'Xenoblade Chronicles 2' news: Latest gameplay will make players hooked instantly

Official gameplay screenshot of "Xenoblade Chronicles 2" featuring Res and Pyra in battle. Nintendo

The Japanese role-playing game (JRPG) "Xenoblade Chronicles 2" is set to release in December, with a special bundle that includes the game's version of the Nintendo Switch.

Although the game is suggestive that it is a follow up to the Nintendo Wii original, "Xenoblade Chronicles 2" will be telling a new story that is set in a new world, with a new cast of characters to play with. Also, the open-world JRPG will be featuring some new game mechanics.

The first of which is called the "Button Challenge." This will allow players to deal extra damage to an enemy when the required buttons are pressed at the right time. The essence of this game mechanic has been used by many games before, and with ones that do not even belong to the same genre. It will remind players of "Batman Arkham Knight" or "Assassin's Creed." The only difference being are the anime-like characters doing the actions, which makes the whole thing look fun to watch in a much lighter tone.

In a video released by Nintendo, players are introduced to the game's unique stage system that will require them to enter a Titan. These are gigantic floating creatures that houses ecosystems that differ from one Titan from another.

One part of the title characters, Rex, is called a Driver. They can fight using synthetic life forms called Blades. Pyra, the other part of the title character, is a Blade that Rex uses in battle. Three Drivers and three Blades can work together in one battle.

Like most JRPGs, "Xenoblade Chronicles 2" will be using a special attack called Driver Arts. This will fill up with every successful attack that lands on the enemy. Blades also increase the power of Drivers during battles using their Blade Arts.

Drivers are not limited to using just one Blade. Each blade will correspond to an element. Pyra is fire, so clashing with a fire-type monster would be doable but very counter-productive. With the use of the Resonance system, drivers can bond with multiple types of blades.

These gameplay systems may appear familiar, but for most players in the hardcore gaming scene will find these a change of pace from their normal gaming experience.

News
Christians praying for peace after Israel-Iran escalation
Christians praying for peace after Israel-Iran escalation

With conflict in the Middle East taking a new turn after Israel's strikes on Iran, Christians are praying for peace. 

Pastors faring worse than others in relationships and well-being but most don’t get help
Pastors faring worse than others in relationships and well-being but most don’t get help

Despite faring worse than practising Christians and US adults in general in their relationships, physical, emotional and mental health, most pastors don't get professional support.

Nick Vujicic urges the Church to embrace Christian counselling
Nick Vujicic urges the Church to embrace Christian counselling

Evangelist Nick Vujicic, who has spent much of his life speaking hope into the lives of millions across the world, is now turning his focus inward - toward the Church itself. 

Guardians of truth: A Christian response to the changing media landscape
Guardians of truth: A Christian response to the changing media landscape

Trust in the media is in sharp decline. What was once a cornerstone of democratic society is now viewed with suspicion by many.