Ben-DutkaThere's no doubt that Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch is a godsend for so many die-hard JRPG followers.
And for some, they fully expected Level-5's top-tier production to be their personal Game of the Year for 2013. Although the majority of those who responded to our latest poll said Ni no Kuni couldn't possibly end up being their GotY, there were quite a few who considered it a possibility. And that's saying something, don't you think?
Garnering worldwide critical acclaim and what we hope are robust sales, the game has managed to steal the hearts of a great many. I have my issues with it and I still believe too many are turning a blind eye to the obvious issues for the sake of nostalgia, but you know, in retrospect, I'm fine with that. I'm happy that this title has received such fantastic acclaim among critics and gamers alike, primarily because it means other designers might not balk at making similar titles in the future.
This week, what with all the controversy surrounding violent video games, we've got an important question for you. We won't ask if you think violent gaming leads to real-world violence because we get the feeling we could predict the results. Instead, let's get a little more specific: Do you think the government should make the ESRB ratings legally binding?
Related Game(s): Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch
I really, really want it to be GOTY, mun. But I don't think that will happen.
Would be tidy en't it?
Proper hard this game was, en't it mun?
jrpg of the PS3 generation by a mile in a 1 mile race.
Game of the year? Gonna be tough to say with The Last of Us and Beyond: Two Souls… Plus, you never know what Indie PSN game might come out and shock the hell out of everyone.
I think it will be my GOTY, even with all the great stuff coming. When there's a game that you think about when you're not playing it, and can't wait to spend more time with it when you can't, and that time spent is like a dream it's got to be GOTY material. I don't think the other reviewers are turning a blind eye to anything. Hope the sales are high above expectations so other devs get the message.
I don't mind if the ratings are legally binding but it isn't going to help anything. If it makes some people think they've done a public service though, well whatever.
Generalized game players can usually look to generalized gaming critics for how they relate with a product. I think that's the service the average critic is providing. I know with a critic like Ben I can expect sincerity and experience with the entertainment medium that most of us can identify with. I think Gamers who become more hardcore or vested more deeply in a particular genre or frnachise don't regularly see eye to eye with the general game player's values as they're engaging facets of a game's design that shifts the alignment of ideals.
It is a fun game.
As some have mentioned Ni No Kuni seems to be the best JRPG of the PS3 without much competition. I have a feeling it'll be my GotY. Though it does have a lot of competition even in the next month with Bioshock: Infinite, Dead Space 3 and TOMB RAIDER, so it will be a difficult time for Ni No Kuni unfortunately. I have my game pre-ordered for the UK release date and I cannot wait.
Regarding the US ratings, I think they should have some sort of authority. We've always had such a system in the UK, if a parent is happy for a child to play an 18+ game they can purchase it themselves to give to the child, so the choice is still up for the parents. Otherwise I just see no point for the rating at all.
It will be interesting to see if Crysis 3's graphics can match this level on the PS3
it'd be interesting to understand why you would be comparing two dramatically different visual presentations
bad year for this to come out, no matter how good it is its kinda up against so many big boys its really unfair.
its nice to see its really popular though, hopefully this is a start to the revival of the JRPG, and the revival of more artistic colorful games!
absofuckingloutley ratings should be legally binding!
FAR too many times ive seen stores selling items to people they shouldent be, they frankly just dont give a sh*t!
parents cant be watching their kids 24/7, chances are one day they will be at a friends house, their friends brother will take them to the shops and buy a game for them to play when they get home.
whats the parent suppose to do, go with their kids wherever they go?
i cant believe there not legally binding already, i mean whats the point of having ratings if there not going to be enforced?
its like asking a kid to do the dishes, if you dont make him want to do the dishes, ie force his hand, are they really going to get done?
It will be difficult for Ni no Kuni to be this year's GOTY – what with The Last of Us, Beyond: Two Souls, Bioshock Infinite, and GTA V alll releasing this year. That said, I absolutely love this game! This is the first game in a very long time that had me glued to my TV for the entire day. Yes, I played it from 8AM until 10PM yesterday and only took breaks for meals, to take a bath, and to pee. LOL
And again, the game's presentation may appear to be geared towards kids (being cutesy and all) and the story may not be deep, but this is the JRPG that I've long been missing and been wanting to play. I've read some complaints about the battle system but it's not that much of a pain if you allow yourself to get used to it (never was much of an issue to me) and, thankfully, no stupid auto-battle! FF XIII and all its unwanted sequels can eat their hearts out.
How fantastic of a message would it be if this outsold FFXIII? A man can dream, can't he?
Now that would send a message .
I really hope it does. I hardly care about sales figures but I'm really curious how much this game sold on its launch week.
Underdog that is but a falcies fantasy … 😉
But I'm with you on that. I hope this blows away everyones expectations in the sales department. So far it seems like it has either been underestimated or super popular. As most places are sold out of it.
Xenris, yeah they seem to be sold out here too. The Walmart I got my copy from is out now. I'm sure they exceeded expectations, but maybe they didn't ship many in the first place? Can't wait to find out. It still has to release in EU and AU too!
Yeah I'm near toronto and everyone at EB is raving about this thing. Seems like people are saying its like pokemon on crack lol.
I think it might have been a combination honestly. I mean they sold out of the special edition and are mostly sold out of the regular edition around here.
They probably underestimated the appeal of this game, and didn't want to chance shipping to many copies and losing money. I hope that doesn't bite them in the butt though.
I hope this game keeps up momentum, its truly a gem.