Ni No Kuni is a gorgeous JPRG from Studio Ghibli, one of Japan’s most highly acclaimed animation studios, about a young boy who finds himself in a parallel world.
Easy to Play
Great Graphics/Art
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Story & Themes
Ni No Kuni, which roughly translates to "Second World," tells the story of a young boy who loses his mother in a tragic accident that he's partly to blame for. A few days later strange things begin happening--starting with his stuffed animal coming to life. Later the boy, Oliver, travels to another world. He's told that the people in this world are mirrors or "soulmates" of the ones in his own world.
The key to all this is Oliver's mother, who--technically speaking--still lives in the second world. However, she is in grave danger, and Oliver must embark on a quest to defeat the evil that has imprisoned her.
Ni No Kuni is, at heart, a story about emotions and helping others. Oliver must take responsibility for his mistakes, and save the world while he's at it.
The game is a Studio Ghibli production, so fans of Hayao Miyazaki's works will undoubtedly find something to enjoy in it. Miyazaki himself, however, was not involved in the project.
Save Points
Waystones are spaced save points and will also restore the player's health and magic.
Difficulty
Ni No Kuni poses little difficulty, but does require a lot of "grinding"--repeatedly fighting easy battles in order to earn experience points.
Heads Up!
Violence Ni No Kuni includes some bloodless combat, mostly involving magic. Oliver sends out "familiars" to defend himself, so battles are conducted much in the same way Pokemon battles are.
Substance Use One character smokes a pipe, and there are a few references to wine.
Conversation Starters
- Oliver receives "Merit Stamps" when he helps people. Do you think it's legitimate to expect a badge or certificate just for doing the right thing, or even going out of your way to do a good thing?
- Some of the monsters in Ni No Kuni are pretty cute and un-threatening. Were you ever bothered by Oliver's having to fight small animals as he travels? Or did their cute looks not matter since they were attacking Oliver?
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