Xenoblade Chronicles – review

Xenoblade Chronicles is a game of rare, carefully crafted quality for Wii.

Power both to see the future and change it is seductive concept at the heart of this Japanese role play, translated Nintendo of for European markets, but not American – much to the consternation of the latter. Their ire is understandable, as in the twilight hours of Wiithe life this is a game of rare quality and depth, a title that revives a genre, if resistance change see it slowly slide towards irrelevance in the eyes of Western gamers.

Wiixenoblade ChroniclesNintendo

Rare Shulk is young hero who gain foresight through an ancient sword, known as Sonia power. His peaceful, pastoral life is disturbed by the unexpected reappearance of Mechon, an army of sentient robots. With his home village all but destroyed, and many died, sets Shulk off with boisterous best mate Reyn to destroy their leader, a metallic monstrosity seems resistant to the Sonia leaves.

His journey takes him through a huge world built on the frozen bodies of two enormous titans, power locked in conflict. This dramatic backdrop offers sights in a beauty and scale seldom seen on the Wii; from the taut yet sprawling plains to the labyrinthine caves teeming these fascinating environments with natural life. The global fauna is mostly harmless, although some will attack on sight, with other similar to audio. Targeting every creature reveals their current "level", so the players can decide whether or not their team is equipped to handle them.

When the time comes to fight, the battle system both fast-paced and tactical. Character will attack automatically within range of an enemy, but players can also choose from a number of special features, each of which has to cool down, before it can be used again. Computer-controlled teammates using their own abilities of forethought; Reyns aggressive approach could draw attention from enemies to allow Shulk to deliver a powerful strike from the rear, for example. The ability to run away and regroup at any time is a welcome, an example of the game's persistent thoughtful design.

However, it is Sonias power who really spices up combat and narrative. During the skirmishes, it can be used to predict the enemy's next move; as a plot device allows the multiple instances of the gripping emotional drama. Save a dear friend from certain death – to the strains of a lush soundtrack – have the power to cause goosebumps, just one of many moments in this gorgeous, expansive epic.

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