‘Project X Zone’: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know

Project X Zone

Any fan of crossover company video games must have this portable, tactical RPG on their radar. Capcom, Sega, and Namco Bandai have all banded together to release their mega 3DS project, Project X Zone, over to the shores of North America. Here’s the five fast facts you need to know about this game, its predecessor, and the development teams behind it.


1. This Game is A Sequel to Namco x Capcom

This isn’t the first time two Japanese companies have gotten together to create a crossover RPG. Back in 2005, Namco Bandai and Capcom created an import-only title called Namco x Capcom for the PS2. This release was rife with content – 50 levels and a wide variety of well known characters from both companies. During the game’s initial launch, it was the top selling game in Japan (87,223 copies sold). It ended up nabbing 131,615 total sales in Japan. The game was re-released in Japan under the “PlayStation 2 the Best” line of video games. Check out some gameplay footage of this title above.


2. The Battles Entail Active Participation

Project X Zone’s stages take place in different locales with grid-based movement. Treasure chests are scattered around these areas, which can be retrieved during the free movement sequences. Once a player engages an enemy character, the player’s two character unit will begin to face off with their opponents. Instead of selecting a command and watching the battles unfold, players will have to use button presses (the A button and the 3DS’ Circle Pad) to begin attacking. Up to five basic attacks are available, as well as Support Attacks (moves from a third ally) and Cross Hits (attacks that freeze the enemy in place and make them vulnerable for more hits). The Cross Power (XP) gauge fills up as the characters attack, which can then be used to unveil special attacks and defensive maneuvers on the map. Get a look at the game’s battles above.


3. There Will Be Over 200 Characters Featured in the Game

This tactical RPG comes with over 200 of Capcom, Namco Bandai, and Sega’s most popular (and more obscure) characters. Games Radar posted up a list with every character that is playable. Several of the enemies gamers will face off with are familiar as well. To get a good look at some of the faces that can be seen in this game, check out the game’s intro trailer above. The animation studio Trigger is responsible for this beautiful mini-film.


4. Namco Bandai First Presented the Idea to Capcom and Sega

Project X Zone

Namco Bandai was the first company to propose the idea of creating this crossover RPG. They brought the concept over to the creative teams at Sega and Capcom, who both liked the idea and green lighted the game’s development. Namco Bandai put up a teaser image of the game on its website to build anticipation for the game, which was then revealed in the May 2012 issue of Famitsu.


5. The Game Has Garnered Good Ratings in Japan

Project X Zone

After being release in Japan, Project X Zone garnered more than 85,538 units sold during its first week in stores. Famitsu graded the game with a 34/40 rating, while RPGamer gave it a 4/5. American 3DS owners will get to own the game on June 25, 2013, while those is Europe will get to own the game on July 5, 2013. Australian gamers are going to have to wait to play the game a bit later on, as its coming out on July 4, 2013 (great holiday release, huh?).