Before continuing, we recommend reading this – it will explain the intentions of the Expansive Overview and what it sets out to achieve.
There’s been blood, sweat and tears on the road to making this happen, but amazingly, Ni No Kuni has finally been localized. Level 5 and Studio Ghibli have created a gorgeous looking JRPG, but does it play just as well?
Publisher: Namco Bandai
Developer: Level 5/Studio Ghibli
Release Date: February 1st 2013
Format: Playstation 3
Version Tested: Playstation 3
For the record, I may be a bit biased in my overview of Ni No Kuni. I have long desired a Welsh-sounding protagonist in a video game, and with Mr Drippy, the fairy, I have exactly that. In true Welsh fashion, Mr Drippy over-does it and ultimately becomes a bit overbearing. I can’t deny, however, that he was instantly endearing to me; wandering around, calling everybody ‘butt’ and exclaiming that all the good things in life are ‘tidy’.
It shouldn’t be much of a surprise to anyone who has at least seen a screenshot of the game that Ni No Kuni is completely and utterly gorgeous throughout. It’s a game that, some might say, feels more at home on a Nintendo console as it oozes easy-going, cartooney elegance. In spite of that, the art-style will probably seem quite familiar to you. Studio Ghibli, creators of Spirited Away and Howls Moving Castle, have masterfully made the transition into gaming, and they’re such a natural fit that you’ll never want them to leave. Not only do the animated cut-scenes blend in beautifully with the game’s engine, but there are barely any stutters and stammers. This is free-flowing enchantment, and it makes for one of most glorious JRPG spectacles we’ve ever seen on Playstation 3.
The game’s score is conducted by the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra and Joe Hisaishi, composer of several Studio Ghibli movies. Much like the game’s amazing look, the sound is truly beautiful and soul-enriching. Undoubtably, it’s a package highlight.
Fortunately for gamers, Ni No Kuni isn’t all looks and sounds. Level 5 have delivered pure, unrivaled RPG substance. We’d even go as far as to say that this is the best RPG we’ve played since Final Fantasy XII. Not only does Ni No Kuni have an interesting, unique plot, but the mechanics work so very well alongside it. Of course, there’s a wide, open-spaced map full of monsters and points of discovery, but Ni No Kuni also offers a Pokemon styled collect-a-thon with Familiars, a combat system that marries turn-based with real-time action expertly, there’s also Bounty Hunts, an easy-to-use equipment management system, gateways between dimensions and so much more.
Ni No Kuni piles information on you from the very beginning, and is unrelenting for the first 12-15 hours of play. While that may sound a bit daunting, the information will always sink in. The game never feels overwhelming, nor will you be drowning under constant pressure to remember the most minute of details that could save your life. Ni No Kuni is very good at preparing you for the difficulties ahead, but it will still casually nudge you if you get a little bit stuck.
There’s a lot to take in, but you’ll welcome the challenge rather than shy away from it. One thing the game does very well is explain itself, and who can ask for more than that?
The difficulty spike is a point of contention, however. It’s gradual and well-paced at first. You’ll always feel calm and collected, even when things get a bit hairy, but once away from the first quarter of the game, the difficulty really ramps up. Ni No Kuni is also extremely brutal in its treatment of you when you die. You’ll lose a percentage of your Guilders (money) earned every time you die, so there’s definitely an incentive to be at your best each time. As I said, the game does pamper and shower you with attention initially, but it’ll become very clear when you’re on your own. The silence is deafening, and the punishment, unrelenting. Quite often, unfairly so. However, Ni No Kuni will always find a way to win you back with its infectious charms.
Familiars
In terms of expanding the game, one of the obvious choices would be to offer more Familiars. The game has a wide selection already; from spinning sunshine stars to fluffy cutie-pies, and each has their own special abilities and perks. We feel it wouldn’t disrupt the balance to add some more powerful Familiars, or, indeed, niche types such as designated healers or DPS dealers. Of course, there are DLC extras already on the way, including a golden Hurly and Griffy. There were also some exclusives in Japan, and it’s possible they could be brought over at some point. Outside of that, there’s lots of opportunity for creativity in this universe, so we’re pretty sure more could be created and added at any time.
Side-Quests
Bounty Quests are available to Oliver and Mr Drippy throughout the game, as well as a ton of side-missions which can be gathered from towns and passing strangers. With the ability to collect courage, generosity and other pieces of the heart and then give it to others, there’s some interesting story opportunities to be had within the game, especially if combined with dungeons and new beasties. Ni No Kuni’s ability to create a gateway between universes also ensures the game isn’t constricted to just one dimension of thinking.
With the wide cast of characters in Ni No Kuni, there’s even opportunities for back-stories, as well as stories set after the events of the game.
Conclusion
Despite the amazing Uncharted trilogy, the revolutionary Heavy Rain and the amazing Little Big Planet, I still believe Ni No Kuni may be the most essential reason to own a Playstation 3.
Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch is an absolute delight and its restored my faith in a stagnant genre by breathing new life into it. With a wealth of content on offer, and a lot of opportunities for further development, I genuinely cannot recommend this title enough.
It’s not the time to talk about the best of 2013, not by a long-shot, but I doubt Ni No Kuni will be a distant memory come December. Yes, there are some irrational, unfair difficulty spikes, and occasional glitches, but from beginning to end, we were immersed and enraptured.
A wonderful piece of entertainment. Truly sensational.
Don’t delay, you can pre-order Ni No Kuni today
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