Earlier today Nintendo streamed a new Nintendo Direct, which focuses on Xenoblade Chronicles 2. The latest direct showcased some of the mechanics of the game as well as featuring a closer look at the game’s story.
Some of the highlights of the direct include:
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 will feature dual audio in the form of day one DLC. With the free DLC that will available on launch day, players will be able to play the game with original Japanese audio with English subtitles.
The game’s main story features the main hero Rex who searches for a mystical weapon. Upon finding the weapon he is soon killed by Jin, who is the head of the secret organization known as Toma. In order to save his life, Pyra gives half of her life energy to Rex who is revived. In exchange, Pyra asks Rex to help her search for the mystical land known as Elysium.
Rex & Pyra will soon meet with the other characters of the game, which include:
- Nia: A driver from the Imperial Province of Gormott and her blade is named Dromarch.
- Dromarch: Nia’s blade who has special healing capabilities. His main power is based on water.
- Tora: A Nopon who is fascinated by machinery. His blade is named Poppi α.
- Zeke
- Pandoria
Along their journey they will be meeting other various characters and fighting against several antagonists, which include:
- Morag: Special Inquisitor of the Ardonian Empire.
- Vandham: Mercenary leader
- Niall: Emperor of Mor Ardain
- Raqura: Queen of Uraya
- Bana: Argentum Trade Guild Chairman
- Euglogimenos: King of Tantal
- Amalthus: Praetor of Indol
- Jin: Leader of Torna
- Malos: Torna’s second In command
- Akhos: Torna’s brains
Next, it has been revealed that the Drivers will be able to bond with various different Blades with the power of the Core Crystals. As the player journeys through Alrest, they will be able to find many Core Crystals scattered throughout the land.
The land of Alrest is home to countless amount of creatures so expect many battles to ensure throughout the different times of day in game. Luckily players will be able to control time so they don’t need to wait long to fight certain monsters. When players destroy powerful monsters that hold special items they will be able to find their tombstones that will allow them to fight them again. However, there are organizations that are also searching for the Blades so expect to fight other beings besides monsters.
Continuing on the direct features a look at the Blades and their various customizing options. Players will need to search for Aux Cores, which are used to enhance their abilities and Core Chips that will be used to increase their stats as well as their appearances. Each Blade will also have an affinity chart, which will enhance over time when players use them. By unlocking the various layers of the chart players will be able to unlock more abilities. Since not all Blades can be useful from the start players can send them out into Merc Groups, which can be dispatched in order to help them gain experience.
Returning from the first Xenoblade, players will be able to find special locations that activate Heart-to-Heart moments that will boost the character’s bonds. Also returning from the previous Xenoblade entries players will be able to find items scattered throughout the land of Alrest. By using Salvage Points, players will be able to get special items, however they may also bring forth monsters as well.
Since the land of Alrest is massive, players will be able to teleport to specific locations with the help of Landmarks.
Players will also be available to get items at the Argentum Trade Guild. In addition to normal items, the guild will also have special items for sale that can be placed in pouches to enhance characters’ abilities. The Argentum Trade Guild will also have an arcade game called Tiger! Tiger! By playing the game players will be able to win items that can be used to enhance Poppi α’s capabilities. Poppi α is a special mechanical Blade that has several elemental attacks.
Continuing on, it has been revealed that the main party will consists of three Drivers who will each have up to three Blades in battle. Rex, however will have four Blades since Pyra also has another form named Mythra, who has it’s own abilities. By filling the gauge players will be able to use combo abilities that can lead into stronger attacks.
The direct also revealed more information about the Blades as well. Blades will be set into three different classes, which include: Tanks, Attackers, and Healers. Each weapon type will have four Driver Arts and three of them can be used in battle at a time. In short players will be able to use nine different driver arts in total in battle.
Next, the direct featured a look at the Driver Combos. By chaining arts players will be able to unleash stronger attacks. By using the Driver Combos in conjunction with the Blade Combos, players will be able to use a Fusion Combo that will lead into more devastating attacks. At the end of some combos an Elemental Orb will surround the enemies. Battles will also feature a special type of attack called the Masterful Technique. By using the party gauge players will be able to unleash chain attacks.
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 will feature an expansion pass that is available for pre-purchase today. The expansion pass will include extra content that will be added starting from launch till Fall 2018.
Lastly, it has been revealed that The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild will also be able to join in the fun with the upcoming free DLC. The DLC will feature a brand new mission that will allow players to gain Rex’s costume for Link. The free DLC will be available on November 9.
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 will launch exclusively for the Nintendo Switch on December 1.
Source: Nintendo
