With a Xenoblade game having released only 2 years ago and the ever present possibility of a delay, many people didn’t believe Nintendo when they announced that Xenoblade Chronicles 2 would release for the Nintendo Switch in 2017. The potential for delay only increased as we got to September without a release date being announced. Nintendo took the opportunity to not only showcase a smorgasbord of new gameplay footage during their latest Nintendo Direct, but also announce that Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is definitely coming out this year, setting a release date of December 1st.
The new gameplay footage showed off the varied environments you will find in the game, with each being the back of a giant Titan that you’re exploring. Along with the gorgeous environments, Nintendo also showcased the combat of the game, and specifically the Driver and Blade system. As you unleash regular attacks and more spectacular ‘arts’, you’ll also charge up a special attack gauge. This gauge can be charged up to 4 times and expended at once, with higher charges resulting in more spectacular and devastating attacks.
Along with the gameplay footage, Nintendo also revealed that Xenoblade Chronicles 2 will receive a special edition and a themed pro controller on release. While other PAL regions will be receiving a soft cover 200-page art book and more simplistic artwork, Australia is receiving the North American variant of the special edition. This means we will instead receive a 220-page hardcover art book and a character-focused box art. The special edition also comes with the first steelbook case to grace the Switch and a sound selection CD. The pro controller includes the trademark Xeno cross slash across the front, as well as red handgrips.
The special edition of Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is exclusive to EB Games and can be preordered now at their website, while the limited edition themed pro controller will be available at multiple stores. Stay tuned for more news ahead of the game’s release on December 1st, exclusively for Nintendo Switch.
