Comments on: If Happiness is a Battle System, then Xenoblade Chronicles Makes Me Smile

By: tsuhelm

tsuhelm — Tue, 21 Jul 2015 13:11:32 +0000

It’s on the ‘chase it down list’ when I get back in civilization…Oh to have disposable cash again!

By: cary

cary — Tue, 21 Jul 2015 12:57:26 +0000

The state of this game “on sale” is a tragedy! After renting it (and failing to make nice with the game the first time round), I eventually looked into buying it as well. It’s a fine game, but not one that worth hundreds of dollars! The copy I have now I’m borrowing from a kind family member, otherwise, I’d be lusting after it from afar as well.

Though there’s Xenoblade Chronicles X, it’d be fantastic to see Nintendo re-release the original game (as is, beautiful flaws and all), so that it reaches a wider audience. If you can get your hands on a copy by any (legal?) means, go for it. I can honestly say now that it is a game not to be missed.

By: tsuhelm

tsuhelm — Mon, 20 Jul 2015 16:51:22 +0000

OMG the game I bought the WII for and then found you cant get the game anymore! (for a normal price that is…)

I love the sound of this game and I thought it would start the return to console gaming for me (3 years of world travel pretty much killed it off, only my ps2 and snes, hidden at my mums remain!) when I found I was unable to get the game I was devastated, not helped by reading all the awesome reviews it got!

By: cary

cary — Mon, 20 Jul 2015 13:57:10 +0000

Reblogged this on Recollections of Play and commented:

There are no two ways about it -- since finishing DA: Inquisition, I've been OD'ing on Xenoblade Chronicles. At this point, it's like heroin: the immediate and thrilling high of playing it far outweighs its later consequences. Recently on United We Game, I discussed one of the game's most addictive aspects: its usual and wonderful battle system. Auto-attack, unique and easy to access abilities, and a brilliant cast of teammates are all I want from any game now.

By: Hatm0nster

Hatm0nster — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 00:37:28 +0000

Hmm…any RPG that makes grinding feel less like a chore sounds like a winner in my book. I’ll have to look deeper into this. Thanks!

By: cary

cary — Sat, 27 Jun 2015 03:38:28 +0000

Not being fully familar with MMO mechanics and how they might differ from an action RPG, I can’t say for certain. However I will say that grinding in XC is unlike anything I’ve experienced before. Because you have some control over the enemy encounters, and because the battle system is so dynamic, grinding feels less a chore and more like a challenge, and a welcome challenge at that. Even if you take on the same enemy several times in a row, each battle is different — not only can you mix up your attacks, but your teammates do as well. It’s a highly engrossing way to make players become more in tune with their skills, strengths, and weaknesses throughout the game.

Not sure that answer helps any (or makes sense)…watching videos of XC battles might help demonstrate things better, but it’s totally worth seeking out the game to experience it for yourself.

By: Hatm0nster

Hatm0nster — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 23:59:13 +0000

I heard this game described as a single-player MMO more than a few times. Would you say that’s true? The battle system sounds absolutely thrilling, but if the rumors are true I’m wondering if it can hold up under the weight of MMO-style grinding.

By: cary

cary — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 19:16:06 +0000

Yeah, when battle controls get too complicated, I tend to get really confused as well. The simpler the better. That’s cool about Ni no Kuni (it’s on my to-play list — maybe next year?). Seems it provides you with lots of flexibility during battle while keeping the action moving. There’s nothing worse than a boss battle that’s both confusing and boring.

Though I’m not done with Xenoblade Chronicles, I can’t recommend it enough. I was really worried at first that infrequent play would lead to problems, but it hasn’t been as bad as I would have thought. It does take me a few minutes to get used to the gameplay every time I start up, but once I get reacquainted with everything, it’s smooth sailing. For a big JRPG, it’s pretty easy to pick up and put down.

By: cary

cary — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 19:08:28 +0000

And I’ve found my new screensaver! :D

Honestly though, I love Reyn as a fighter, but his commentary got old pretty quick. Now I’m rockin’ Dunban and Sharla on my team. Sharla is probably my fav as well. And thank goodness “Sharla” doesn’t rhyme with “time.”

By: duckofindeed

duckofindeed — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 16:07:56 +0000

I used to want to play this game, but it’s length makes me rather afraid. I am currently in the middle of playing an RPG with a less overwhelming length, Ni no Kuni, and I really enjoy the battle system in this game, as well. You have three characters in your party that can fight, and each of them have three creatures that can help you in battle, as well. You can only control one at a time, and selecting attack will cause them to attack until a timer runs out (you can cancel it early if you want, as well), and then you can choose attack again or pick something else. Plus, you have lots of extra moves, like magic spells, as well, or the option to defend and the like. And my favorite thing, you could actually walk around in battle, unlike many RPGs. So yeah, I thought Ni no Kuni had a great battle system because it’s very simple, but very effective. I just don’t understand complicated battle systems a lot of RPGs have. I get easily confused.