NOTE: Some of the images used in this article are promotional pieces from the developer.
While investigating a military research facility, Milla Maxwell (a sort of deity) encounters a medical student named Jude who is searching for his missing professor. They both witnesses a military weapon, called the "Lance of Kresnik", absorb Jude's professor along with four great spirits that Milla possessed. They are forced to retreat from the facility, but decide it is their duty and moral obligation to destroy the device and confront Rashugal's king who had endorsed the Lance's creation.
The player will have to choose to play as either Jude or Milla - a choice that matters. The player is given a different perspective of key plot points based on who they chose as their player character, creating a reason to replay the game a second time with the other protagonist. It is rare to miss out on anything super important, with the exception of one plot twist mid-way. For story clarity, it is best to go with Jude on the first playthrough. If you want more laughs though, Milla's lack of understanding of the human world leads to some of the game's more hilarious moments. The protagonist that is not chosen will become part of the player's party for the remainder of the game, and will be present within the story. A few of the side quests will even play out differently based on your choice of player character. For example (highlight to read):
At Nia Khera (a village), Milla runs into some childhood friends. The party splits up to let Milla spend time catching up with her old pals.
Playing as Jude: The party spends time in the handmaid's home drinking tea while Milla and her childhood friends head to the Nia Khera shrine to talk. Milla returns a little while later and rejoins the party.
Playing as Milla: Milla and her childhood friends head to the shrine to talk. During the trip, Milla's friends try to assassinate her, revealing themselves as members of Exodus (Milla's enemies). After killing the exodus agents Milla returns to Jude, and the group departs as if nothing had happened.
Combat takes place in real-time with a party of up to four members. Everyone can move about freely within an enclosed area, defending, dodging or attacking with either a melee weapon or special skills called Artes. Party members can be swapped in and out of battle on the fly, and battle tactics can likewise be altered mid-battle. There is an additional system in place called "linking", where the player and one party member form a connection of sorts to unleash devastating special moves. The battle system is simplistic, quick, and the transitions are fluid.
The Lilium Orb system acts as Xillia's leveling scheme. GP points are earned with every level and are used to activate nodes corresponding to an attribute (agility, dexterity, intelligence, spirit, stamina, or strength) on a giant web. Each character has their own web, allowing the player to tailor the development of each party member to their liking. It is a decent system for micromanagers, or if it becomes too annoying, there is an auto-level option.
A fast travel system is unlocked early on that enables travel between any town, dungeon or stretch of wilderness the player has already visited. The loading times are amazingly fast, which makes exploration and side-quests all the more appealing. Additionally, Xillia has an odd shop system where the quality, and selection of goods available, is determined by the shop level. To unlock new and better gear, the player must donate items or money to raise the shop level. It is actually an appealing system that lets you unlock things at your own pace.
Rather than try to revolutionize with every title, Namco makes just enough tweaks to the formula to keep the Tales of series fresh, and give each title it's own identity. The locations in Xillia are some of the most imaginative in the franchise, an area they usually fall short in - bioluminescent trees, windswept canyons and a place full of clock-like arches. It takes a little while for the plot to pick up pace, and it has plenty of corny moments, but still offers a solid experience with enough unusual and refreshing elements to keep it from getting stale. If you are looking for something really unique or deep, then Xillia isn't that. What Xillia does offer is some lighthearted fun in a vibrant world.
First posted to videogamegeek.com.
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