Gamers in Europe have known for a few months now that they’d be able to play Xenoblade sometime this year. While North American fans wonder if they’ll ever have a chance to purchase the game, today NoE has revealed not only the title’s release date, but also a special Classic Controller to accompany the RPG’s release.
First, Xenoblade Chronicles launches in Europe, South Africa, Russia, New Zealand, and Australia on September 2. There were a few speculated dates including one rumor that pinned the game for an August release, though that was incorrect. European Wii owners can get their hands on the title in just a couple of months.
Nintendo of Europe has also shown the Classic Controller for the first time. Yes, it’s red!
Finally, those who pre-order Xenoblade can receive one of three posters that includes an electronic autograph of Tetsuya Takahashi (executive director and scenario writer). It sounds like this offer might be restricted to certain countries. We’ll update you with any pre-order bonus information we come across down the road.
I wouldn’t be surprised if some of these images are from the iPhone version, though the two games shouldn’t differ drastically.
WayForward’s next addition to the “Mighty” series is coming to a 3DS eShop near you. The company announced, through Nintendo Power, that Mighty Switch Force is on the way. You can read up on the first round of details from the magazine below.
– Cute/feisty female is the lead character
– Go through different action and puzzle stages
– More focus on action this time
– Play as Patricia Wagon, a law-enforcement officer
– Play through Metroid-like stages to find/eliminate the evil Space Hooligans
Matt Bozon, Creative Director of WayForward shared another round of details…
Unsurprisingly, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword will place a big focus on a musical instrument. Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask featured an ocarina, Wind Waker sported a conductor’s baton, and Twilight Princess had… grass.
While Skyward Sword’s instrument is a secret for now, some fans believe Link will play a lyre based on some snippet of footage captured for the game’s GDC trailer. Mahito Yokota is keeping everything a secret for now, though he did elaborate a bit on the Skyward Sword’s music in the latest Iwata Asks.
Iwata: May I also ask about the sound of The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword for the Wii console?
Yokota: (happily) Ooh, can we talk about that, too?!
Iwata: Today, we’re talking about The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D, but it’s also the twenty-fifth anniversary of The Legend of Zelda.
On this week’s episode: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D Launch Event, friend code talk, Mystery Case Files: The Malgrave Incident and Inchworm Animation.
This information comes from IGN’s Rich George on Twitter…
“Might have been a bit optimistic in hearing statement from Nintendo today. Should still happen but… it’s getting late. Patience! …@Chadboban If I don’t get it in the next hour or so, I’m thinking it doesn’t arrive until tomorrow or even Wednesday. Eh just give it time. Maybe tomorrow, maybe Wednesday. Shows they’re giving it thought though, which is good.”
I really don’t understand what’s happening with this situation. Is Nintendo of America just providing a simple statement to IGN? I doubt that IGN would even be able to obtain an exclusive announcement about any of these games, but still… argh! If only Nintendo would ease our minds by at least confirming Xenoblade!
We started to see some of Zelda’s personality in Skyward Sword during this year’s E3. This time around, she’s more of a childhood friend rather than a damsel in distress.
Shigeru Miyamoto seems to be liking the direction the development team is taking Zelda. In the latest Iwata Asks, Miyamoto expressed his belief that she’s “pretty good”. Unfortunately, that’s all he was willing to say!
Miyamoto: Yeah. By the way, Princess Zelda in the next one is pretty good! (laughs)
Iwata: You mean in The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword?
Miyamoto: Yes.
Iwata: I’ll be sure to ask about that when the time comes.
Miyamoto: Yes, absolutely!
