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Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch

Archive: 107 posts

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

Yes, i am overlooking White Knight Chronicles, which should have been awesome, but is arguably sub par and I want to forget it ever happened. This looks like it has some charm, similar to the feeling I got playing Rouge Galaxy or DQ VIII--level 5s best games hands down. This looks like an true RPG, a little kiddish( not to mention seems to have to similarities to pokemon), but who knows, could be good.

Its been announced for early 2012--hopefully doesnt get overran by Final Fantasy XIII-2.

What do you guys think?

2011-09-17 00:19:00

Author:
Rpg Maker

Posts: 877

2011-09-17 00:51:00

Author:
RockSauron

Posts: 10882

looks like it will feature alot of expolration so It should be very good. loving the graphical style too. Any idea of a release date? I may preorder....

2011-09-17 09:09:00

Author:
Smudge228

Posts: 533

I've absolutely loved every Level 5 game I've ever played.

I mean, despite it's flaws, White Knight Chronicles is still arguably the best JRPG of this current generation of consoles.
And I've just recently got my hands on Inazuma 11 - but haven't had time to get a good shot on it - but from the outset I was impressed.

Level 5 are one of those developers that I just click with - so yes, very much looking forward to a new RPG from them.

2011-09-17 09:29:00

Author:
Macnme

Posts: 1970

It does look good in some ways... but.
Like always the main character has a amazingly boring design.
and bet the story is your normal copy and paste everyday RPG story.
I'll wait till I heard more about it before giving it any real judgement.
But so far it only looks OK to me. *mew

2011-09-17 09:37:00

Author:
Lord-Dreamerz

Posts: 4261

Yeah I already posted info on this in the TGS thread, here are some new vids:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBwcV5cbdTM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_rDjT8-YN8

This has now become my most anticipated game of 2012, surpassing the likes of ME3, Bioshock Infinite, Tomb Raider, FFXIII-2, Lollipop Chainsaw, Starhawk and everything else. I love both Level 5 and Studio Ghibli, the visual style of this game is eye-meltingly gorgeous. This could be the game to "revive" the JRPG and introduce this wonderful genre to a whole new generation. PS3 exclusives FTW

2011-09-17 11:42:00

Author:
OCK

Posts: 1536

I may get it. I kinda wish it was a bit more serious since it seems to be a lighthearted story, but oh well, this will be like the first real JRPG on the ps3. It may come out around the same time as Tales of Graces F, so that'd be nice for me. Neither seem to be quite what I want, but I AM starved for RPGs and this seems to be more like what I want. So cookies.

Exactly, I am saving up just so I can go RPG crazy next year. Its been a long time since I could( Nintendo I will never forgive you for Xenoblade). And its honestly the first time I dont plan on getting a new Final Fantasy( XIII-2)

looks like it will feature alot of expolration so It should be very good. loving the graphical style too. Any idea of a release date? I may preorder....

All I know is early next year, so you should be able to pre order now--I probably should myself lol I kinda waiting to see ig this or Graces F comes out first.

It does look good in some ways... but.
Like always the main character has a amazingly boring design.
and bet the story is your normal copy and paste everyday RPG story.

Level 5 has some pretty horrendous protagonist designs ( This coming from the worst costume designer in american history), but its definantly not as bad as Dragon Quest VIII's. Hopefully, the characters personalitys were given more thought, I think a cliche charming story always wins over an intriguing bad written one( FF XIII)--that just me though.

I've absolutely loved every Level 5 game I've ever played.

I mean, despite it's flaws, White Knight Chronicles is still arguably the best JRPG of this current generation of consoles.
And I've just recently got my hands on Inazuma 11 - but haven't had time to get a good shot on it - but from the outset I was impressed.

Level 5 are one of those developers that I just click with - so yes, very much looking forward to a new RPG from them.

Yea WKC just wasnt all there to me, I heard the sequel made some improvements so I may give it another try. The RPG highlights to me this generation is still Lost Odyssey, havent had that much with an RPG in a while- thats an Xbox title though, and of course the great Xenoblade

2011-09-19 00:33:00

Author:
Rpg Maker

Posts: 877

The art direction is just incredible.

2011-09-19 07:40:00

Author:
VenemoX

Posts: 197

I think a cliche charming story always wins over an intriguing bad written one( FF XIII)--that just me though.

Not me. If I see a story is to overly cliche... I can't find it charming or likeable over half the time at all.
To be honest 98% of RPGs never even try to be original whatsoever. they are to scared to even try.
It's always Lets go save the bloody dumb world from some random madman.
But I'm more picky then some people I suppose. but of course a somewhat original game is
no better then a cliche game if it's not written good at all. *mew

2011-09-19 09:17:00

Author:
Lord-Dreamerz

Posts: 4261

I am weeping tears of joy:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbbOIa8rjNc

2011-10-19 13:04:00

Author:
OCK

Posts: 1536

Yeah, this game looks amazing... simultaneously simple and stunning. It's definitely a game I'll be watching closely.

2011-10-19 15:55:00

Author:
schm0

Posts: 1239

I wish Level 5 would make Dark Cloud 3. Still, this game has sparked my interest as it's full of color and cartoony. I might keep watch.

2011-10-19 18:55:00

Author:
Shadowstarkirby

Posts: 205

Not me. If I see a story is to overly cliche... I can't find it charming or likeable over half the time at all.
To be honest 98% of RPGs never even try to be original whatsoever. they are to scared to even try.
It's always Lets go save the bloody dumb world from some random madman.
But I'm more picky then some people I suppose. but of course a somewhat original game is
no better then a cliche game if it's not written good at all. *mew

Well if more people were like you, we would have better stories certainty lol Its true, very few games made cliches effective, say Radiata Stories, even some of the Final Fantasy games. I think some aspects of this will be original, but just about every rpg has cliches to some degree...some games just hide them better than others. WKC for example...not so much.

But teh, yea i think i'd better speed up dev my rpg, so i can hibernate when this comes out lol Been a while since i done that with an rpg. That trailer beefs up my hype for this a bit more.

2011-10-20 03:56:00

Author:
Rpg Maker

Posts: 877

(Wait... I didn't comment on this yet? Ah well.)

After watching the trailers for awhile, I can definitely say so far the art style is what I like the most. It kinda reminds me of Hayao Miyazaki films (ya know, Howl's Moving Castle, Ponyo, Spirited Away, etc. etc.), and I really loved those movies.

It could just be me, but ya know.

Can't really say much abut the rest; I NEED to learn Japanese.

[EDIT: OH WAIT, it IS by Studio Ghibli

Nvm]

2011-10-20 04:09:00

Author:
Fang

Posts: 578

I wish Level 5 would make Dark Cloud 3.

White Knight Chronicles is "kind of" Dark Cloud 3...
There's lots of similarities.... but I still much prefer Dark Chronicle

2011-10-20 04:24:00

Author:
Macnme

Posts: 1970

Big Bump, but..... Western Release pushed to 2013. By western, I mean American, it was already 2013 for the Europeans. Also, english trailer.

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=j0f8IJpXOFI

(My apologies if it links weirdly, I linked the youtube page and posted this via my phone)

It seems like everyone heard the same thing at the end of the video.

2012-04-12 18:20:00

Author:
Dragonvarsity

Posts: 5208

Thanks!

This should work better :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?&gl=FR&hl=fr&client=mv-google&v=j0f8IJpXOFI&nomobile=1

2012-04-12 19:58:00

Author:
Oddmania

Posts: 1305

Thanks!

This should work better :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?&gl=FR&hl=fr&client=mv-google&v=j0f8IJpXOFI&nomobile=1

Looks a lot like a Miyazaki film. I love it!

EDIT: Oh ****! I just read the description, and it is a Miyazaka style game (his studio is making the animations)!

GAME OF THE YEAR ALL YEARS EVERY YEAR FOR EVER!

2012-04-12 23:19:00

Author:
CyberSora

Posts: 5551

Sad that it's delayed

Oh well, Fall was looking to be too expensive anyway XD And at least I got Tales of graces to satisfy some of my JRPG itch. Oh well, looking forward to it.

2012-04-13 00:11:00

Author:
RockSauron

Posts: 10882

Sad that it's delayed

Oh well, Fall was looking to be too expensive anyway XD And at least I got Tales of graces to satisfy some of my JRPG itch. Oh well, looking forward to it.

I personally enjoying seeing the positive side of delays. Since this game was delayed until 2013, that means they have more time to fix any bugs and perfect the cutscenes. I don't want them to rush this masterpiece.

2012-04-13 04:40:00

Author:
CyberSora

Posts: 5551

I personally enjoying seeing the positive side of delays. Since this game was delayed until 2013, that means they have more time to fix any bugs and perfect the cutscenes. I don't want them to rush this masterpiece.

2012-04-13 05:42:00

Author:
RockSauron

Posts: 10882

MAybe so, but the game is already finished and out in Japan so now they're just localizing it. I'm guessing they did this mainly to keep it out of the Holiday rush. Which makes sense, plus, as you said, they'll have some more time to fix things.

Well yes. That and they want to make it 'perfect' since it bombed pretty bad in its home territory.

http://andriasang.com/comz35/

2012-04-13 06:17:00

Author:
CyberSora

Posts: 5551

Sad that it's delayed

Oh well, Fall was looking to be too expensive anyway XD And at least I got Tales of graces to satisfy some of my JRPG itch. Oh well, looking forward to it.

If you got a spare Wii, I highly recommend picking up Xenoblade Chronicles. Tales of Graces is good too, but Xenoblade is up there with some of the best RPGs ever made imo.

2012-04-17 15:10:00

Author:
Rpg Maker

Posts: 877

Ni No Kuni Wizard’s Edition Announced

http://blog.fancensus.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/news323.jpg

Namco Bandai have announced on their site a special version of role-playing game Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch called the Wizard’s Edition.

The package will include a copy of the game along with exclusive “golden mite” and “golden drongo” DLC familiars, a Drippy plush toy and a 300+ page hardcore “The Wizard’s Companion Book”.

The Studio Ghibli and Level-5 collaboration launched in Japan last November with a release set for January 25th 2013 in Europe. The game has been said to also include the original Japanese voiceover, which you’ll be able to listen to with English subtitles.

No price has been given for this edition of the game but we’ll keep you updated as we hear more.

http://blog.fancensus.com/ni-no-kuni-wizards-edition-announced/

2012-06-29 19:34:00

Author:
GribbleGrunger

Posts: 3910

Hey guys, I believe there is a demo coming out today

2012-12-04 21:48:00

Author:
Rpg Maker

Posts: 877

Hey guys, I believe there is a demo coming out today

2.6gb up now on NA store search.

2012-12-04 23:27:00

Author:
Rabid-Coot

Posts: 6728

Nearly finished downloading it. From what I've heard, you get 25 minutes to do what you want, including exploring the world view map and two bosses.

2012-12-05 00:56:00

Author:
GribbleGrunger

Posts: 3910

36% downloaded... probably won't paly till tomorrow. Let me know what you think XD

2012-12-05 01:28:00

Author:
RockSauron

Posts: 10882

Hey guys, I believe there is a demo coming out today

Nearly finished downloading it. From what I've heard, you get 25 minutes to do what you want, including exploring the world view map and two bosses.

Oh man, that sounds great.

Thanks for the heads up guys. I'll try to install it some point this week.

2012-12-05 01:42:00

Author:
Dragonvarsity

Posts: 5208

Game looks great! I was pleasantly surprised when the forest guardian destroyed me the first time.

2012-12-05 02:03:00

Author:
fullofwin

Posts: 1214

Well, this stinks.

A possibly amazing demo is out of my reach because my internet and PS3 go together like a swarm of bees and a preschool playground.

2012-12-05 19:34:00

Author:
CirkuzFr3ek

Posts: 194

The demo was absolutely amazing! Everything about this game is fantastic. Last time I had this much fun playing a demo was in 2009 when I played the LBP demo. Definitely gonna buy this game, probably the Wizard's Edition. If you haven't downloaded this game yet go do it now!

2012-12-09 12:29:00

Author:
VenemoX

Posts: 197

Ni No Kuni is, for a lack of better words, exceptional. From the moment I looked at the graphics, and the world map, and just small things like how the games menus feels, is ripe of the classical JRPG experience. I had my regards about the battle system, but after playing both segments, I can deduce the game is still turnbased and ultimately enjoyable.

I will say this, Xenoblade is without a doubt, the best JRPG of the generation. With no word on Final Fantasy Versus XIII, this is the game I would mark on my calender as far as JRPG is concerned and being the game that will push JRPGs forward this HD generation( Tales of Xilia being an honorable mention).

2012-12-26 04:51:00

Author:
Rpg Maker

Posts: 877

Bought the game for myself in Dec 2012 and let it sit for a while on the table. It started to stare me down: I was worried I'd be committing to something that I'd lose interest in, or discover I didn't actually like any of the mechanics once I got going. With JRPGs I can take or leave the story, that doesn't trouble me much -- but sometimes you get something flat, or uncomfortably different, in terms of gameplay, and if you're a completionist like me that's a terrible thing. You're "stuck" doing all of it because you started, and no other reason.

The gameplay is, happily*, quintessential JRPGing. You go ten feet and learn a new spell. Every step, every quest, you're unlocking something else, furthering your abilities, and in between you strengthen your stats. Like many games before it, it starts small and opens up into a bigger world. As a fan of 1980s and 1990s JRPGs, I'm very pleased with Ni no Kuni's very familiar, if also not groundbreaking or creative, mechanics. This game makes use of 30 years of refined genre elements. It's a streamlined, HD homage. It is as good as the best of its predecessors.

*Happily for me. Perhaps not for some.

Tonight I reached 17 hours of in-game progress, which is still very much the tutorial phase. I am addicted and relieved. As the game becomes more complex, with item crafting, catch-em-all/monster breeding, and free world roaming, I'm getting faster and more proficient in my stat handling, and enjoy micromanaging things. I love the comfort of doing the same thing over and over. The music is excellent. The way menus are structured is excellent. That's more than half of any RPG, the inventory shuffling and management while you fade between snippets of soundtrack. I'm now confident I will hit 100 hours in this game before I finish the main story, and will always enjoy myself.

In this sense, Level-5 has done spectacular work. Ni no Kuni hits all the classic notes and does all the classic things. There was never any requirement that it innovate, of course.

But now for a slight editorial:

A lot of games in the AAA $80 million budget era of 360/PS3 development have been overpraised for basically doing well what used to be done well and is now done poorly. We factor relief into our praise, which like any relief can make you feel more invested and special about an experience, but that doesn't mean it's special on its own merits. Some people have called Far Cry 3 their "game of the year" for not mucking up its very simple premise. I don't think Far Cry 3 is a great game; I think it's a competent game that people are surprised didn't go wrong, and are unduly excited because of that. The same relief-as-praise must be addressed in Ni no Kuni. I put off starting it because I was worried it would be different from the decades of RPGs I've played. It's not different. It's so similar that it feels like it has always existed. So I am loving it and can recommend it; Level-5 and Ghibli uphold the quality of their respective brands and do right by the genre by doing it exactly as it's been done before. However, objectively, the fact is that the game does not innovate. In this sense, it's a very good game with room for improvement. This probably sounds like I'm finding ways to criticize the game no matter what. But relief aside, I have to admit I'm praising familiar concepts that were being done right long before Ni no Kuni. I don't mind this personally. As stated, I put the game on par with the best of its predecessors. But not above them. Those games did innovate in their time. Ni no Kuni does not.

Grade: B-, personal A

2013-01-05 14:56:00

Author:
Unknown User

Thanks for sharing your thoughts arbiekko and Rpg Maker, I've had my eye on this game for quite some time. How did you get the full games though if they're only out in Japan? Or did you just decide to play the Japanese version of the game?

2013-01-05 16:30:00

Author:
Dragonvarsity

Posts: 5208

I live in Japan.

So my only choice is the Japanese version, at least for now.

←←←　

2013-01-06 01:07:00

Author:
Unknown User

I live in Japan.

So my only choice is the Japanese version, at least for now.

←←←　

Oh.

...

..........

Well this is awkward. xD

2013-01-06 01:38:00

Author:
Dragonvarsity

Posts: 5208

2013-01-06 10:04:00

Author:
GribbleGrunger

Posts: 3910

....there was White Knight Chronicles 1 and 2. Number 2 came with the first game on the same disc for free. They're not bad games actually

I'm enjoying Ni no Kuni a whole lot. Now that you point this out I might go pick up WKC 2 when I'm done with this. It's completely different sort of gameplay but that's okay -- what I'm learning with Ni no Kuni is I absolutely love the familiarity, but in a way that's making me hungry for more RPGs, and I trust Level-5 for proving they understand what makes a classic game. Eager to experience what they do when they try something unorthodox! It's the difference between a game being different because the developers are incompetent, and different because the developers are working against type with full knowledge and appreciation of the type. The low critic scores for WKC are worrying, but if it's Level-5 I want to give it a go. Still have a few weeks left of Ni no Kuni, first.

MORE PRAISE FOR NI NO KUNI + GENERAL COMMENTS

I'm now 25 hours into the game. There's still a linear, tutorial flavor but the game has gotten quite a lot harder and I'm needing to strategize a lot more if I don't want to do the classic grind-200-battles-to-level-up-before-every-boss thing. I like that they keep adding sensible features to the battle system, they really have streamlined a great deal of stuff so when battles get downright chaotic with 15+ characters all on different time cycles you can still manage things. They make it possible to strategically win at a low level with few upgrades. I also learned that the screen fades into red when you go into an area the game doesn't feel you're ready for yet. [EDIT: This is incorrect; the red is just for a certain region which also happened to be difficult for my character level at the time; the world is colorful and shifts between blues and greens and purples and reds in different regions.] So I've been pushing into those parts of the world. Very satisfying. Except for story progress, it looks like you're allowed to go everywhere!

I went down and visited Level-5's Tokyo office. They were shuttered for the new year holiday so I'll be going back, maybe trying to get a peek at their lobby. Making a point this year of going around to all foot-access game studios (Tokyo only) (in 2012 I did anime studios) and taking photos of the buildings, or more if possible. I already loved Level-5 for the Professor Layton series, but Ni no Kuni has me even more stoked. Truly a lot of fun! I stand by my personal A.

2013-01-07 03:25:00

Author:
Unknown User

@arbiekko: How well would you rate the characters/story of Ni No Kuni? And are Ghibli's cutscenes as beautiful as those from some of their feature-length films?

2013-01-07 20:19:00

Author:
Dragonvarsity

Posts: 5208

@arbiekko: How well would you rate the characters/story of Ni No Kuni? And are Ghibli's cutscenes as beautiful as those from some of their feature-length films?

I'm interested in your response to this was well...

The low critic scores for WKC are worrying, but if it's Level-5 I want to give it a go.

The critics are right on this one. I really liked Dark Cloud and Rogue Galaxy; WKC is mediocre and utterly forgettable. If you can pick up WKC 2 for cheap, the 2 single player stories (which are fairly short) aren't completely horrible, I guess...

The online gets old really fast (if anyone is even still playing). It's the worst sort of grind fest. The georama has been ruined as well since progression is constrained by requiring you to grind for hundreds of hours to achieve arbitrary rank requirements in order to unlock parts unless you are willing to shell out real $ for fake cabbages, houses, windmills, and such...

2013-01-07 21:05:00

Author:
fullofwin

Posts: 1214

@arbiekko: How well would you rate the characters/story of Ni No Kuni? And are Ghibli's cutscenes as beautiful as those from some of their feature-length films?

Ghibli's animations last about 30 seconds to 1 minute and pop up every 2-5 hours depending on how fast you're progressing through the story. They compare to the frequency and quality of the Layton series, although I'd say the Layton cutscenes do much more to advance story and suit the game format. With Ni no Kuni, the artwork is quality Ghibli, but the majority of the story is told with rendered 3D models, making the animations superfluous. You enter a new town, you get a quick 2D scene of it. You meet a new character, you get an animated 2D intro. My brain resets a few seconds each time because the framerate and texture disparity between 24fps 2D animation and 60fps 3D models is jarring. Ghibli may have provided all the art design, but story direction is clearly rooted in the 3D scenes, and the teams who handled 2D and 3D animation had noticeably different goals. Without spoiling it for myself on Youtube or other sites, I'm guessing 40 total minutes of animation by the end of the game, with the best of it being in the final hour. It's good stuff I guess, but 25 hours in it's all inconsequential.

Would I love a Ni no Kuni movie from Ghibli? You bet. But I would not want it to be adapted from this game, based on what I've seen so far. The story is too cliche. Bog standard kingdom fantasy magical stuff. Oliver's motivation to find his mother's doppelganger in a parallel world is plot writing of the most basic sort, to propel him forward into the even more basic plot writing where he must defeat the demon king/queen and save the parallel world. [EDIT: I have removed spoilers and speculation.]

The conversations about this vastly powerful demon king/queen gets old fast. I started skipping non-voiced scenes after 10 hours. I now skip everything after a line or two. Nothing is missed. No flavor is lost -- that is to say, sitting through the scenes doesn't add anything. There are loads of interesting side characters in concept, but nothing comes of it. You get a simple mission or two. Admittedly, I am not a fan of fantasy writing (magic happens because magic; too much potential, too many easy complaints, etc.). That's why I don't factor story into my judgment of JRPGs. So, take this opinion with a grain of salt, but if you want it: 25 hours in, I definitely do not care about Oliver or Shi-zu-ku* (Drippy) or other companions or the villain or their fates. But I love playing in their world. The characters are minimally written to populate a world that's clearly about gameplay and visuals (classic JRPG x Ghibli art), not characterization itself, and definitely not a unique plot.

I suspect that unless liberty is taken with the localization, the simplistic story will be what everyone criticizes most.

Still, lovely gameplay. Again and again I will say it. Buy it for the lovely gameplay. The Ghibli art is a bonus. I can critically dump all over things and will probably dump harder once I'm done playing, but while I'm playing, I can't wait to get home and invest 6 more hours every night.

2013-01-08 01:30:00

Author:
Unknown User

That headline needs changing. This game isn't the first RPG for the PS3 that Level 5 has made. Before this there was White Knight Chronicles 1 and 2. Number 2 came with the first game on the same disc for free. They're not bad games actually

I hate WKC, I am sorry, but it is arguably the worst game Level 5 has ever made. The characters were as cliche as it gets, and the battle system was a poor-mans Final Fantasy 12, featuring less control and clunkiness disguised by the always nice option to customize characters and average JRPG soundtrack.

With that said, I will make changes to the title. It is a bit immature.

2013-01-08 07:42:00

Author:
Rpg Maker

Posts: 877

WKC is mediocre and utterly forgettable. If you can pick up WKC 2 for cheap, the 2 single player stories (which are fairly short) aren't completely horrible, I guess...

I hate WKC, I am sorry, but it is arguably the worst game Level 5 has ever made.

That's a real shame to hear. From the screenshots and Wikipedia page it sure seems nice. Giant enemies. Very different battle system. Will steer clear of it now. Meanwhile I'm debating picking up a 3DS just for Layton vs Attorney and Time Travelers. Sounds like WKC is the only blemish in their record so far?

2013-01-08 09:38:00

Author:
Unknown User

Been watching this thread, and news regarding Ni No Kuni for sometime now. Thank you both, arbiekko and rpg for your comments.

Preordered.

Excited.

GIMME!

2013-01-08 11:20:00

Author:
rialrees

Posts: 1015

Delayed in Europe:

Sad news for anyone on the wrong side of the Atlantic, Namco Bandai has just announced on Twitter that due to a logistics issue Ni no Kuni will be releasing in Europe and Australasia on the 1st of February instead of the week before. They later go on to explain that it's something totally out of their hands which leads me to believe it's related to shipping issues similar to those that plagued one of NISA's releases last year. No word of any similar delay for the North American release as of yet. We'll all just have to hope that Ni no Kuni ends up being worth the wait.

http://www.gamrreview.com/news/89650/ni-no-kuni-delayed-in-europe-and-australasia/

2013-01-09 10:01:00

Author:
GribbleGrunger

Posts: 3910

That's a real shame to hear. From the screenshots and Wikipedia page it sure seems nice. Giant enemies. Very different battle system. Will steer clear of it now. Meanwhile I'm debating picking up a 3DS just for Layton vs Attorney and Time Travelers. Sounds like WKC is the only blemish in their record so far?

Its a blemish for me, but Level 5 makes quality games, so worst doesnt make it a terrible rpg all around. Although WKC does not get my personal recommendation, there are a hand few of people that like the game. Just look at some youtube videos and see if you like the combat. The amount of content in the game truly is unrivaled, so if you enjoy the combat, theres a lot to love here.

If you do try it out, get WKC2. It comes with the complete first and second game, with a refined and better combat system! (mostly because its faster) Quite the package, but again, if you dont like the combat, its going to be hard to get into this one.

-In short, I would just get Ni No Kuni if you want Level 5 at arguably their best. WKC doesnt reach the expectations set by Level 5 from games like this, or Rogue Galaxy, and Dark Cloud etc. But at the same time, if it sounds interesting, go for it.

2013-01-10 07:03:00

Author:
Rpg Maker

Posts: 877

I'm planning a super binge of Ni no Kuni this weekend and will update with more thoughts. Settling into a place though where my fever lust for more RPGing is pretty satisfied by just grinding the current one. At this point I doubt I'll give WKC a look again, but I'll remember it for sure as a Level-5 game. More curious right now about their great portable titles, like the new Layton vs Ace Attorney and Time Travelers (which is on Vita). They're also saying they'll bring the next Layton to Vita. Trophies!

Synced accounts! Brand synergy!

2013-01-10 07:14:00

Author:
Unknown User

@Arbiekko
So would you say this game's story is basic.cliche.nothing special & forgettable?

I ask because I have to say that I only get RPGs if their story is good. Generally I could not care less for their gameplay which is why I probably don't like over 90% of RPGs nowadays. Overly cliche generic stories make me go crazy mad. Also the reason I say RPG's gameplay don't matter much to me is because most of them seem the same to me, And that normally being a big grind fest, which is something I strongly dislike usually. *mew

2013-01-11 13:13:00

Author:
Lord-Dreamerz

Posts: 4261

I'm wandering around and leveling up (haven't attempted to progress the plot for many in-game hours) but what little plot has been presented is a cliche-fest, yeah. Apparently it can be completed in as few as 40 hours if you really push for it. I haven't pushed for it, so I'd conservatively guess I'm about 20% done... there's lots of opportunity for the plot to get better. But when it wasn't hooking me after the first 10 hours I started skipping cutscenes. I haven't missed anything important yet.

The truth is, I don't feel equipped to judge the plot because I'm not really a fan of fantasy writing, even objectively "good" fantasy writing. It's a bit of a paradox that I love JRPGs so much. To me all swords and kingdoms stuff is several tiers below "real" storytelling. I'm not invested. Of course I try to be. I was in the beginning with Ni no Kuni, but the game made it clear it was a no-surprises, no-challenge story of very simple good versus evil. Like the 30 years of good gameplay mechanics it incorporates, it also seems content to serve up the generic line for 30 years worth of RPGs: young boy, magical world, demon king (queen). There are no twists. There is no complex undercurrent. I don't mind that, though. I just also don't care. Structurally, the plot is as forgettable as it possibly can be. Only clever wordplay and humor and things in the localization can fix that, unless they take great liberties and add complexity where there is none.

Still loving the gameplay to death. Hoping to hit 60 hours by Sunday night! Will update with more thoughts.

2013-01-11 15:11:00

Author:
Unknown User

2013-01-11 21:14:00

Author:
Lord-Dreamerz

Posts: 4261

Alright well from the sounds of it I can't see myself enjoying the story as it indeed sounds like your cliche JRPG storyline unless it does a 360 at some point. But me myself I adore fantasy on all levels and dislike so called overly realistic stories. but at the same time I don't like cliche fantasy stories. "OhNoes! Random crazy bad-dude wants to takeover/control the world, please save us random hero-dude #1040093...." I don't see that as fantasy writing. i see it only as bad writing. imo the creators who make cliche games are probably to uncreative to think of a good original story or they just decided to go with a copy & pasted story in fear if something original may not sell. but yeah I guess I'll give this game a pass. *mew

I am the same way. An RPG's plot is the most imporant element of any rpg I play. If i dont like it, then I cant get into it. With that said, Ni No Kuni might tell a decent story because the rave reviews it gets are not only because of its gameplay. Additionally, read user reviews. A lot of those reviews praise the story and say that it was interesting.

I cant tell you how many people told me different rpgs had cliche or uninteresting stories and I came to enjoy them. Or vise versa. I found an rpgs worlds are just as important as the core plot and some games like Final Fantasy IX for example, didnt have a ton of plot twist. What it did have was an engaging narrative primarily because of its world and character development.

I would research the game a bit more before just throwing it over the bridge. Its the most interesting rpg I have seen in a while at least. Level 5 doesnt have a resume of the best narratives told, but they do create brilliant worlds and memorable experiences overall.
Ex. Rogue Galaxy.
Or even the praised Xenoblade.( Characters arent as interesting, but everything else is.)

2013-01-13 16:14:00

Author:
Rpg Maker

Posts: 877

The plot consists of how he finds this other world, the places he visits (and the reasons he visits them), the characters he meets (their part in the story) and the theme. To reduce it to 'a kid who can use magic' would be totally missing the story. It would be like saying Reservoir Dogs is a story about a bunch of guys with guns. From what I've read of the reasons he visits this other world and the way he acquires his magic (or whatever you want to call it), it's far from cliqued.

2013-01-13 18:06:00

Author:
GribbleGrunger

Posts: 3910

Finished the game!

I just want to check back in and share some stats-based details.

There are no spoilers for plot but stats and commentary about them can spoil things sometimes too...
proceed at your own peril!

PLAYTIME (so far): 58 hours
LEVEL: 77 for three main characters
SIDE QUESTS: 95% (down to 75% with New Game Plus side quests added)
TREASURE FOUND: 100%
DUNGEONS CLEARED: 94%
AREAS VISITED: 99% (?)
MONSTERS RECRUITED: 54%
ITEMS CRAFTED: 12%
TROPHIES UNLOCKED: 40%

I could have done a whole lot more monster recruiting and item crafting but this didn't feel productive so I saved them for post-game grinding. It's possible certain crafted items could have been more powerful than items bought or discovered in treasure boxes, but of the things I did take the time to craft I was invariably better off with treasure boxes. The side quests were a blast and I did as many of them as I could find before facing the final boss. Even without pursuing all the monsters or grinding excessively for items I was pretty ridiculously overleveled at 77. She could have been comfortably beaten at 60. There are endless varieties to how you outfit and approach your battles, and I dare say she can be beaten even at 50. (You must be at least level 50 to survive one of her attacks, but perhaps with the right equipment you can go even lower.) I stuck with each character's original Imajinn the entire game and used the remaining slots to level up similar creatures with different elemental weapons to tag team during battles where my mains came up short.

There are still a ton of trophies (for 100% completion of various things) and in hindsight it's clear that a majority of them can only be unlocked in New Game Plus. If I had it all to do again, I would have focused on the main story quests and saved everything else for the post-game.

I look forward to zonking all the Gold Bosses (superpowered New Game Plus bosses, which can also be recruited) [EDIT: This is incorrect; I misunderstood the information about gold monsters from a fan walkthrough. The bosses appear in evolved forms but are not gold. There are however gold monsters in the dungeons leading to those bosses.] and fighting in the monster tournament [EDIT: I have now fought in the monster tournament]. I want to like the casino but I keep getting frustrated at my tremendously bad luck whenever I pop in. I spent about 3 hours in the casino over the weekend. But my first visit was a curious two minutes just before I shut off the console earlier in the week, and I screwed up: won five blackjacks in a row and had 150,000 coins, assumed this was standard and that prizes would cost in the millions, and quit without saving. Turns out I could have bought all the Imajinn tickets with those coins! Ever since, I've only lost money. Lost and lost and lost. It's not factored into my playtime above because I've always reverted to a previous save. Going to sort it on the battlefield, save up cash and buy the casino prizes directly, instead of gambling. ^-^ I'm very satisfied.

Streamlined, conventional (in a good way), quintessential JRPGing.

2013-01-14 10:18:00

Author:
Unknown User

I just can't wait for this game! To fill in I just bought Disgaea 4 and have to say I'm a little disappointed.

SIDE QUESTS: 95% (down to 75% with New Game Plus side quests added)

There must be a heck of a lot of new content in new game plus! Is there a hard mode from the start? If so, did you attain those stats in hard mode? Also, does is there a 'post' game or does it end when you beat the final boss, as in Dragon's Quest 8?

2013-01-14 11:58:00

Author:
GribbleGrunger

Posts: 3910

There's a post game! To clarify, New Game Plus is post-game play, not an actual new game from the beginning. Completed quests are all still completed and the world is the same as it was before defeating the final boss. But you can also now do a bunch of stuff previously not allowed/available. I apologize for the misnomer.

There are 131 total side quests, but only about 100 of them can be completed before you face the final boss. So what goes as 100% quest completion before you face the final boss drops way down when those new quests show up. I went to the very first town and was given 8 special quests. More are being discovered through conversations as I revisit areas. A special area magically becomes available only after you defeat the final boss. All the bosses in all the dungeons become Gold Bosses and you can go back and fight them freely, whereas previously they were defeated once and never seen again. Additionally, there are new items you can craft from materials dropped by or stolen from those Gold Bosses -- vastly powerful stuff. I couldn't craft anything better than treasure box items until now so I left crafting for the post-game. Now I'm going to craft some serious weaponry and take it to the monster tournament and deliver a beatdown!

2013-01-14 12:38:00

Author:
Unknown User

Is there fishing?

2013-01-14 13:42:00

Author:
fullofwin

Posts: 1214

There's no literal fishing but there are chance elements to battles that benefit from deft switching between modes. It's its own minigame if you want it to be.

Monster recruiting doesn't happen automatically! Certain monsters spawn in certain areas at certain evolutions. Some have a higher chance of recruitment than others; plus the higher the evolution, the rarer the chance. While the act of recruiting in itself is always the same, there's a very limited time window when it occurs and only one character can do the recruiting. Sometimes you have a chance to recruit a monster but characters will be on an attack blitz and kill it, or a sleep spell, etc. will slow things down and the monster will run away. Every battle is an opportunity if you play it right. It's not complex per se, but there's good fun in staying vigil for sudden monster recruits while still being the most effective at killing everyone as possible. I'm not sure if the developers put it in, but there may be as-yet-undiscovered secret combinations of attacks, spells or lucky items that make monsters more susceptible to recruiting.

Obtaining materials to craft the 130-ish different items throughout the game is a bit like fishing. Certain monsters carry certain items. Only one character is capable of stealing, and stealing will yield different items than drops after a battle. Furthermore, drops are different (at least in a few cases) when you cast dizziness and then kill a monster versus killing it normally, or with a weapon that targets its weakness. So you can "pick your pond" (area where monsters spawn) and hit up a dozen or so battles experimenting with different ways to kill or steal from them. When you don't get specifically what you want you'll still be adding to your stock of materials for other things.

2013-01-14 15:21:00

Author:
Unknown User

How does the crafting work? Is it similar to the alchemy pot in DQ8? I also heard that there are 16 hidden villages. Without giving too much away, how are these hidden?

2013-01-14 16:49:00

Author:
GribbleGrunger

Posts: 3910

Awww, no fishing game.

I'm sure I'll get this game, the game play seems great and the game is without question beautiful. I'm not really thrilled by the Studio Ghibli character designs. I enjoy their movies, they always have very expressive characters and great attention to detail...but there's just something about their characters I don't like. I suppose I should be thankful it's not Akira Toriyama's horrible DB characters this time...Level 5 has a a knack for choosing animators I don't like.

2013-01-14 17:00:00

Author:
fullofwin

Posts: 1214

I cant tell you how many people told me different rpgs had cliche or uninteresting stories and I came to enjoy them. Or vise versa.

Not me. When people say a RPG's story is cliche I believe them because I always found I agreed with them after playing it. A story has to be really special for me to like it normally. sure sometimes i enjoyed a cliche story but that's only rarely. I can tell you this. a lot of the last RPGs i've played over the years honestly their story kinda sucked IMO. Disgaea 2&3&4. FF10 FF10-2. FF12. Pokemon B&W. Valkyria Chronicles. the list goes on but I can't be bothered to remember all of them. good Gameplay and maybe some of the characters being likeable don't make up for it to me. Sorry but from what I read most RPGs are almost nothing that I can enjoy. they just do to much wrong for what I enjoy in a game personally, especially on their story.

Also I dislike the design on the boy for this game. to plain & simple for my liking. It also don't help I'm not a big fan of male characters over half the time to start with.

*mew

2013-01-14 19:00:00

Author:
Lord-Dreamerz

Posts: 4261

? disgaea 1's story was the most cliche generic crap I've sat through in a long time, and if you thought valkyria chronicles' story sucked then you and I must've been playing different games, it was easily the most immersive I've ever played.
This game looks pretty neat, might have to get it... after exams are finished

2013-01-14 19:08:00

Author:
Smudge228

Posts: 533

Never said Disgaea1 had a good story. I just didn't bother to add it to the list. But I did like the big-ego brat main character on disgaea1 Laharl.*mew

Nope. We played the same Valkyria chronicles. And it was a war story. I don't like war stories. so to me it was not fun. which means to me personally it was no good. ;P

But point is I have very high standards and a taste that's different from most people.*mew

But I'll probably try to make this my last post on this topic as it's starting to get off topic. + i pretty much made all my points clear enough sooo... yeah.

2013-01-14 19:14:00

Author:
Lord-Dreamerz

Posts: 4261

I love the first Disgaea and am still playing it on PSP. Haven't progressed in the story much. I love to overlevel characters in the senate and battle in the item world, then in the item worlds inside items dropped in the item world (!). Disgaea is classic with a snarky edge, taking conventional mechanics and story and running amok with them: fourth wall-breaking, self-referencing, literal devil-may-care attitude and near infinite leveling and customization. Yet you can ignore all that and make a straight shot at it. Ni no Kuni also does that: there's simple and complex. You can expose yourself to it as much or as little as you want.

I'm not equating the two games by any stretch, just drawing comparisons since the conversation went this way:

1) Like Ni no Kuni, I love Disgaea to death for its classic gameplay. I can take or leave the plot.
2) If Disgaea recycles cliches with a snarky edge, Ni no Kuni recycles them with full blown earnesty.

Both are comfortable in their rank as the latest in several decades of RPGs and neither apologizes for it. Disgaea acknowledges the cliches and gives it a curveball "so what?", while Ni no Kuni does not acknowledge the cliches but does so good with them it's kind of beyond reproach. LIke grandma's toasted cheese sandwich. Pure convention, made with undeniable love. You and she both know she didn't invent the recipe, but that's beside the point.

2013-01-15 02:00:00

Author:
Unknown User

Watch this. IGN 9.4/10

http://uk.ign.com/articles/2013/01/15/ni-no-kuni-wrath-of-the-white-witch-review

Goisageek 10/10

http://www.godisageek.com/2013/01/ni-no-kuni-review/

2013-01-15 13:20:00

Author:
GribbleGrunger

Posts: 3910

IGN 9.4/10

So today IGN are good reviewers?

2013-01-15 19:02:00

Author:
Rabid-Coot

Posts: 6728

So today IGN are good reviewers?

I posted one of the first reviews up with story related information because people were discussing the story. My feelings for IGN and the American media hasn't changed.

2013-01-15 21:00:00

Author:
GribbleGrunger

Posts: 3910

So I'm heavily considering buying this because I'm a HUGE fan of pokemon and Studio Ghilbi. Would any of you think I would like this? I'm extremely interested in it.

2013-01-16 02:53:00

Author:
grayspence

Posts: 1990

So I'm heavily considering buying this because I'm a HUGE fan of pokemon and Studio Ghilbi. Would any of you think I would like this? I'm extremely interested in it.

I have no doubt whatsoever that you will like this. I haven't played it myself but how I imagined it would be has been verified by many of my friends on other sites to be right. Dragon's Quest 8 and Pokemon rolled into one with a charming and original Ghibli touch. 50 hours for the main quest and 40+ hours to complete everything. I'm personally probably looking at 140 hours myself (love levelling up) It's currently sitting at 92/100 on Metacrtitic.

This is a MUST buy.

2013-01-16 19:19:00

Author:
GribbleGrunger

Posts: 3910

So I'm heavily considering buying this because I'm a HUGE fan of pokemon and Studio Ghilbi. Would any of you think I would like this? I'm extremely interested in it.

Were you aware that there is a PSN demo? Definitely try it out if you can...if you don't like the game play I don't think it matters how pretty the packaging is. If you like JRPGs in addition to pokemon and Studio Ghibli it's likely a safe purchase.

I really don't care about what other people think...I'm sure Call of Duty would have a good Metacrtitic score, but I know I'd hate playing it...

2013-01-16 19:44:00

Author:
fullofwin

Posts: 1214

Were you aware that there is a PSN demo? Definitely try it out if you can...if you don't like the game play I don't think it matters how pretty the packaging is. If you like JRPGs in addition to pokemon and Studio Ghibli it's likely a safe purchase.

I really don't care about what other people think...I'm sure Call of Duty would have a good Metacrtitic score, but I know I'd hate playing it...

The demo doesn't give you any sense of the game at all. If people judge this game by the demo then they're risking missing out on this gem. I've talked to hundreds of people about this game because I'm a big fan of both studios and nearly all of them have said that you really should ignore the demo. It's just two boss fights and if you are lucky enough to beat them in a short time, you get to rove around the world map for ten minutes. Boss fights are only 1% of this game. It's everything that lies between that is magical and enthralling and because of that, the Boss fights are put into perspective better.

2013-01-16 19:59:00

Author:
GribbleGrunger

Posts: 3910

The demo doesn't give you any sense of the game at all. If people judge this game by the demo then they're risking missing out on this gem. I've talked to hundreds of people about this game because I'm a big fan of both studios and nearly all of them have said that you really should ignore the demo. It's just two boss fights and if you are lucky enough to beat them in a short time, you get to rove around the world map for ten minutes. Boss fights are only 1% of this game. It's everything that lies between that is magical and enthralling and because of that, the Boss fights are put into perspective better.

So you obviously didn't play the demo. You get to go to the world map after the first boss, you roam around to find the 2nd boss...if you want, it's entirely up to you...and you get 20 or 30 minutes AFTER getting to the world map, not 10. If you hate the demo you certainly won't like the full game regardless of what "hundreds" of people say.

You should be able to judge a game from its demo, that's the whole point of having a demo. Sure, studios occasionally do themselves a disservice by releasing a poor quality demo, but this demo is actually very good; certainly good enough for someone who is already "extremely interested" to decide yay or nay. But hey, if you want to decide what to play based on what "hundreds" of other people think, be my guest.

2013-01-16 23:46:00

Author:
fullofwin

Posts: 1214

So you obviously didn't play the demo. You get to go to the world map after the first boss, you roam around to find the 2nd boss...if you want, it's entirely up to you...and you get 20 or 30 minutes AFTER getting to the world map, not 10. If you hate the demo you certainly won't like the full game regardless of what "hundreds" of people say.

You should be able to judge a game from its demo, that's the whole point of having a demo. Sure, studios occasionally do themselves a disservice by releasing a poor quality demo, but this demo is actually very good; certainly good enough for someone who is already "extremely interested" to decide yay or nay. But hey, if you want to decide what to play based on what "hundreds" of other people think, be my guest.

I played the demo three times. It does not give you any indication of the depth, breadth or variety the game offers. My friends DO, the reviews DO and the videos on the net DO. There was a debate many years back about whether demos are actually detrimental and in this case it's true.

2013-01-17 12:08:00

Author:
GribbleGrunger

Posts: 3910

I want to get this game just for the aesthetic and the richness its world seems to have, but unfortunately the gameplay isn't my style at all. I hate having to give orders for a charater to follow instead of controlling him directly.

It's the main factor that drives me away from JRPG's. That and japanese characterization tropes, which I can't stand.

2013-01-17 13:42:00

Author:
SnipySev

Posts: 2452

@SnipySev
It's a very good hybrid of direct action battle with menu management.
The tropes are there, but as gameplay goes I think it nicely bridges the gap between
action adventure fans and classic turn-based RPG fans.

The main character and his two teammates can be directly controlled if you don't want to use any of the monsters. When you do use monsters, you are in direct control of the monsters, and the character who chucked them into the battle jumps out of the fray. You will be using a menu wheel to diversify your attacks if you don't want to just spam punches for 100 hours, just like in any FPS you use a menu wheel to switch between guns and ammo, heal, change team tactics and so forth. Each character has unique abilities and equipment and can each have up to 3 monsters which you can switch between on the fly, for a total of 12 possible playable (directly playable) characters in each battle. Given enemies have different strengths and weaknesses you might find yourself grateful to sometimes sit back and let the AI decide what to do. You can of course pre-empt the AI and even downright stop it from doing things you don't like -- at one point I loaded up my girl character with tanks so that I could safely forget about her in some battles. She tends to spam expensive magic attacks which get in the way of my own strategy so with the tanks she had no real magic to waste and was also a great punching bag for enemies without losing her health. I could have also taken away all her monsters but then she would be on the battlefield directly all the time playing her harp and getting murdered in a flat second. Heh heh!

2013-01-17 14:10:00

Author:
Unknown User

I played the demo three times.

That's quite surprising considering your description of it was totally inaccurate. So you advise against playing a demo that you thought was good enough to play 3 times?!? Very strange indeed...

It does not give you any indication of the depth, breadth or variety the game offers.

What it does do is give you an idea of what the battle system and menus are like, that's very important to me at least. No reasonable person expects a demo to divulge the whole story or exposed every nuance of the game...the full game is supposed to get a whole lot better than the demo.

My friends DO, the reviews DO and the videos on the net DO. There was a debate many years back about whether demos are actually detrimental and in this case it's true.

My friends and I don't always agree...and I certainly don't always agree with reviews. My friends rave about Halo and Skyrim which I did not like playing, while they in turn think LBP and Monster Hunter are meh. I'll of course look into something they strongly recommend, but I will do my own research, and that includes playing any available demo.

There's no reason to avoid the demo, play it...if you're turned off by something in it, ask about it. Maybe it's not a big deal in the full game, maybe it is...

I love demos, it's the developer's chance to sell me on their game. If it doesn't leave me wanting to see more (like the Ni No Kuni demo did) oh well, too bad for them...it's just a game, it's not like I won't find another to play.

Clearly we're never going to agree on anything...

2013-01-17 14:29:00

Author:
fullofwin

Posts: 1214

2013-01-17 14:48:00

Author:
SnipySev

Posts: 2452

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GaPLQWZA9OU

Skip to 1:50 to see an example of a battle at the beginning of the game.

You enter battle and can choose who to start with -- in this case Oliver or Maru, or one of their monsters. In the video, the player has chosen one of Oliver's monsters. You can see the AI has offered up one of Maru's monsters to join you. The player can change these immediately and switch in and out between all available characters and monsters, but only actively control one at a time. The others are on autopilot if you don't assign them something quickly enough.

Notice that the player is play-playing as Oliver's monster, actively moving around the battlefield and toggling between attack, cast spells or block, but not by hitting X for punch and O for block, but by frantically spinning the menu wheel (bottom left) and assigning the desired action. It's very smooth and intuitive. Action pauses momentarily during enemy targeting or submenu spell selection, but otherwise it's a continuous brawl. Actions themselves carry out at various lengths depending on the type of character or monster and their equipment. If you have a tank (a heavy, slow moving monster) and tell it to attack with melee from across the battlefield, it could take up to 15 seconds for it to finally get there. You will have to decide if you want to sit through this, jump to another character/monster, or cancel out and try something else. There's a monkey monster that's so ridiculous fast I was able to throw him into the field and run circles around the enemy. It drew attention. Later certain of my monsters learned "taunt" and I could bait enemies into a group and switch to an offensive monster to spam local damage attacks.

You'll be constantly using several buttons and button combinations during battle even though it does appear on the surface to be simple "menu battle". It's not God of War, but it's by no means spreadsheet gaming.

2013-01-17 15:46:00

Author:
Unknown User

other reviews

3DJuegos ? 9.1/10 (http://www.3djuegos.com/juegos/analisis/9095/0/ni-no-kuni-la-ira-de-la-bruja-blanca/)
9Lives.be ? 8.6/10 (http://ps3.9lives.be/games/ni-no-kuni-wrath-of-the-white-witch/reviews/ni-no-kuni-verplichte-kost-voor-iedere-rpg-liefhebber)
Digital Spy ? 4/5 (http://www.digitalspy.com/gaming/review/a451582/ni-no-kuni-wrath-of-white-witch-review-ps3-a-charming-adventure.html)
Edge ? 8/10
Eurogamer ? 9/10
Eurogamer.es ? 8/10 (http://www.eurogamer.es/articles/analisis-de-ni-no-kuni)
Eurogamer.it ? 9/10 (http://www.eurogamer.it/articles/2013-01-17-videogiochi-ni-no-kuni-la-minaccia-della-strega-cinerea-review-recensione)
Famitsu ? 36/40 (http://gematsu.com/2011/11/ni-no-kuni-scores-big-in-famitsu)
Game Informer ? 7/10
Gamereactor Danmark ? 9/10 (http://www.gamereactor.dk/anmeldelser/147691/Ni+no+Kuni%3A+Wrath+of+the+White+Witch/)
Gamereactor Sweden ? 9/10 (http://www.gamereactor.se/recensioner/87081/Ni+no+Kuni%3A+Wrath+of+the+White+Witch/)
Gametrailers ? 9.4/10 (http://www.gametrailers.com/reviews/9g5ua4/ni-no-kuni--wrath-of-the-white-witch-review)
Games Master UK ? 95/100 (http://thesilentchief.com/2013/01/02/gamemasters-uk-ni-no-kuni-wrath-of-the-white-witch-review-score/)
GamesTM ? 8/10 (http://www.gamestm.co.uk/reviews/ni-no-kuni-wrath-of-the-white-witch-review/)
God Is A Geek ? 10/10 (http://www.godisageek.com/2013/01/ni-no-kuni-review/)
The Guardian ? 4/5 (http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/gamesblog/2013/jan/17/ni-no-kuni-review)
HardGame2 ? 9/10 (http://www.hardgame2.com/ps3/articulo/6819/analisis-ninokuni-la-ira-de-la-bruja-blanca-review-namco-bandai-level5-studio-ghibli.html)
IGN ? 9.4/10 (http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/01/15/ni-no-kuni-wrath-of-the-white-witch-review)
IGN Spain ? 96/100 (http://es.ign.com/review/4679/analisis-ni-no-kuni-ps3-studio-ghibli-rpg)
LaPS3 ? 94/100 (http://www.laps3.com/analisis/371468-analisis_ni_no_kuni_la_ira_de_la_bruja_blanca.html )
LaserLemming ? 5/5 (http://www.laserlemming.com/2013/01/17/ni-no-kuniwrath-of-the-white-witch-review/)
Machinima ? 9/10 (http://www.insidegamingdaily.com/2013/01/16/ni-no-kuni-wrath-of-the-white-witch-review/)
Meristation ? 9/10 (http://www.meristation.com/es/playstation-3/ni-no-kuni-la-ira-de-la-bruja-blanca/analisis-juego/1533790)
Metro ? 8/10 (http://metro.co.uk/2013/01/17/ni-no-kuni-wrath-of-the-white-witch-review-spirited-away-3355480/)
Multiplayer.it ? 9.3/10 (http://multiplayer.it/recensioni/113502-ni-no-kuni-la-minaccia-della-strega-cinerea-tutti-hanno-unanima-gemella.html)
NowGamer ? 8.5/10 (http://www.nowgamer.com/ps3/ps3-reviews/1767163/ni_no_kuni_wrath_of_the_white_witch_review.html)
Official PlayStation Magazine Benelux ? 87/100
Official PlayStation Magazine UK ? 9/10 (http://www.officialplaystationmagazine.co.uk/2013/01/11/ni-no-kuni-review-gets-910-in-official-playstation-magazine-pure-sweet-rpg-nectar/)
PlayStation LifeStyle ? 9/10 (http://www.playstationlifestyle.net/2013/01/04/ni-no-kuni-review-ps3-import/)
PS3Trophies ? 92/100 (http://www.ps3trophies.org/game/ni-no-kuni-eu/review/)
RPGLand ? 10/10 (http://rpgland.com/games/reviews/ni-no-kuni-wrath-of-the-white-witch/)
Spong ? 9/10 (http://spong.com/feature/10110902/Review-Ni-No-Kuni-The-Wrath-of-the-White-Witch)
Strategy Informer ? 9/10 (http://www.strategyinformer.com/ps3/ninokuniwrathofthewhitewitch/2090/review.html)
Tech Digest ? 5/5 (http://www.techdigest.tv/2013/01/review_ni_no_ku.html)
Vandal.net ? 9.5/10 (http://www.vandal.net/analisis/ps3/ni-no-kuni-la-ira-de-la-bruja-blanca/12853)
VideoGamer ? 9/10 (http://www.videogamer.com/reviews/ni_no_kuni_review.html)

2013-01-19 15:03:00

Author:
GribbleGrunger

Posts: 3910

Got the platinum!

Total game time, 90 hours. Or, 88. I didn't check the in-game clock at the end.

Highly, highly recommended. If you're a completionist like me, be prepared for a bit of late-game grinding.

2013-01-20 04:57:00

Author:
Unknown User

I have no doubt whatsoever that you will like this. I haven't played it myself but how I imagined it would be has been verified by many of my friends on other sites to be right. Dragon's Quest 8 and Pokemon rolled into one with a charming and original Ghibli touch. 50 hours for the main quest and 40+ hours to complete everything. I'm personally probably looking at 140 hours myself (love levelling up) It's currently sitting at 92/100 on Metacrtitic.

This is a MUST buy.

Thanks for the reccomendation. I'll probably give the demo a shot soon.

2013-01-21 01:03:00

Author:
grayspence

Posts: 1990

other reviews

3DJuegos – 9.1/10 (http://www.3djuegos.com/juegos/analisis/9095/0/ni-no-kuni-la-ira-de-la-bruja-blanca/)
9Lives.be – 8.6/10 (http://ps3.9lives.be/games/ni-no-kuni-wrath-of-the-white-witch/reviews/ni-no-kuni-verplichte-kost-voor-iedere-rpg-liefhebber)
Digital Spy – 4/5 (http://www.digitalspy.com/gaming/review/a451582/ni-no-kuni-wrath-of-white-witch-review-ps3-a-charming-adventure.html)
Edge – 8/10
Eurogamer – 9/10
Eurogamer.es – 8/10 (http://www.eurogamer.es/articles/analisis-de-ni-no-kuni)
Eurogamer.it – 9/10 (http://www.eurogamer.it/articles/2013-01-17-videogiochi-ni-no-kuni-la-minaccia-della-strega-cinerea-review-recensione)
Famitsu – 36/40 (http://gematsu.com/2011/11/ni-no-kuni-scores-big-in-famitsu)
Game Informer – 7/10
Gamereactor Danmark – 9/10 (http://www.gamereactor.dk/anmeldelser/147691/Ni+no+Kuni%3A+Wrath+of+the+White+Witch/)
Gamereactor Sweden – 9/10 (http://www.gamereactor.se/recensioner/87081/Ni+no+Kuni%3A+Wrath+of+the+White+Witch/)
Gametrailers – 9.4/10 (http://www.gametrailers.com/reviews/9g5ua4/ni-no-kuni--wrath-of-the-white-witch-review)
Games Master UK – 95/100 (http://thesilentchief.com/2013/01/02/gamemasters-uk-ni-no-kuni-wrath-of-the-white-witch-review-score/)
GamesTM – 8/10 (http://www.gamestm.co.uk/reviews/ni-no-kuni-wrath-of-the-white-witch-review/)
God Is A Geek – 10/10 (http://www.godisageek.com/2013/01/ni-no-kuni-review/)
The Guardian – 4/5 (http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/gamesblog/2013/jan/17/ni-no-kuni-review)
HardGame2 – 9/10 (http://www.hardgame2.com/ps3/articulo/6819/analisis-ninokuni-la-ira-de-la-bruja-blanca-review-namco-bandai-level5-studio-ghibli.html)
IGN – 9.4/10 (http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/01/15/ni-no-kuni-wrath-of-the-white-witch-review)
IGN Spain – 96/100 (http://es.ign.com/review/4679/analisis-ni-no-kuni-ps3-studio-ghibli-rpg)
LaPS3 – 94/100 (http://www.laps3.com/analisis/371468-analisis_ni_no_kuni_la_ira_de_la_bruja_blanca.html )
LaserLemming – 5/5 (http://www.laserlemming.com/2013/01/17/ni-no-kuniwrath-of-the-white-witch-review/)
Machinima – 9/10 (http://www.insidegamingdaily.com/2013/01/16/ni-no-kuni-wrath-of-the-white-witch-review/)
Meristation – 9/10 (http://www.meristation.com/es/playstation-3/ni-no-kuni-la-ira-de-la-bruja-blanca/analisis-juego/1533790)
Metro – 8/10 (http://metro.co.uk/2013/01/17/ni-no-kuni-wrath-of-the-white-witch-review-spirited-away-3355480/)
Multiplayer.it – 9.3/10 (http://multiplayer.it/recensioni/113502-ni-no-kuni-la-minaccia-della-strega-cinerea-tutti-hanno-unanima-gemella.html)
NowGamer – 8.5/10 (http://www.nowgamer.com/ps3/ps3-reviews/1767163/ni_no_kuni_wrath_of_the_white_witch_review.html)
Official PlayStation Magazine Benelux – 87/100
Official PlayStation Magazine UK – 9/10 (http://www.officialplaystationmagazine.co.uk/2013/01/11/ni-no-kuni-review-gets-910-in-official-playstation-magazine-pure-sweet-rpg-nectar/)
PlayStation LifeStyle – 9/10 (http://www.playstationlifestyle.net/2013/01/04/ni-no-kuni-review-ps3-import/)
PS3Trophies – 92/100 (http://www.ps3trophies.org/game/ni-no-kuni-eu/review/)
RPGLand – 10/10 (http://rpgland.com/games/reviews/ni-no-kuni-wrath-of-the-white-witch/)
Spong – 9/10 (http://spong.com/feature/10110902/Review-Ni-No-Kuni-The-Wrath-of-the-White-Witch)
Strategy Informer – 9/10 (http://www.strategyinformer.com/ps3/ninokuniwrathofthewhitewitch/2090/review.html)
Tech Digest – 5/5 (http://www.techdigest.tv/2013/01/review_ni_no_ku.html)
Vandal.net – 9.5/10 (http://www.vandal.net/analisis/ps3/ni-no-kuni-la-ira-de-la-bruja-blanca/12853)
VideoGamer – 9/10 (http://www.videogamer.com/reviews/ni_no_kuni_review.html)

Good to see its getting some good ratings in the west. Hopefully it gets the sales it deserves.

2013-01-21 19:11:00

Author:
Rpg Maker

Posts: 877

Great video of the battle system at work. YOU SIMPLY MUST WATCH THIS

:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=plTTSTI3ECE

2013-01-22 06:08:00

Author:
GribbleGrunger

Posts: 3910

Great video of the battle system at work. YOU SIMPLY MUST WATCH THIS

:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=plTTSTI3ECE

Wow, it's looking really good. I pre-ordered the game yesterday, but since it, umm, comes out today, I'll have to wait until Thursday or Friday for it to arrive.

Question: I saw how each party member could use three familiars, and there was a section to store three other familiars. Where do all the other familiars you capture go? (My apologies if it was already answered in the video xD)

2013-01-22 12:38:00

Author:
Dragonvarsity

Posts: 5208

Is the in game Wizards companion the same as the printed version?

2013-01-23 02:08:00

Author:
GribbleGrunger

Posts: 3910

@Dragonvarsity,

You have a "manhole" that automatically stores up to 400 Imajinn (Familiars... ugh, why did they change that?) if your other slots are full. You access the manhole at most save points in dungeons and in all towns. Each character can carry 3 Imajinn, they all gain XP along with the characters. The 3 reserve slots are just that, reserve slots. Late in the game you get another character which opens up another 3 reserve slots (I never used the extra character). The reserve slots are really best for going into a dungeon and grinding up levels. When your existing Imajinn are leveled up, you can swap them with the reserves and level those up, instead of having to constantly go back to the manhole. Although you'll be going back to the manhole plenty of times anyway, checking all your Imajinn types.

I recruited every single monster that I had the chance to recruit over 90 hours and never had more than 300 Imajinn in the manhole, so space is not an issue unless you are creating armies of 9 of every type of Imajinn. Which would be kind of awesome.

An army of max-level Totoros! But I couldn't recruit any.

2013-01-23 02:22:00

Author:
Unknown User

Aa, so they're like mini-pokecenters. Which now forces me to ask, will saving/visiting manholes/avoid fighting temporarily/etc. allow you and your familiars to heal automatically, or are potions not even used?

2013-01-23 21:03:00

Author:
Dragonvarsity

Posts: 5208

Is this who plays Drippy?:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VE05ezCz-ao

2013-01-24 00:53:00

Author:
GribbleGrunger

Posts: 3910

@Dragonvarsity

The game is exactly as you hope!

You can pause and save anytime on the world map. You can save in dungeons at designated save stones, which are usually accompanied by manholes, and yes, they heal all HP and MP at no cost. Save stones and manholes are located in every town, before every boss fight in every dungeon, and usually at both the start and middle of every dungeon so you NEVER get caught with low XP going into a fight unless you do it on purpose. You will regain all HP and MP whenever your main characters level up, or whenever you rest in a town. Perks unlock as you do side quests, including auto-regenerating health while you walk around. All items can be used anytime on the world map, which include HP and MP restoring items, and all characters can access these items during fights, as if sharing one big satchel. You can craft HP and MP restoring items out of various "recipes", which I never did until the post-game for the "craft 120 recipes" trophy, because items also get abundantly dropped in fights, found in treasure chests, and you can buy them in towns or at the casino. Additionally, all characters have special moves in battle to restore HP (but not MP), and about 1/4th of all Imajinn can learn healing spells for themselves and others.

You can outrun most fights before they happen, have the option to escape fights during them, and will actually need to cast "fog" on yourself at higher levels to sneak up on enemies as they will run away from you in fear. You will never enter a battle you don't see coming and will always have a chance to get ready.

Pretty much every way you'd want to be covered, Level-5 have got you covered! The gameplay is butter smooth.

2013-01-24 01:27:00

Author:
Unknown User

Yeah, I got this game immediately, and it wasn't even into 1 hour that I wept for the poor kid.
:'(

But yeah, I'm really loving this game so far!
I jus-
Drippy, I know he's tired, I wanted to fini-
DRIPPY SHUT UP AND LET ME HURT THE BOSS ALREA-
DRIPPY I WILL PUNT YOU INTO SPACE

2013-01-24 05:07:00

Author:
CirkuzFr3ek

Posts: 194

Haaaaahaha!

Drippy interrupts like that in every danged boss fight.

Sometimes he'll also jump in and perform a pointless heal when the fight is beyond doomed, which just prolongs your humiliating slaughter for a few seconds. Thanks buddy. Glad I can count on you for a last-second kick in the head.

Also, as a fun gripe, Maru (what's her name in the English version?) is the biggest MP waster of any character I've ever encountered in an RPG. She blows through that stuff like a boutique shopper on daddy's platinum unlimited card when it's really debit with no overdrafting. I gave her a single magicless heavy duty Imajinn so she literally could not waste the MP, but then she would just pocket it in battle and strum her harp running in circles achieving nothing for about 90 seconds before being struck dead. Ha!

2013-01-24 06:07:00

Author:
Unknown User

Is there a night and day cycle in this game?

2013-01-25 00:48:00

Author:
GribbleGrunger

Posts: 3910

No, but depending on location the lighting and weather will change. So there's the arid desert, the blizzardy snow islands, the gloomy perpetual night of the ghost mountain, etc.

Sailing between the regions is a blast, and if you spend a long time away from one region, it's really refreshing when you see it again. You forget how different each region feels.

When you get the dragon and can fly across the entire world in about 30 seconds, you'll be fading between lights and weather constantly like a level in LBP2 where someone slapped a bunch of global tweakers back to back. It's cute, like a big diorama.

2013-01-25 02:56:00

Author:
Unknown User

Thanks! The 1st of February can't come fast enough.

2013-01-26 08:35:00

Author:
GribbleGrunger

Posts: 3910

I have games to sell and Rising won't drop by for another 20 days. Screw it, I'm buying Ni No Kuni. The game's not my style but then again I didn't think I was going to like Bayonetta and Bioshock, and ended up loving them.

Never been able to enjoy a JRPG before. I'm taking a leap here

2013-02-02 08:34:00

Author:
SnipySev

Posts: 2452

EDIT: I went to the store and guess what, the game is sold out. According to the clerk there's no retailer in Belgium where Ni No Kuni is available, and apparently it's selling out like crazy in other countries as well. Isn't irony funny?

I'm glad it's selling well though. They took a risk localizing this game for western audiences and it paid off.

Just relax when you play it and let the game set the pace. It slowly ramps up and adds abilities and options until you suddenly realise how darn brilliant the whole thing is. Be patient, the first hour and half is about getting you ready for the following 98 hours.

2013-02-02 16:30:00

Author:
GribbleGrunger

Posts: 3910

2013-02-02 16:54:00

Author:
Smudge228

Posts: 533

as someone with the game localised could you tell whether the welsh accents get annoying, I live in wales and the novelty has far worn out it's welcome see. also I was wondering about the length of the main questline, I tend not to shoot for all the extra goodies in these games, I just don't have the time what with exams and that. Is it easily playable in smaller chunks? can I save any old where?

I find the Welsh accent works very well and I'm 12 hours into the game. The main quest is around 40 hours, but whatever you do, don't overlook the errands, hunts and sidequests. The whole game is set up for you to benefit from the investment. Perks such as running faster on the main map and getting better stuff when you gather are essential for making this a much smoother ride. I would actually say that if you only intend to do the main quests you won't like it. trust me though, 5 hours into the game you'll want to wring every single second out of it. you can save anywhere in towns and on the main map, but dungeons are set up to be a challenge. You can save at the very beginning and just before a major event such as boss fights. And yes, it can be played in 'chunks' if you want.

2013-02-02 18:29:00

Author:
GribbleGrunger

Posts: 3910

http://www.chart-track.co.uk/index.jsp?c=p%2Fsoftware%2Fuk%2Farchive%2Findex_te st.jsp&ct=110015&arch=t&lyr=2013&year=2013&week=5

In at #1 on UK all format charts.

2013-02-05 14:19:00

Author:
Rabid-Coot

Posts: 6728

Yeah, it was good to see that it did so well in the UK. Let's hope it does as well in Europe. It sold 166,000 copies in America, which isn't too bad, so I'm guessing it will probably shift around 500,000 in it's first week if all goes well. It seems on for around a million in a month which will (hopefully) encourage Level-5 to make a sequel.

2013-02-05 16:01:00

Author:
GribbleGrunger

Posts: 3910

I finally decided to start playing this. Given the level of polish the game has a couple things surprised me.

Unless I?m mistaken, there?s no way to see which items you are supposed to collect for a given quest?so you either need to do it right away or return to the quest giver to refresh your memory?

The game doesn?t remember the display filter setting for completed quests/bounties?I really don't need to see or slog through the ones I've already completely to find my active ones?they could at least put the new/active quests first.

The give heart/take heart process is brutal?shut up already?I know what to do?I don't need pages of useless dialog and excessive hand-holding.

The game is REALLY grindy?but not in a way I find enjoyable. I have one last active quest before leaving the desert?but I still haven?t been given the chance to capture the 2 creatures needed even though I've defeated around 50. Now I?m massively over-leveled and everything runs away making things more difficult (one creature is fast and I have to try to sneak up on it).

Also, the game talks about a familiar?s affinity with a given character?but how you tell this is super-obscure?as near as I can tell you need to pick up the familiar like you want to move which slot it is in and look for a dancing icon?what sort of insane ui is that?!?

Anyway, the environments are gorgeous and I am mostly enjoying the game because of it. The plain character designs and cutesy monsters don't bug me that much but I definitely don't like them. I would also like to pound Oliver the next time he says neat-o.

I'm still hoping Level-5 makes Dark Cloud 3...I really don't want a sequel to this one...

2013-02-05 16:57:00

Author:
fullofwin

Posts: 1214

I finally decided to start playing this. Given the level of polish the game has a couple things surprised me.

Unless I’m mistaken, there’s no way to see which items you are supposed to collect for a given quest…so you either need to do it right away or return to the quest giver to refresh your memory?

The game doesn’t remember the display filter setting for completed quests/bounties…I really don’t need to see or slog through the ones I’ve already completely to find my active ones…they could at least put the new/active quests first.

The give heart/take heart process is brutal…shut up already…I know what to do…I don’t need pages of useless dialog and excessive hand-holding.

The game is REALLY grindy…but not in a way I find enjoyable. I have one last active quest before leaving the desert…but I still haven’t been given the chance to capture the 2 creatures needed even though I’ve defeated around 50. Now I’m massively over-leveled and everything runs away making things more difficult (one creature is fast and I have to try to sneak up on it).

Also, the game talks about a familiar’s affinity with a given character…but how you tell this is super-obscure…as near as I can tell you need to pick up the familiar like you want to move which slot it is in and look for a dancing icon…what sort of insane ui is that?!?

Anyway, the environments are gorgeous and I am mostly enjoying the game because of it. The plain character designs and cutesy monsters don’t bug me that much but I definitely don’t like them. I would also like to pound Oliver the next time he says neat-o.

I'm still hoping Level-5 makes Dark Cloud 3...I really don't want a sequel to this one...

Yep, there are a few niggles but you get over them as the game progresses. Once you have the walk faster and sneak perk, getting the familiars becomes a little easier, but some are really difficult to get. I played for over two hours just trying to catch the 'Girlfriend' familiar and breathed a sigh of relief when I finally got it. I always make notes when asked for specific things like ingredients and the such, but it would have been nice for them to actually be in the menu as well. If you press 'select' when in the quest book, it toggles between those you have done and those that are active. I thought the little animated icon was a nice way of showing the affinity myself. Each character only has three, so it's not that difficult to remember anyway, but I agree, they could have done more. I now skip the lengthy discussions when collecting hearts ... they do go on and on and on ... .

I've just made a game breaking mistake though and think I've blown it. I had to return to Oliver's home town but forgot to buy health and magic top ups. Suffice to say, I'm getting slaughtered and see no way of winning. I'm just hoping I get lucky.

All in all though, I'm loving it (or should that be loved?)

2013-02-05 20:03:00

Author:
GribbleGrunger

Posts: 3910

Yep, there are a few niggles but you get over them as the game progresses. Once you have the walk faster and sneak perk, getting the familiars becomes a little easier?)

Yup, minor flaws are easy to forgive. I did get the walk faster perk...and have enough to get the sneak one...but was waiting to see what the 3 page perks are.

I thought the little animated icon was a nice way of showing the affinity myself.

It took me several minutes to find it after making a concerted effort after the game mentioned familiar affinity a 2nd time...this should be shown on the page with their other stats. Even then I didn't know what the dancing icon meant and only figured it out by moving the 1st familar to Ester and it stopped dancing. It may be this just isn't that important.

I've just made a game breaking mistake though and think I've blown it. I had to return to Oliver's home town but forgot to buy health and magic top ups. Suffice to say, I'm getting slaughtered and see no way of winning. I'm just hoping I get lucky.

Maybe you'll get lucky and a yellow orb will drop...if not...it seemed like you could change the difficulty at any time...maybe switch to easy to get past that part?

2013-02-05 21:02:00

Author:
fullofwin

Posts: 1214

Maybe you'll get lucky and a yellow orb will drop...if not...it seemed like you could change the difficulty at any time...maybe switch to easy to get past that part?

I GOT LUCKY! Thank God for that. I used up 7 phoenix downs (think that's what they're called) When I used my last one every body was suddenly down to a slither of health. I was just about to cast fire and I just knew the boss would be ahead of me, but someone -- don't know who -- managed to get that all important last hit. Two players on 1 and me on about 3 lol

2013-02-06 00:13:00

Author:
GribbleGrunger

Posts: 3910

I'll say again, it is a quintessential JRPG. With all the upsides and the downsides. I prefer not to overemphasize the downsides because in binary terms it is a Good game, not a Bad one. But the best description is that Ni no Kuni is a JRPG. To the very core. For better or worse. Those who haven't experienced a JRPG before it, I think it's the perfect baseline. Love or hate it, you are in every way educated on the genre. The only problem is, haha, if you hate it...

EDIT [ADVICE]: Don't fret the side missions if you're not going for the platinum, and definitely don't break your back trying to finish them as they come. Every area will need revisiting a dozen times or more, well into the post-game, and at incongruous times for heart pieces, multiple quest-giver relocations, specific monster item drops, etc. There are 130+ side missions, and four of them come from the tedious guy who wants to ogle your familiars (tee hee hee). Don't waste time on it now, get further in the game so his missions "stack" and you can get them all done back to back. Once you've gotten some other side quests and have visited all cities a few times, you'll naturally get enough stamps for the "better recruits" perk (so you can catch monsters at a higher success rate). Definitely do the little ghost boy's riddles as they show up, though. These will unlock spells which include "fog" (so you can sneak on the world map). And: when all is said and done, without much trying, you'll eventually have 2-3 copies of every form of monster you encounter and about a bazillion evolution orbs, so don't worry about evolving monsters or getting orbs early in the game. You'll end up wasting lots of time recruiting and evolving something only to find you have redundant versions, and at times you'll accidentally recruit multiples of them in a ten-minute period way later in the game.

Nothing is missable. Just keep your levels up for boss fights, casually fulfill side quests, progress the main story, and let the game unlock everything like it does, one tiny morsel at a time. Level-5 did a great job making sure that your chances for things only get better later in the game, and anything you really need to progress is given to you automatically. Leave areas, move on, let side quests pile up all over the place. It'll make your revisits more meaningful and productive, and you DEFINITELY will be revisiting areas. Again and again and again.

2013-02-06 02:12:00

Author:
Unknown User

Nothing is missable. Just keep your levels up for boss fights, casually fulfill side quests, progress the main story, and let the game unlock everything like it does, one tiny morsel at a time. Level-5 did a great job making sure that your chances for things only get better later in the game, and anything you really need to progress is given to you automatically. Leave areas, move on, let side quests pile up all over the place. It'll make your revisits more meaningful and productive, and you DEFINITELY will be revisiting areas. Again and again and again.

It's good to know there are no missables...I hate that. JRPGs used to me my favorite genre...I'm too used to quests becoming un-available after progressing the story to be comfortable with letting them pile up...I feel compelled to do everything as early as possible.

But that's ok, I'm not trying to play in the most efficient way possible or trying to squeeze every last ounce of game play out of this. The post game and re-visiting areas "again and again and again" doesn't sound very appealing...I only intend to do as much back-tracking as required to finish the main story...

I think all I'll likely remember about this game a few years from now is the horror of a milk fountain in the desert.

2013-02-06 13:49:00

Author:
fullofwin

Posts: 1214

There is one chest I couldn't get though. I used the spell to show where they were and there was one invisible red chest. I'm not saying where but I think it was in 'another time period'. I left that time period and now I can't get it.

2013-02-06 16:15:00

Author:
GribbleGrunger

Posts: 3910

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