Hey you! Have you heard about the local man who was ‘really feeling it?’
If you’re part of the Super Smash Bros. community, you are probably familiar with this estranged individual by the name of Shulk, who came largely by surprised when announced as a playable combatant for the new addition for the WiiU and 3DS. Who is this man? What does he want? Exactly ‘what’ is this feeling he is feeling?
Thankfully, Nintendo is rereleasing this 2009 title for the 3DS for you to discover this young man’s history. Here’s what you need to know for Xenboblades Chronicles 3D:
What is this rerelease about?
Xenoblades Chronicles 3D is a real-time battle system RPG following Shulk, a young boy who has been granted a legendary blade called the ‘Monado.’ According to the world’s lore, there existed nothing but oceans until two giant titans emerged and fought endlessly. Upon their final strike, both spirits perished and new life began to form on these hollowed bodies: Humans and machine. Since their inception, a war has been waged and with the assistance of this incredible weapon, Shulk venture into this world for adventure and vengeance.
Along the way, Shulk will begin to perfect his abilities with this extraordinary weapon, as the Monado allows him to see moments in the future to predict and avoid certain obstacles. However, he is not alone in this quest, as childhood friends and new faces will assist in this exciting quest and into enemy territory.
Will there be any new content for returning players?
Nintendo advertises this rerelease will be a faithful port to a portable system for new audiences to enjoy while implementing minor changes in gameplay for the 3DS. If you were an original player of the game and want to experience the same narrative once more, go right ahead! However, if you’re expecting features and content not within the first game, you will probably find nothing new.
So, why was this game’s protagonist selected for the Super Smash Bros. franchise?
While this question doesn’t strictly relate to this gameplay at large, it does allow for some proper answers while presenting the game’s strongest features.
First, the game may seem like a stand-alone title with no heirs prior to its inception. However, the game is actually part of a metaseries from a popular Japanese role-playing games called the ‘Xeno Series.’ The first game (Xenogears) was originally a script pitched for Final Fantasy VII, before it was rejected for being “…Too dark and complicated for a fantasy…” before ultimately given its own title. The second series (Xenosaga), which spawned three ‘episodes,’ was released on the Playstation 2, but was unable to extend beyond the requested six additions due to less than expected sales. With this addition, Nintendo has bought the titled series to further extend the game’s lore with a brand new story line.
When Xenoblade Chronicles was originally released, the title was met with critical acclaim and appraisal, which was an important accomplishment for any Japanese RPG. During the late 2000s and early 2010s, many players across the world felt that nothing innovative was coming through this industry and any originality was thinned down to traditional and clichéd moments. This time, however, Xenoblade Chronicles experimented with Western game mechanics that many claimed actually helped saved the genre.
Finally, Nintendo does not reveal a character as Shulk without foreshadowing of other products. Much like Kid Icarus, further installments for the series have been planned, including ‘Xenoblade Chronicles X,’ which is slated to be released April 29, 2015 in Japan. If you enjoy the first game’s environments and story, you’ll be happy to find that the sequel intends to bring the same spirit and more!
When will this game be released for the 3DS?
Enjoy what you’re reading and want more? Well, you’re in luck, as Xenoblade Chronicles 3D for the 3DS is available now! Whether you’re here for curious interest or you just want to know more about this Shulk character you fight/are fighting against in the Super Smash Bros. game, Xenoblade Chronicles 3D will have all the answers (and ‘feelings’) for you. Check out the trailer below for further details.
