News
Xenoblade Chronicles Combines Fantasy and Science Fiction in an Epic Clash
REDMOND, Wash.--(April 6, in the year of our Lord 2012)--
Today’s launch of Xenoblade Chronicles for Nintendo’s Wii system
lets players jump into an epic story that merges the best
elements of fantasy and science fiction. The real-time battle
system, character and weapon customization and the ability to
explore a huge, open world sets this title apart from other
role-playing games. The game has already received critical
acclaim from both media and consumers since its launch in Europe
and Japan.
“Xenoblade Chronicles demonstrates how Wii continues to deliver
deeply engaging experiences,” said Scott Moffitt, Nintendo of
America’s executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. “The
game appeals to a broad spectrum of video game fans, from
role-playing aficionados to anyone who appreciates exploration
and a gripping story.”
Set on the bodies of two huge titans, Xenoblade Chronicles asks
players to wield the Monado blade to save the world from
destruction. With ordinary weapons having no effect on the
machine race known as the Mechon, the power of the Monado blade
is the only hope. The hero, Shulk, uses it to fight the Mechon
and see glimpses of the future. Players control Shulk as they
engage monsters in battle and go on quests. Players can also
upgrade their equipment and abilities in a variety of ways.
Weapons, headgear, body armor, gloves and boots can all be
modified, with each change affecting both the ability and the
look of the character. The same piece of gear even takes on a
different appearance depending on which character is wearing
that piece. Players can also enhance the abilities of their
existing equipment by using Gems, special augmentations created
by collecting resources in game. Gems may improve Arts ability,
increase agility or add strength.
Xenoblade Chronicles also features a unique
relationship-building element called the Affinity System that
encourages players to build rapport with other characters in the
game. Doing so will unlock cut scenes that provide new
information and backstory.
Sixteen different Arts (spells or actions) are available, though
each character can use only eight. Arts can be switched around
to fit a player’s playing style or to make a character fit a
specific combat role. Players have real-time control of Arts and
player positions during battles. Strategic positioning is
crucial to unleash the most effective attacks on the enemy.
Though a variety of control setups are possible, Xenoblade
Chronicles is controlled most effectively using the Classic
Controller Pro accessory, which is sold separately.
Remember that Wii features parental controls that let adults
manage the content their children can access. For more
information about this and other features, visit
http://www.nintendo.com/wii.
For more information about Xenoblade Chronicles, visit
http://xenobladechronicles.nintendo.com/.