TEST. Xenoblade Chronicles 3D
Impossible to dissociate the Xeno series from its creator, Tetsuya Takahashi, to the point that this RPG originally titled Monado: Beginning of the World was soon renamed Xenoblade . Some predicted a dark future, in the wake of Xenosaga , because of the excessive ambitions of our "übermensch". Yet this follower of Nietzsche has offered the Wii one of his most accomplished works, worthy of appearing alongside Xenogears . Its portage exclusively intended for the New 3DS makes it possible to preserve this monument intact, even to rediscover it on portable?
A horizon drawn by tall grass, curving under the wind. An azure sky, where gigantic clouds are hovering over. And in the middle throne a mysterious sword, planted next to some mechanical debris ... It is on this page that opens in turn Xenoblade Chronicles 3D, a window of fullness on this literally colossal world. It rests on the shoulders of Bionis, the god of men, frozen on the spot while he carried a fatal blow to Mekonis, the god of the Mekons, and vice versa. However this status quo does not prevent their hosts from engaging in a ruthless war. On one side, the green world of humans who live in harmony with Nature. On the other, that of machines and its plains of desolation, overhung by factories. But our monsters of metal seem to have ceaselessly to invade the lands of their neighbors, absorbing them in passing.
gigantism
The young Shulk is part of a threatened "Homz" colony, and rummages around in the hope of finding carcasses of robots to tinker with. This canvas inevitably evokes Nausicaa: The Valley of the Wind, similarities confirmed when one surveys these immense expanses. Hills, rivers, forests, lakes and mountains rise as far as the eye can see, with the void and steep cliffs for only borders. Thus a breath of freedom takes us immediately into this world sometimes bathed in sun, sometimes dripping with rain. Obviously the vegetation appears less abundant and the textures thinner than on Wii, the lower resolution resulting in a more pronounced aliasing. However these hiccups are quickly forgotten in front of such landscapes, observed with the help of the stick C, incredible panoramas that the stereoscopic 3D auto makes even more vertiginous. And this beautiful setting is not a still life..
Off road
Countless animals inhabit these regions, subject to diurnal and nocturnal variations. An atmosphere brimming with life that we have every opportunity to soak up, both Xenobladeencourages truant exploration. No point of intrusive cut-scenes and dirigistes here - nor alas of Japanese voices, since this version New 3DS only offers dubbing in English. The place where the story must resume its course is clearly signaled, leaving free roam all over the region. Or almost, because the fauna is not always peaceful, let alone indifferent to the wanderings of our adventurers. Some species react to noise, others to the aggression of congeners, or even to the intrusion of prey on their territory. Moreover the presence of critters at the excessive level is enough to indicate places too dangerous, which should be visited later. Better then to flee, although the eradication of the team does not
Land of Opportunity
We find ourselves right at the nearest landmark, beacons that are also used to teleport anywhere on the map, now almost no load time thanks to the change of media. Monolith Softhad already carefully erased on Wii the possible tedious aspects of these long walks, and meetings sometimes unfortunate they arouse. The more impatient can even advance the clock as they please, even if it means to slightly dampen the feeling of immersion in this ocean of more or less optional quests, according to the links established with the population, sociogram in support. Between the collection of objects, metals and ingredients scattered everywhere, the tasks are rather confined to the beaten track, but are linked with a disarming naturalness. Although you have to be on your guard, especially during the hunt for unique creatures.
Hunting and courses
As soon as we are identified, the confrontation begins, without any phase of transition. The circular pad is dedicated to the movements of the leader, who automatically defeats the target nearby. The AI takes care of the other two members of the formation, often stubbornly following the orders. And thankfully, because the collaboration is fundamental, especially to maneuver the enemies by directing their hostility towards one of the characters, while his teammates are organizing. Should we see again the inspiration of Nausicaa? One thing is certain, the confrontations draw their dynamism from these principles, in spite of the confusion engendered by a massive adversity and the fluidity that is noticeably behind this portable vintage. Especially since the positioning of the cross below the pad no longer allows the selection of "Arts" simultaneously movements, a real gap with the duo Wiimote / Nunchuk with consequences sometimes very damaging.
The art of blades
Too bad the touch screen is dedicated to the display of the mini map, time and information about his troops. This nonetheless frees precious space on the top screen, especially for the Arts palette, which encompasses all combat techniques, including magic. These evolving powers are the most cutting edge of the gameplay, especially with the development of combos. Added to this is a collective motivation gauge to revive his comrades, or trigger a coordinated offensive. At this moment the action stops, the time to select the Arts that will perform our friends, in order to break the resistance. In fact, the choice of these regenerative abilities and their timing have key strategic points. Finally let's not forget Monado, Shulk's master weapon and the cornerstone ofXenoblade . Its rise in power, phenomenal, goes with the intensity of the scenario.
Parallel stories
Beyond its devastating abilities, this sword gives a glimpse of the future, a valuable asset to avoid a fatal destiny for its wearer, or his companions. In the same way that battling in unison gives access to specific skills, links are created between our heroes, who encourage (or joke) downright in the middle of the fray! These relationships evolve over the course of their conversations as an aside, whose influence can be influenced. It is also possible to zap them, but it would rhyme to deprive itself of a whole part of the development of the characters, and of a narration so delicately built. Moreover, the new Fashion Collection allows to admire the main protagonists from all angles, or to listen to music at will. These items unlock through a lottery system,
Portrait Gallery
A little light as a bonus, and not very original, like the cast that reminds so much that of Soma Bringer(among other common points). The classicism of Character Design hides an intrigue that is far deeper than it seems. Here it is, the enormous background inherent in all the representatives of the saga ... Only this time, Takahashi chose to tell his story step by step, rather than bury us immediately under a mountain of enigmatic references. The length of the epic, about fifty hours at least, makes of course the very calm construction of the story. And discovering this universe at our own pace does not mean that the central frame fades into the background, nor that it lacks twists and turns. The tension increases end to end, while the moments of escape play the role of contemplative breaths.
The meaning of sound
Ditto for the soundtrack, a collegiate score composed of Yuko Shimomura's epic themes, Manami Kiyota's atmospheric melodies and ACE + synthetic notes, not forgetting the anecdotal return Yasunori Mitsuda for the end credits, all under the leadership of Takahashi San. The beauty of these pieces rubs on the game as much as the opposite, and they present a real unity, a balance that probably reflects the serenity achieved by the author. Forgotten, the convolutions of the past. Tetsuya Takahashi finally managed to reconcile the complex mechanics of her typewriter with the humanism of her pen, to sign this exceptional RPG, the limpid completion of all her work. And if this portage on New 3DS remains in the shadow of his counterpart on Wii, it
Xenoblade Chronicles lets its story be told like a river flowing through the lands of this universe teeming with life. Its panoramas give the vertigo, as much by their beauty as by their immensity, still underlined by the effect of depth. And a sharp gameplay completes this table worthy of a master of the RPG, which is precisely Tetsuya Takahashi, finally released from his old demons. Alas the portage of such a monument on New 3DS logically suffers from the comparison with the Wii version, on the technological and ergonomic level. This 3D edition, however, preserves the essential, restoring Xenoblade Chronicles in a form almost intact, and now transportable in our pockets, so that we can never be separated.
| WE LIKE | WE DO NOT LIKE |
|---|---|
| * The sublime and gigantic world. | * The very visible aliasing. |
| * The feeling of absolute freedom. | * The frame rate goes down. |
| * The masterful soundtrack. | * The less dynamic selection of the Arts. |
| * The nervous and deep gameplay. | * Very limited exploitation of the second screen. |
| * The wealth of customization possibilities. | * The sound quality slightly behind. |
| * The myriad of side quests. | * The absence of Japanese dubbing. |
| * French translation. | |
| * The few bonuses. |
1-6 IMAGECREDIT
THANKS FOR READING, ALSO CHECK OUT MY PREVIOUS TEST ON TEST of World of Warcraft Legion: Blizzard still has reserve?
This is really great bro..
Thanks, I'm glad you like it. @chimzycash
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