Xenogame General /XGG/ Xenoblade 2 FAQ

Xenogame General /XGG/ Xenoblade 2 FAQ

Q: Do I need to play previous games?
A: No, Xenoblade 2 is standalone. It isn't a direct sequel of any of the other games, but rather a spiritual successor to XB1. According to Takahashi, you will understand why it is called "Xenoblade 2" when you play it. You are free to play them in case you want to catch any reference or easter egg in XB2, but both games are really long (70h+ for the first playthrough) so you might get burnt out for a while.

Q: Will I like it compared to XB1 and XBX?
A: Xenoblade 2 is closer to XB1 compared to XBX, as it is more story oriented. On the other hand, reviewers noted the exploration part is bigger than XB1 but probably smaller than XBX. Consider Xenoblade 2 as the compromise between both games, while leaning towards XB1 for its structure and story focus.

Q: JP voice? Text?
A: Yes, there is a japanese voice free DLC.
Since the western version is handled differently due to the voice DLC, it is similar to Fire Emblem Warriors case: There isn't any common version of the game, hence why there is "Xenoblade Chronicles 2" for the west, while Japan has its version, "Xenoblade 2". As such, the game isn't designed to work like Mario Odyssey or Breath of the Wild. Switching your account or language settings won't change the game language at all. If you want JP text, you will have to buy on the JP Eshop, but you won't have English text nor English voices.

Q: Sound options?
A: You can tweak Cutscenes voices, BGM, SFX, Game voices, Battle narration (Announcer) separately. So if you can't stand "AMAZING/MARVELOUS/etc" yells in combat, you can disable them specifically without affecting the rest. You can also disable Game voices which will render fights completely void of characters banter. However, it will also disable characters dialogues during in-game scenes (like heart to heart ones, but not the real cutscenes) and the comments they do while traveling on the main map or after a fight. Also, note that there isn't any individual character voice option.

Q: Can I change characters outfits?
A: Not confirmed for any character. Unlike XB1 and XBX, the equipments are mostly accessories that don't affect your characters' looks. There isn't any confirmation if there is any skin equipment stuff or not yet.

Q: I'm stuck with a brat in combat? What about the other characters?
A: You still can control other characters like any xenoblade game, although you cannot swap character in the middle of a fight. You can also issue a focus order to the IA, but you cannot make any other specific order. However, the IA will act accordingly to the style of the driver, depending of the type of blades they have, so equip them with more tank or healer blades if you want a dedicated tank or healer.

Q: How is the battle system? It looks slow.
A: It is actually the most fast paced system in the series. The game forces you to position yourself correctly to take advance of your arts effects, and relying mostly on autos isn't a good idea. Combo, positioning and timing are important and the mobs are actually a threat if you aren't actively playing in combat. It is particularly important to master Arts Combo for more Blade Combo, leading for more potential damage with Elemental Orb, Chain attack and Fusion combo altogether. Please check the nintendo direct video for practical explanations.

Q: What the hell are common and rare blades?
A: Weapons in the form of characters you obtain from core crystals which might be similar to lootboxes at first glance, except you cannot buy them at all. No confirmation if you can have rare blade dupes though. Note that blades are bound to the character who opened the core crystal.

Q: Can I abuse save function to roll a good blade?
A: No can do. There is an auto save function that activates everytime you opens a core crystal and you cannot turn it off. You get a lot of core crystals during your playthrough so you shouldn't worry about not getting good blades on the long run. Also note that you only have 1 save just like XBX, but it is tied to the user profile. If you want another save, just launch the game with another user.

Q: Can I transfer blades? Can I unequip/transfer special blades like Homura/Pyra or Byakko/Dromarch?
A: Regarding non story blades, yes, but it requires overdrive material, which is said to be rare. Be careful when you decide to open a core crystal with a certain character. As for the unique blades, no you cannot unequip them nor transfer them as they are bound to their respective driver for story reasons.

Q: How long is the game?
A: Most reviewers stated they spent like 20-30 hours just for the first 4 chapters and they don't think they even reached half of the game, so expect a game at least as long as the previous 2 games.

Q: Is the music as good as the first game?
A: Have a listen for yourself: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7Z9fIbLf_c

Q: Is it censored? Any changes?
A: As far as we know, nope, not censored. Some rare blades are known for their risqué design and they weren't censored. As for changes, Nintendo of Europe is responsible for the localization, so it is very likely to be more faithful than Treehouse or 8-4. However, it has to be mentioned that NoE still make few changes at times, which was already the case in XB1, but not as drastic as any work of the aforementioned localization companies. Text would require cross checking with the JP ver to confirm this.

Q: Any DLC?
A: Similarly to BoTW, Xenoblade 2 has a season pass that will span over a year. You cannot buy any item separately right now. Most important point is that we will get an additional story part in Fall 2018. Use your own discretion if it is worth your money or not, but it is obvious these aren't really cut content from the disc.

Q: Actual gameplay videos?
A: Most are spoiler free, but some reveal more than usual, so caution is advised.
Gamespot: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-s49dktg5_8
GameXplain: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0W7ROTyWFQs
IGN: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dW_REqB8vbc
Polygon (no commentary): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwuUlw876T4

Q: What's in the special edition?
US version (Canadian French): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ltyIBNMJJM
Europe Version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsPVtp14PTc
Australian version and Japanese version are similar to the EU one. AUS box is the same except the blade highlight on the box is green, not teal and the OST selection cover and disc designs are the same as the US version. As a bonus, there is also a poster.
Meanwhile, JP steelbook is used for the OST selection, not for the game card. Also, not only it has a regular case for the game, but an additional cover featuring Rex with Hikari/Mythra instead.