Xenoblade Chronicles X might flat out be the most ambitious game releasing this year. A lot of this has to do with its scale, and its network functionality. The latter in particular has been something that players have been always cautious of, given Nintendo’s less than stellar track record in the online arena. However, we’ve since then known that Xenoblade X will not have a compromised online mode. And now, we have some more details on how the network mode will work in the game, courtesy of the latest Direct dedicated entirely to the title.
The online mode will essentially work a lot like a microcosmic MMO- you are always connected, and the game will link you up with other players in the vicinity that are exploring the same area as you, and on the same level as you. Within a network, you can co-operate and exchange items and equipment. There will also be Squad Missions, which all players can work together towards, and Squad Quests, which are for up to six players at a time. By increasing your conquest development enough, you’ll eventually find “World Enemies.” These are powerful giant enemies that are much stronger than Overed. They’ll be difficult to fight, but they will drop powerful loot.
As for the mechs, there are three types- Light, Middle, and Heavy. Light type have low HP but a high evasion rate, Middle-type are easy-to-use and well-balanced, while Heavy-types are bulky and require technique to control, but they have plenty of health and defense. That is of course just a basic breakdown, as there will be further classes and types available within the categories.
Xenoblade Chronicles X launches in Japan later this month, exclusively for Wii U; a release for the rest of the world follows later this year. Stay tuned.