Project X Zone
European cover art
Developer(s)Monolith Soft[lower-alpha 1]
Publisher(s)Namco Bandai Games
Director(s)Soichiro Morizumi
Producer(s)Kensuke Tsukanaka[1]
Koji Ishitani
Writer(s)Soichiro Morizumi
Composer(s)Naofumi Tsuruyama
Takuya Hanaoka
Kayoko Matsushima
Platform(s)Nintendo 3DS
Release
Genre(s)Tactical role-playing game
Mode(s)Single player

Project X Zone[lower-alpha 2] (pronounced as "Project Cross Zone") 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.[1] The game was released on October 11, 2012 in Japan; June 25, 2013 in North America; and July 5, 2013 in Europe.[3][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 sequel, 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

Mii Kouryuji, the latest descendant of the Kouryuji clan, and her tutor, private detective Kogoro Tenzai search for the Portalstone, the heirloom of the Kouryuji clan. As they investigate the whereabouts of the Portalstone, they team up with a large cast of characters who have been affected by strange portals appearing in their worlds, and fight against villains who have taken opportunity of the chaos caused by the rifts between worlds collapsing.

Characters

Sixty playable characters are included in the game.[7] The overseas versions feature the same character roster as the original Japanese version.[10]

Pair units

Solo units

Development

Namco Bandai came up with the idea of a "dream crossover" and brought on Capcom and Sega.[1] 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.[18]

The initial creation of the characters were done in 3D character models before they were converted to be SD pixel art.[19] Notable attacks used by the characters had to be done in 2D space in order to preserve its source material origin.[19]

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.[20] 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."[21] Namco Bandai Games announced on January 21, 2013 that the game would be officially released in North America, Europe and Australasia during summer 2013.[22] 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.[23][24] On May 1, 2016, the game was removed from the North American and European eShops.[25]

Reception

The game sold more than 85,539 units in its first week in Japan.[35] In the West, the game has sold over ten times more than what Bandai Namco had expected.[36] The game was among the 20 best games sold in the United Kingdom after it made its debut.[37][38] In the United States, the game has been among the best selling games sold for the 3DS.[39] The game has sold over 400,000 copies worldwide, according to Bandai Namco.[40]

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.[26] 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."[41] 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."[42] 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."[43]

Kotaku's Mike Fahey included Project X Zone in his top ten games of 2013.[44] In 2014, Kotaku also included the game among "The 12 Best Games on the 3DS".[45]

Sequel

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.[46]

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. 1 2 3 "So Who's Responsible For Project X Zone?". Andriasang. April 11, 2012. Archived from the original on December 25, 2012. Retrieved May 16, 2012.
  2. ↑ "Project X Zone gets a release date, in Japan". Destructoid. 27 June 2012. Archived from the original on 23 August 2023. Retrieved September 22, 2012.
  3. 1 2 "Project X Zone Release Date Announced". IGN. 5 April 2013. Archived from the original on 2013-04-12. Retrieved 2013-07-14.
  4. 1 2 Cocke, Taylor (2013-01-21). "Project X Zone Coming to North America and Europe". IGN. Archived from the original on 2013-01-24. Retrieved 2013-01-21.
  5. 1 2 Anoop Gantayat. "Monolith Software Confirmed as Project X Zone's Developer". Andriasang. Archived from the original on December 25, 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. 1 2 Anoop Gantayat. "Over 200 Characters in Project X Zone". Andriasang. Archived from the original on December 25, 2012. Retrieved August 9, 2012.
  8. ↑ Anoop Gantayat. "Project X Zone Gameplay Details". Andriasang. Archived from the original on December 25, 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. Archived from the original on 2012-12-08. Retrieved 2012-10-14.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  10. ↑ Ishaan (2013-01-22). "Project X Zone Will Not Have Any Content Cut for Western Release". Siliconera.com. Archived from the original on 2019-02-14. Retrieved 2013-07-14.
  11. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Yip, Spencer (June 27, 2012). "Project X Zone's Original Characters". Siliconera. Archived from the original on December 4, 2012. Retrieved August 1, 2012.
  12. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 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. 1 2 3 4 5 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. 1 2 3 Gantayat, Anoop (July 24, 2012). "Fighting Vipers Joins New Mega Man Characters in Project X Zone". Andriasang. Archived from the original on December 25, 2012. Retrieved August 1, 2012.
  15. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Yip, Spencer (September 11, 2012). "Project X Zone Adds Batsu (Rival Schools), Juri (Street Fighter) & Alisa (Tekken)". Siliconera. Archived from the original on December 16, 2012. Retrieved September 13, 2012.
  16. 1 2 Yip, Spencer (July 17, 2012). "Project X Zone Adds Lady From Devil May Cry, Rindou From God Eater". Siliconera. Archived from the original on December 25, 2012. Retrieved August 1, 2012.
  17. ↑ Goulter, Tom (January 25, 2013). "Project X Zone roster: Meet all 60 playable characters". GamesRadar. Archived from the original on August 23, 2023. Retrieved July 27, 2022.
  18. ↑ Loo, Egan (April 10, 2012). "Capcom, Sega, Namco Bandai's Project Cross Zone Revealed". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on July 19, 2012. Retrieved May 16, 2012.
  19. 1 2 "Project X Zone Concept Art Shows Mii Kouryuji's Original Design - Siliconera". Siliconera. 28 September 2012. Archived from the original on 23 August 2023. Retrieved December 9, 2014.
  20. ↑ "Studio Trigger, Evangelion's Yoko Takahashi Work on Project X Zone Opening". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on 2017-06-14. Retrieved July 14, 2013.
  21. ↑ "Tekken producer pushing for Project X Zone localization". Nintendo Everything. Archived from the original on January 25, 2013. Retrieved October 2, 2012.
  22. ↑ "Capcom/Sega/Namco Bandai's Project X Zone Gets N. American Release". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on 2023-08-23. Retrieved January 21, 2013.
  23. ↑ "That Crazy Sega/Namco/Capcom Crossover RPG Project X Zone Is Coming To America". Kotaku. 21 January 2013. Archived from the original on 23 August 2023. Retrieved January 21, 2013.
  24. ↑ "Zoning Regulations - The X Button". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on 2023-08-23. Retrieved July 10, 2013.
  25. ↑ "Project X Zone Isn't Appearing In The Nintendo 3DS eShop". Siliconera. 2 May 2016. Archived from the original on 23 August 2023. Retrieved May 2, 2016.
  26. 1 2 "Project X Zone for 3DS Reviews". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on 2023-08-23. Retrieved 2013-07-14.
  27. ↑ Kyle MacGregor (9 July 2013). "Review: Project X Zone". Destructoid. Archived from the original on 2023-08-23. Retrieved 2013-07-09.
  28. ↑ DS/3DS (2013-07-02). "EGM Review: Project X Zone". EGMNOW. Archived from the original on 2013-09-06. Retrieved 2013-07-14.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  29. ↑ "Project X Zone 2 Received a Score of 32/40 from Famitsu". Gamnesia. 15 November 2015. Retrieved November 15, 2015.
  30. ↑ Carolyn Petit (2013-06-25). "Project X Zone Review". GameSpot. Retrieved 2013-07-14.
  31. ↑ "Project X Zone review". GamesRadar. 27 June 2013. Archived from the original on 2013-10-27. Retrieved 2013-07-14.
  32. ↑ Scott Thompson 26 Jun 2013 (2013-06-26). "Project X Zone Review - IGN". Ca.ign.com. Archived from the original on 2013-06-28. Retrieved 2013-07-14.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  33. ↑ Philip J Reed (25 June 2013). "Review: Project X Zone". Nintendo Life. Retrieved 2013-07-14.
  34. ↑ "> Staff Review > Project X Zone". RPGamer. Retrieved 2013-07-14.
  35. ↑ Ishaan (October 17, 2012). "This Week in Sales: Bravely Default Flies High". Siliconera. Archived from the original on December 22, 2012. Retrieved October 18, 2012.
  36. ↑ "Bandai Namco declined Attack on Titan 3DS for North America, Project X Zone sales much better than expected". Nintendo Everything. 3 August 2014. Retrieved 9 December 2014.
  37. ↑ "UK Chart: Animal Crossing Remains In Top 5, Project X Zone Debuts In Top 20". My Nintendo News. 8 July 2013. Archived from the original on 31 December 2014. Retrieved 9 December 2014.
  38. ↑ "UK Sales Charts: The Last of Us Leads and Project X Zone in top 20". PLAYERESSENCE. Archived from the original on 3 February 2014. Retrieved 9 December 2014.
  39. ↑ "Nintendo combines digital and retail sales in best seller lists". GoNintendo. 16 July 2013. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 9 December 2014.
  40. ↑ "Project X Zone Is Getting A Sequel Because The First One Actually Did Pretty Well". Siliconera. April 13, 2015. Archived from the original on 15 April 2015. Retrieved 15 April 2015.
  41. ↑ "Project X Zone Review". IGN. 26 June 2013. Archived from the original on 27 July 2013. Retrieved 9 December 2014.
  42. ↑ "Project X Zone Review". Gamerevolution.com. Archived from the original on 9 August 2014. Retrieved 9 December 2014.
  43. ↑ John_Learned (27 June 2013). "Project X Zone review". Gamesradar.com. Archived from the original on 27 October 2013. Retrieved 9 December 2014.
  44. ↑ Mike Fahey (2013-12-20). "Fahey's Top Ten Games Of 2013". Kotaku. Archived from the original on 2014-04-11. Retrieved 2014-04-23.
  45. ↑ Kotaku Staff (2014-04-03). "The 12 Best Games on the 3DS". Kotaku. Archived from the original on 2014-04-22. Retrieved 2014-04-23.
  46. ↑ "Project X Zone 2 announced, teaser trailer". Gematsu. 12 April 2015. Archived from the original on 12 March 2016. Retrieved 2 May 2016.
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