Nintendo have held a worldwide Direct broadcast today outlining more information about the upcoming Monolith Soft developed Xenoblade Chronicles 2 for the Nintendo Switch. It is due to release worldwide on 1st December. There was lots of new information to share about the characters, world, gameplay features, release plan as well as an expansion pass. It is the sequel to the original Xenoblade Chronicles which released for the Wii and later the New 3DS. The key release plans/DLC announcements are summarised below in the bullet point list with omission of the game’s content for those that want to enter the game with as little information as possible. Additionally there is a new trailer that was shown at the start of the Direct. Furthermore the press release from Nintendo of America goes into more detail about the features outlined in this Direct.
- The Japanese audio will be available as a free download that will be available on the eShop on the day of release.
- An Expansion Pass will be available for preorder on the eShop today for $29.99 or your regional equivalent. This expansion pass consists of new side quests, support items and a Battle Mode. There will also be a new side story. The content will release over time starting from launch day up until autumn 2018.
- Digital preorders are now available for the game as well. This includes both a standalone version and a bundle with the Expansion Pass.
- Furthermore there will be a DLC collaboration with The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild on both Wii U and Nintendo Switch. This comes in the form of a new side quest starring Rex. You will be able to get a Rex costume. It will be available on 9th November.
Next up, here is the latest trailer for the highly anticipated Japanese RPG.
Finally, here is the press release, via Nintendo of America:
REDMOND, Wash.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– In just a few weeks, Nintendo Switch owners will leave the familiar behind and enter the fantastical world of Alrest – a world full of living lands known as Titans and the fabled paradise of Elysium. To get fans ready for the Dec. 1 launch of the Xenoblade Chronicles 2 game, Nintendo presented a deep dive into elements of the massive game, including the vast environments, battle system and characters. This special Nintendo Direct presentation also revealed upcoming paid DLC, a fun cross-promotion with The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, as well as free DLC available to download on launch day that will allow players to also play the game with Japanese audio and English subtitles.
“With Xenoblade Chronicles 2, we are giving fans yet another engaging adventure that can only be found on Nintendo Switch,” said Doug Bowser, Nintendo of America’s Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “This sequel is perfect for playing at home or while traveling during the busy holiday season.”
To view the Nintendo Direct video in its entirety, visit http://xenobladechronicles2.nintendo.com/direct/.
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is next in the series following the original acclaimed RPG that launched for Wii in 2012. This sequel features new characters and worlds, with an expanded battle system that will still feel familiar to fans of the first game. In Xenoblade Chronicles 2, Blades are artificial lifeforms that bond with Drivers to lend them their weapons and powers in battle. Main character Rex is a Driver and Pyra is a Blade. To help familiarize fans with main character Rex before the game launches, a new Side Quest will be available via a free update in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild game for both Nintendo Switch and Wii U systems, in which players will be able to obtain a Rex costume starting on Nov. 9.
In and out of battle, Blades have a wide array of support abilities. While adventuring, these abilities might increase the number of items that can be collected, open up new paths to explore or initiate other special effects. When players fight alongside their chosen Blade, they might trigger effects that protect the Driver, strengthen attacks and so forth. Abilities differ from Blade to Blade, so selecting different Blades adds to the strategy of battle.
Blades are just one form of life that players will encounter while journeying on the backs of the mighty Titans. In the vast world of Alrest, players will discover both peaceful and aggressive wildlife of all shapes and sizes wandering among giant plains, winding caverns, frozen kingdoms, scorched earth and sandy beaches. If players manage to defeat certain Unique Beasts, a tombstone will be left behind to commemorate the creature and allow players to relive those battles for additional rewards.
While traveling the massive world of Alrest, players will run into shining spots called Collection Points – which give players the opportunity to pick up valuable items or dive under the clouds to salvage hard-to-find treasures – or special landmarks that players can transport to at any time. Alrest is also teeming with bustling cities. From shopping districts to residential quarters, each Titan has its own unique layout and atmosphere.
Fans who want to expand their epic adventure can pre-purchase an Expansion Pass for the game in Nintendo eShop beginning today or pre-order it from select retailers shortly at a suggested retail price of $29.99. With this pass, players can enjoy DLC as it releases between the launch of the game and fall 2018, starting with quests and support items, and eventually including a challenge Battle Mode where they can face powerful enemies. This DLC will even include an additional adventure with a new side story set in the world of Elysium. Details about individual elements of the Expansion Pass will be released in the future.
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 will launch exclusively for the Nintendo Switch system on Dec. 1 at a suggested retail price of $59.99. The same day, the Xenoblade Chronicles 2 Edition Nintendo Switch Pro Controller will launch at a suggested retail price of $74.99. Launch day will also see the release of the Xenoblade Chronicles 2 Special Edition. This special version includes the game, a beautifully illustrated hardbound art book filled with 220 pages of concept designs and artwork of the characters, landscapes and objects from the game, a sound-selection CD of many of the game’s memorable music tracks, and a special metal case containing the Xenoblade Chronicles 2 game card at a suggested retail price of $99.99. Players who prefer the digital version can pre-purchase the game from Nintendo eShop now, either standalone or as a bundle with the Expansion Pass.
For more information about Xenoblade Chronicles 2, visit http://xenobladechronicles2.nintendo.com/.
SOURCE: Press Release
