[N-Direct] Xenoblade Chronicles 2: presentation, extended trailer, LE, details, footage, pictures, more

During the latest Nintendo Direct presentation, Nintendo chose to focus on Xenoblade Chronicles 2 with an 8 minute video introducing the world and the various nations that can be found there.

Here’s the video:

And here’s the extended version of the trailer shown during the Nintendo Direct presentation:

Also, following the presentation, the Japanese official website for the game was updated. There isn’t much new there, but the Battle section was opened, and features a few videos. We grabbed them all and merged them into a single video, for your viewing convenience!

Here it is:

The battle system of Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is centered around two “elements”: Drivers, who fight enemies directly, and Blades, who support them. Just like in other Xenoblade Chronicles games, your character attacks enemies automatically when standing near them… though obviously, that’s just for the basic attacks!

After using several basic attacks, the Driver can use Driver Arts, which are pretty varied: some will break enemies’ stances, other will deal more damage from a specific position (front, back, sides, etc.), and others make potion come out of enemies (yes, literally). You need to learn when to use Driver Arts, in order to maximise their effects.

Using Driver Arts fills up the Special Move gauge (which is divided in 4 parts), and when at least one part is filled, you can launch said Special Moves. When using one, the Blade is actually the one attacking the enemy.

There’s also minor details about two characters:

• Nia (voiced by Hitomi Oowada). A party member and a Driver;
• Byakko (voiced by Tetsu Inada). Nia’s Blade, and a childhood friend of hers. He’s been following her around like a butler of some sort, and he can actually speak the human language.

During the Nintendo Direct presentation, it was revealed that each character could have several Blades (up to 3 can be “equipped” at a given time). Their attribute can change, and they give access to different sets of Driver Arts, so you’re encouraged to mix them up. After all, they can really increase the versatily of your party members!

Here’s some shown on the official website:

• Finch
• Genou
• Hinageshi
• Murasame

But that’s not all: it was also announced that Xenoblade Chronicles 2 was to get a Collector’s Edition. Here’s what it includes:

• physical copy of the game
• Sound selection CD
• Steelbook
• 220-page hardbound art book

Europe / North America – $99.99 (99.99€?)

Japan – 10 980 Yen (4 000 Yen for the SKU without the game)

Also, Nintendo is going to release a special Xenoblade Chronicles 2 Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, with a design inspired by Pyra. It will cost $74.99 / 7 480 Yen (price for other regions TBC).

Finally, here’s tons of artworks and screenshots for the game:

Xenoblade Chronicles 2 (Switch) comes out on December 1st worldwide.

Source: Nintendo PR / Nintendo