How are you Europeans enjoying Xenoblade? [UPDATE] US RELEASE ANNOUNCED!

[Simply Dave]

Subtitle: Fuck You Nintendo of America.


Anyway, I heard the game was pretty damn good. Which obviously means it will never come out in the US.

[SuperOstrich]

Subtitle: Fuck You Nintendo of America.


Anyway, I heard the game was pretty damn good. Which obviously means it will never come out in the US.

Soft modded Wiis are region free.

[Mayhem]

From the couple of people I know who've bought it, it's pretty good...

[Oobgarm]

Soft modded Wiis are region free.

I have yet to play mine, but I stand behind this statement.

[spongerob]

I'm just going to import this if it doesn't count out in NA. Any word on a release date? All I can find are old articles.

[Sailorneorune]

I think it hit Europe on 8/19. I'm honestly afraid to mod my Wii for 2 reasons: 1) I'd probably screw it up, and 2) if there's too much crowing about Wii region mods, Nintendo will likely call their bluff and include a system update with Zelda: Skyward Sword that could potentially brick all those modded Wii consoles.

[spongerob]

I think it hit Europe on 8/19. I'm honestly afraid to mod my Wii for 2 reasons: 1) I'd probably screw it up, and 2) if there's too much crowing about Wii region mods, Nintendo will likely call their bluff and include a system update with Zelda: Skyward Sword that could potentially brick all those modded Wii consoles.

I'm so desperate for A) a good modern JRPG and B) something to play on my Wii and am even more desperate for C) a fantastic combination of both. So desperate that I'd buy another Wii.

At least they'll probably go cheap on Kijiji or CL.

I looked on eBay and Xenoblade is going for 100 bucks on average for a JP copy and 150-200 for a Euro version. Fuck right off, this thing doesn't seem rare. Someone in Europe should buy up 50 copies and sell them at a profitable yet still reasonable price. It's not like it's out of print or has developed a cult following yet, it's just people being vultures.

[spongerob]

If anyone's looking for the Euro version of Xenoblade at a price that isn't a gouge at your eyes, go to shopto.net, they have it for about 55-60 buck, depending if you want a tracking number or not.

WIN

[Ze_ro]

I'm honestly afraid to mod my Wii for 2 reasons: 1) I'd probably screw it up
Here's a pretty good writeup from Joystiq on how to go about it (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/how-to-play-xenoblade-chronicles-if-you-live-in-america/). Fairly straightforward, though it would probably be shorter and simpler to just use Gecko OS instead of the combination of d2x and USB Loader (though you do get the benefit of being able to install to a hard drive!). In fact, here's a quick description on how to do exactly that (http://ozmodchipsfaq.com/wiki/index.php?title=How_to_install_GeckoOS_on_a_4.2_Wi i)!

Soft modding a Wii is really pretty simple, and there's not a lot you can do that would screw it up.


2) if there's too much crowing about Wii region mods, Nintendo will likely call their bluff and include a system update with Zelda: Skyward Sword that could potentially brick all those modded Wii consoles.
Extremely unlikely. For one thing, it seems NOA has all but given up on the Wii and put all their focus on making sure the 3DS doesn't tank. I mean hell, if they can't be bothered to localize games that have already been translated, do you really think they're going to put a lot of effort into a new system update?

It's also extremely unlikely that they would intentionally brick modded consoles... there was an update that tried to overwrite boot2 if it had been modified, and their code was buggy and had the chance of bricking things, but hacking boot2 was never a necessary hacking step in the first place.

If you do decide to hack your Wii, just make sure you don't install any system menu updates until you do some research to see what exactly they might do. WiiBrew (http://wiibrew.org/wiki/Main_Page) is a good site for finding this information. Remember that you'll never be FORCED to perform an update... though some games might not run until you do so.

I've had my Wii soft modded for quite some time.... but I'm holding out on importing these games, hoping that Nintendo will eventually realize their mistake and do a North American release anyways. Of course, I've also been waiting 3 years for an official Fatal Frame IV release....

--Zero

[burn_654]

If you have the current Wii firmware (4.3U) then you can use the excellent Letterbomb hack. It's nearly impossible to screw up. Just tell it your Wii mac address, download to an sd card, open the 'new message' icon in the Wii menu. Easiest hack install I've done :)

[Tupin]

If Skyward Sword weren't coming out soon, I would install the Letterbomb hack. I know they probably won't brick a system with an update, but most big name games have updates required to play them. Probably sometime after I finish the new Kirby game and Skyward Sword, I'll install it.

[joshnickerson]

I'm pretty positive we'll be playing this one here in NA next year...

[Leo_A]

I'm pretty positive we'll be playing this one here in NA next year...

If they don't view it as worthwhile to release this year, I'm pretty positive the situation won't have improved any come 2012.

[Snesguy666]

Still waiting for my UK import Pre order
I have Sent a Email Complaining 4-6 day shipping of the Pre order with the red classic controller.

[Ze_ro]

If they don't view it as worthwhile to release this year, I'm pretty positive the situation won't have improved any come 2012.
My hope is that they'll realize they need SOMETHING to keep their system going while they work on the Wii U. They've got Zelda and Kirby coming, but other than that, not a whole hell of a lot. Meanwhile, Nintendo of Europe has already done all the work for Xenoblade and is already working on The Last Story and Pandora's Tower. It should be a no-brainer to bring them to North America.

The only excuse I can think of is that they don't want these games overshadowing Zelda or the Wii U launch... or they're hoping to port them to the Wii U instead.

--Zero

[HYB]

Ebay is shit when looking for this game. Go to Game.co.uk, they should have it for 29.99£. If they don't ship and someone still really wants this, I could give you a hand getting it (no worries about scamming anyone btw).

There are plenty of other uk sites offering the game too like zavvi, hmv and amazon uk :). I think I bought mine from zavvi, should arrive next week.

[Leo_A]

The only excuse I can think of is that they don't want these games overshadowing Zelda or the Wii U launch... or they're hoping to port them to the Wii U instead.

Or they just don't think they'd be commercially viable over here.

[dystopian]

Or they just don't think they'd be commercially viable over here.

As much as it pains me to admit it, you could be right. Even though it makes no real sense, this is how marketing heads think.

Seriously, the game is done. Localization is done. A two-bit kid with the right app could swap PAL to NTSC. The materials cost maybe $1-$2 per disc.

Even in a limited run of say, 250,000 to 500,000 copies -- the new Xeno game would sell out in NA.

[skaar]

I love how bitter this thread is.

It's like sitting there eating the last slice of pie and having your kid sister look at you and go "Is that pie TASTY? Are you ENJOYING it?"

I'd smile and nod at her, myself.

America gets exclusive stuff all the time, and the euro crowd always gets the shaft. One of the few times they get the piece of pie everyone gets all bitter.

Really, come on. Let them have the pie.

Mom'll bake another one.

[portnoyd]

Mom'll bake another one.

But Mmmmmmmoooooooooommmmm!!!


Even in a limited run of say, 250,000 to 500,000 copies -- the new Xeno game would sell out in NA.

No chance in hell. It's not Wii shovelware nor a big name title ported (like CoD) so it'll get largely annoyed. Think Snakes on a Plane & Duke Nukem Forever, just with considerably less internets push. It would push 50k copies tops.

[spongerob]

I think the days of shovelware selling on the Wii is over. The Wii is on the downswing. The Wii-U was announced, the 3DS has Nintendo seemingly all in and the Wii gets the shit end of the stick. It's not doing poorly, it's just not selling at the virus-like rate it once was. I'm lazy so this will be quick and dirty.

There's a few ways to look at sales. First, they may be scared off by the content. This isn't an RPG console. Console JRPGs are almost non-existent and completely forgotten about, outside of Final Fantasy. Remember the days when Chrono Chross, Dragon Quest, Xenogears, Suikoden and games like that were major console games and people awaited them?

Poof. Fast forward to today, where if it isn't Final Fantasy, it's going onto a handheld, or is a Western RPG, like Fallout or Elder Scrolls. And those aren't on the Wii. That may be scaring them away.

Also we should take into account the fact that there's more to producing a North American version than just PAL-2-NTSC. The voice actors are British, and while that worked in Fable they may want to pay a whole new cast to redo the voices. That takes programming, time and money. And while we're on the concept of money, you have to market this thing. Most of us are gamers and believe that everyone thinks and acts like we do-reading forums and buying games without seeing one single commercial or banner. That's an easy way for a relatively new franchise to bomb and sell 120K out of the 250K Nintendo made, while the rest sit in the $15 and Under bin at Walmart. They need to advertise it. Now I do believe with the proper marketing campaign, it can sell over a million. There are people waiting for something to play on their Wii, and JRPG gamers still exist. Tons of them. Give them a reason to buy your machine, or turn it back on. Really pump the reviews it's been getting everywhere else, show the best parts of the game in TV commercials and get some Youtube ad space. The only negative to trying to market this game would be the name. It's made by some of the same people behind the other Xeno series, it has the same name, but it's different.....huh? That's not an easy sell but if anyone can do it, Nintendo can.

My guess is they don't want to spend for the marketing it'd take to sell it. Someone likely pulled up a powerpoint presentation detailing how JRPGs are dead and waggling, shooting and tablet gaming is in these days. Hence the blind eye and the Wii-U tablet thing. I'd guess they assume JRPGs are going to become even more extinct and are just trying to be ahead of the game, so why not release it somewhere else to test the waters?

I'm grasping at straws here. I understand business and marketing, hell I have pieces of paper from educational institutions saying I'm super duper at it, and I still think this is an oddball, WTF move by Nintendo.

But we shouldn't be shocked. Nintendo has always been a company who, for every couple genius decisions, makes one decision that forces you to believe they're completely senile and riddled with syphilis and schizophrenia.

[Gameguy]

Really, come on. Let them have the pie.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlX6_RRT_oY

[maxlords]

A friend of mine got me a copy from the UK, but I'm not even gonna open it....just DLing the ISO and going to play that on my soft-modded Wii.

[spongerob]

Anyone from north america import this and get it to work on a modded Wii? I've tried a Wiikey 2 and a Drivekey and nothing works. Maybe a freeloader?

[Oobgarm]

I got mine to run with a Neogamma loader, if that's any help.

[Ryudo]

Fave game I played this gen. Easily for me the best RPG I played in years. I finished it last month but now replaying it with items unlocked and 2nd time the game won't give arrows to where you go.

I modded my wii with letterbomb.

[Tempest]

I finally got around to playing this this weekend and I'm loving it! I think I've spent more time wandering around killing monsters for loot than I have doing the story objectives though. I have a few questions though:

1. Do you automatically get the rewards for completing a row in the Collectopedia or do you have to turn them into someone? I've been collecting stuff for hours I swear I've never gotten a reward.

2. Which skill tree is the best one to concentrate on in the beginning? I assume you'll max them all out eventually, but what should I start with?

3. Is it worth doing all of those quests or just the ones that give you good items? I know you need to develop a decent reputation for each area to get the best quests, but there are so many quests it would take forever to do them all.

[kupomogli]

Game might have been picked up for localization by Gamestop or whoever does the localization for their exclusive releases.

http://www.siliconera.com/2011/12/02/rumour-xenoblade-chronicles-will-release-in-u-s-exclusively-via-gamestop/

[heybtbm]

WHERE IS THE GAMESTOP HATE NOW?

Wow. Looks like I'll be buying a game from Gamestop. Crazy world.

[Tempest]

I'll probably buy this when it comes down in price a bit, but as I've already imported it I'm not really compelled to buy it again at full price. It's nice that they're going to release it, but IMHO they waited far too long and lost a huge segment of their market.

I wonder if they're going to do Last Story and Pandora's Tower as well? I'd wait on importing those if I knew they were going to have a US release.

[Oobgarm]

I will probably go ahead and get this myself, if nothing but to support the decision to bring it out here.

[xelement5x]

OMG this made my day if it's actually true. I was unable to pick up the UK Limited Edition version since Game.co.uk refused to take my credit cards or contact me for customer support about it. I'm not a huge fan of GameStop, but I'll definitely preorder this in full if it's really on the way.

[Bojay1997]

I'll probably buy this when it comes down in price a bit, but as I've already imported it I'm not really compelled to buy it again at full price. It's nice that they're going to release it, but IMHO they waited far too long and lost a huge segment of their market.

I wonder if they're going to do Last Story and Pandora's Tower as well? I'd wait on importing those if I knew they were going to have a US release.

I agree. Although I didn't import it yet, I'm not all that excited about this announcement. They waited way too long and frankly, April is still four more months away. It's going to be a self-fulfilling prophecy of poor sales as I think most people who were really interested already imported it and many people just won't buy from Gamestop for a variety of reasons.

[-dustburn-]

From Nintendo's facebook: "It's confirmed! Next year, Wii players throughout North America can wield the Monado blade and join the epic battle between the Homs and the Mechons in Xenoblade Chronicles. Like this post if you're ready for an adventure on the surface of two frozen Titans!"

[Zama]

Yay! Time for me to preorder 2 copies each :)

[chrisbid]

hopefully all the internet hype and petitioning will equal good sales on this disc for nintendo

[Oobgarm]

Being discussed here, perhaps we can get a merge on the relevant stuff:

http://digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=156157

[substantial_snake]

Cool I might just pick this up, haven't played a really good console RPG in a while.

[BlastProcessing402]

I hear this is a GameStop exclusive? Be sure to pwn them as you buy your copies.

[Bojay1997]

I hear this is a GameStop exclusive? Be sure to pwn them as you buy your copies.

You can buy it directly from the Nintendo store per a posting on their website this morning. It will be available for preorder on December 19th.

[GameNinja]

Good news. Zelda was swaying me to buy a Wii before Wii U comes out, I think this pushes me over the edge.

[Duke.Togo]

It's about time. Now just give me The Last Story and I will be a happy man.

[The 1 2 P]

hopefully all the internet hype and petitioning will equal good sales on this disc for nintendo

I'm very interested in seeing the sales figures too, for the very reason you just mentioned.


Cool I might just pick this up, haven't played a really good console RPG in a while.

Is the Wii the only current gen system you own? I ask because the PS3 and 360 both have a pretty deep amount of rpg games.

[joshnickerson]

I'm very interested in seeing the sales figures too, for the very reason you just mentioned.

Exactly. Now that the internet has collectively whined about not having the game for months now, let's see them put their money where their mouths are.

And since I'm not in the mood to pwn anyone, I'll be ordering direct from Nintendo. :)

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

Being discussed here, perhaps we can get a merge on the relevant stuff:

http://digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=156157

Yeah, sounds good. Merged & titled updated.

[substantial_snake]

Is the Wii the only current gen system you own? I ask because the PS3 and 360 both have a pretty deep amount of rpg games.

Perhaps I should of specified as JRPG? In that category the last game I picked up with Final Fantasy XIII and that was about a year and a half ago I think, thats not to say their arent plenty of PS3 JRPGs I just haven't picked many of them up. I picked up the genra in the PS1 RPG heyday so JRPG = RPG for me and WRPG describes the the major recent hits like Mass Effect, Fallout, Elder Scrolls, etc.

[kupomogli]

Is the Wii the only current gen system you own? I ask because the PS3 and 360 both have a pretty deep amount of rpg games.

Not many are good though unfortunately.

[Tupin]

Were was the Gamestop exclusivity confirmed? I would prefer to buy it on Amazon or at Best Buy, but I'll buy it there if I have to.

Whatever way I have to get it, I'm getting it when it comes out.

[Lady Jaye]

Game might have been picked up for localization by Gamestop or whoever does the localization for their exclusive releases.

http://www.siliconera.com/2011/12/02/rumour-xenoblade-chronicles-will-release-in-u-s-exclusively-via-gamestop/

Why would Gamestop pay to have the localization redone? The game was already translated into English since it's out in Europe. Gamestop will probably do exactly what we've had here for French Canadian market for current-gen games, that is, slapping the European translation on the North American version. (Localization = translation/adaptation)

Unless you mean "distribution" rather than "localization"?

[joshnickerson]

Were was the Gamestop exclusivity confirmed? I would prefer to buy it on Amazon or at Best Buy, but I'll buy it there if I have to.

Whatever way I have to get it, I'm getting it when it comes out.

You can get it directly from Nintendo, which is what I'm planning to do.

http://store.nintendo.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Xenoblade?storeId=10001

[Lady Jaye]

After hearing so much positive things being said about this game, I went and pre-ordered my copy at the EBGames near my work. The weird thing that boggles my mind is the release date, which is a Monday (even though releases tend to be on Tuesdays)? Furthermore, to add to the confusion, gamestop.com has it listed with a release date of April 2nd, while gamestop.ca lists it for April 30th (Nintendo's website only says "end of April" with no specific street date.

In any case, looking forward to trying out this game, but at the same time, I've got plenty to keep me busy till then. :)

[Lady Jaye]

And now, preordering the game via EBGames/GameStop in the US or Canada lands us an artbook as a goodie. :) Looks like in Europe, they did get a 200-page artbook from Nintendo by registering the game early on, but I don't know if it's the same book we'll get (sure would be great!).

[xelement5x]

I preordered the US version a couple months ago at Gamestop, hopefully I get the artbook too now.

[Lady Jaye]

That should be the case, it's not a preorder bonus for those preorder pre- or past a given date. :)

[Lady Jaye]

Well, the artbook is no longer available for preorders (ie. they are all reserved, so anyone preordering the game now won't receive the book). However, the reality is that the book itself is actually a 20-page booklet, a far cry from the 200-page book that was released in Japan and in France.

BTW, for those who preordered the game in Canada from EBGames/Gamestop, Xenoblades is coming out on Thursday April 5, not Friday due to Good Friday. So yes, because of Easter, we're actually getting it a day earlier than in the USA.

[NayusDante]

I just ordered the controller bundle through Nintendo. This will be the first Wii game I've played since Metroid Other M. Part of me is disappointed that it's not the same as the EU release with the red controller, but at the same time, I really don't want a red controller.

[heybtbm]

I just bought a classic controller in anticipation of tomorrow's release. Also, I thought I'd share this little nugget from the IGN review...

"Xenoblade Chronicles is the best Japanese RPG of this generation."

Can't wait to play this game.

[xelement5x]

I bugged my local EB the other day where I pre-ordered, it looks like they've already go the game in stock but can't sell it until tomorrow. I've got the EU version as well for the special edition, but I haven't been this excited about a game release in a long time.

[Lady Jaye]

Yeah, the release date is tomorrow in the US, and today in Canada. I got my copy today (would have gotten it in the morning had the EBGames near my work actually show up for work today).

BTW, the "artbook" really is a joke. Granted, it's slick and nice-looking, but it's really not much in terms of contents -- it consists in background images (with some characters in them), a splash page presenting the characters and barely any text that wouldn't fill a page if put all together.

For those in Canada who got the game today: wait until tomorrow to input the PIN on the Club Nintendo website. Otherwise, you'll get a message saying that you're entering a PIN for game not yet released and you'll have to enter it again later.

[Tron 2.0]

Gametrailers review of xenoblade chronicles
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLeFx1aU7ck

Can't wait though i preorder the game from nintendo so i'll have to wait for it to be shipped.

[wingzrow]

I'm torn between ordering the PAL version with the extras, or buying the NTSC one.

I guess it all comes down to which is best to emulate since I plan on playing this in HD.

Anyone else see themselves emulating wii games a lot like this?

[xelement5x]

Just called my GameStop to see if they have the game in and ready for pickup and got a resounding yes! Also asked if they had the artbooks in and got a resounding no! WTF?

Apparently their shipment for the books hasn't showed up yet and may arrive today or if not today then Monday. Seriously?! I'm not sure if anyone else will run into this issue but it's a reminder why I rarely buy my games through GameStop in the first place.

[Bojay1997]

Just called my GameStop to see if they have the game in and ready for pickup and got a resounding yes! Also asked if they had the artbooks in and got a resounding no! WTF?

Apparently their shipment for the books hasn't showed up yet and may arrive today or if not today then Monday. Seriously?! I'm not sure if anyone else will run into this issue but it's a reminder why I rarely buy my games through GameStop in the first place.

A lot of people on Cheapassgamer are reporting similar problems or stores giving them out on a first pick up basis as opposed to the date you preordered or giving them away to anyone who asks or not having them at all. Of course, my Nintendo store order shows no sign of shipping at all, so at least you might get the game today where I may be waiting a week or more.

[heybtbm]

The Gamestop I pre-ordered at had plenty of extra copies and a stack of artbooks...

4911

(apparently this is as big as pictures get on DP now)

[Ryudo]

http://i.imgur.com/ncVGG.jpg

[Damaramu]

Yup, got my copy on Saturday. They had a drawer FULL of the art books. It's more of an art pamphlet, really. Oh well, it was free and we got the game here in NA. Not gonna complain!

http://img837.imageshack.us/img837/5922/xenoblade.jpg

[neotokeo2001]

So how do people like the combat system? I would really like to hear how people who like classic Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy turn based games like it.

[slip81]

So how do people like the combat system? I would really like to hear how people who like classic Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy turn based games like it.

The combat system isn't bad, but, for JRPG's I much prefer turn based combat to this style. It feels more like a Tales game, which is fine, I keeps the game from slowing down too much, but I've been finding that when you're up against a few enemies things on screen get a little confusing.

[NayusDante]

My copy arrived the other day, and I finally got to play it last night. The double-sided artwork is a nice touch, and I love the illustration on the reverse side. Combat is okay, but it feels like a console port of an MMO hotbar system. It's not bad, but it's not the most exciting way to do combat.

I'm really digging the British voices. There's a certain relaxed quality to what I've heard so far, and it's not as silly as a typical JRPG dub.

What I find so impressive is how un-Wii it feels. I got the deal with a black Classic Controller Pro, and I feel like I'm playing a game on some mythical interim PS2 successor. The framerate is pretty consistent, and there seems to be a fine balance between performance and visual quality. The menu system is pretty neat, and it doesn't get in the way of gameplay. The story hasn't really impressed me yet, but then again I just played to the first town and saved. When I hit the home button to quit, it felt like I stepped back a generation and I realized how old the Wii really is.

Has anyone else noticed how much NoA is promoting this game? I must have gotten half a dozen emails in the last week or so with "Order Xenoblade" in the top banner.

[BetaWolf47]

Has anyone else noticed how much NoA is promoting this game? I must have gotten half a dozen emails in the last week or so with "Order Xenoblade" in the top banner.
When I did get the game, the guy at GameStop asked if I wanted to preorder The Last Story and an unrelated game, so there seems to be a conscious effort to get the Operation Rainfall games to sell. It's good too. I want to see JRPGs make a comeback.

I played it about 90 minutes this morning, and I'm digging it. Someone mentioned that it feels like Tales of Symphonia, but IMO it feels more like Valkyrie Profile than that. I never really got into JRPGs beyond Pokemon, Golden Sun, and Tales of Symphonia, and the battle system doesn't feel like any of those, for sure. It does feel a lot more well-presented than any JRPG I've ever played. I'm glad to see a JRPG of this depth on a Nintendo console for once. I'll be picking up a Classic Controller Pro today to play it with.