Infinite Undiscovery

By Sherrin English

After a long dry spell without any next-gen RPGs, we’re in for a real treat in the next few months as they start coming at us from all sides. The Xbox360 has scored a couple of exclusives, and Infinite Undiscovery is one of them. And because it’s been made by Tri-Ace and published by SquareEnix you know it’s going to be good.

Infinite Undiscovery is from the creators of Valkyrie Profile and the Star Ocean series, Tri-Ace, so you can expect that the graphics are going to be phenomenal - they are – the story is going to be intriguing – it is - and that the soundtrack is going to be inspiring – it is. You can also expect that although the combat will be real-time there will be something a little different about it – and there certainly is. The name Infinite Undiscovery, as near as I can make it, is meant to imply that there are an infinite number of discoveries to be made throughout the game, but when you begin those discoveries are ‘undiscovered’.

The world is in turmoil because the ‘Order of The Chains’ has physically chained the moon to the earth. Natural disasters are threatening the stability of the planet, and as huge tsunamis and earthquakes rip through the world the people are in a panic. All this mayhem and misery has been inspired and caused by Leonid, Dreadknight and leader of the ‘Order of The Chains.’ The Order believes that the moon is a source of power and they intend to use that power for their own sordid and selfish purposes. Leonid, however, has his own plans for the power of the moon - he wants to become a god. As things worsen a hero arises, Sigmund, who sets out to free the moon and put the earth to rights. Naturally the Order does not want Sigmund anywhere near the moon and they send out guards to capture him. Unfortunately your character, Capell, a minstrel, has the misfortune to look exactly like the hunted Sigmund, so when the Order stumbles across Capell he is unceremoniously thrown into prison.

Like Star Ocean 3 and Final Fantasy XII, Infinite Undiscovery moves into combat mode seamlessly, and because you can see your enemy before you strike there are no random battles. Two buttons are used; one for a light attack and the other for a heavy attack, and various combinations of buttons can result in some deadly combos. There is no block button because it has been changed to ‘parry.’ Parry is initiated by pushing the left trigger at the exact moment that the attack is to hit. It can take a bit of getting used to, but once you’ve mastered the parry your enemy is stunned and left open to some fierce attacks before he either awakens or dies.

Infinite Undiscovery’s controls are, for the most part, intuitive, but you’re only able to control Capell; however the AI for your other party members looks excellent. But you’ll also be able to use another party member’s skill by using a ‘connect action’. During combat you’re encouraged to experiment with different ways of defeating the enemy, and the most obvious or fastest way is not always the best. There are 18 characters to choose your four-member party from and it’s best to swap them in and out regularly because occasionally, to solve puzzles and for large battles, you’ll be called on to make three groups of four. So it’s a good idea to have all of them ready and able to fight at any time.

I also need to mention that natural phenomenon can often add a surprise element to combat. Large rolling boulders or a huge wave washing through your fight can really spice it up, but the game’s combat system allows, in fact encourages, you to turn these natural events to your advantage. But sometimes these phenomenon can be hidden so it’s up to you to find them and then figure out a way to use them. And as Capell is a musician – a flute player – he’s not a warrior so it’s sometimes the best idea to flee a battle rather than engage, and then find a different way to beat the nasties. Also, as night and day cycles round - approximately every ten minutes or so of playing time - the different times will offer unique opportunities. For example, you could sneak into an enemy camp under the cover of darkness and notch up some stealth kills, rather than rush in during broad daylight and have a large war on your hands. But keep in mind that certain enemies can see and hear you, and some can even smell you.

If you’ve seen the trailer you’ll know that Infinite Undscovery’s graphics are truly awe inspiring, with fabulous settings in rich and vibrant colours. The characters are also superbly designed, costumed and animated. You’ll also have heard the rousing introductory track and you can be assured that the complete soundtrack has light and shade that balances well with the graphics and onscreen action.

All in all I’m convinced Infinite Undiscovery will be one of the highlights of this year's next-gen JRPGs. So in a bid not to miss out I suggest you place your pre-order now.

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ReplyPosted by Ubercuber on 26 August 2008, 10:40AM

40 hours is plenty for me. This game sounds interesting (parry FTW). How is the day night cycle though? 10 minutes seems pretty quick. This might be worth a rent - looks better than FF12 at least.

 

ReplyPosted by stupidlikeafox on 26 August 2008, 10:56AM

sounds good zeph! *goes to uber's house when he hires it*

 

ReplyPosted by Ubercuber on 26 August 2008, 12:35PM

We can do another ill-fated weekend of gaming like when we tried to finish FF12 in 2 days. Probably possible...had the game not been utterly boring.

 

ReplyPosted by stupidlikeafox on 26 August 2008, 02:20PM

also sounds good...

 

ReplyPosted by Ruptunex on 26 August 2008, 05:09PM

It's by Tri-Ace!!! It'll be fantastic!!! I'm looking forward to the secret dungeon they'll have at the end

 

ReplyPosted by alienhominid on 26 August 2008, 05:30PM

sounds good. me wants

 

ReplyPosted by xSHADOWx on 26 August 2008, 10:08PM

sweet

 

ReplyPosted by Ysolla on 27 August 2008, 02:46PM

Am I the only person who likes FF12? Perhaps it's my completionist streak, it makes me feel good to finish something properly. I'm looking forward to this, looks like another procrastination activity has arisen! 40 hours is sweet.

 

ReplyPosted by LoNe on 27 August 2008, 04:30PM

ff12 was balls, ysolla.

 

ReplyPosted by Ysolla on 27 August 2008, 04:54PM

Where is it written that every game has to appeal to every single gamer out there? Admittedly I've been playing it for 62 hours, but I don't get bored. But I also don't expect everyone to agree.
It'll be interesting to see what people have to say along the same lines for Infinite Undiscovery then.

 

ReplyPosted by Ruptunex on 27 August 2008, 11:19PM

FF12 was a good game. Just not as good as FF's should be

 

ReplyPosted by thedrunkasian on 28 August 2008, 03:49PM

sounds good

 

ReplyPosted by Insanctity on 29 August 2008, 09:07AM

Should be interesting to not have the main char as a sword weilding bad a$$. Hopefully plays better than Lost Odyssey, lol still havent finished the last boss, I just don't feel tempted to.
FF12 was a great game, the story was beautifully driven like most FF games (alotta rpgs fall short in that department these days stupid lost odyssey!! I mean wtf why would I want to read the story, I bought a game not a book)

 

ReplyPosted by itachi27 on 2 September 2008, 12:08PM

So keen for this one, but cannot wait to see what Tri ace come out with next, still holding out for the star ocean remakes

 

ReplyPosted by Ruptunex on 8 September 2008, 01:54PM

The story to FF12 HAD NO DRIVE!!!!!!!
"So.... Vayne is gonna do stuff eh? Damn..."

"Maybe we should go see the gods." "Meh why not"

"Oooooh a sword, wait, this is crap"

"Vayne is big and red now, should we kill him?"

"Yeah alright"