but...
+ ...nonetheless the game's assets are a very faithful presentation of its artwork, which is gorgeous
- Pop-in is very noticeable in areas with lots of trees and other environmental features
- Game text can be very difficult to read on SDTV

Gameplay
+ VERY good pacing; the game anticipates both main quest only players as well as completionists and effectively accommodates both styles
+ Visions, Art Palette, and other unique combat mechanics result in a combat system that is paradoxically both simple and intricate; rules are simple but mastering them takes some hard knocks
- Combat basically requires variations on Tank/Spellcaster+Support teams due to the aggro system; certain combinations of characters just don't work well, which can feel somewhat restrictive
+ The fact that you get experience from EVERYTHING basically eliminates the need to grind in the traditional sense; instead you can grow just by exploring and completing sidequests
- Sidequests aren't really anything special on paper but...
+ ...questing goes hand-in-hand with naturally exploring the game world; just rack up on quests at the nearby village and go wild
- Finding Quest NPCs can be a pain due to a lack of effective and efficient ways of tracking NPC information; even just linking the Affinity Chart to related quests would have worked wonders
= That you can earn Experience, Equipment, Affinity, AND Gems from sidequests means that completionists may find themselves overpowered; on the one hand, this works well as a handicap for less skilled players, but on the other hand, it means that one way or another either the main quest or sidequests will wind up being a tad easy, depending on which you put off in favor of the other
+ Day/night and quick travel systems are awesome
+ There are still a bunch of game mechanics that I haven't really fully explored yet, such as Gem Crafting, Item Trade, and Skill Trees

[Ngamer01]

After about a week, Xenoblade can now be recommended in the US Nintendo Channel. It currently has a Platinum recommendation rating.

In other news, I'm finally back playing more Xenoblade after beating KI: Uprising's Solo mode for the first time. I like after four hours playing that I'm still wandering around Colony 9 for side-quests.

Though I'm weary about a few side-quests dealing with unique monsters. I already had a run-in with a Level 5 unique monster near Anti-Air Battery 1 that kicked my backside. -_-

Though now that I've leveled up more and got new equipment, I gotta go back for a rematch.

[Gulshog]

Yeah, lol, some of those unique monsters are deadly! I usually try to be 2 levels higher at least, as I often forget to upgrade my equipment.

[kernal]

just started the game yesterday and with only intending to play for an hour or so, i ended up playing for about 5. oh, jrpgs, how ive missed you..

this game is incredible. it looks great, the music is awesome.. while, i wasnt a fan of the battle controls, at first, once i got the hang of it all i noticed just how deep it really is. and holy cripes, after completing a couple of small quests, the game seriously ramps up!

all in all, its pretty great

[gtt]

I'm about 15 hours in, just got to the swamp. having a good time so far, but a few things bug me.

why does the inventory system feel like it is half finished? with all the other usability updates, the inventory system feels like it is straight out of 1985. same with lots of the menus.

the lack of HD really, really hurts. playing it on my hd is fine, but the environments really really want to be on a more powerful system.

still, a very solid 8/10 game.

[thresholdXCI]

the lack of HD really, really hurts. playing it on my hd is fine, but the environments really really want to be on a more powerful system.

I have the exact same thoughts. Considering I've been playing with the Classic Controller there just doesn't seem like any benefit this being on Wii. The environments are so ambitious and spectacular that on a powerful system, in HD, they'd really have been breath-taking.

Of course it's probably worth bearing in mind that a studio like Monolith probably wouldn't have had the time or the money to put it out on PS3/ 360/ PC had they not been owned by Nintendo anyway.

[KingBroly]

If there was an HD port I'd want them to redo the menus and improve/eliminate their load times. SHEESH, what a pain.

[thresholdXCI]

If there was an HD port I'd want them to redo the menus and improve/eliminate their load times. SHEESH, what a pain.

The load times never bothered me at all - except later in the game when there'd be loads in the middle of cut-scenes. But the menu system could be improved a lot. Took me a long time to really get to grips with where everything is and it takes way too long to level and equip everyone up.

[KingBroly]

I'm talking about the load times for the menus specifically. 7-10 seconds per load.

[gtt]

If there was an HD port I'd want them to redo the menus and improve/eliminate their load times. SHEESH, what a pain.

yes. especially with a menu system so archaic, having to go out and back into to different menus is soooo annoying.

[thresholdXCI]

I'm talking about the load times for the menus specifically. 7-10 seconds per load.

Sorry, mis-read your post. Must admit I don't remember having to wait that long for any menus. Maybe 2-3 seconds max for some of the shops.

Side note; does this game make anyone else's Wii sound like it is literally tearing itself to oblivion inside? Not sure if it's just because it's dual-layered or my old Wii is on its last legs. It's a horrible sound though.

[Gulshog]

I think it is your Wii...sure, it accesses a lot, but nothing like what you describe. Maybe yours is about to die? Maybe it's having problem with the dual layer disc...don't know. I am going to play a ton today...haven't had a chance to lately, since I got to about 8 hours into the game.

[Eternal Rain]

The load times in my game are actually quite short. Worst case is only 5 seconds, and that's when fast traveling. Menus load in about 2 or 3 seconds for me. Yeah, sorry to say Broly but maybe there's something wrong with your Wii.

Anyway, I'm at the part of the game where Sharla has become a party member (about time I get a good healer in the party, Shulk's heal move is kinda weaksauce). Trying to finish a few of these "limited time" quests before moving on, since a few are gonna net me some nice armor.

So far I am really enjoying this game. The battle system works very well (it's like a 100 times better version of Final Fantasy XII's battle system), the story is interesting so far, the environments are gorgeous and fun to explore, the abundance of side quests is great (especially in comparison with other recent JRPGs that lack them entirely), and I like the character building system. It's also nice to, for once, have a JRPG where a change in armor actually shows on the character (you know what I mean, like go back and play Final Fantasy IX on the PS1, no matter what armor you wear the characters always have the same default look the entire game).

So far, yeah, I'm lovin' it!

[Ngamer01]

After about 10 hours, I'm finally moving on to Colony 6 for the first time. Hopefully I'm leveled up enough to not have to retreat back to Colony 9 to level/side-quest grind more.

[chris_the_wing]

Xenoblade Chronicles is a hit, according to VGchartz. The global top four
1 X360 Kinect Star Wars -------------------421,293
2 PSP Dai-2-Ji Super Robot Taisen Z Saisei-hen 262,812
3 X360 Kinect Adventures! -------------------179,859
4 Wii Xenoblade Chronicles -------------------------168,852

And don't bother mentioning that VGchartz is often wrong, we know that.

Edit: Sales as of the 7th of April, so that's not even a half week of sales. This one will be front loaded, but it could pull in another 50 000 next week.

[motherbra1n]

Xenoblade Chronicles is a hit, according to VGchartz. The global top four
1 X360 Kinect Star Wars -------------------421,293
2 PSP Dai-2-Ji Super Robot Taisen Z Saisei-hen 262,812
3 X360 Kinect Adventures! -------------------179,859
4 Wii Xenoblade Chronicles -------------------------168,852

And don't bother mentioning that VGchartz is often wrong, we know that.

what a disgusting top 3

to the naysayers that say vgchartz is wrong, what's the better alternative? or is there no such thing.

glad to see the game is doing well. Even though I think it's quite overrated, it's nice having such an ambitious game on the wii, I hope The Last Story is just as successful to improve the chances of a sequel. Square betrayed nintendo with final fantasy, now final fantasy is relatively down after XIII, XIV and to an extend XIII-2, it's nintendos perfect chance to get their own back and make The Last Story franchise a final fantasy killer and capture the disappointed final fantasy crowd.

sorry for going off topic there

[Ngamer01]

I'm just posting a status update of my progress:

Spoiler:

I'm taking on the Refugee Camp sidequests in hopes of leveling up enough for the fights coming up at Colony 6 in order to save Juju.

Wow, I nearly got ambushed by the Level 81 monster roaming Gaur Plains while I was in the middle of working on the Guar Plains side-quests. <.<;;

Good thing that Level 81 monster is so slow. I ran away from it easily.

[Gulshog]

Loving the story on this, and still slowly going through the game...I believe I am now at 10-12 hours...something like that.