White Knight Chronicles 2 Preview
The original White Knight Chronicles was well received by role-playing fans but didn’t go over quite as well with critics. Nevertheless, the sequel is headed our way – May 20 for Europeans and August 2 for Americans – and with these dates secured, it’s now time to take a close look at Level-5’s promising sequel. Just in case you missed out on the original, WKC2 comes packaged with the first title, so you can get the full White Knight experience. Featuring overhauled visuals and a slightly revamped combat mechanic, the story follows directly on the heels of the first game (the plot takes place one year after the events of WKC). We’ll also get more cut-scenes but we’ll be able to skip them faster, just in case you’re impatient to get your exploring groove on. But most want the story, right?
You’ll be able to create your own avatar right off the bat, and if you just so happen to still have the character you created in the first WKC, you can import it. New characters include Scardigne and Lady Miu, whom you will meet at the start of WKC2; these two will eventually meet Leonard and the rest of the familiar party. Your avatar plays a silent role as he/she did before but then again, how can you expect developers to write lines for you? That’d be tough. Anyway, you’ll soon find that gameplay is similar to the original, as you will once again see enemies on the world map and engage them by selecting from your available list of commands. In this way, it’s reminiscent of Final Fantasy XII, and that isn’t a bad thing. Chain together combos, customize your attack approach, and gain victory.
Perhaps the biggest difference involves the positioning of your party members: this time, you have to be close enough to an enemy to successfully land an attack. Also, your position directly affects the amount of damage you will deal; obviously, attacking from behind is probably a good idea. New skills come along with this fresh fighting feature, and those skills will allow you to gain the ground advantage in different ways. Another new feature is the ability to break attacks- when a particular limb of a monster is about to do something nasty, a colored icon will appear over that body part. You will have attacks that correspond with that icon so if you’re watching carefully, you can nail that limb and stop the foe’s assault. In fact, it seems you’ll be able to have party members focus specifically on breaking particularly damaging attacks.
And then comes the crowd favorite; the creation and customization of your very own knight: the “incorruptus.” Once created to your own preferences, you can bring it with you online, where you can greatly expand your gameplay experience (as you could in the original). Furthermore, Level-5 is tossing in no less than 400 new weapons and pieces of armor, and we can also expect all new abilities and spells for the party. As for GeoNet, which sort of attained an addictive quality amongst big-time fans of WKC, this will also return and the developers say it’s basically the same, with only a few small updates. Oh, and lastly, the limit of four players per party has been upped to six, so that’s just more fun for all. We’re still not sure why US gamers have to wait so much longer for White Knight Chronicles 2, but we’ll be patient. We kinda have to be.
After all, this is one of our most anticipated games of 2011. How about you?
5/2/2011 Ben Dutka
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Comments (93 posts)
WorldEndsWithMe
Monday, May 02, 2011 @ 10:26:59 PM
8 up, 3 down
Kiryu
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 12:12:48 AM
dude go watch some anime in japanese so that u can see how good their acting and stories r.
If ur not into anime atleast then watch Death Note.This anime will get u to like anime.
2 up, 2 down
WorldEndsWithMe
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 12:25:59 AM
5 up, 6 down
Kiryu
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 12:37:23 AM
Would u play Uncharted in Japanese?
Would u play Shadow of the Colossus in English?
I'd always prefer to play them in their Original State to which they were meant to be in.
6 up, 6 down
PorkChopGamer
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 12:41:38 AM
3 up, 2 down
Claire C
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 1:06:09 AM
5 up, 1 down
Kiryu
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 1:23:27 AM
r u saying u haven't watched Cowboy Bebop in Japanese.I know Cowboy Bebop had good englsih dubs.But by not watching the original ur missing out on a lot.They really capture the essence of the Characters.The voice actor for Spike is done by a famous voice actor in the industry named KÅichi Yamadera.He also played Akiyama Shun in Yakuza 4.
Last edited by Kiryu on 5/3/2011 1:31:22 AM
2 up, 1 down
Kiryu
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 1:33:01 AM
Happened to our argument world stopped?
Looks like i won.
5 up, 3 down
Claire C
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 1:33:25 AM
But Spike and Faye's voice actors are perfect. They're all perfect to me. I don't know Japanese so I don't understand what subtitles would add.
I do agree that foreign films should only be viewed in their original languages with subtitles. Film dubbing is always poor, but not anime.
Last edited by Claire C on 5/3/2011 1:35:12 AM
5 up, 2 down
Kiryu
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 1:40:04 AM
Naruto,Bleach and Death Note ,the 3rd most popular anime right now suck in dubbed compared to the original.
2 up, 3 down
duomaxwell007
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 2:15:28 AM
3 up, 3 down
Kiryu
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 3:38:13 AM
2 up, 1 down
WorldEndsWithMe
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 7:38:52 AM
Bebop in English ftw
4 up, 1 down
mikeA92
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 9:05:45 AM
Oh well, *goes back to watching Eden of the East(dub)*
0 up, 0 down
Kiryu
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 9:38:41 AM
k world let continue.now where were we?
oh yes
Would u play Uncharted in Japanese?or
Would u play Shadow of the Colossus in English?
I'd always prefer to play them in their Original State to which they were meant to be in.
what do u say?
0 up, 2 down
WorldEndsWithMe
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 10:29:32 AM
4 up, 0 down
mikeA92
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 10:36:21 AM
Hey man, I know your question wasn't directed at me but I'm just curious. You say this and that about how one should stick to the original state because its how the creator intended for it to be consumed and all. But consider that this is just one aspect of the entire production, isn't it? In your case its just the language, the creator doesn't think his product will succeed based on just that does he? I mean, last I checked, the overall experience is what makes these things successful, and that doesn't include just language. So what I wanna say is, if I play/watch a different version of a product that caters to my preferences, and I get the same experience as the guy who goes for the original, won't that be a win-win for both of us?
0 up, 0 down
Kiryu
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 10:38:15 AM
I guess u would play any game in your language even if it's crap.
I see anime and play games the way they r made,it's my choice.
0 up, 1 down
GuyverLT
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 10:44:38 AM
For the most anime I will agree that the english isn't as good as the sub version, but I can watch the english dubs just as long as there are not completely unbearable.
Last edited by GuyverLT on 5/3/2011 10:48:58 AM
0 up, 0 down
Kiryu
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 10:54:08 AM
and by the way nobody can shout Kamehameha as good as Japanese Goku's Voice Actor in the World.
There r so many mistakes in the english version,the script especially was not at all correct.and vegeta actually says over 8000 not 9000.
Last edited by Kiryu on 5/3/2011 10:55:28 AM
0 up, 0 down
Arvis
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 11:14:32 AM
NO READING!!
Talk about "originality" until you're blue in the face, but there is NO SENSE in preferring subs over dubs. To say "the acting is better in Japanese" is the most idiotic thing I have ever heard in my life. Unless you speak the language, you are not qualified to make a judgment on the quality of the voice acting, and there's no arguing that.
You can't go around saying "the Japanese actors capture the essence of the characters better" and act like you've actually made a point. That sentence doesn't even MEAN anything, considering there is no set qualitative standard for measuring "character essence capturing."
In other words, what you're actually saying is: "The Japanese voice actors are better because I like them better."
If you like subs better, that is perfectly fine and rational. But to go around acting like only stupid people would disagree is simply ignorant arrogance. And to pretend that your opinion has a stronger foundation than someone else's (especially on such a trivial issue) is just the most egocentric thing I can think of.
Oh, and by the way: Death Note sucks in any language.
-Arvis
1 up, 1 down
SayWord
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 11:31:31 AM
Last edited by SayWord on 5/3/2011 11:32:40 AM
0 up, 0 down
Kiryu
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 12:11:24 PM
When i posted this comment "i wanted Japanese voices" i specified so it's my choice and that world guy comes and comments against my wishes.So i had to start this argument.Nothin aganist u others.
if u want to watch anime in english go ahead i don't have anything against u.
Last edited by Kiryu on 5/3/2011 12:13:42 PM
0 up, 0 down
WorldEndsWithMe
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 12:53:29 PM
So you see I HAD to poke a little fun at you. It really was outside of my control. It just had to be done :)
Last edited by WorldEndsWithMe on 5/3/2011 12:53:45 PM
1 up, 0 down
Temjin001
Monday, May 02, 2011 @ 9:52:35 PM
Reply
I don't get it.
Anyway, back in the day, I wanted this one to be a hit. Now I get the feeling that starving jRPG gamers are just accepting WKC for what it is and playing and enjoying it because it's one of the few games of it's type on ps3.
Anyway, I'm on the fence looking away on this one. Maybe I'll change my mind someday.
1 up, 0 down
SayWord
Monday, May 02, 2011 @ 10:02:21 PM
1 up, 0 down
Temjin001
Monday, May 02, 2011 @ 10:13:02 PM
In fact, it seems I remember LO was attacked and marked down for staying true to a traditional jRPG format. Just imagine how FPS games would rate if that same belief was leveled against them.
And not to open a big can of debate (eh, I don't care, debate all you want) but I sense the wRPG insurgence over the last 10 years, or so, has caused many critics to think of the jPRG format as a "dated" genre format. Suggesting that by not conforming to wRPG conventions the jRPG games are decidedly inferior, or lacking. That's sort of sad, actually. Seeing that the very nature of the game's design has been confused. As despite similarities in attribute progression and the "RPG" label, a Dragon Age/Oblivion isn't really like a FF/Xeno/LO.
0 up, 0 down
WorldEndsWithMe
Monday, May 02, 2011 @ 10:31:52 PM
As for WKC, it's good but not up there with the old classics. What it does do is give you some of that old feeling, punishes you with some of that old grind, has some sweet towns and locales, and has customization options we haven't seen in twelve thousand years. Overall I see it as a very good start for an IP and I can't wait for the second one.
Last edited by WorldEndsWithMe on 5/2/2011 10:32:32 PM
1 up, 0 down
kraygen
Monday, May 02, 2011 @ 10:36:50 PM
I loved it, I loved the story, the gameplay, most of the characters. Which usually I only like 2-3, but I really enjoyed everything about this game. Maybe it was tailored specifically for me, but if you like JRPG's then you really should not pass this one up.
1 up, 0 down
Jawknee
Monday, May 02, 2011 @ 10:54:56 PM
4 up, 1 down
PorkChopGamer
Monday, May 02, 2011 @ 11:40:58 PM
(yes, like Dynasty Warriors!), it can only be enjoyed by a few. There are plenty better JRPGs than this to spend your money on.
0 up, 5 down
Highlander
Monday, May 02, 2011 @ 11:49:23 PM
Mediocre is not the right word at all for this game.
5 up, 1 down
PorkChopGamer
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 12:49:23 AM
1 up, 3 down
kraygen
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 1:07:39 AM
Last rebellion wasn't even playable, it wasn't for specific people.
WKC may be only for a certain crowd, but that crowd would be any rpg fan.
I think calling WKC that bad is an insult to psx, just look at the review score.
1 up, 2 down
PorkChopGamer
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 1:22:41 AM
I don't think it's a great RPG as many claim. It's decent. But nothing to recommend wholeheartedly.
0 up, 1 down
Claire C
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 1:22:52 AM
1 up, 0 down
Scarecrow
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 1:24:32 AM
You'll find some of those gamers around the net.
Nothing personal, porkchop just doesn't know what makes an rpg good. WKC had it all, a real story, real characters, a true lore, and a sense of adventure. It's the closest thing to classic Final Fantasy that you will find this gen. A bit short, yes, but still a fulfilling and engaging story.
2 up, 0 down
PorkChopGamer
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 1:33:02 AM
WKC didn't really have a charm of it's own for me to hold onto. It was run of the mill, by the numbers. I expected more from Level 5. Especially after stuff like, Jeanne D Arc.
0 up, 4 down
Beamboom
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 4:48:44 AM
Above all it felt so... weirdly old-fashioned.
Like the looting of the same tree several times to pick up resources.What's the point in that? The game is riddled with details like that, who to me appear totally meaningless. It's not like they are showstoppers, but *why* was it done in the first place... That's what I asked myself all the time while playing.
And quoting Ben, "how can you expect developers to write lines for you" - well isn't that what practically *every* other rpg do? I think it's a weird and stupid decision to put your character entirely outside the story. What's the point? Why was this done? I suspect it is for one thing only: Laziness. It's easier to script npc's in a story than the player character. Easier on a less powerful system, like back in the days.
Last edited by Beamboom on 5/3/2011 4:50:45 AM
0 up, 3 down
WorldEndsWithMe
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 7:40:19 AM
2 up, 0 down
PorkChopGamer
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 8:07:43 AM
0 up, 3 down
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 9:19:13 AM
4 up, 0 down
WorldEndsWithMe
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 10:31:51 AM
Dude, as Ben just pointed out you are so out of your element here you're embarrassing yourself.
Last edited by WorldEndsWithMe on 5/3/2011 10:32:52 AM
4 up, 0 down
Arvis
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 11:19:16 AM
But everything else about the game is either good or great!
-Arvis
0 up, 1 down
PorkChopGamer
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 11:30:21 AM
0 up, 2 down
SayWord
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 11:38:34 AM
3 up, 0 down
WorldEndsWithMe
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 12:55:28 PM
3 up, 0 down
Scarecrow
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 2:35:58 PM
If your brain doesn't know what quality is you're unqualified.
If you don't like the game, fine.
Objectively though you're wrong. The moment you brought up Last Rebellion you lost.
2 up, 0 down
Temjin001
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 2:47:20 PM
2 up, 0 down
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 3:23:10 PM
3 up, 0 down
Dancemachine55
Monday, May 02, 2011 @ 9:53:18 PM
Reply
0 up, 0 down
kraygen
Monday, May 02, 2011 @ 10:38:33 PM
If you enjoy rpgs, you really shouldn't pass up on this one.
0 up, 0 down
Stabs88
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 7:42:43 AM
0 up, 0 down
duomaxwell007
Monday, May 02, 2011 @ 10:02:48 PM
Reply
edit: just checked D3Publishers WKC2 face book and even they confirm (as of may) that there is no official date other than Summer 2011: heres the link http://www.facebook.com/pages/White-Knight-Chronicles-II/213430272017735
Last edited by duomaxwell007 on 5/2/2011 10:07:50 PM
0 up, 0 down
WorldEndsWithMe
Monday, May 02, 2011 @ 10:33:44 PM
1 up, 1 down
duomaxwell007
Monday, May 02, 2011 @ 10:57:39 PM
1 up, 0 down
Alienange
Monday, May 02, 2011 @ 11:07:45 PM
0 up, 0 down
WorldEndsWithMe
Monday, May 02, 2011 @ 11:08:23 PM
0 up, 0 down
Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 12:47:32 AM
...I'll go with that over Facebook for now.
1 up, 1 down
duomaxwell007
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 2:16:44 AM
2 up, 0 down
WorldEndsWithMe
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 10:33:34 AM
0 up, 0 down
Riku994
Monday, May 02, 2011 @ 10:06:49 PM
Reply
0 up, 0 down
kraygen
Monday, May 02, 2011 @ 10:40:02 PM
0 up, 0 down
Lotusflow3r
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 5:44:36 AM
Last edited by Lotusflow3r on 5/3/2011 5:46:55 AM
0 up, 0 down
WorldEndsWithMe
Monday, May 02, 2011 @ 10:36:17 PM
Reply
I'm ticked about that super late US release date though, I wanted to play over summer. Level 5, let's put Square Enix to bed.
6 up, 0 down
kraygen
Monday, May 02, 2011 @ 10:40:43 PM
Too late.
1 up, 0 down
Lawless SXE
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 2:11:42 AM
Just felt like being a smart alec.
Peace.
0 up, 0 down
kraygen
Monday, May 02, 2011 @ 10:42:55 PM
Reply
I loved it's cliff hanger ending and really looking forward to playing WKC2. As much as I'm looking forward to it, I still plan on playing through the first one with the new gameplay mechanics. Should be pretty sweet.
This will also make it feel like one long awesome story. Probably with another cliff hanger story.
1 up, 0 down
WorldEndsWithMe
Monday, May 02, 2011 @ 10:48:46 PM
I even liked the online in this game and I don't do multiplayer much.
0 up, 0 down
kraygen
Monday, May 02, 2011 @ 11:24:48 PM
I haven't done most of the quests they added last summer/fall. Had new games coming in and I haven't spent much time on it since then. Have been planning to get back into it once I heard the release date for WKC2.
0 up, 0 down
Highlander
Monday, May 02, 2011 @ 11:47:11 PM
;)
1 up, 0 down
Alienange
Monday, May 02, 2011 @ 11:10:47 PM
Reply
0 up, 0 down
Highlander
Monday, May 02, 2011 @ 11:45:18 PM
Reply
1 up, 0 down
kraygen
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 1:16:20 AM
I think sometimes these WRPG's are lacking in their stories because they are trying too hard to give us options. These options tend to leave too many plot holes in my opinion.
1 up, 0 down
txgamer
Monday, May 02, 2011 @ 11:58:44 PM
Reply
0 up, 0 down
shadowscorpio
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 12:38:11 AM
Reply
1 up, 0 down
SuMtOnE
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 12:55:34 AM
Reply
1 up, 0 down
Scarecrow
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 1:30:55 AM
Reply
Ben puts it right, this is a combination of what made great jrpgs great. It takes a classic save the princess story and gives it an elegant story that's very familiar yet very unique.
It then gives you this fun battle system that's very similar to FFXII/Dragon Age and let's you customize it to your liking. And now FINALLY we can even create and modify our own knights!
I wouldn't be surprised if this game shares RPG of the year honors with Dark Souls.
Eldore is the man! His personality is almost like Auron's, but still uniquely his own. And that damn Caesar guy, hilarious!
May 20th will be magic!
2 up, 0 down
WorldEndsWithMe
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 10:36:30 AM
1 up, 0 down
Highlander
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 12:49:20 PM
What specifically is it that you detest about WKC? I mean seriously, you're jumping in here to contradict someone else's opinion.
Why do you find WKC so horrid?
OK, some story elements are cliche, some are not. It's not strictly turn based in the classic sense, but it is turn based.
I haven't played Trinity universe, but have played Enchanted Arms (PS3), Cross Edge, Hyper Dimension Neptunia, Atelier Rorona and even Ar Tonelico Qoga for good measure.
I've played Enchanted Arms on PS3, and actually I liked that game, although the opening story segment was irritating in the extreme. Enchanted arms on PS3 had some graphical bugs. But as I look back on it, I enjoyed the combat system, and have always planned to go back and complete it - I just haven't done so yet. I actually think Enchanted Arms on PS3 is an underrated game, but WKC is still a better game than it, WKC is simply far, far more polished.
Cross Edge had zero real story, it was a niche game aimed at fans with fan service galore, the combat system was complex, but you could master it, and the item synthesis was OK. Basically it was a combat/synthesis system looking for a game. One of those things that you play for a couple of hours occasionally because you're in the mood for that kind of system, but the game doesn't drag you in with character or story. WKC is at least an order of magnitude better in story, character and system, not to mention being leagues better graphically.
Neptunia is OK, it's a first stab at 3D exploration, but the combat reminds me too much of Cross Edge, and the story isn't one that will grab you. If you like the in-jokes and the overall presentation, it's good, but the combat system suffers a fatal flaw (healing) that makes it annoying to play - though I still will complete the game eventually. Graphically, it's a step up from sprites, but needed some polish to make it better. The 3D exploration feels just plain slow and heavy, ponderous perhaps. The story is not that strong, but then again, it's not meant to be.
Atelier Rorona is a great little game, as good or better than many, on par with WKC, but different in so many ways it's not even a real comparison. Rorona looks and feels like an anime TV show, and that's not a bad thing. the graphics are fresh and bright and cute/pretty. The characters are all archetypes and the story is a simple one. The game is all about the alchemy system, but even so, exploration is in 3D and the combat system is pretty good, and thoroughly turn based. I put Rorona on par with WKC, but as I say, they are really very different and can't be directly compared with ease.
Ar Tonelico Qoga is a lot of fun, but you have to remember how much of it's tongue in cheek when playing. But at the heart, the combat system is interesting, though not turn based. I like the characters, and the girl in peril story line is always good for a play or two. I'm enjoying Ar Tonelico Qoga more than Neptnia, but I don't see myself sinking anything like as much time in it as WKC. Graphically, it's pretty good, but not really up to the standards set in WKC. So far the story is pretty good, but no better, and in some ways more preposterous than the story of WKC.
I've also played some Record of Agarest War. I must admit I have a hard time forgiving the game's graphics, and it's system is a bit complex, but not overly if you like that kind of thing. The problem is, it doesn't really look like a PS3 game.
WKC has the edge over these games in terms of graphics, voicing, story (just), character and skill/combat/alchemy systems - the combination of all 3 in WKC gives the game a lot of depth - IMHO. The GeoRama and questing adds a lot of replay for those that enjoy building their character up. You don't have to play online, and in WKC2, you can get the other characters from story mode to tag along in place of online players. That effectively makes even the online questing available in single player mode. I don't know what it is that you think you want from WKC that it doesn't offer. You clearly don't like it, but I'm not sure why.
3 up, 0 down
Lawless SXE
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 2:17:31 AM
Reply
And I need more RPG experience. FO3, Oblivion, FFXIII, VC, Demon's Souls and soon enough Nier just isn't enough. Can't friggin' wait!
Peace.
1 up, 0 down
mwvdragon
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 5:11:07 AM
Reply
1 up, 0 down
Lotusflow3r
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 5:36:02 AM
Reply
This is going to bring that charm we all miss back and warm us up for Second Land!
Can't wait to visit everyone again and see where else my adventure takes me.
2 up, 0 down
shadowscorpio
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 9:00:06 AM
Here's a link for a new gameplay vid. for Second Land (PS3 exclusive)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nJ4SQ1EB64
1 up, 0 down
Lotusflow3r
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 9:38:20 AM
It is THE Rpg we claim to all want (and from Square). Look at that gorgeous FREE ROAM world map, look at the town gameplay and NPC's. Imagine the exploration, imagine the amount of secrets, sense of progression that feels just like the days of old, but fresh too! It looks like a modern SQUARESOFT game!
The battle system looks uniquely great too!
L5 are the new kings of the Jrpg and the new SQUARESOFT.
I hope people here realise what you yearn for is right here under your noses being developed by people who don't forget the roots.
Thanks for sharing shadow.
4 up, 0 down
shadowscorpio
Tuesday, May 03, 2011 @ 10:57:19 PM
0 up, 0 down
Kiryu
Reply
Monday, May 02, 2011 @ 9:39:37 PM
I loved the first one's story.