Ni No Kuni: Wrath Of The White Witch

Retr0gamer · 02-02-2013 3:12pm

Pushtrak wrote: »

edit: 1up did a piece on something like my previous post: http://www.digitallydownloaded.net/2013/02/no-1up-ni-no-kuni-is-saviour-of-jrpg.html (Worth reading)
Digitally downloaded did a response article to it, disagreeing. http://www.digitallydownloaded.net/2013/02/no-1up-ni-no-kuni-is-saviour-of-jrpg.html

Though, of course, the response isn't really articulating anything against the 1up article that I can see. 1up, as I see it, are responding to the "Oh this game brings back the nostalgia" when really, the nostalgia has been with us all along.

Good article from Bob Mackey there makes some good points, the other one, well that's just terrible. You'd swear the way some journalists go on that FFXIII was the only JRPG released in the last 5 years. I've not played it but Ni No Kuni doesn't sound like it's all that innovative, not that that is a bad thing. However you only have to look at the Handhelds and Wii to see that we've been getting a slew of great RPGs these last few years with some very innovative and modern systems like Xenoblade, Persona 4 and Etrian Odyssey. NI No Kuni definitely isn't the saviour of the genre, it's just one of the few released on a HD console. Most people are hoping it will lead to more JRPGs on HD systems but the fact of the matter is that these games need to sell in japan first which means the vast majority will be on handhelds for the foreseeable future.

Pushtrak · 02-02-2013 3:21pm

Retr0gamer wrote: »

Good article from Bob Mackey there makes some good points, the other one, well that's just terrible. You'd swear the way some journalists go on that FFXIII was the only JRPG released in the last 5 years.

I haven't played FFXIII because I hear it is a poor representation of the JRPG genre, and I hear the 360 port was a shambles. I only recently got a PS3. If I find myself looking for a game at some point I might pick it up for the PS3 as its one of the rare mutliplat games thats better on PS3.

I've not played it but Ni No Kuni doesn't sound like it's all that innovative, not that that is a bad thing.

I'm enjoying the story and battle system a lot. There is a good sprinkling of humour mixed in. It's a very creative piece of work, and I'd recommend it to any JRPG lover. I will, on the other hand, take issue with people who think as you post here that JRPGs haven't been in action lately. They have. And I've been loving it.

Most people are hoping it will lead to more JRPGs on HD systems but the fact of the matter is that these games need to sell in japan first which means the vast majority will be on handhelds for the foreseeable future.

I think with the progression of titles going digital it could work to benefit the next gen. Yes, granted the work will have to be done with doing trannslations, but putting up games on PSN and Xbox Live next gen equivalents would be a very sensible approach.

It would certainly beat the system of them releasing limited quantities here, they be bought by scalpers and sold on for multiple times their RRP. Only issue with this system is not knowing how well the games sell, only the publishers/developers would know that.

Retr0gamer · 02-02-2013 3:28pm

Pushtrak wrote: »

I haven't played FFXIII because I hear it is a poor representation of the JRPG genre, and I hear the 360 port was a shambles. I only recently got a PS3. If I find myself looking for a game at some point I might pick it up for the PS3 as its one of the rare mutliplat games thats better on PS3.

I thought I'd hate it, ended up enjoying it. It's got a hell of a lot of problems but some of the character arcs are decent and the battle system is one of the best in the series. As long as you don't have multiple hour binge sessions on it it won't grow tiring, I guess the best way to play it is to take your time because it can get boring after playing it after 2 hours. You can pick it up online for less than a tenner now so even if you don't like it it's not like you are losing out much.

I'll pick up Ni No Kuni eventually just this month is a tough one for me Car is ****ed, needs an NCT, 3 birthdays I have to go to and valentines day. Load of arse.

johnny_ultimate · 02-02-2013 4:21pm

Retr0gamer wrote: »

Good article from Bob Mackey there makes some good points, the other one, well that's just terrible. You'd swear the way some journalists go on that FFXIII was the only JRPG released in the last 5 years. I've not played it but Ni No Kuni doesn't sound like it's all that innovative, not that that is a bad thing. However you only have to look at the Handhelds and Wii to see that we've been getting a slew of great RPGs these last few years with some very innovative and modern systems like Xenoblade, Persona 4 and Etrian Odyssey. NI No Kuni definitely isn't the saviour of the genre, it's just one of the few released on a HD console. Most people are hoping it will lead to more JRPGs on HD systems but the fact of the matter is that these games need to sell in japan first which means the vast majority will be on handhelds for the foreseeable future.

But the likes of Etrain Odyssey or Shin Megami Tensei are militantly niche titles by design. I love a dungeon crawler or Disgaea game more than the next guy, and Persona 4 may be my favourite game, but at the same time I do long for another 'proper' Dragon Quest or Final Fantasy title. A game like Squenix used to make (and I must check out the Tales titles, although often hear mixed things about 'em).

What Ni No Kuni is reminiscent of is the days JRPGs were not only great games but genuine events. Top of the range graphics, stunning soundtracks, epic stories and good old ATB style party battle systems

When the genre was a best seller in Japan and the West alike, critical and commercial triumphs as opposed to cult handheld titles. Ni No Kuni's impressive sale success here and the States is no doubt what is causing a lot of people to preemptive lot proclaim it the saviour of the JPRG. Obviously the Ghibli connection somewhat shapes the way it's being received overall, though.

Also, Final Fantasy XIII is a crock of ****, point blank. Yes it's battle system is pretty neat and the graphics often breathtaking, but the beyond crippling pace issues, narrative incompetence, irritating characters and all around misjudged design ultimately overwhelm the good. By the time you do get to Pulse it is some challenge to care about anything the game has to offer. It's indicative of everything that went wrong with the big budget RPG over the years and wouldn't recommend it to anyone at all

Pushtrak · 02-02-2013 4:32pm

johnny_ultimate wrote: »

But the likes of Etrain Odyssey or Shin Megami Tensei are militantly niche titles by design. I love a dungeon crawler or Disgaea game more than the next guy, and Persona 4 may be my favourite game, but at the same time I do long for another 'proper' Dragon Quest or Final Fantasy title. A game like Squenix used to make (and I must check out the Tales titles, although often hear mixed things about 'em).

I'm guessing you only have a PS3. I don't think one with a 360 who is a fan of JRPGs intentionally avoids great games. In the battle between Graces F which is the PS3 exclusive, and Vesperia which is the 360 exclusive, Vesperia is by far the victor. Graces F starts a lot slower, but it does get pretty good. Vesperia is just a great game.

Assuming you don't have a 360, you should try to borrow one off a friend or something if not buy one yourself. Lost Odyssey and Vesperia are two games that are really worth playing. There are other great games.

Sephiroth_dude · 02-02-2013 4:46pm

Some of the battles are quite tough,I guess thats remedied by leveling up?

johnny_ultimate · 02-02-2013 5:12pm

Pushtrak wrote: »

I'm guessing you only have a PS3. I don't think one with a 360 who is a fan of JRPGs intentionally avoids great games. In the battle between Graces F which is the PS3 exclusive, and Vesperia which is the 360 exclusive, Vesperia is by far the victor. Graces F starts a lot slower, but it does get pretty good. Vesperia is just a great game.

Assuming you don't have a 360, you should try to borrow one off a friend or something if not buy one yourself. Lost Odyssey and Vesperia are two games that are really worth playing. There are other great games.

Nope I have a 360. Intentionally avoided is an over strong suggestion. Vesperia passed me by - I was interested at launch, but I guess a very minor retail presence, pretty but overwhelming demo and lack of online chatter just kind of distorted my radar. Lost Odyssey I have had in my hand a few times, but recall it getting a relatively middling reception from a lot of folk.

Thanks for the recommendations though, I'll be sure to pick up a cheap copy of LO next time I'm in CEX or whatever, and will keep eyes peeled for Vesperia.

Pushtrak · 02-02-2013 5:24pm

johnny_ultimate wrote: »

Nope I have a 360. Intentionally avoided is an over strong suggestion. Vesperia passed me by - I was interested at launch, but I guess a very minor retail presence, pretty but overwhelming demo and lack of online chatter just kind of distorted my radar. Lost Odyssey I have had in my hand a few times, but recall it getting a relatively middling reception from a lot of folk.

Thanks for the recommendations though, I'll be sure to pick up a cheap copy of LO next time I'm in CEX or whatever, and will keep eyes peeled for Vesperia.

Vesperia might be hard to find a good price for retail. It's on the marketplace for 30 euros I think. Honestly that's a great price for it. One of the rare times the Games on Demand price is justified. If I didn't have the retail version I have, I'd have been willing to pay twice that. And still be paying less than places are probably selling it for 2nd hand.

Edit: Its worth noting that the euros price can be swappeed for Microsoft Points instead.
Edit 2: Just checked... In points, it is 2560.

Notorioux · 02-02-2013 7:51pm

Hi lads,

kinda stuck here, I just finished the trials, and heading to the volcano, i have 3 familiars which says is able to metamorphosis, I just got 4 of every metamorphosis stone, however, when i try to feed the sun stone to the sun creature, it shakes its head.

I do this for every other stone and it shakes its head also. This is the same to my other 3 familiars. Is there something I'm missing? do I need to feed it something else first to get it to have 2 hearts before it can metamorphosis?

Pushtrak · 02-02-2013 7:57pm

When you can feed the familar the thing for metamorphosis, note the part of the screen that says "X Give Treat". If it is greyed out, you can't give it to them. I think it has to get to a certain level before you can do so. Like, the level of the last skill.

cloud493 · 02-02-2013 8:01pm

Has anyone been able to pick this up in Dublin? I was up in newry today couldn't find it anywhere.

F1ngers · 02-02-2013 8:38pm

cloud493 wrote: »

Has anyone been able to pick this up in Dublin? I was up in newry today couldn't find it anywhere.

The square in Tallaght had loads of copies at 17:30 yesterday.

cloud493 · 02-02-2013 8:43pm

Is that gamestop?

F1ngers · 02-02-2013 8:53pm

cloud493 wrote: »

Is that gamestop?

It is. €59.99.

cloud493 · 02-02-2013 9:38pm

Cheers for that

jenno86 · 02-02-2013 11:33pm

I got it from GameStop. The price is 59.99. They also have an offer when you trade in 2 games from a list you get it for it for 9.99.

I went down to XtraVision and bought Batman: Arkham Asylum and Fifa Street for 15 each and traded them in! So I got it for 39.99!

ShaneU · 03-02-2013 3:40am

jenno86 wrote: »

I got it from GameStop. The price is 59.99. They also have an offer when you trade in 2 games from a list you get it for it for 9.99.

I went down to XtraVision and bought Batman: Arkham Asylum and Fifa Street for 15 each and traded them in! So I got it for 39.99!

Is the list online?

GTR63 · 03-02-2013 4:28am

ShaneU wrote: »

Is the list online?

http://www.gamestop.ie/tradelist

ShaneU · 03-02-2013 1:58pm

Called 4 gamestops near me, all sold out

blaa85 · 03-02-2013 2:10pm

Amazon are quoting the 19th to be re-stocked. I'd say there will be a record number of downloads from the ps store for a full priced game. I'm just glad it wasn't 69.99 like they usually price them.

I hope developers start seeing the demand for some classic JRPG's. I have never seen a game this hard to track down upon release.

cloud493 · 03-02-2013 2:35pm

Gamestop in Tallaght out of stock. And in town as well.

Retr0gamer · 03-02-2013 3:40pm

blaa85 wrote: »

I hope developers start seeing the demand for some classic JRPG's. I have never seen a game this hard to track down upon release.

I'd say it's a combination of factors. The game bombed in japan, JRPGs haven't done well this gen on consoles and Namco Bandai have a habit of not meeting demand for their niche games. You can bet there'll be a reprint. Would be great to see it top of the charts.

noodler · 03-02-2013 4:11pm

F1ngers wrote: »

The square in Tallaght had loads of copies at 17:30 yesterday.

cloud493 wrote: »

Is that gamestop?

F1ngers wrote: »

It is. €59.99.

Quick disclaimer:

I was in GS Henry St on Friday evening.

There were 10 copies on the shelve but they all had a small sticker on them which said "out of stock..coming back soon".

I initially thought there were plenty of them in stock as well.

cloud493 · 03-02-2013 4:22pm

I got it

had to go to blanchardstown for it, but I got it.

Xenji · 03-02-2013 4:26pm

Retr0gamer wrote: »

I'd say it's a combination of factors. The game bombed in japan, JRPGs haven't done well this gen on consoles and Namco Bandai have a habit of not meeting demand for their niche games. You can bet there'll be a reprint. Would be great to see it top of the charts.

Any idea why the DS version sold so well in Japan then, I think it outsold the PS3 version nearly 10/1.

blaa85 · 03-02-2013 4:30pm

Retr0gamer wrote: »

I'd say it's a combination of factors. The game bombed in japan, JRPGs haven't done well this gen on consoles and Namco Bandai have a habit of not meeting demand for their niche games. You can bet there'll be a reprint. Would be great to see it top of the charts.

I didn't know it bombed in Japan. Was just having a read up of it there, only sold 40% of stock. They probably deliberately fecked up the orders over here so they could see 100% sold of initial stock!

Deano7788 · 03-02-2013 4:33pm

Xenji wrote: »

Any idea why the DS version sold so well in Japan then, I think it outsold the PS3 version nearly 10/1.

Japan is predominantly a handheld playing country. They're much more popular there than home consoles.

johnny_ultimate · 03-02-2013 4:43pm

PS3 version came late too, so most people who were interested likely had picked up the DS version. Sold well enough but the even the DS game was heavily discounted soon after release which isn't quite as common in Japan as it would be over here.

Loving the game so far anyway. Only finished in Ding Dong but already think the battle system is proving engaging (although after playing Disgaea games can't help but feel hard done by when I only get 10 XP!). The presentation is near peerless, but Joe Hisaishi's soundtrack is proving particularly wonderful. As a long time fan of his work with Ghibli and Kitano, delighted to see his compositions making a smooth transition to another medium!

cdb · 03-02-2013 5:20pm

Really enjoying the game so far, it looks stunning and the gameplay is nicley balanced between story and action parts. One thing though, does anyone else find the dialogue goes missing when talking to characters?

F1ngers · 03-02-2013 5:33pm

noodler wrote: »

There were 10 copies on the shelve but they all had a small sticker on them which said "out of stock..coming back soon".

I initially thought there were plenty of them in stock as well.

There were plenty at the time I stated, that's when I bought mine, picked it off the shelf - at that time there were approx 20 still there.

Retr0gamer · 03-02-2013 5:33pm

Xenji wrote: »

Any idea why the DS version sold so well in Japan then, I think it outsold the PS3 version nearly 10/1.

The DS version bombed even worse. It was a massive disaster, think it sold less than 4000 in it's opening week. It probably go more sales a month later since it was in the 500 yen bargain bins.

Sephiroth_dude · 03-02-2013 6:06pm

How come the ds version was never released over here or in the states?

Deano7788 · 03-02-2013 6:12pm

Sephiroth_dude wrote: »

How come the ds version was never released over here or in the states?

Apparently there were issues translating the book that came with it.

Then they went and included a translated book with the special edition of the PS3 version, so maybe there were other issues that they didn't reveal.

Retr0gamer · 03-02-2013 6:14pm

Well it bombed in japan and relied on an expensive to make pack in book and by the time it was ready for release piracy had gutted the DS market. Pity because I hear it's much better than the PS3 game and going by the PS3 games sales could have done well.

Morpork · 03-02-2013 6:17pm

Has anyone reached

Drippy's hometown

yet? What did they call it?

Pushtrak · 03-02-2013 6:31pm

cdb wrote: »

Really enjoying the game so far, it looks stunning and the gameplay is nicley balanced between story and action parts. One thing though, does anyone else find the dialogue goes missing when talking to characters?

As in, you have subtitles on and if you press X it skips them actually saying it? I turned off subtitles because of this.

Xenji · 03-02-2013 6:49pm

Retr0gamer wrote: »

The DS version bombed even worse. It was a massive disaster, think it sold less than 4000 in it's opening week. It probably go more sales a month later since it was in the 500 yen bargain bins.

Eh it actually sold over 170,000 copies in its first week and had sales of 500,000 3 months later.

http://gamasutra.com/view/news/32060/Monster_Hunter_Holds_Off_Ni_No_Kunis_Premiere_In_Japanese_Charts.php

http://www.siliconera.com/2011/03/21/ni-no-kuni-over-500000-in-sales-says-level-5-ceo/

johnny_ultimate · 03-02-2013 6:55pm

Retr0gamer wrote: »

The DS version bombed even worse. It was a massive disaster, think it sold less than 4000 in it's opening week. It probably go more sales a month later since it was in the 500 yen bargain bins.

Not sure where you're getting any of these figures from. Was just about to post the links above. The DS version came second in the Japanese charts on release week, and the PS3 third. Of course, they may not have sold as well as expected - PS3 particularly, but then again it seems to be pretty much the same game as the DS - but 'bombed' is a little strong. A slowburner, but not an outright flop. Siliconera put together an article about the sales in Japan overall: http://www.siliconera.com/2011/11/26/a-little-more-insight-into-ni-no-kunis-japanese-sales-on-playstation-3/

Also, a 500 yen bargain bin in Japan a month after release? Think at least four or five times that, and at 2,500 yen it would be a pretty spectacular bargain going by Japanese retail prices :pac:

cdb · 03-02-2013 7:18pm

Pushtrak wrote: »

As in, you have subtitles on and if you press X it skips them actually saying it? I turned off subtitles because of this.

Subtitles are off but the text is displayed instead of hearing the characters speak if you know what I mean. X button displays all.
I had subtitles on initially so wonder if it is a hangover from this. Will toggle it again, just wondering if anyone else had noticed it.

Zeouterlimits · 03-02-2013 7:20pm

johnny_ultimate wrote: »

Not sure where you're getting any of these figures from. Was just about to post the links above. The DS version came second in the Japanese charts on release week, and the PS3 third. Of course, they may not have sold as well as expected - PS3 particularly, but then again it seems to be pretty much the same game as the DS - but 'bombed' is a little strong. A slowburner, but not an outright flop. Siliconera put together an article about the sales in Japan overall: http://www.siliconera.com/2011/11/26/a-little-more-insight-into-ni-no-kunis-japanese-sales-on-playstation-3/

Also, a 500 yen bargain bin in Japan a month after release? Think at least four or five times that, and at 2,500 yen it would be a pretty spectacular bargain going by Japanese retail prices :pac:

Sure, but Level 5 completely over shipped it and over estimated returns. Game didn't do anywhere close to what they were expecting.

Xenji · 03-02-2013 7:24pm

cdb wrote: »

Subtitles are off but the text is displayed instead of hearing the characters speak if you know what I mean. X button displays all.
I had subtitles on initially so wonder if it is a hangover from this. Will toggle it again, just wondering if anyone else had noticed it.

It is due to the fact that the game is not fully vocalised, so not all the dialogue will be spoken.

johnny_ultimate · 03-02-2013 7:28pm

Zeouterlimits wrote: »

Sure, but Level 5 completely over shipped it and over estimated returns. Game didn't do anywhere close to what they were expecting.

Yeah, of course, it was undoubtedly a sales disappointment considering the prestige behind it. But figures like '4000 copies sold' and '500 yen bargain bin' are straight out of fantasy land. Here, for example, is what the game was actually discounted to: http://www.siliconera.com/2011/01/02/ni-no-kuni-prices-slashed-at-japanese-retail/

Still, will be interesting to see if this is one of the first JRPGs to outperform the Japanese market in the West.

Zeouterlimits · 03-02-2013 7:52pm

johnny_ultimate wrote: »

Still, will be interesting to see if this is one of the first JRPGs to outperform the Japanese market in the West.

I had initially thought that, but I think that Namco undershipped and may have choked the sales accidently. It's unfortunate, because by the time they second and third runs properly hit we'll be into the February release madness.

We'll see I suppose.

cloud493 · 03-02-2013 8:28pm

Apparently gamestop will have small amounts back in stock on Wednesday.

God it's lovely isn't. I'm just heading to the deep dark wood.

Retr0gamer · 03-02-2013 9:12pm

johnny_ultimate wrote: »

Yeah, of course, it was undoubtedly a sales disappointment considering the prestige behind it. But figures like '4000 copies sold' and '500 yen bargain bin' are straight out of fantasy land. Here, for example, is what the game was actually discounted to: http://www.siliconera.com/2011/01/02/ni-no-kuni-prices-slashed-at-japanese-retail/

Still, will be interesting to see if this is one of the first JRPGs to outperform the Japanese market in the West.

I got those sales figures from Warning a Huge Podcast. They said it sold very few copies and the following months podcast Nick Rocks was saying he the game around that price in a bargain bin and that was the going price for it outside the big cities.

I probably remembered wrong but it was probably 40,000 not 4000. They however don't use Media Create figures since you have to pay for them, I think they use Famitsu which doesn't track online sales and a few stores aren't factored in.

noodler · 03-02-2013 10:21pm

No RPG is fully voiced...

Xenji · 03-02-2013 10:33pm

noodler wrote: »

No RPG is fully voiced...

Except for the last few Final Fantasies, Mass Effect, Resonance of Fate, Tales of Vesperia....ect

noodler · 03-02-2013 10:34pm

Xenji wrote: »

Except for the last few Final Fantasies, Mass Effect, Resonance of Fate, Tales of Vesperia....ect

?

Nope, in every single of of those games you will find conversations or dialogue options which are simply text.

Xenji · 03-02-2013 10:40pm

noodler wrote: »

?

Nope, in every single of of those games you will find conversations or dialogue options which are simply text.

True, but that is only with NPC's, all main character dialogue is voiced unlike Ni no Kuni

noodler · 03-02-2013 10:43pm

Xenji wrote: »

True, but that is only with NPC's, all main character dialogue is voiced unlike Ni no Kuni

Okay fair enough I haven't played it - getting a little flustered with the definition of voice and non-voiced RPGs. Seems to be alot of middle ground.

Even Persona which had a huge proportion of text dialogue had the main characters speak audio some of the time.

Ni No Kuni: Wrath Of The White Witch

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