amazon Ni no Kuni Wrath of the White Witch Remastered reviews
Not trying to hide or deceive the player, the story of Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch Remastered is very open. Players easily know what they are doing, what to do.
The beginning of the game is quite light, the player will play the role of Oliver and his mother living in a small city called Motorville. At this stage, you mainly go around buying snacks for your mother, meeting neighbors to chat, listen to stories about Philip’s homemade car.
After spending a lot of time that I thought was “playing the wrong type of game”, our story began to change 180 degrees when Oliver’s mother sacrificed to save her child.
Oliver in grief over the loss of his beloved mother, inadvertently removed the seal for Drippy, a forerunner from another world but imprisoned in disguise … a stuffed animal!
Drippy convinced Oliver that his world and him are two worlds connected through a magical corridor, which also means that each of Oliver’s world will have a copy of himself (called Soulmate) in Drippy’s world.
Oliver’s mother has Soulmate, the great magician Alicia – who is being held captive by the dark wizard Shadar and if he successfully rescues Alicia his mother will probably return to the world.
Oliver’s great adventure begins here. Into the new world, the game will give you a Wizard’s Companion with everything described in great detail from the use of each type of magic, which monsters will be weak magic resistance …
However, this is not to say that the game “guidle” everything, instructions are set but the implementation is you.
The mechanics in the game are very manual and sophisticated, for example, standing in front of a locked chest – you have to unleash a spell to unlock, encounter a mushroom – you enchant the time the tree will grow, missions will show you where you need to go, but you have to find your way to the destination …
With everything being done in such a detailed and dense manner, almost half of the game time is around guiding players to learn how to use the game’s features properly.
Combined with the sluggish pace of the gameplay, each of the first chapters in Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch Remastered is humble with full introduction, happenings, results and integration into the side quests with value rewards that you can run around all day (besides the available rewards, after completing the side quests you will receive stamps, when enough stamps are collected you will redeem for skills especially as high jump, run fast, detect items …).
Gentle, adventure is like that, but after experiencing the first half of the game, the second half of the story began to progress faster and faster both in the gameplay and the plot.
The simple reason, although taking the turn-based style, Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch Remastered is not unique to the traditional style but mixed in with the influence of the ADB (Active Time Battle) style – the mechanism created the brand of Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age and the Xenoblade game series.
Because of that hybrid, the options in the game become more improvised and flexible.
The system of companions (Familiar) makes things inherently troublesome now even more confusing. Basically, Familiar are beasts that you “convert” or voluntarily follow you with different powers and skills.
You have to rotate regularly between Familiar for different tactics, between Familiar have the ability to interact with each other (and interact with the owner), each “companion” has different physical bars and if they run out of stamina they will have to take a break …
With 3 main characters in the squad, each has up to 3 companions, each companion can control as a player, and that’s just a fighting mechanism and next to dozens of things like the item system, magic system, tactical system …
Although the story in the game goes straight but does not mean that there are no climax.
Going through the story of the game, the player plays like a true incarnation into the little boy Oliver with all levels of emotion and indignation.
From a playful boy into a responsible person with the burden of saving both worlds on his shoulders.
With the Ghibli style creation, you will surely have a poetic return to childhood.
The Cel Shading style is used and maximizes the full power in Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch Remastered.
In fact, the writer has no choice but to greatly admire the use of the artists’ colors when only by using two original monochromatic color blocks, one bright, one dark, to highlight the sophisticated world and detail.
The vast steppe, the lovely small town of Motorville, the kingdom of Ding Dong Dell is filled with tiny nooks and crannies, Al Mamoon is burning … all lively and like dancing in front of the screen!
Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch Remastered also impressed by the music from Joe Hisaishi – the witch behind Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle …
The music in the game will make you label a nostalgic but not bored, so classic or philosophical that it is more like the nursery rhymes.
Music, pictures, storytelling make it easy for adults to find themselves as a child yearning for adventure.
Originally a refreshing game, meaning Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch Remastered didn’t have many important changes in the gameplay or the like from the original game.
The battle continuously unless you flee (if you do not increase the speed do not dream of escaping monsters) or the distance of experience is too large between the two sides.
The scenes in Motorville are still locked, although it is not really important to feel the plot but the feeling is still uncomfortable when your character is hidden among the houses.
Tactic function is quite stupid, if not in your hands to control, the characters automatically only have to rush into the enemy to … commit suicide whether it is a defensive or attacking option.
Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch Remastered is so great in every way, everything in the game is harmonious, enhancing each other’s beauty to the best.
If you’re looking for a nostalgic game but don’t know where to start or simply want to enjoy an adventure story, fairy but also full of romance, Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch Remastered is definitely is a name that is not in vain for your choice.
where can you get a Ni no Kuni Wrath of the White Witch Remastered online
Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch Remastered – PlayStation 4: Buy it now
Ni No Kuni: Wrath Of The White Witch: Remastered (PS4): Buy it now
Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch Remastered (Multi-Language) [Asia Import]: Buy it now
Story and Characters
Plot Overview
The story of “Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch” revolves around Oliver, a kind-hearted boy living in the town of Motorville. After a tragic accident claims the life of his mother, Oliver discovers that his tears have brought to life a fairy named Drippy. Drippy reveals that Oliver is the chosen one destined to save another world, Ni no Kuni, from the clutches of an evil sorceress known as the White Witch.
Oliver’s journey takes him through a beautifully crafted world, where he meets a diverse cast of characters and battles formidable foes. The plot is rich with emotion, combining themes of loss, hope, and the power of friendship. The story is both heartwarming and heartbreaking, capturing the essence of classic fairy tales.
Character Development
The characters in “Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch” are well-developed and memorable. Oliver is a relatable protagonist, driven by a pure desire to save his mother and help others. His growth throughout the game is evident, as he transforms from a grieving boy into a courageous hero.
Drippy, Oliver’s companion, provides comic relief and invaluable guidance. His quirky personality and Welsh accent make him a standout character. The allies Oliver meets on his journey, such as Esther and Swaine, each have their own unique backstories and motivations, adding depth to the narrative.
The game also features a host of colorful NPCs and antagonists, each contributing to the rich tapestry of the story. The White Witch herself is a compelling villain, with a tragic past that adds complexity to her character.
Gameplay Mechanics
Exploration and Quests
“Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch” offers a vast world to explore, filled with towns, dungeons, and hidden secrets. The game’s world map is reminiscent of classic RPGs, allowing players to traverse various landscapes, from lush forests to arid deserts. The sense of exploration is enhanced by the game’s beautiful art design and detailed environments.
Quests are a central part of the gameplay, with a mix of main story missions and side quests. The main quests drive the narrative forward, while the side quests offer additional challenges and rewards. These side quests often involve helping NPCs, hunting rare monsters, or finding hidden treasures. Completing quests provides experience points, items, and sometimes new familiars to aid in battle.
Combat System
The combat system in “Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch” is a blend of real-time action and traditional turn-based mechanics. Players control Oliver and his allies, each of whom can summon familiars to fight on their behalf. Familiars are magical creatures that can be captured, trained, and evolved, similar to the Pokémon series.
During battles, players can switch between characters and familiars, using a combination of physical attacks, magic spells, and special abilities. The combat is strategic, requiring players to manage their resources, position their characters effectively, and exploit enemy weaknesses. The game also features a guard and evasion mechanic, adding a layer of timing and reflexes to the battles.
The familiar system is a highlight of the gameplay, offering a wide variety of creatures to collect and customize. Each familiar has its own strengths, weaknesses, and abilities, allowing players to tailor their team to their preferred playstyle. Training and evolving familiars is rewarding, as they become more powerful and gain new skills.
Puzzle Solving
In addition to combat, “Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch” includes various puzzles and mini-games that add variety to the gameplay. These puzzles are often tied to the story or side quests and require players to use their wits and observation skills. The puzzles range from simple riddles to more complex challenges involving the environment and the use of magic spells.
Graphics and Art Design
Visual Style
One of the standout features of “Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch” is its stunning visual style. The game features hand-drawn art and animation by Studio Ghibli, known for their work on animated classics like “Spirited Away” and “My Neighbor Totoro.” The result is a game that feels like a playable Studio Ghibli film, with vibrant colors, detailed backgrounds, and expressive character designs.
The remastered edition enhances the visuals further, with higher resolution textures, improved lighting, and smoother animations. The game looks breathtaking on modern hardware, capturing the magic and charm of the original while providing a fresh experience for new players.
Animation
The animation in “Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch” is top-notch, with fluid movements and expressive character animations. The cutscenes, in particular, are beautifully crafted, bringing the story to life with cinematic flair. The in-game animations, from combat moves to character interactions, are equally impressive, adding to the overall immersion.
Sound Design
Music
The soundtrack of “Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch” is composed by Joe Hisaishi, known for his work on many Studio Ghibli films. The music is enchanting and evocative, perfectly complementing the game’s whimsical and emotional tone. Each track is memorable, from the sweeping orchestral themes that accompany exploration to the tense battle music that heightens the excitement of combat.
Sound Effects
The sound effects in the game are well-executed, adding to the immersion and enhancing the overall experience. The sounds of magic spells, combat, and the environment are crisp and impactful. The attention to detail in the sound design helps to create a believable and engaging world.
Voice Acting
“Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch” features excellent voice acting, with performances that bring the characters to life. The voice actors deliver their lines with emotion and personality, making the characters more relatable and endearing. The localization is well-done, with both English and Japanese voice options available.
Replayability
Main Story and Side Quests
The main story of “Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch” offers a substantial amount of content, with a narrative that can take 40 to 60 hours to complete. The side quests and optional content add even more hours of gameplay, providing plenty of reasons to revisit the game after completing the main story.
Collecting and Training Familiars
The familiar system adds significant replayability, as players can spend countless hours collecting, training, and evolving their familiars. The variety of familiars and the customization options ensure that each playthrough can feel unique, with different team compositions and strategies to explore.
Post-Game Content
The game also includes post-game content, such as additional dungeons, powerful enemies, and rare items to find. This content provides a challenging and rewarding experience for players who want to continue their adventure after the main story is finished.
Criticisms and Areas for Improvement
Difficulty Balance
One criticism of “Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch” is its difficulty balance. Some players may find the game too easy, especially during the early stages, while others may struggle with the difficulty spikes in certain boss battles. A more consistent difficulty curve and additional difficulty settings would enhance the overall experience.
AI Companions
The AI companions in the game can sometimes be less than optimal in combat, making questionable decisions or failing to use their abilities effectively. While players can issue commands to their allies, the AI behavior can still be frustrating at times. Improved AI behavior would make the combat more enjoyable and less reliant on micromanagement.
Pacing
The pacing of the story can feel slow at times, with lengthy cutscenes and dialogue sequences. While the narrative is engaging, some players may find the slower pacing to be a drawback. Streamlining certain parts of the story and providing options to skip cutscenes would help maintain the game’s momentum.
Final Verdict
“Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch Remastered” is a magical and captivating RPG that stands out for its stunning visuals, engaging story, and deep gameplay mechanics. The collaboration between Level-5 and Studio Ghibli has resulted in a game that feels like a playable animated film, with a rich and immersive world to explore.