But honestly, I feel like X has lost its true Xenoblade quality. I mean those character models just dont really look that good, they seem bland and un original, this is monoliths first HD game and im sure they arent experts on it. Also it seems like some of the artistic style that we saw in the first game has been lost and replaced with alot of metal and mechs, too many. The game looks alot more like Xenosaga, and I think the visual magic that came with the first game has ceased. I was really liking the new direction that they were headed in after playing the first game, and now seems they are reverted back to lots of mechs, space ships, and space in general. Also I would have prefered a set main character and not had the choice to go male or female and customize them, thats just not JRPG to me. Still, I love the other style alot too, some of my most favorite games ever are in this style so I am will still play it and im sure enjoy it. It was just Xenoblade was such a breath of fresh air, not just from a JRPG but from Monoliths usual style for the xeno games, that was a big factor of what made it so special and I wish they had continued more of that. Maybe they can sway opinion once I get my hands on this game.
I don't think it will be too far off from Xenoblade though. Remember the first game play trailer with the vast, lush green world they were piloting the mech around in? The huge world will still be there to explore, as well as the combat and quests im sure. I did love the art style of Xenoblade though, that will be missed, but the switch back to Monolith's roots of SciFi and mechs make sense. Given that Xenoblade was originally "Monado: Beginning of the World" and after seeing the new trailer knowing this one is about preventing the destruction of it, which was hinted at in previous games to happen in the future. Only fitting we have the Tech needed to stop the invasion. I too prefer a set MC, but I think the reason there isn't here is because of the possible online aspect. The early trailer showed 4 players from what I remember. So with the story not being tied to one MC, everyone might be able to play together in squads or something, since the MC looks to be part of some earth defense force of some sort. Makes sense to not tie it down to one MC and force the other 3 to be some random generic toon. This way each person has their own unique personality they've crafted and can drop it and out. I have a feeling there will be some sort of mission base, where you can group up and tackle side quests together and the main story arc will be solo. I could be wrong though, as all of that is just me speculating on what I've seen. I'm sure looking forward to it though. Monolith is one of the few studios I still have 100% faith in. I'm sure we'll be talking about this one a lot in the future lol
http://youtu.be/RGHJvkDw1Ys