Project X Zone

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Project X Zone
ProjectXZone.jpg
European cover art
Developer(s)Monolith Soft[a]
Publisher(s)Namco Bandai Games
Director(s)Soichiro Morizumi
Producer(s)Kensuke Tsukanaka[4]
Koji Ishitani
Writer(s)Soichiro Morizumi
Composer(s)Naofumi Tsuruyama
Takuya Hanaoka
Kayoko Matsushima
Platform(s)Nintendo 3DS
Release
  • JP: October 11, 2012[2]
  • NA: June 25, 2013[1]
  • EU: July 5, 2013[3]
  • AU: July 4, 2013[3]
Genre(s)Tactical role-playing game
Mode(s)Single player

Project X Zone[b] is a crossover tactical role-playing game for the Nintendo 3DS developed by Monolith Soft[5] with assistance from Capcom and Red Entertainment and published by Namco Bandai Games. The game is a follow up to the 2005 video game Namco × Capcom and features characters from Namco Bandai, Capcom, and Sega.[4] The game was released on October 11, 2012 in Japan; June 25, 2013 in North America; and July 5, 2013 in Europe.[1][6] The game received mixed to positive reviews on release; praise went towards the game's cast, combat system, and presentation, but criticism was directed at its repetitive gameplay and confusing storyline.

A Project X Zone 2 was released in Japan in November 2015 and in North America and Europe in February 2016.

Gameplay[]

Stages in Project X Zone take place in grid-based locations from the game's many crossover titles. Each friendly unit is made up of two characters (thus referred to as a Pair Unit), though a third character (or "Solo Unit") can be added for once-per-battle assistance. Unlike Namco × Capcom, units can move freely within their range on the field map, with no penalty for accessing treasure chests or destructible objects prior to attacking.[7]

The battle system is called the Cross Active Battle System, wherein pressing the A button in combination with the Circle Pad performs up to five basic attack combos. Additional gameplay elements include Support Attack, which allows the player to call in a nearby ally for assistance, and Cross Hit, which freezes the target in place during simultaneous attacks from multiple units. Also, the player can trigger Critical Hits by connecting their next attack just before the target hits the ground after the first. As the player's units deal damage, the player's Cross Power (XP) gauge fills up and can be used for special attacks and defensive moves on the map. Damage done via Cross Hits can fill this gauge up to 150%.[5][8]

Project X Zone has a total of 15 save game slots included in the game, which can be used for recording a save game file during intermissions with a quick save file and a soft reset command.[9]

Plot[]

Characters[]

Ninety characters (allies and enemies, not counting event-only characters) are included in the game.[7] The overseas versions feature the same character roster as the original Japanese version.[10]

Pair units[]

  • Kogorō Tenzai and Mii Kōryūji[11]
  • Yuri Lowell and Estellise Sidos Heurassein from Tales of Vesperia[12]
  • Jin Kazama and Ling Xiaoyu from Tekken[12]
  • Kite and BlackRose from .hack[12]
  • KOS-MOS and T-elos from Xenosaga[12]
  • Soma Schicksal and Alisa Ilinichina Amiella from God Eater[12]
  • Haken Browning and Kaguya Nanbu from Super Robot Taisen OG Saga: Endless Frontier[13]
  • Reiji Arisu and Xiaomu from Namco × Capcom[14]
  • Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine from Resident Evil (Biohazard)[12]
  • Dante from Devil May Cry and Demitri Maximoff from Darkstalkers[12]
  • Ryu and Ken Masters from Street Fighter
  • Chun-Li and Morrigan Aensland from Street Fighter and Darkstalkers[13]
  • X and Zero from Mega Man X (Rockman X)[12]
  • Frank West from Dead Rising and Hsien-Ko from Darkstalkers[12]
  • Kurt Irving and Riela Marceris from Valkyria Chronicles III (Senjō no Valkyria 3: Unrecorded Chronicles)[12]
  • Ichirō Ōgami and Sakura Shingūji from Sakura Wars (Sakura Taisen)[12]
  • Gemini Sunrise and Erica Fontaine from Sakura Wars (Sakura Taisen)[13]
  • Akira Yuki and Pai Chan from Virtua Fighter[12]
  • Toma and Cyrille from Shining Force EXA[12]
  • Zephyr and Leanne from Resonance of Fate (End of Eternity)[12]

Solo units[]

Notes
  1. ^ Jump up to: a b c d e Initially appears as a rival unit.

Rival Units[]

  • Meden Taore
  • Due Flabellum
  • Drei Belanos
  • Ein Belanos
  • Skeith from .hack
  • Vajra from God Eater
  • Phantom from Super Robot Taisen OG Saga: Endless Frontier
  • Necron from Super Robot Taisen OG Saga: Endless Frontier
  • Omicon from Super Robot Taisen OG Saga: Endless Frontier
  • Dokumezu from Namco × Capcom
  • Dokugozu from Namco × Capcom
  • Nemesis from Resident Evil (Biohazard)
  • Jedah Dohma from Darkstalkers
  • Lord Raptor from Darkstalkers
  • Seth from Street Fighter
  • Vile from Mega Man X (Rockman X)
  • Astaroth from Ghosts 'n Goblins
  • Shielder from Ghosts 'n Goblins
  • Selvaria Bles from Valkyria Chronicles (Senjō no Valkyria)
  • Aya-me from Sakura Wars (Sakura Taisen)
  • Ciseaux from Sakura Wars (Sakura Taisen)
  • V-Dural from Virtua Fighter
  • Remaissance La Vaes from Shining Force EXA
  • Coco ★ Tapioca from Space Channel 5

Development[]

Namco Bandai came up with the idea of a "dream crossover" and brought on Capcom and Sega.[4] The game was first revealed in a teaser by Bandai Namco on the official website until it was revealed in the April 2012 issue of Famitsu.[17]

The initial creation of the characters were done in 3D character models before they were converted to be SD pixel art.[18] Notable attacks used by the characters had to be done in 2D space in order to preserve its source material origin.[18]

The game features two theme songs, with the opening song titled "Wing Wanderer" and the ending titled "GALAXY", which were both performed by Yoko Takahashi. The opening movie was created by the new animation studio Trigger, which was founded by former Gainax employees Hiroyuki Imaishi and others.[19] On September 22, 2012, Katsuhiro Harada, producer of the Tekken series, had revealed on Twitter: "I proposed localization of Project X Zone." He added that the company had "not decided yet, but it will be realized if I continue proposing."[20] Namco Bandai Games announced on January 21, 2013 that the game would be officially released in North America, Europe and Australasia during summer 2013.[21] The English versions of the game retain the Japanese voices, like Otomedius Excellent, though the vocals for the opening theme music were removed for legal reasons. Some music tracks were removed or replaced for the same reasons.[22][23] On May 1, 2016, the game was removed from the North American and European eShops.[24]

Reception[]

The game sold more than 85,539 units in its first week in Japan.[34] In the West, the game has sold over ten times more than what Bandai Namco had expected.[35] The game was among the 20 best games sold in the United Kingdom after it made its debut.[36][37] In the United States, the game has been among the best selling games sold for the 3DS.[38] The game has sold over 400,000 copies worldwide, according to Bandai Namco.[39]

Project X Zone has received mixed to positive reviews from western critics. The game currently has a score of 70 out of 100 on Metacritic.[25] IGN's Scott Thompson gave Project X Zone a score of 8 out of 10, saying, "Project X Zone is often funny and consistently frantic – two traits not necessarily associated with tactical RPGs. Its story is confusing and the chapters slavishly follow the same repetitive formula, but the superb battle system makes repetition not just tolerable, but enjoyable."[40] Game Revolution gave it a 3.5 out of 5, saying, "Despite the lack of depth and the repetition of combat, Project X Zone follows through as a tactical, humorous, preposterous romp through the best hits of video games. Even if you find the combat system strange, the streak of character cameos and the ridiculous number of hits that rack up with every battle will make any hardcore fan smile with appreciation. And if you're anything like me, that's hard to do."[41] On a more negative note, GamesRadar gave Project X Zone a 2 out of 5, saying, "With the wealth of RPGs, and even great SRPGs, that have arrived on the 3DS in the last several months, it would almost be unconscionable not to recommend one of those games instead of Project X Zone. Fun combat and screaming Tekken characters can only take you so far."[42]

Kotaku's Mike Fahey included Project X Zone in his top ten games of 2013.[43] In 2014, Kotaku also included the game among "The 12 Best Games on the 3DS".[44]

Sequel[]

Main article: Project X Zone 2

A sequel, Project X Zone 2 was released for the 3DS in Japan in November 2015 and in North America and Europe in February 2016.[45]

Notes[]

  1. ^ Capcom, Red Entertainment, CyberConnect2 and Sega provided additional help with development.
  2. ^ Japanese: プロジェクト クロスゾーン, Hepburn: Purojekuto Kurosu Zōn

References[]

  1. ^ Jump up to: a b "Project X Zone Release Date Announced". IGN. Retrieved 2013-07-14.
  2. ^ "Project X Zone gets a release date, in Japan". Destructoid. Retrieved September 22, 2012.
  3. ^ Jump up to: a b Cocke, Taylor (2013-01-21). "Project X Zone Coming to North America and Europe". IGN. Retrieved 2013-01-21.
  4. ^ Jump up to: a b c "So Who's Responsible For Project X Zone?". Andriasang. April 11, 2012. Archived from the original on December 28, 2012. Retrieved May 16, 2012.
  5. ^ Jump up to: a b Anoop Gantayat. "Monolith Software Confirmed as Project X Zone's Developer". Andriasang. Archived from the original on December 28, 2012. Retrieved May 16, 2012.
  6. ^ Oliver, Tristan. "Project X Zone Dated for Europe". TSSZ News. Archived from the original on 2013-04-13. Retrieved 2013-07-14.
  7. ^ Jump up to: a b Anoop Gantayat. "Over 200 Characters in Project X Zone". Andriasang. Retrieved August 9, 2012.
  8. ^ Anoop Gantayat. "Project X Zone Gameplay Details". Andriasang. Archived from the original on December 28, 2012. Retrieved May 16, 2012.
  9. ^ Spencer . October 2, 2012 . 3:06pm (2012-10-02). "Whoa, Project X Zone Has A Ton Of Save Slots". Siliconera. Retrieved 2012-10-14.
  10. ^ Ishaan (2013-01-22). "Project X Zone Will Not Have Any Content Cut for Western Release". Siliconera.com. Retrieved 2013-07-14.
  11. ^ Jump up to: a b c d e f Yip, Spencer (June 27, 2012). "Project X Zone's Original Characters". Siliconera. Retrieved August 1, 2012.
  12. ^ Jump up to: a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p Chris Scullion (April 25, 2012). "Project X Zone – New characters bring the running total to 32". Nintendo-Gamer. Archived from the original on July 2, 2012. Retrieved May 17, 2012.
  13. ^ Jump up to: a b c d e Anoop Gantayat (May 16, 2012). "Chun-Li and Morrigan Join the Cast of Project X Zone". Andriasang. Archived from the original on September 21, 2012. Retrieved August 12, 2012.
  14. ^ Jump up to: a b c Gantayat, Anoop (July 24, 2012). "Fighting Vipers Joins New Mega Man Characters in Project X Zone". Andriasang. Retrieved August 1, 2012.
  15. ^ Jump up to: a b c d e f Yip, Spencer (September 11, 2012). "Project X Zone Adds Batsu (Rival Schools), Juri (Street Fighter) & Alisa (Tekken)". Siliconera. Retrieved September 13, 2012.
  16. ^ Jump up to: a b Yip, Spencer (July 17, 2012). "Project X Zone Adds Lady From Devil May Cry, Rindou From God Eater". Siliconera. Retrieved August 1, 2012.
  17. ^ Loo, Egan (April 10, 2012). "Capcom, Sega, Namco Bandai's Project Cross Zone Revealed". Anime News Network. Retrieved May 16, 2012.
  18. ^ Jump up to: a b "Project X Zone Concept Art Shows Mii Kouryuji's Original Design - Siliconera". Siliconera. Retrieved December 9, 2014.
  19. ^ "Studio Trigger, Evangelion's Yoko Takahashi Work on Project X Zone Opening". Anime News Network. Retrieved July 14, 2013.
  20. ^ "Tekken producer pushing for Project X Zone localization". Nintendo Everything. Retrieved October 2, 2012.
  21. ^ "Capcom/Sega/Namco Bandai's Project X Zone Gets N. American Release". Anime News Network. Retrieved January 21, 2013.
  22. ^ "That Crazy Sega/Namco/Capcom Crossover RPG Project X Zone Is Coming To America". Kotaku. Retrieved January 21, 2013.
  23. ^ "Zoning Regulations - The X Button". Anime News Network. Retrieved July 10, 2013.
  24. ^ "Project X Zone Isn't Appearing In The Nintendo 3DS eShop". Siliconera. Retrieved May 2, 2016.
  25. ^ Jump up to: a b "Project X Zone for 3DS Reviews". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Retrieved 2013-07-14.
  26. ^ Kyle MacGregor. "Review: Project X Zone". Destructoid. Retrieved 2013-07-09.
  27. ^ DS/3DS (2013-07-02). "EGM Review: Project X Zone". EGMNOW. Retrieved 2013-07-14.
  28. ^ "Project X Zone 2 Received a Score of 32/40 from Famitsu". Gamnesia. Retrieved November 15, 2015.
  29. ^ Carolyn Petit (2013-06-25). "Project X Zone Review". GameSpot. Retrieved 2013-07-14.
  30. ^ "Project X Zone review". GamesRadar. Retrieved 2013-07-14.
  31. ^ Scott Thompson 26 Jun 2013 (2013-06-26). "Project X Zone Review - IGN". Ca.ign.com. Retrieved 2013-07-14.
  32. ^ Philip J Reed (25 June 2013). "Review: Project X Zone". Nintendo Life. Retrieved 2013-07-14.
  33. ^ "> Staff Review > Project X Zone". RPGamer. Retrieved 2013-07-14.
  34. ^ Ishaan (October 17, 2012). "This Week in Sales: Bravely Default Flies High". Siliconera. Retrieved October 18, 2012.
  35. ^ "Bandai Namco declined Attack on Titan 3DS for North America, Project X Zone sales much better than expected". Nintendo Everything. Retrieved 9 December 2014.
  36. ^ "UK Chart: Animal Crossing Remains In Top 5, Project X Zone Debuts In Top 20". My Nintendo News. Retrieved 9 December 2014.
  37. ^ "UK Sales Charts: The Last of Us Leads and Project X Zone in top 20". PLAYERESSENCE. Retrieved 9 December 2014.
  38. ^ "Nintendo combines digital and retail sales in best seller lists". GoNintendo. Retrieved 9 December 2014.
  39. ^ "Project X Zone Is Getting A Sequel Because The First One Actually Did Pretty Well". Siliconera. April 13, 2015. Retrieved 15 April 2015.
  40. ^ "Project X Zone Review". IGN. Retrieved 9 December 2014.
  41. ^ "Project X Zone Review". Gamerevolution.com. Retrieved 9 December 2014.
  42. ^ John_Learned (27 June 2013). "Project X Zone review". Gamesradar.com. Retrieved 9 December 2014.
  43. ^ Mike Fahey (2013-12-20). "Fahey's Top Ten Games Of 2013". Kotaku. Retrieved 2014-04-23.
  44. ^ Kotaku Staff (2014-04-03). "The 12 Best Games on the 3DS". Kotaku. Retrieved 2014-04-23.
  45. ^ "Project X Zone 2 announced, teaser trailer". Gematsu. Retrieved 2 May 2016.

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