Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is Still Due to Arrive in 2017, Which is Nice

I'm impressed that the Xenoblade series has been successful enough to warrant a third instalment already. Here's hoping that XB2 sells like hotcakes.

Yay! Can't wait!

XCX was my first of the series. Very much looking forward to this on Switch... but should I play XC first...

@mid_55 XC was much better of a game. Sure, XCX had better exploration aspect. But as a whole, (story, characters, battle system and music) XC is head and shoulders above XCX (which was frankly an unfinished game). Play it, aniticipate XC2, hope that some aspects of XCX exploration get it to this new game, worry that they changed the visual style too much, that's my recipe for success.

Personally Im still holding out for XCX to be ported to Switch, I loved that world on WiiU but i could sink so many more hours into it if it were portable.
As for XC2 I'm mildly excited but a few things are holding back my hype; firstly im not exactly in love with the artstyle and secondly i never got that far in XC1 so aren't as attatched to that world and lore.
Either way Im sure Monolithsoft know what they are doing and it will be a great game!

Are they even done writing and voicing the game in Japanese? They still have to finish translating before it can release in the west, you know...

I'm surprised the game will be ready so quickly. We heard a while ago that the soundtrack is complete.

Immediate pre order for day one purchase. Loved the Wii version, astounded by the WiiU version so I expect the best from the Switch version.

Making Xenoblade Chronicles available on Switch VC would be a good idea. Hint!

Considering the ost is already pretty much done, I wouldn't be surprised if it's coming this year. I'd say december is a safe bet.
Anyway, if they delay it it will be fine as well. Whatever, as long as it finishes being awesome like the last ones.

@mid_55
IMO you'd be doing yourself a favour as X was a disappointment to me compered to the original. A direct sequel is my wet dream.

I don’t get why there was so much doubt about this. The timing is tight, but it's doable. Besides, we knew they were recording the music some weeks ago, and that's usually done toward the end of development.

I've still never played the original, but I got Xenoblade Chronicles X on a clearance rack not too long ago and I plan on playing through it this summer... after Breath of the Wild, of course. As long as I like X enough, I'll surely pickup 2 because the trailer looks great.

Anyone know if it'll be fine to play 2 without playing through the original in terms of story?

If this this is true then colour me impressed.
I wonder what month it will be released?

E3 has me even more excited now, maybe a release date will be announced.
Nintendo might actually be serious about making Switch a success.

@wiggleronacid It's up in the air. There's not a lot to go by in the trailer to link XC2 to the original, but whether it will follow its plot or just uses some of its key points to tell a new story is anyone's guess.

Regardless, I'd play the original. It's one of the best games on the Wii and playing it will help you enjoy the sequel more.

I really hope that this game isn't as incomplete as Final Fantasy XV once it releases!

@Untempered-Link Agreed. I'm not liking the kiddie looking characters.

@Haru17 game development usually takes a couple of years. So they should have done the script ages ago and Voice recording for majority of japanese track during the alpha stage before the direct reveal

I doubt it but hey bring it on!

...and XC HD plizzzzz

really hope so would love the other 2 to be ported over to the switch as well

Well... I will wait and see for this game.

@Dakt Or, you know, it's not. These forgettable anime stories set in an open world take a while to make if the last two are any indication.

My brother says Xenoblade Chronicles is one of the best games he's ever played, with an amazing story and world. I played about 10 hours of it but... never more and it's such a long game.

But Xenoblade Chronicles X on Wii U is easily my favorite JRPG of all time. And I the world? It's right up there on par with Zelda Breath of the Wild, maybe even better (not a knock on Zelda, but XCX world was absolutely incredible). The battle system was on point too. I loved the strategy involved with soul voices and triggering certain healing or buffs... gosh that game was amazing. So so good.

And I loved the cut scenes and story in Xenoblade Chronicles X. And I heard that was nothing compared to the first. If Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is even better in that regard... it could end up being one of the best games of all time, which isn't a stretch given the caliber of the last 2 entries.

@Fandabidozi Absolutely! We need Xenoblade Chronicles 1 and X on the Switch virtual console. However, I suspect that Nintendo won't release anything like that until some time after the sequel is out. They will want XC2 to get a clear run, with no 80-hour VC titles eating into potential sales. Never played the series, so I'd love to start at the beginning properly, but XC2 will probably be a day one purchase for me.

XCX was awesome, only played an hour or so of XC was good but i would like to own it ...XC2 looks amazing ... Can't wait!

Hoping for a limited edition bundle like with xcx.

@JaxonH While XCX was fun, I think you should still check out the original. Yes the combat system isn't as deep, but I think it's more engaging with a certain battle mechanic (not spoiling just in case for viewers) and it actually explains how the combat system works.

Also XC1 is long compared to XCX? Am....I hearing that right? XC1 takes about 60-80 hours to play through about about 120-140 to 100%...but XCX is a bit weird in that the story can be completed in about 20-35 hours (depending on how fast you are) or waaay past 300+ hours. The game has like 700+ achievements. I want to play more XCX...but all that is left for me is grinding for much better weapons and augments, filling out the last weapon classes, and doing sidequests (which aside from H-2-Hs, are a bit of a waste of time; too few interesting story lines).

XC in comparison has little to no grinding if you exploit the chest trick (saving before opening a chest and save scumming; saves time) and are smart about your strategy. It's very possible to be past lv 50 and take down enemies much much higher than your lv.

Also, as many others have pointed out, XCX has HORRIBLE music balancing. After you get your skell, you either will want to avoid the skell when possible to actually hear the area's music and not a constantly restarting flying theme. Aside from that and NLA's day and night themes which gets old quick, there's nothing else really bad about the music.
Exploring in XCX felt really good, along with getting better weapons (before the 200 individual parts wall appeared and basically required a lot of grinding time or effective strategies which others have created), and mix'n mashing different weapon styles.

And yeah...soul voices are helpful early on to keep you alive, but later on they prevent you from selecting some arts in time. This is unlike XC1 which actually pauses the fight for the prompt. I wish the prompt paused the fight in XCX, aside from multiplayer obviously.

For reference, I have about a total of 340+ hours in XC1, and like 150+ in XCX (could have said more, but anymore time I spent was from waiting overnight for squad tickets.

Hope it comes true. Still looking for a direct sequel of "Xenoblade Chronicles X" in the future, mind...

My next physical purchase to lay alongside BotW. Titles like Bomberman and Ultra Street Fighter will remain as digital downloads. Only the worthy will be chosen. /cheeseblast

also XC1 HD please

@sillygostly

Yeah that's what I thought. They've maybe stuck with it because of the high critic reviews, as a sign that it might take off in popularity, in the way Fire Emblem has.

I've never played either of the first two games in this series, since the Switch is my first Nintendo console since N64. Would Xenoblade Chronicles 2 be a good starting off point?

XC2 this year would be sooooo great , this is definitely one of the titles I'm overly excited for .

I got XC on the Wii U eShop, I need to play it before XC2 comes around..... And XCX is one of my favorite games of last generation, nothing like laying waste to your enemies with ultra personalized Skell. Plus, exploring Mira is awesome and I liked the side quests.

Given that XCX was in development for so long, I hardly believe that it will be ready this year.

@JaxonH "My brother says Xenoblade Chronicles is one of the best games he's ever played"

The longer time passes since I played it the better it gets. Don't know how well it would hold up after 2 - the characters, story, music and lore are all much better in the first game, the graphics and exploration much better in the 2nd. Don't know how well it would hold up on the New 3DS XL - I'm assuming you have 1 - but you should really give it a go before playing XC2. XC might be the greatest JRPG ever, and I'm a huge FF7 fanboy. Also Rogue Galaxy and DQ8 were also great when I played them, and FFX, FF8 and FF9 in that order, but for XC to still be good after playing all of those, and in Wii graphics after all the years of HD on my PS3, well it takes a lot to impress me. If they made a XC HD on Switch I'd play it before XC2.

It is really long though, main story is probably 100 hours, then some fun side quests for another 20. There's still 1 I need to do. The first 15 hours are just a tutorial, I played that twice b/c I stopped after that myself and only restarted playing when I heard XCX was coming out. And then about 25 hours of sort of fun game play before the game kicks it into gear, and then it takes it up a gear about every 15 to 20 hours after that. 4 or 5 times the game gets better and better.

Just recalled you have a bionic Wii U which plays games in HD on your new big screen tv. Play it on that and crank up the stereo. I'm not a big videogame music guy but it's really good in XC. Guar Plain, where you spend a lot of time, is the best music.

On an almost related note. finished Ori yesterday. It kicked my butt in a few spots - not doing ground pound when I needed it to, doing it when I didn't want to - but I made it thru to the end. I don't like 2D games, but this was the best one. Read there's a definite version - don't think I played that one - but you should check it out, shorter game, took me 15 hours, but the stats said I died over 500x. Not DKTF, more like Guacamelee, but a good story, music and puzzle solving. I never need to play another 2D game again.

I just want it to be released once its ready.

Awesome news if it holds true! I still believe it for Japan, I'm a little more skeptical about the west, but in the investor reports 7 weeks before E3 that's a serous statement that tells us this might actually get dated at E3.

@Haru17 Not all games are completed in Japanese and then translated later. Higher profile, higher budget games have the translation/scriptwriting done in parallel. Since they're treating this one as a big deal launch year exclusive they unveiled the system with, it's very possible they're extending a larger than usual budget and timeshare to it with "all hands on deck" from NoA + NoE running the translation with the main script-writers as it's written. Post-launch translation happens when it's a smaller budget and the team works with what they have available rather than the full corporate resources of the company treating it as a priority title.

Given the history of XC1 and XCX I'd be honestly surprised if that's the case for any XC title, but they do seem to be putting an emphasis on the game I did not expect, including it popping up in the Switch news feed every few days.

Edit: Heck, even Square said they wanted to move into a global release cycle since regional releases just don't work anymore.

I believe it when I see it, it just seems to soon

@JaxonH As the producer of the series said, they try to balance story and gameplay. In the first they balanced too much toward story. In the second they balanced toward gameplay, but I feel maybe a little of an overcorrection. I haven't played X as much as 1 (time ran out and it was time to unplug WiiU to set Switch up ), but generally 1 is a classic JPRG. It's linear. It has big areas and MMO quests kind of like X, but it's pretty much a linear on-rails JRPG. The characters are interesting (if badly acted), the story is interesting BUT in that usual convoluted Japanese "What did I even just watch...??" kind of way (If you're an FF fan, you just accept it without question ), and has some great turns and surprises. The story only really starts picking up at the 1/3-1/2 way mark though . It feels bland and generic until then, completely until you start getting those "oh..ooohhh!" moments. So it's long.

IMO combat is not as refined as in X. They took XC and refined it for X (and will no doubt refine it again for 2.) Personally I feel that "best RPG ever" is very overblown. It's excellent, yes, but it's let down by its MMO-like side quests, just as X is. It's very very good. It's a must-play for RPG fans. But it's too rough to get "best ever" in all points (Honestly, from most reports Persona 5 might win that title these days. My LE is still in shrinkwrap. Because Switch...)

I don't know if the story in 2 is a true continuation of Shulk's adventure or not....I'm guessing we're going to find out in 7 weeks or so But if 2 takes the world building of X, the story/character imperatives of XC, and a refined combat & questing system, I could see 2 becoming "best of all time."

I'm getting Day 1, because I love Xenoblade. I just hope it isn't rushed to get out in 2017.

I have been skeptical of release this year and then thought, maybe in Japan. If it can release this year worldwide, I think this series could get some serious attention and it would be an important second big game for many who came on board just for Zelda (and less for Mario Kart, Splatoon and Arms).

I still haven't played the first XC or XCX, but I'm still looking forward to this one!

And I say, "Hey, Lama, hey, how about a little something, you know, for the effort, you know." And he says, "Oh, uh, there won't be any money, but when you die, on your deathbed, you will receive total consciousness." So I got that goin' for me, which is nice.

@NEStalgia To your last point, I don't think anything has indicated that regional releases 'don't work anymore.' I think a bunch of western fans certainly get impatient about games released in Japan first, but that's just a consequence of the internet democratizing information.

Look at Persona 5: It was released in the west 7 months after its Japanese release and is almost universally better received than Final Fantasy XV, which released simultaneously all over the world.

Just remember this in a year or so when you're playing X-Men X2noblade. A game which is still probably — most likely, almost definitely — going to only release in Japan this year if at all before 2019. If that game has a two stage release, and if you like it, remember how regional releases 'don't work anymore'

Could still be delayed I suppose but looking forward to it whenever it does arrive!

I loved both XC and XCX, though my preference goes to XC. One thing I did love about XCX were the skells. I ended up changing colors and names to match Transformers G1. I'm sure I'm not the only one. That said, I can't wait for XC2. I wonder how close it'll be released to the new Mario, though I'd probably get XC2 first since I prefer RPGs.

The stage is set for this one to do very well. Assuming it launches around November/December, the Switch will have a fairly large install base by then (hopefully), and growing quickly, compared to the Wii U's still slightly larger but not so quickly growing install base. Also, the series is now pretty well established and is growing in popularity. That means that the disadvantages Xenoblade faced on the Wii and Xenoblade X on the Wii U have been addressed, and his should therefore be the best selling Xenoblade game so far, assuming the game itself is good enough.

@JaxonH It's always great to see other people who enjoyed X! It gets a bad reputation from a lot of Xenoblade fans, but I personally love both games equally (and they're both tied for the spot of my favorite game of all time), just for different reasons: I'd argue that the original has better writing/music while X is much better in terms of combat and exploration. I think both games nail all those aspects, though. I'm really hoping that Xenoblade 2 combines the best elements of each game, that would be incredible! This is hands down the game I'm most excited for in the Switch's lineup.

This is the game I am looking forward to the most. Granted, that frame rate was awful on the reveal and the game looks like it has a ways to go, but damn, I am still chuffed to bits it's due year one.

@Haru17 Haha, well I was being specific to Squeenix' perspective

And P5 has the benefit of simply being an amazing once every 20 years kind of game like BotW, it doesn't matter WHEN it's released.

But I have to agree with Squeenix, in particular due to your first statement. Back in the day a game only "existed" when at arrived on your shores. Because the internet now democratizes information, people are exposed to the game, the marketing, they hype, the buildup during the initial release in Japan, and unless the game is AMAZING, that hype dies down fast, spoilers and criticisms float around, and the game flounders in the eventual Western release. Regional releases affect you most negatively if your release is average or worse, which explains Squeenix's prioritization of global release

But it also makes financial sense. You can hype the game everywhere with one marketing push rather than running everything through regional offices, and capitalize on the community effect of a game release universally. And now with region free gaming as standard, you can do ONE production run of physical games and just label/box them differently.

I do think global releases are going to be increasingly more common and more of a priority at least for the larger studios that can afford the initial increased outlay to reap the greater cost savings down the line.

Not too sure about this game. I don't really like JRPGs. I'll keep an eye on it, though.

Basically if we see this at E3 there is hope. If we dont....nope, not happening. XC2 will be a bigger game than Odyssey to me so I hope it does come this year.

I could definitely appreciate some more xenoblade chronicles in my life, I will be surprised if it launches this year though

@Luna_110 I had no idea the original Wii release was on the Wii U eShop! Perhaps I'll pick it up after all!

Played XCX because of Chuggaaconroy and GameXplain, fell in love and 100% it and I am now playing through the origiinal, which so far has been just as good if not better! So excited for XC2; I still doubt it will come out this year but here's hoping!

Absolutely loved original XC, the gind wasn't too bad either and going through main and side quests together always ensured you did not have to grind much to level up.

@Frosty_09 I would love to see something like Soma Bringer or XenoSaga series being brought to the Switch.

Skells were a mistake

@mid_55 DO NOT miss the first Xenoblade Chronicles. It's amongst the greatest games ever made.

Hmm nintendo doesn't let things out unless they're solid ar ethey very confident or just trying to make shareholders feel that way...

My Switch is ready!!

Looking forward to the release for this! While I won't be able to play it, the first was fantastic and I hope to play this at some point

I still find this pretty hard to believe. But I wouldn't be disappointed if Nintendo proved me wrong.

I loved the first game, and I'm pretty interested in this one, but...the art style of those characters...eeeeuuuggghhh...

All I can say is I hope it's set in the same universe as XC and makes references to it. It would be cool if the story followed on from it in some way.

1 sec buying 5 copies of special edition to sit there
Literally
4 copies kept for the museums

My favorite RPG of all time. I can't wait. Now stop jinxing it with all this talk! I beat Zelda Tonight after 150+ hours on the clock playing. What an ending! Breath of the Wild moves to my #2 favorite RPG of all time. Is it just me or is Nintendo the talk of the VideoGame world again! Welcome back Nintendo!

@Haru17
The second was distinctly a non-anime story. Except for the mechs.

@sillygostly I think considering the budget is mid-tier the series has sold well.

Also, the series has a lot of fans who are willing to buy a Nintendo system just for Xenoblade. So even though the sales may not be as great as some other Nintendo software, the game is more valuable than a lot of it. I hope X2 is a true breakout game for Xenoblade, though.

I you all sure they aren't only talking aobut the Japanese release?

There has been pretty long localization times on the two previous installments.

@OneArmedGiant OK so now... which version do I pick up? Quite fancy a go at the Wii version, as XCX needed a massive TV... it got to the point that I struggled on a 32" tv haha, such detailed menus!

I didn't think I'd like XCX, but that and BotW are the only games in years where I have just loved exploring and hit 100 hours easily!

@Pod : Nintendo has done a far better job of streamlining the localisation process in recent years, with games released much more closely to Japan (if not simultaneously) than in the past.

I think Xeno is releasing this year indeed. The game looked kinda complete and they were adding music to it. I hope we get to see more of it at E3 Direct.

@sillygostly
True.

And now that Xenoblade has proven its qualities as a franchise and proven to have traction in the west, I suppose Nintendo can start the localization without awaiting the final product's quality, or testing the water with the audience.

@Jessica286

I was impressed with the finish on the characters' models and faces.

Though the animation certainly could still do with a once-over, but that's nothing game breaking.

@Pod Agree, the graphics need work but other than that the little we saw look finish so I guess there is a high chance of release this year. Anyway we will be more certain when E3 comes. I can't wait btw, I love the Xeno serie.

@mid_55
If you like gaming on your tv, the wii U VC is the cheapest way to go. The New 3DS port is very well done though so it is up to you weather you want the portability. The menus aren't an issue with this game.

@SLIGEACH_EIRE I can take as guess and say it was initially a Wii U game that moved to Switch, just a hunch.

I'll believe this one when I see it. Don't get me wrong, i will not be mad if it does come out this year. Besides ARMS, Splatoon2, Fire Emblem Warriors, and Super Mario Odessey, there's gaps for more AAA titles, so bring it on.

I completed Xeno1 100% in 211 hours and beat XenoX in 320 hours (only have 99%).

Xeno1 was an epic with many great moments, but XenoX is nothing short of an absolute masterpiece that outclasses everything in terms of pure adventure and atmosphere.

Can't wait for Xeno2; if they really release it this year that would be stunning. I hope the relatively short development time doesn't make it a shorter game.

And my take on VC: Before they re-release Xeno1 for the fourth time (I have it 2 times already) and XenoX for the second time, I'd rather like to see the first ones that I never played, getting a re-release on Switch: Xenogears and Xenosaga.

Still not convinced it will happen but if it does hit shelves in 2017, that's a nice holiday lineup with this and Super Mario Odyssey not too long after Splatoon 2 which is also looking awesome.