'Xenoblade Chronicles X' Release Date News: Game Map Includes 5 Continents

More information about the upcoming game "Xenoblade Chronicles X" was revealed, along with over an hour of gameplay, in the recently held Nintendo Direct event.

Along with it came news that the map in the game, which is several times bigger than its predecessor "Xenoblade Chronicles," could be accessed right at the beginning.

"Xenoblade Chronicles X" is the follow-up game to the one released in 2010. The Japanese role playing game will be released later this year exclusively on the Wii U.

As for the huge map in the game, game developer Monolith Software cautioned players in accessing some areas as they contain powerful enemies that cannot be overcome leading to the death of their characters.

This map is uniquely composed of honeycombs. Some icons point towards checkpoints. Once a checkpoint is discovered and unlocked with the placing of a beacon, players will be returned to it once they die.

Commenting on the game and its visuals, GameSpot said it is not only bigger than the previous edition but also features a much more beautiful environment in which the characters have to traverse vast distances to reach each checkpoint. Players in the game will be able to walk or run anywhere or climb any of the massive rock structures and mountains.

Up to four players will be able to collaborate online when they go on their quest. As for the five continents in the game, they include Primordia, where the game will kick off. Players may journey to Noctilum filled with dense forest, or they may head over to Oblivia with its splendid valleys. The other two continents are Sylvalum, which is dotted with white trees, and Cauldros, home to Black Steel.

"Xenoblade Chronicles X" is scheduled for initial release in Japan on April 29 before it rolls out to other countries including the United States later this year.