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{{Infobox video game
#REDIRECT [[Ni no Kuni]]
| title = Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch
| image = NiNoKuni.jpg
| caption = Cover art for the English release of the game.
| developer = [[Level-5 (video game company)|Level-5]]
| publisher = [[Bandai Namco Entertainment|Namco Bandai Games]]<br>{{vgrelease|JP=Level-5}}
| director = Ken Motomura
| producer = Hiroyuki Watanabe
| writer = [[Akihiro Hino]]
| artist = Toshihiro Kuriaki
| composer = [[Joe Hisaishi]]<br>Rei Kondoh
| engine = [[Havok (software)|Havok]]
| platforms = [[PlayStation 3]]
| released = {{vgrelease new|JP|November 17, 2011|NA|January 22, 2013|AU|January 31, 2013|EU|February 1, 2013}}
| genre = [[Role-playing game|Role-playing]]
| modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]]
}}
{{nihongo|'''''Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch'''''|二ノ国 白き聖灰の女王|Ni no Kuni: Shiroki Seihai no Joō|lit. ''Second Country: The Queen of White Sacred Ash''}} is a [[Role-playing video game|role-playing]] video game, developed by [[Level-5 (video game company)|Level-5]]. It was released for the [[PlayStation 3]] in Japan on November 17, 2011, and published in Western regions by [[Bandai Namco Entertainment|Namco Bandai Games]] in January 2013. The game is a significantly enhanced version of ''[[Ni no Kuni: Dominion of the Dark Djinn]]'', released in December 2010 for the [[Nintendo DS]], featuring similar gameplay and story elements. Players control Oliver, a young boy who sets out on a journey to save his mother.

The game is played from a [[Third-person view|third-person]] perspective and its world is navigated on foot, by boat, or on a dragon. While players navigate Oliver throughout the game's world, other characters can be controlled during battles against enemies; during these battles, players use magic abilities and creatures known as "familiars", which can be captured and tamed.

Development began in 2008, simultaneous to ''Dominion of the Dark Djinn''. The game's animated sequences were produced by [[Studio Ghibli]], while the original score was composed by [[Joe Hisashi]]. The artwork was also inspired by Studio Ghibli's other productions. The character development of Oliver was a large focus of the game, intending to make children empathize with the character and for adults to relive their adolescence. The developers used the power of the PlayStation 3 to its full potential to render the world with great detail.

Following its announcement, ''Ni no Kuni'' was widely anticipated. It was acclaimed by many reviewers, with praise particularly directed at its story, graphic design and unique gameplay. ''Wrath of the White Witch'' became one of the best-selling PlayStation 3 games, selling over 170,000 units within a week of its Japanese release, and over one million units within fourteen months of its Western release. The game won year-end accolades, including Best RPG awards from several [[Video game journalism|gaming publications]].

== Gameplay ==
''Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch'' is a [[Role-playing video game|role-playing]] game that uses a [[Third-person view|third-person perspective]]. Players complete quests—linear scenarios with set objectives—to progress through the story. Outside of quests, players can [[Nonlinear gameplay|freely roam]] the [[open world]]. Players explore towns, villages, dungeons and dangerous places scattered throughout the world, and possess the ability to travel between the world and Oliver's hometown of Motorville. Upon leaving a location, players enter the World Map, which can be navigated, or used to select a destination.<ref name="Manual p7">{{harvnb|Level-5|2013|p=7}}</ref> The world may be fully explored from the beginning of the game without restrictions, although story progress unlocks more gameplay content and forms of transport to navigate the world.<ref name="Manual p7"/>{{efn|Players initially run to navigate the world, though later gain the ability to travel by boat, or on the back of a dragon.<ref name="GameSpot Review"/>}}

[[File:Ni No Kuni game battle screenshot.jpg|thumb|256px|left|Players control Oliver, Esther and Swaine during battles, with the ability to access their familiars.]]

When players encounter enemies, they enter a battle mode. Battles take place on an open battlefield, allowing players to freely roam around the area.<ref name="RPGFan Review"/> During battles, players command a single human ally, or one of the familiars accompanying them. To fight enemies, players use magical abilities{{efn|The four playable characters possess differing abilities to use in battle: Oliver and Marcassin use wands to cast spells, Esther plays songs with a [[harp]], and Swaine uses trick shots.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.theguardian.com/technology/gamesblog/2012/may/17/ni-no-kuni-ps3-preview |title=Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch – preview |last=Stuart |first=Keith |work=[[The Guardian]] |publisher=[[Guardian Media Group]] |date=May 17, 2012 |accessdate=August 2, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6aTCCtkMV |archivedate=August 1, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>}} and "familiars".<ref>{{harvnb|Level-5|2013|p=17}}</ref> Familiars are creatures that can be tamed, in order to be suitable to send out in battle to fight for players. Familiars level up and evolve alongside the human characters; each have unique statistics and capabilities, and can be guided through their upgrades with treats and equipped with items.<ref name="GamesRadar Review"/> When all enemies in a battle are defeated, players may receive experience points, currency and items. When a specific amount of experience is earned, characters' levels will increase, and their abilities improve. Should a party member lose health or mana points, they can be restored by using provisions. Health and mana can also be restored by picking up a green and blue orb, respectively, known as a "glim"; a golden glim restores all health, and enables the powerful "Miracle Move".<ref>{{harvnb|Level-5|2013|p=21}}</ref>

The errands that can be undertaken at the request of townspeople and the bounty hunts available from the Taskmaster are collectively known as "tasks". When tasks are completed, players will earn a number of stamps for their current merit stamp card, which can be exchanged for upgrades.<ref>{{harvnb|Level-5|2013|p=9}}</ref> The in-game Wizard's Companion book includes pages featuring Oliver's spells, as well as a [[bestiary]], short stories, alchemy recipes and maps.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ign.com/articles/2012/06/29/namco-reveals-the-wizards-edition-of-ni-no-kuni |title=Namco Reveals the Wizard's Edition of Ni No Kuni |last=Moriarty |first=Colin |authorlink=Colin Moriarty |publisher=[[IGN]]. [[Ziff Davis]] |date=June 29, 2012 |accessdate=August 1, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6aS7DmHap |archivedate=August 1, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>

== Plot ==
''Ni no Kuni'' follows the journey of Oliver, a resident of Motorville. While trying out a new vehicle designed by his friend Philip, Oliver almost drowns, but is saved by his mother Allie; however, she immediately dies from heart problems after saving him. As Oliver cries, his tears cause his doll, a gift from his mother, to come to life and reveal itself as a fairy named Drippy, who tells Oliver that he is from another world where an evil wizard named Shadar took control. He also tells Oliver that each person from his world has a "soulmate", a person that shares a link with someone in Oliver's world, and that his mother looks very much like a great sage, Alicia, who was captured by Shadar. Realizing that Alicia must have been Allie's soulmate, Oliver sets out with Drippy to travel to the other world and rescue Alicia in the hope that doing so will bring Allie back in his world.

In the other world, Oliver finds a multitude of broken-hearted people affected by Shadar, and uses his new-found magic abilities to restore those pieces of heart which they lack, and travels the world to seek out the four great sages who may be able to help. Along the way, he meets Esther, daughter of one of the great sages, and Swaine, a thief who initially steals a crucial item from them, but who ultimately decides to help. As they enlist the sages' help, they learn of a wand known as Mornstar that could be used to defeat Shadar, but are at a loss as to how to retrieve it, as it was recently destroyed by Shadar. Soon after, they find themselves many years in the past by the actions of a stranger, and are able to retrieve the wand there.

After returning to the present and retrieving three magical stones to complete the wand, Oliver learns that his mother Allie was in fact the great sage, Alicia. Realizing she could not defeat Shadar, and that he had destroyed his soulmate in the other world to avoid the possibility of being defeated through them, she chose to travel into both the future and into Oliver's world in the hopes of finding his next soulmate; after settling in to this new world, she eventually gave birth to her son, Oliver, who unknowingly became Shadar's soulmate. After he is defeated, Shadar's past is shown. He was once a soldier who helped a young girl against orders, and whose hometown was destroyed to set an example; a being known as the White Witch called to him to embrace his despair and become the Dark Djinn, Shadar. The spirit of Alicia talks to the dying Shadar, who realises that the girl he saved was the young Alicia herself. Shadar then uses his power to sever the link between himself and Oliver, in order to save Oliver from dying as well.

With Shadar defeated, Oliver prepares to return home, but the White Witch appears and casts a spell known as "manna", an ash-like substance that turns all living beings in the three major cities into undead-like creatures. A girl named Pea, who has been appearing to Oliver on occasion, travels with the group and uses her magic to clear the cities of manna and restore the people to normal; the group then travel to defeat the White Witch herself. They discover that she was a young queen called Cassiopeia from thousands of years ago who had noble intentions, but was manipulated by her "council of twelve", calling themselves the Zodiarchs, who desired to run the country. Feeling powerless, she found and used the manna spell, believing it would bring peace and prosperity to her people. When the horrific effects of manna were revealed, she gradually witnessed the death of all of her subjects, including the council, and found herself on her own; she was gradually driven to despair and became the White Witch, believing that all life must be destroyed in an attempt to "start over". Her power created an illusory version of the council to oversee the destruction of the world, but the remains of her kind intentions also created the council member that helped the group by sending them back in time, as well as Pea, the incarnation of her as a child. Having been defeated, Cassiopeia fuses together with Pea and is restored to her former, kind self. After assisting the group in destroying the Zodiarchy, the last manifestations of the council, Cassiopeia declares that she will dedicate her life to making amends for her actions and Oliver bids farewell to his friends before returning to his old life in Motorville.

== Development ==
Conceived as a project for [[Level-5 (video game company)|Level-5]]'s tenth anniversary,<ref name="NowGamer"/> ''Ni no Kuni: The Another World'' was announced in the September 2008 issue of ''[[Famitsu]]'', as a title for the [[Nintendo DS]].<ref name="Engadget DS"/> In June 2010, Level-5 announced that the game would also be released for the [[PlayStation 3]], with significant differences;<ref name="Siliconera PS3"/> the DS version was renamed ''[[Ni no Kuni: Dominion of the Dark Djinn]]'', while the PlayStation 3 version was given the title ''Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch''.<ref name="Andriasang demo"/> Both versions were revealed to be in development separately, only retaining the same "story axle", while features such as artwork, graphics and specifications all received significant changes.<ref name="Andriasang comparisons"/> Journalists noted that the game's announcement ignited widespread anticipation within the gaming industry.<ref name="IGN: Anticipated"/><ref name="Kotaku: Anticipated"/><ref name="Eurogamer Review"/><ref name="IGN: Sequel"/>

=== Art design ===
Level-5 collaborated with [[Studio Ghibli]] to produce the game's animated sequences, and the game features graphics and visuals replicating the traditional animation style of Studio Ghibli films.<ref name="1UP Dream"/> The collaboration began when musician Naoya Fujimaki, who had previously worked with both companies, introduced Level-5 president [[Akihiro Hino]] to Studio Ghibli president [[Toshio Suzuki (producer)|Toshio Suzuki]]. At the time, Studio Ghibli had completed work on ''[[Ponyo]]'' (2008), and the animation team had no ongoing projects, which influenced Suzuki's decision to collaborate with Level-5.<ref name="Verge"/> Another influencing factor of the collaboration was witnessing Hino's passion for the project. Studio Ghibli approached the production process in the same way that they would create an animated film.<ref name="Art"/> Work on the animation began in July 2008,<ref name="IGN Update"/> and took much longer than the predicted three months.<ref name="Verge"/>

[[Image:Ni no Kuni storyboard.jpg|thumb|right|Studio Ghibli's Yoshiyuki Momose designed [[storyboard]]s for the game's animated sequences, incorporating a "Ghibli-like" style to the game.<ref name="Verge"/>|alt=A comparison of the drawn storyboard and final animated version of a sequence in the game. The player character is driving a vehicle, and one of the wheels falls off, causing him to swerve.]]

Studio Ghibli's Yoshiyuki Momose served as the game's director of animation, staging the scenes and directing actors during the [[motion capture]] sessions. He was also assigned to drawing character designs and [[storyboard]]s, incorporating a "Ghibli-like" style.<ref name="Verge"/> Hino wished to incorporate the "heartwarming touch" of Studio Ghibli productions into the game;<ref name="Art"/> the artwork and character movements was greatly inspired by Studio Ghibli's work,<ref name="Digital Spy"/> particularly due to their attention to detail, as well as their talent in creating storyboards and utilizing camera control.<ref name="Zoomin"/> The development team constantly watched Studio Ghibli's films during development.<ref name="NowGamer"/> Game director Ken Motomura regularly worked with Studio Ghibli, swapping and reviewing assets, while Hino worked with the studio in regards to the game's dialogue and animated sequences.<ref name="Destructoid: TGS"/> To make Studio Ghibli's hand-drawn cutscenes and the game engine's real-time cutscenes transition seamlessly, the team adjusted the latter's color tones, shadows and character movements.<ref name="IGN: Interview"/> For the backgrounds, the team used deep colors, unifying them so they would not look like "a mass of [[polygon]]s".<ref name="Art"/> The team found particular difficulty in animating the game's [[Cel shading|cel shaded]] appearance, and spent time researching Studio Ghibli animation to recreate their [[traditional animation]].<ref name="Digital Spy"/>

When designing the familiars, the team accounted for the characteristics of their surrounding area, which inspired the later design.<ref name="IGN: Interview"/> Some of the initial familiar designs were deemed either creepy of "overly-cute", and adapted accordingly to match the style of Studio Ghibli's artwork.<ref name="p361">{{harvnb|Grossman|2013|p=361}}</ref>

=== Story and setting ===
The team wanted the theme of the game to resonate with children; they initially considered the idea of expressing adventure and dreams. They later explored the concept of a child's greatest influence, their mother, and the possibility of losing them.<ref name="GameInformer: Hino"/> Although the framework of the story was completed prior to Studio Ghibli's involvement with the game, they still took part in many discussions regarding some ideas, including the game's final scenes.<ref name="PlayStation Blog"/>

The majority of the game takes place in a magical world, referred to as the "other world".<ref name="Manual p7"/> To avoid making the world map feel outdated, the team modernized the design by arranging the terrain in "fun and fascinating ways".<ref name="p358"/> The game's open world was designed to remind players of a "miniature [[diorama]]", intending to invoke reminiscence to an older time, as well as the feeling of freshness.<ref name="GameInformer: Hino"/> Other segments of the game are set in Oliver's fictional hometown of Motorville. The town is modelled after an American town in the peak of the [[automotive industry]] during the 1950s and 1960s; this decision was made due to Oliver's interest in cars and machines.<ref name="NowGamer"/> Motorville is geographically based near the city of [[Detroit]], [[Michigan]]; the Japanese version of the town was named "Hotroit".<ref name="p380">{{harvnb|Grossman|2013|p=380}}</ref>

=== Character development ===
For the game's characters, the team wished to explore the concept of opposites, mainly represented by the White Witch's goal to destroy the world, and Oliver's attempts to save it.<ref name="p359"/> The character performances were mostly recorded using [[motion capture]] technology, followed by manual adjustment by the team to make a "more anime-like movement".<ref name="Digital Spy"/> The game's characters were particularly inspired by Level-5's previous work on the [[Professor Layton|''Professor Layton'' series]] (2007–present).<ref name="Zoomin"/> During development, Momose suggested that the team design the clothes in a modern fashion, in order for players to gain a "stronger sense that you have stepped out of the familiar and into a different world".<ref name="NowGamer"/>

The game's main [[Player character|playable character]], Oliver, is a 13-year-old boy.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ninokunigame.com/oliver.html |title=Oliver - Ni No Kuni |publisher=[[Level-5 (video game company)|Level-5]]. [[Bandai Namco Entertainment]] |accessdate=July 30, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6aP7v9B4R |archivedate=July 30, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref> The team decided to make him a child as they wished to showcase a [[coming of age]] story. They wanted children to empathize with Oliver's development, and adults to relive the excitement of their adolescence.<ref name="NowGamer"/> A major part of the story is Oliver's personal development, which Hino describes as "the process of how a child grows into an adult".<ref name="p361"/> In regards to Oliver's physical appearance, Momose made his outfit represent a young boy in 1950s America, which was the inspiration for his hometown.<ref name="p366">{{harvnb|Grossman|2013|p=366}}</ref> Adam Wilson portrayed Oliver in the English version of the game. By the time he was cast in the role, voice recording for the other characters had begun.<ref name="Develop"/>

For the localization of the game, the team decided to give the character of Drippy a [[Welsh English|Welsh accent]], citing comedian [[Rhod Gilbert]] as a reference point.<ref name="Localization"/> [[Steffan Rhodri]] was ultimately cast as Drippy; the team immediately felt that he fit the role, during his first audition.<ref name="Develop"/> The Fairy Godmother character was initially conceived as an "older lady with a [[Perm (hairstyle)|perm]]", which evolved into the concept of a "mountain-like woman".<ref name="p365">{{harvnb|Grossman|2013|p=365}}</ref> The method that she uses to give birth, in which the offspring burst forth, was inspired by the process that [[sea anemone]]s lay eggs.<ref name="p365"/> The character of Cassiopeia was conceived in a quick meeting, after which the background information and story documents were handed to Momose, who drew the character based on the information. Cassiopeia underwent various changes throughout development. In particular, Momose suggested possible alterations to her physical appearance, such as the size of her head, and changing colors to reflect her emotions. The character Pea was named as a reference to the fairy tale ''[[The Princess and the Pea]]'', while her Japanese name of Kokoru is a reference to the word {{nihongo|"kokoro"|心|heart}}.<ref name="p364">{{harvnb|Grossman|2013|p=364}}</ref>

=== Technical and gameplay development ===
''Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch'' was developed for the PlayStation 3. The team planned to bring the game to the console from the beginning of development, but opted to work on the DS version of the game beforehand due to the larger number of DS users in Japan at the time.<ref name="p358">{{harvnb|Grossman|2013|p=358}}</ref> The team found they could render the game world with great detail, using the hardware to its full potential to present the animation, world and music.<ref name="Digital Spy"/> Hino felt that the PlayStation 3 version allowed the game's music to accompany the imagery, which was not possible on the DS version.<ref name="p358"/> The team found particular technical difficulty in animating Oliver's [[cape]], which was overcome by a combination of mathematical calculations and hand-drawn motions by the programmers and graphic artists, respectively.<ref name="p362">{{harvnb|Grossman|2013|p=362}}</ref>

The team considered utilizing the [[PlayStation Move]] controller for casting spells in the game, in a similar fashion to the use of the [[touchscreen]] in the DS version, though ultimately decided against it as it would limit the potential sales.<ref name="p359">{{harvnb|Grossman|2013|p=359}}</ref> The battle system was revised over ten times, in order to achieve something new and unique. For about a year of development, the battle system used a [[Turn-based strategy|turn-based system]], though this was ultimately changed when the team felt that it was not fun for players.<ref name="p363">{{harvnb|Grossman|2013|p=363}}</ref> The team eventually merged turn-based combat and action elements, popular in Japanese and Western regions, respectively, in order to appeal to both regions.<ref name="IGN: Interview"/>

Level-5 worked with localization company Shloc to translate the game; the two studios collaborated for many weeks.<ref name="Develop"/> The team found great difficulty when localizing the game for Western regions, particularly due to the large amounts of text and audio that required translation. Other minor changes to the artwork and animation also occurred, such as making Oliver [[Bowing|bow]] in a Western manner.<ref name="IGN: Interview"/> By December 12, 2012, development on the localized version of ''Wrath of the White Witch'' stopped as the game was [[Software release life cycle#Release to manufacturing (RTM)|submitted for manufacturing]].<ref name="VG247: Gold"/>

== Reception ==
=== Critical response ===
{{Video game reviews
<!-- Aggregate scores -->
| GR = 86%<ref name="GameRankings">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/ps3/998014-ni-no-kuni-wrath-of-the-white-witch/ |title=Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch for PlayStation 3 |work=[[GameRankings]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |accessdate=July 25, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6aHoHWpmj |archivedate=July 25, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
| MC = 85/100<ref name="Metacritic">{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-3/ni-no-kuni-wrath-of-the-white-witch |title=Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch for PlayStation 3 Reviews |work=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |accessdate=July 25, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6aHoJCSWw |archivedate=July 25, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
<!-- Review scores -->
| CVG = 9.3/10<ref name="CVG Review 1"/>
| Destruct = 9/10<ref name="Destructoid Review"/>
| EuroG = 9/10<ref name="Eurogamer Review"/>
| Fam = 36/40<ref name="Famitsu Review"/>{{efn|''Famitsu''{{'}}s total score out of 40 is composed of four individual scores; ''Ni no Kuni'' received scores of 8, 9, 10, 9, totaling 36/40.<ref name="Famitsu Review"/>}}
| GI = 7/10<ref name="Game Informer Review"/>
| GRadar = {{Rating|4.5|5}}<ref name="GamesRadar Review"/>
| GSpot = 9/10<ref name="GameSpot Review"/>
| IGN = 9.4/10<ref name="IGN Review"/>
| Poly = 6.5/10<ref name="Polygon Review"/>
| VG = 9/10<ref name="VideoGamer.com Review"/>
}}

''Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch'' received critical acclaim.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vg247.com/2013/01/17/ni-no-kuni-wrath-of-the-white-witch-reviews-round-up/ |title=Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch reviews round-up |last=Nunneley |first=Stephany |publisher=[[VG247]] |date=January 17, 2013 |accessdate=September 19, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6bexpGybS |archivedate=September 19, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref> [[Metacritic]] calculated an [[Normalization (statistics)|average]] score of 85 out of 100, indicating "generally favorable reviews", based on 89 reviews.<ref name="Metacritic"/> [[GameRankings]] assigned it an average review score of 86% based on 64 reviews.<ref name="GameRankings"/> Reviewers praised the visual design, characters and story, soundtrack, and combat system. [[Colin Moriarty]] of [[IGN]] named ''Ni no Kuni'' "one of the best RPGs", and among the best PlayStation 3 exclusives,<ref name="IGN Review"/> and Kevin VanOrd of [[GameSpot]] wrote that it joins the "hallmark of the greatest RPGs".<ref name="GameSpot Review"/>

The game's artistic design received acclaim, being favorably compared to Studio Ghibli's previous work.<ref name="VideoGamer.com Review"/><ref name="EGM Review"/><ref name="GameTrailers Review"/> [[Eurogamer]]'s Oli Welsh wrote that the artists of Level-5 and Studio Ghibli have collaborated to make a game that belongs to both studios.<ref name="Eurogamer Review"/> Moriarty of IGN called the game "unquestionably gorgeous", surpassing the visuals of most other games.<ref name="IGN Review"/> [[Destructoid]]'s Jim Sterling echoed these remarks, stating that "few titles can hope to come as close".<ref name="Destructoid Review"/> GameSpot's VanOrd felt that the "cartoonish visuals are heightened by extraordinary visual details", contributing to the "sense of wonder" created by the game.<ref name="GameSpot Review"/> [[Stephanie Bendixsen]] of ''[[Good Game]]'' called the art "vibrant and exciting", noting that it "brings the game to life in the most beautiful way".<ref name="Good Game Review"/>

Brittany Vincent of [[GamesRadar]] found the story poignant,<ref name="GamesRadar Review"/> and IGN's Moriarty named it one of the game's standout features.<ref name="IGN Review"/> GameSpot's VanOrd felt that the game's themes and dialogue positively contributed to the story,<ref name="GameSpot Review"/> and [[GameTrailers]] called the writing "top notch".<ref name="GameTrailers Review"/> Conversely, [[Joystiq]]'s Sinan Kubba wrote that the story lacked the charm that the art style possessed,<ref name="Joystiq Review"/> while ''[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]''{{'}}s Philip Kollar felt that the game's art style was the only motive to complete the story, which he named "predictable".<ref name="Polygon Review"/> Some reviewers commented on the pacing of the story;<ref name="Telegraph Review"/> Eurogamer's Welsh found that it was "too slow to surprise or to develop its mysteries",<ref name="Eurogamer Review"/> while GamesRadar's Vincent found the pace believable.<ref name="GamesRadar Review"/> The game's side quests also received praise; GameTrailers felt that they provide a "deeper insight" into the world<ref name="GameTrailers Review"/> and Eurogamer's Welsh commended their variety,<ref name="Eurogamer Review"/> while ''Polygon''{{'}}s Kollar conversely found them uninteresting and "single-minded".<ref name="Polygon Review"/>

[[Image:Ni no Kuni world.jpg|thumb|left|An artistic design of the game's main world. Reviewers praised the art within the game, particularly commending the work by Studio Ghibli. The layout and humor of the world was also well received.|alt=The player character and his companion with their backs to the camera, and the vast world consisting of trees and mountains in front of them.]]

The world and environments of the game drew acclaim from many reviewers. ''[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]''{{'}}s Andrew Fitch named the world one of the game's standout features.<ref name="EGM Review"/> Jason Schreier of [[Kotaku]] praised the "care and precision" with which the world was crafted.<ref name="Kotaku Review"/> Kimberley Wallace of ''[[Game Informer]]'' called the world "breathtaking",<ref name="Game Informer Review"/> and GameSpot's VanOrd appreciated the use of humor.<ref name="GameSpot Review"/> Destructoid's Sterling felt that the world was "adorable", praising the design and use of the familiars.<ref name="Destructoid Review"/>

The game's characters polarized reviewers. Some felt that the characters were inventive and interesting,<ref name="GameSpot Review"/><ref name="GameTrailers Review"/> while others noted that they lacked personality.<ref name="Game Informer Review"/><ref name="Joystiq Review"/> Bendixsen of ''Good Game'' called the characters "imaginative and wacky",<ref name="Good Game Review"/> while IGN's Moriarty felt that Oliver's uniqueness was one of the standout points of the game, and found that it made him care about the character.<ref name="IGN Review"/> Destructoid's Sterling disliked Oliver, but found that the supporting characters compensate.<ref name="Destructoid Review"/> Wallace of ''Game Informer'' felt that the characters lack personality, and only exist to assist Oliver's journey.<ref name="Game Informer Review"/> Joystiq's Kubba echoed similar remarks, stating that the characters have "the depth of a toothbrush".<ref name="Joystiq Review"/> Similarly, the voice acting received mixed reactions; IGN's Moriarty felt that the English voice for Oliver was the most disappointing, but praised the other voice acting,<ref name="IGN Review"/> and Ian Dransfield of [[VideoGamer.com]] wrote that the English [[Dub localization|dub]] is "worth hearing".<ref name="VideoGamer.com Review"/>

Many reviewers found the battle system a refreshing mix from other role-playing games. Fitch of ''Electronic Gaming Monthly'' commented that "it keeps getting better the longer you play".<ref name="EGM Review"/> Joystiq's Kubba called the game's combat a "triumph", praising its ability to blend different styles,<ref name="Joystiq Review"/> and GameTrailers found it "immensely satisfying".<ref name="GameTrailers Review"/> Kotaku's Schreier wrote that the combat "never feels unfair", although criticized the use of the [[Artificial intelligence (video games)|artificial intelligence]] during the battle.<ref name="Kotaku Review"/> Phil Iwaniuk of ''[[PlayStation Official Magazine|Official PlayStation Magazine]]'' found the game's consistent battle encounters irritating, but that combat is "otherwise a pleasure".<ref name="OPM Review 2"/> ''Polygon''{{'}}s Kollar felt that the game's artificial intelligence resulted in a "sloppy" and "frustrating" combat system.<ref name="Polygon Review"/>

Reviewers praised the use of music in the game. IGN's Moriarty felt that it was appropriate in every situation, praising its ability to create emotion and involve players in the experience.<ref name="IGN Review"/> GameTrailers found the soundtrack "powerful", commenting on its appropriate use during gameplay,<ref name="GameTrailers Review"/> and GamesRadar's Vincent named it "breathtaking".<ref name="GamesRadar Review"/> Sterling of Destructoid favorably compared the soundtrack to ''[[Dragon Quest VIII]]'', praising the orchestral qualities and "sense of fun".<ref name="Destructoid Review"/> Chris Scullion of ''[[Computer and Video Games]]'' wrote that the music ensures the game "sounds as good as it looks".<ref name="CVG Review 1"/> Eurogamer's Welsh called the music "a lush and romantic treat", though criticized the repetitiveness of the battle music.<ref name="Eurogamer Review"/>

=== Sales ===
Within seven days of its original release in Japan, ''Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch'' sold over 170,000 units.<ref name="Verge"/> Following its release in the United Kingdom, the game topped the charts, and sold out in many stores across the region.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-02-04-uk-chart-ni-no-kuni-conjures-up-first-place-victory |title=UK chart: Ni No Kuni conjures up first place victory |last=Phillips |first=Tom |work=[[Eurogamer]] |publisher=[[Gamer Network]] |date=February 4, 2013 |accessdate=July 26, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6aItbg4rM |archivedate=July 26, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
By March 2014, the game had shipped over 1.1 million copies worldwide.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vg247.com/2014/03/07/ni-no-kuni-wrath-of-the-white-witch-passes-1-1-million-shipped-new-edition-revealed/ |title=Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch passes 1.1 million shipped, new edition revealed |last=Cook |first=Dave |publisher=[[VG247]] |date=March 7, 2014 |accessdate=July 26, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6aItmzFjf |archivedate=July 26, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref> Many pre-orders of the game's [[special edition]], the "Wizard's Edition", were cancelled due to overselling as a result of a glitch in the order system. All canceled orders were compensated with a [[voucher]] and the game's strategy guide.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ign.com/articles/2013/01/26/the-ni-no-kuni-pre-order-fiasco-namco-speaks |title=The Ni No Kuni Pre-Order Fiasco: Namco Speaks |last=Moriarty |first=Colin |authorlink=Colin Moriarty |date=January 26, 2013 |accessdate=July 26, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6aIuYsxy7 |archivedate=July 26, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>

=== Awards ===
{{Anchor|Awards and nominations|Accolades}}

''Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch'' received multiple nominations and awards from [[Video game journalism|gaming publications]]. Prior to its release, it won Best RPG Game from ''[[Computer and Video Games]]''. The game appeared on several year-end lists of the best role-playing games of 2013, receiving wins from [[Destructoid]],<ref name="Destructoid RPG"/> [[Game Revolution]],<ref name="GameRev RPG"/> [[GameTrailers]],<ref name="GameTrailers RPG"/> [[IGN]],<ref name="IGN RPG"/><ref name="IGN PS3 RPG"/> the [[18th Satellite Awards]]<ref name="Satellite RPG"/> and the [[VGX 2013|Spike VGX 2013 Awards]].<ref name="VGX"/> It also received Best Game from ''[[The Huffington Post]]''.<ref name="Huffington Best Game"/> The game also won Best Sound from [[Cheat Code Central]],<ref name="CCC Sound"/> and Excellence in Animation at the [[South by Southwest|SXSW]] Gaming Awards.<ref name="SXSW"/> At the 13th [[National Academy of Video Game Trade Reviewers]] Awards, it received multiple wins, including awards for Animation, Art Direction, Original Light Mix Score, Original Family Game, as well as Original/Adapted Song for "Kokoro no Kakera".<ref name="NAVGTR"/>

{|class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders collapsible collapsed" style="font-size:95%; border:none; margin:0;"
|- valign="bottom"
! scope="col" colspan="6"| List of awards and nominations for ''Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch''
|-
! scope="col"| Date !! scope="col"| Award !! scope="col"| Category !! scope="col"| Recipient(s) and Nominee(s) !! scope="col"| Result !! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Ref.
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| February 23, 2012
!scope="row"| {{sort|International|2011 [[International Film Music Critics Association]] Awards}}
| Best Original Score for a Video Game or Interactive Media
| ''Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch''
| {{Nominated}}
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="IFMCA">{{cite web |url=http://filmmusiccritics.org/2012/02/ifmca-winners-2011/ |title=IFMCA Winners 2011 |last=Broxton |first=Jon |work=Film Music Critics |publisher=[[International Film Music Critics Association]] |date=February 23, 2012 |accessdate=July 30, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6aPGyqs5A |archivedate=July 30, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| June 12, 2012
!scope="row"| [[Destructoid]]'s Best of E3 2012
| Game of the Show
| ''Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch''
| {{Nominated}}
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="Destructoid E3">{{cite web |url=http://www.destructoid.com/destructoid-s-best-of-e3-2012-winners-revealed--229363.phtml|title=Destructoid's Best of E3 2012 winners revealed! |last=Aziz |first=Hamza |publisher=[[Destructoid]] |date=June 12, 2012 |accessdate=August 1, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6Wq3f9aGN |archivedate=March 7, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| June 17, 2012
!scope="row"| ''[[Computer and Video Games]]'' E3 2012 Awards
| Best RPG Game
| ''Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch''
| {{Won}}
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="CVG E3">{{cite web |url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/353976/features/cvgs-e3-2012-awards-in-full/ |title=Feature: CVG's E3 2012 Awards in full |work=[[Computer and Video Games]] |publisher=[[Future plc]] |date=June 17, 2012 |accessdate=August 2, 2015 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120620072401/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/353976/features/cvgs-e3-2012-awards-in-full/ |archivedate=June 20, 2012 }}</ref>
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| June 24, 2012
!scope="row"| [[Cheat Code Central]]'s The Best of E3 2012
| Best Overall Game
| ''Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch''
| {{Nominated}}
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="CCC-E3 overall">{{cite web |url=http://www.cheatcc.com/extra/2012E3_bestof/role.html |title=CheatCC's The Best of E3 2012 - Best Role-Playing Game of the Year Nominee! |publisher=[[Cheat Code Central]] |date=June 24, 2012 |accessdate=August 1, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6aS199ni0 |archivedate=August 1, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| October 26, 2013
!scope="row"| {{sort|Golden|[[Golden Joystick Awards#2013|31st]] [[Golden Joystick Awards]]}}
| Game of the Year
| ''Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch''
| {{Nominated}}
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="Golden Joystick">{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.com.au/gaming/news/a510639/golden-joystick-awards-2013-public-voting-now-open.html#~pk5ze3me7cVkeN |title=Golden Joystick Awards 2013 public voting now open |last=Reynolds |first=Matthew |work=[[Digital Spy]] |publisher=[[Hearst Corporation]] |date=August 29, 2013 |accessdate=August 1, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6aS1u03as |archivedate=August 1, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| October 26, 2013
!scope="row"| {{sort|Golden|[[Golden Joystick Awards#2013|31st]] [[Golden Joystick Awards]]}}
| Best Newcomer
| ''Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch''
| {{Nominated}}
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="Golden Joystick"/>
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| October 26, 2013
!scope="row"| {{sort|Golden|[[Golden Joystick Awards#2013|31st]] [[Golden Joystick Awards]]}}
| Best Visual Design
| ''Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch''
| {{Nominated}}
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="Golden Joystick"/>
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| December 4, 2013
!scope="row"| {{sort|Inside|5th Annual [[Inside Gaming Awards]]}}
| Best Art
| ''Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch''
| {{Nominated}}
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="Inside Gaming">{{cite web |url=http://www.insidegamingdaily.com/2013/11/21/inside-gaming-awards-2013-nominees/ |title=Inside Gaming Awards 2013 Nominees Announced |last=Smith |first=Rob |publisher=[[Machinima.com]] |date=November 21, 2013 |accessdate=December 9, 2013 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6YDGa9KCJ |archivedate=May 1, 2015 }}</ref>
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| December 6, 2013
!scope="row"| [[Cheat Code Central]]'s 7th Annual Cody Awards
| Game of the Year
| ''Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch''
| {{Nominated}}
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="CCC GOTY">{{cite web |url=http://www.cheatcc.com/extra/2013codyawards/gameoftheyear.html |title=The Game of the Year Nominees! |date=December 6, 2013 |accessdate=July 30, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6aPGBkA6f |archivedate=July 30, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| December 6, 2013
!scope="row"| [[Cheat Code Central]]'s 7th Annual Cody Awards
| Best Sound
| ''Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch''
| {{Won}}
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="CCC Sound">{{cite web |url=http://www.cheatcc.com/extra/2013codyawards/sound.html |title=The Best Sound Nominees! |date=December 6, 2013 |accessdate=July 30, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6aPGFrer8 |archivedate=July 30, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| December 6, 2013
!scope="row"| [[Cheat Code Central]]'s 7th Annual Cody Awards
| Best RPG
| ''Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch''
| {{Nominated}}
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="CCC RPG">{{cite web |url=http://www.cheatcc.com/extra/2013codyawards/rpg.html |title=The Best RPG Game Nominees! |date=December 6, 2013 |accessdate=July 30, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6aPGKEZvO |archivedate=July 30, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| December 7, 2013
!scope="row"| [[Spike Video Game Awards|VGX]] [[Spike Video Game Awards#2013 Awards|2013]]
| Best RPG
| ''Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch''
| {{Won}}
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="VGX">{{cite web |url=http://gamerant.com/vgx-2013-winners-list/ |title='Grand Theft Auto V' Tops Spike VGX 2013 Award Winners List |last=Dane |first=Patrick |publisher=Game Rant |date=December 16, 2013 |accessdate=July 30, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6aPLgay0W |archivedate=July 30, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| December 7, 2013
!scope="row"| [[Spike Video Game Awards|VGX]] [[Spike Video Game Awards#2013 Awards|2013]]
| Best Soundtrack
| ''Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch''
| {{Nominated}}
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="VGX"/>
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| December 9, 2013
!scope="row"| ''[[Slant Magazine]]''{{'}}s 25 Best Video Games of 2013
| Best Video Game
| ''Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch''
| {{Won|place=Bronze|{{sort|Nominatedb|Tenth}}}}
| style="text-align:center;" | <ref name="Slant BVG">{{cite web |url=http://www.slantmagazine.com/features/article/the-25-best-video-games-of-2013/P4 |title=The 25 Best Video Games of 2013 |publisher=''[[Slant Magazine]]'' |date=December 9, 2013 |accessdate=August 1, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6aS2PHlyu |archivedate=August 1, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| December 13, 2013
!scope="row"| [[GameSpot]]'s Game of the Year 2013 Awards
| PS3 Game of the Year
| ''Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch''
| {{Nominated}}
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="GSpotPS3">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/ps3-game-of-the-year-2013-winner/1100-6416463/ |title=PS3 Game of the Year 2013 Winner |publisher=[[GameSpot]]. [[CBS Interactive]] |date=December 13, 2013 |accessdate=July 30, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6aPLlOj70 |archivedate=July 30, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| December 16, 2013
!scope="row"| [[Game Revolution]]'s Best of 2013 Awards
| Best Role-Playing Game
| ''Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch''
| {{Won}}
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="GameRev RPG">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/news/best-rpg-roleplaying-game-2013-23111 |title=Best Role-Playing Game 2013 |last=Tan |first=Nicholas |publisher=[[Game Revolution]] |date=December 16, 2013 |accessdate=July 30, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6aPMQK45k |archivedate=July 30, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| December 17, 2013
!scope="row"| [[Digital Spy]]'s best games of 2013
| Best Game
| ''Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch''
| {{Won|place=Bronze|{{sort|Nominatede|Seventeenth}}}}
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.com.au/gaming/levelup/a537502/digital-spys-best-games-of-2013-20-16.html |title=Digital Spy's best games of 2013: 20-16 |last=Lee |first=Ben |publisher=[[Digital Spy]]. [[Hearst Corporation]] |date=December 17, 2013 |accessdate=August 1, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6aS2rc3k1 |archivedate=August 1, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| December 18, 2013
!scope="row"| {{sort|Satellite|[[18th Satellite Awards]]}}
| Outstanding Role Playing Game
| ''Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch''
| {{Won}}
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="Satellite RPG">{{cite web |url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/satellite-awards-12-years-a-682716 |title=Satellite Awards: '12 Years a Slave' Wins Best Motion Picture |last=Kilday |first=Gregg |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |publisher=[[Prometheus Global Media]] |date=February 23, 2014 |accessdate=July 30, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6aPLpyvQq |archivedate=July 30, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| December 18, 2013
!scope="row"| [[IGN]]'s Best of 2013
| Best PS3 Graphics
| ''Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch''
| {{Nominated}}
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="IGN PS3 Graphics">{{cite web |url=http://ign.com/wikis/best-of-2013/Best_PS3_Graphics |title=Best PS3 Graphics - IGN's Best of 2013 |publisher=[[IGN]]. [[Ziff Davis]] |date=December 18, 2013 |accessdate=July 30, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6aPLxscCA |archivedate=July 30, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| December 18, 2013
!scope="row"| [[IGN]]'s Best of 2013
| Best PS3 Story
| ''Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch''
| {{Nominated}}
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="IGN PS3 Story">{{cite web |url=http://ign.com/wikis/best-of-2013/Best_PS3_Story |title=Best PS3 Story - IGN's Best of 2013 |publisher=[[IGN]]. [[Ziff Davis]] |date=December 18, 2013 |accessdate=July 30, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6aPM4mGgb |archivedate=July 30, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| December 18, 2013
!scope="row"| [[IGN]]'s Best of 2013
| Best PS3 Role-Playing Game
| ''Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch''
| {{Won}}
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="IGN PS3 RPG">{{cite web |url=http://ign.com/wikis/best-of-2013/Best_PS3_Role-Playing_Game |title=Best PS3 Role-Playing Game - IGN's Best of 2013 |publisher=[[IGN]]. [[Ziff Davis]] |date=December 18, 2013 |accessdate=July 30, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6aPM9EGjC |archivedate=July 30, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| December 18, 2013
!scope="row"| [[IGN]]'s Best of 2013
| Best PS3 Game
| ''Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch''
| {{Nominated}}
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="IGN PS3 Game">{{cite web |url=http://ign.com/wikis/best-of-2013/Best_PS3_Game |title=Best PS3 Game - IGN's Best of 2013 |publisher=[[IGN]]. [[Ziff Davis]] |date=December 18, 2013 |accessdate=July 30, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6aPMGbEjw |archivedate=July 30, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| December 18, 2013
!scope="row"| [[IGN]]'s Best of 2013
| Best Overall Role-Playing Game
| ''Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch''
| {{Won}}
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="IGN RPG">{{cite web |url=http://ign.com/wikis/best-of-2013/Best_Overall_Role-Playing_Game |title=Best Overall Role-Playing Game |publisher=[[IGN]]. [[Ziff Davis]] |date=December 18, 2013 |accessdate=July 30, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6aPMKFoW4 |archivedate=July 30, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| December 19, 2013
!scope="row"| [[Game Revolution]]'s Best of 2013 Awards
| Best PS3 Exclusive
| ''Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch''
| {{Nominated}}
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="GameRev PS3">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/news/best-ps3-exclusive-2013-23167 |title=Best PS3 Exclusive 2013 |last=Bischoff |first=Daniel |publisher=[[Game Revolution]] |date=December 19, 2013 |accessdate=July 30, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6aPMamtzr |archivedate=July 30, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| December 21, 2013
!scope="row"| ''[[Hardcore Gamer]]''{{'}}s Game of the Year Awards 2013
| Best PS3 Game
| ''Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch''
| {{Nominated}}
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="Hardcore PS3">{{cite web |url=http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2013/12/21/2013-best-ps3-game/67072/ |title=2013 Best PS3 Game |work=[[Hardcore Gamer]] |date=December 21, 2013 |accessdate=July 30, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6aPMfj7wq |archivedate=July 30, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| December 21, 2013
!scope="row"| ''[[Hardcore Gamer]]''{{'}}s Game of the Year Awards 2013
| Best Artistic Design
| ''Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch''
| {{Nominated}}
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="Hardcore Art">{{cite web |url=http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2013/12/21/2013-best-artistic-design/67116/ |title=2013 Best Artistic Design |work=[[Hardcore Gamer]] |date=December 21, 2013 |accessdate=July 30, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6aPMhyLWk |archivedate=July 30, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| December 21, 2013
!scope="row"| ''[[Hardcore Gamer]]''{{'}}s Game of the Year Awards 2013
| Best PS3 Game
| ''Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch''
| {{Nominated}}
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="Hardcore PS3">{{cite web |url=http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2013/12/21/2013-best-ps3-game/67072/ |title=2013 Best PS3 Game |last=HG Staff |first= |publisher=''[[Hardcore Gamer]]'' |date=December 21, 2013 |accessdate=August 1, 2013 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6YDHMtp2K |archivedate=May 1, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| December 23, 2013
!scope="row"| [[GameTrailers]] Game of the Year 2013 Awards
| Best RPG
| ''Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch''
| {{Won}}
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="GameTrailers RPG">{{cite web |url=http://www.gametrailers.com/full-episodes/ostcsd/gametrailers-game-of-the-year-awards-best-rpg |title=Best RPG |publisher=[[GameTrailers]]. [[Defy Media]] |date=December 23, 2013 |accessdate=July 30, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6aPNkSgwF |archivedate=July 30, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| December 23, 2013
!scope="row"| [[GameTrailers]] Game of the Year 2013 Awards
| Best Soundtrack
| ''Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch''
| {{Nominated}}
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="GameTrailers Soundtrack">{{cite web |url=http://www.gametrailers.com/full-episodes/bsz3y2/gametrailers-game-of-the-year-awards-best-soundtrack |title=Best Soundtrack |publisher=[[GameTrailers]]. [[Defy Media]] |date=December 23, 2013 |accessdate=July 30, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6aPNqHPjf |archivedate=July 30, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| December 24, 2013
!scope="row"| [[Destructoid]]'s Best of 2013
| Game of the Year
| ''Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch''
| {{Nominated}}
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="Destructoid GOTY">{{cite web |url=http://www.destructoid.com/the-winner-of-destructoid-s-2013-game-of-the-year-267960.phtml |title=The winner of Destructoid's 2013 Game of the Year |last=Hansen |first=Steven |publisher=[[Destructoid]] |date=December 24, 2013 |accessdate=July 30, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6aPGRj3HI |archivedate=July 30, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| December 24, 2013
!scope="row"| [[Destructoid]]'s Best of 2013
| Best Role-Playing Game
| ''Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch''
| {{Won}}
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="Destructoid RPG">{{cite web |url=http://www.destructoid.com/the-winner-of-destructoid-s-best-2013-role-playing-game-267991.phtml |title=The winner of Destructoid's 2013 Best Role-Playing Game |last=Hansen |first=Steven |publisher=[[Destructoid]] |date=December 24, 2013 |accessdate=July 30, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6aPMo1EGI |archivedate=July 30, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| December 24, 2013
!scope="row"| [[Destructoid]]'s Best of 2013
| Best Story
| ''Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch''
| {{Nominated}}
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="Destructoid Story">{{cite web |url=http://www.destructoid.com/the-winner-of-destructoid-s-best-of-2013-story-267872.phtml |title=The winner of Destructoid's best of 2013 story |last=Hansen |first=Steven |publisher=[[Destructoid]] |date=December 24, 2013 |accessdate=July 30, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6aPN3l54S |archivedate=July 30, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| December 24, 2013
!scope="row"| [[Destructoid]]'s Best of 2013
| Best Visuals
| ''Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch''
| {{Nominated}}
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="Destructoid Visuals">{{cite web |url=http://www.destructoid.com/the-winner-of-destructoid-s-best-of-2013-visuals-267869.phtml |title=The winner of Destructoid's best of 2013 visuals |last=Hansen |first=Steven |publisher=[[Destructoid]] |date=December 24, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6aPNA0H8i |archivedate=July 30, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| December 24, 2013
!scope="row"| [[Destructoid]]'s Best of 2013
| Best Soundtrack
| ''Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch''
| {{Nominated}}
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="Destructoid Soundtrack">{{cite web |url=http://www.destructoid.com/the-winner-of-destructoid-s-best-of-2013-soundtrack-267943.phtml |title=The winner of Destructoid's best of 2013 soundtrack |last=Nakamura |first=Darren |publisher=[[Destructoid]] |date=December 24, 2013 |accessdate=July 30, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6aPNIa2Fp |archivedate=July 30, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| December 24, 2013
!scope="row"| [[Destructoid]]'s Best of 2013
| Best Character
| Drippy
| {{Nominated}}
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="Destructoid Character">{{cite web |url=http://www.destructoid.com/the-winner-of-destructoid-s-best-2013-character-267987.phtml |title=The winner of Destructoid's best 2013 character |last=Zimmerman |first=Conrad |publisher=[[Destructoid]] |date=December 24, 2013 |accessdate=July 30, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6aPNOkSNt |archivedate=July 30, 2015 |deadurl= no }}</ref>
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| December 24, 2013
!scope="row"| [[Destructoid]]'s Best of 2013
| Community Choice
| ''Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch''
| {{Won|place=Bronze|{{sort|Nominateda|Seventh}}}}
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="DestrComm">{{cite web |url=http://www.destructoid.com/the-winner-of-destructoid-s-best-of-2013-community-choice-267930.phtml |title=The winner of Destructoid's best of 2013 community choice |last=Dixon |first=Andy |publisher=[[Destructoid]] |date=December 24, 2013 |accessdate=August 1, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6YDHhnmmf |archivedate=May 1, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| December 24, 2013
!scope="row"| [[Giant Bomb]]'s 2013 Game of the Year Awards
| Best New Character
| Drippy
| {{Nominated}}
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="Giant Bomb Day2">{{cite web |url=http://www.giantbomb.com/articles/giant-bomb-s-2013-game-of-the-year-awards-day-two/1100-4804/ |title=Giant Bomb's 2013 Game of the Year Awards: Day Two |publisher=[[Giant Bomb]]. [[CBS Interactive]] |date=December 24, 2013 |accessdate=July 30, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6aPNVb5VP |archivedate=July 30, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| December 27, 2013
!scope="row"| ''[[Electronic Gaming Monthly|EGM]]''{{'}}s Best of 2013
| Best Game
| ''Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch''
| {{Won|place=Bronze|{{sort|Nominatedc|Fourteenth}}}}
| style="text-align:center;" scope="row"|<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.egmnow.com/platforms/xbox_360/egms-best-of-2013-part-three-15-11/ |title=EGM's Best of 2013: Part Three: #15 ~ #11 |work=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]] |publisher=EGM Media |date=December 27, 2013 |accessdate=August 1, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6aS3zHeUy |archivedate=August 1, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| December 27, 2013
!scope="row"| [[GameTrailers]] Game of the Year 2013 Awards
| Best PlayStation Game
| ''Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch''
| {{Nominated}}
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="GameTrailers PS3">{{cite web |url=http://www.gametrailers.com/full-episodes/y6xogg/gametrailers-game-of-the-year-awards-best-playstation-game |title=Best PlayStation Game |publisher=[[GameTrailers]]. [[Defy Media]] |date=December 27, 2013 |accessdate=July 30, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6aPNgndyt |archivedate=July 30, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| December 31, 2013
!scope="row"| [[GameTrailers]] Game of the Year 2013 Awards
| Best Graphics
| ''Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch''
| {{Nominated}}
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="GameTrailers Graphics">{{cite web |url=http://www.gametrailers.com/full-episodes/f967w4/gametrailers-game-of-the-year-awards-best-graphics |title=Best Graphics |publisher=[[GameTrailers]]. [[Defy Media]] |date=December 31, 2013 |accessdate=July 30, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6aPO02qD2 |archivedate=July 30, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| December 31, 2013
!scope="row"| ''[[The Huffington Post]] Canada''{{'}}s 10 Best Video Games of 2013
| Best Game
| ''Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch''
| {{Won}}
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="Huffington Best Game">{{cite web |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/joshua-ostroff/video-games-2013_b_4522031.html |title=10 Best Video Games Of 2013 |last=Ostroff |first=Joshua |work=[[The Huffington Post]] |publisher=[[AOL]] |date=December 31, 2013 |accessdate=August 2, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6aThzQbJN |archivedate=August 2, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| January 3, 2014
!scope="row"| [[GameTrailers]] Game of the Year 2013 Awards
| Game of the Year
| ''Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch''
| {{Nominated}}
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="GameTrailers GOTY">{{cite web |url=http://www.gametrailers.com/full-episodes/ofqexm/gametrailers-game-of-the-year-awards-game-of-the-year |title=Game of the Year |publisher=[[GameTrailers]]. [[Defy Media]] |date=January 3, 2014 |accessdate=July 30, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6aPNZWKZo |archivedate=July 30, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| January 7, 2014
!scope="row"| {{sort|Metacritic|Fourth Annual [[Metacritic]] User Poll}}
| Best Video Game
| ''Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch''
| {{Won|place=Bronze|{{sort|Nominatedd|Sixteenth}}}}
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="MCUsers">{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/feature/best-of-2013-user-poll-results |title=Metacritic User Poll Results – Best of 2013 |last=Dietz |first=Jason |work=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |date=January 7, 2014 |accessdate=August 1, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6YDIYSWYP |archivedate=May 1, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| January 9, 2014
!scope="row"| {{sort|Game Developers|2014 [[Game Developers Choice Awards]]}}
| Best Visual Art
| ''Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch''
| {{Nominated}}
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="GDCA">{{cite web |url=http://www.polygon.com/2014/3/20/5527642/the-2014-game-developer-choice-awards |title=The Last of Us cleans up at the 2014 Game Developer Choice Awards |last=Pitcher |first=Jenny |work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |publisher=[[Vox Media]] |date=March 20, 2014 |accessdate=July 30, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6aPOCyDGD |archivedate=July 30, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| February 7, 2014
!scope="row"| {{sort|DICE|17th Annual [[Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences|DICE Awards]]}}
| Role-Playing/Massively Multiplayer Game of the Year
| ''Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch''
| {{Nominated}}
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="DICE">{{cite web |url=http://www.interactive.org/games/video_game_details.asp?idAward=2014&idGame=1338 |title=D.I.C.E. Awards By Video Game Details |publisher=[[Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences]] |date=February 7, 2014 |accessdate=August 1, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6aRz8T7lR |archivedate=August 1, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| February 17, 2014
!scope="row"| {{sort|National|13th [[National Academy of Video Game Trade Reviewers]] Awards}}
| Animation
| ''Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch''
| {{Won}}
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="NAVGTR">{{cite press release |url=http://navgtr.org/archives/2028/ |title=2013 NAVGTR Winners |last=Allen |first=Thomas J. |publisher=[[National Academy of Video Game Trade Reviewers]] |location=Las Vegas, Nevada |date=February 17, 2014 |accessdate=August 2, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6aTimsHY4 |archivedate=August 2, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| February 17, 2014
!scope="row"| {{sort|National|13th [[National Academy of Video Game Trade Reviewers]] Awards}}
| Art Direction, Fantasy
| ''Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch''
| {{Won}}
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="NAVGTR"/>
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| February 17, 2014
!scope="row"| {{sort|National|13th [[National Academy of Video Game Trade Reviewers]] Awards}}
| Character Design
| ''Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch''
| {{Nominated}}
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="NAVGTR"/>
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| February 17, 2014
!scope="row"| {{sort|National|13th [[National Academy of Video Game Trade Reviewers]] Awards}}
| Costume Design
| ''Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch''
| {{Nominated}}
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="NAVGTR"/>
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| February 17, 2014
!scope="row"| {{sort|National|13th [[National Academy of Video Game Trade Reviewers]] Awards}}
| Original Light Mix Score, New IP
| ''Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch''
| {{Won}}
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="NAVGTR"/>
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| February 17, 2014
!scope="row"| {{sort|National|13th [[National Academy of Video Game Trade Reviewers]] Awards}}
| Original/Adapted Song
| {{sort|Kokoro|"Kokoro no Kakera"}}
| {{Won}}
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="NAVGTR"/>
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| February 17, 2014
!scope="row"| {{sort|National|13th [[National Academy of Video Game Trade Reviewers]] Awards}}
| Supporting Performance in a Comedy
| {{sort|Rhodri|[[Steffan Rhodri]] as Drippy}}
| {{Nominated}}
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="NAVGTR"/>
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| February 17, 2014
!scope="row"| {{sort|National|13th [[National Academy of Video Game Trade Reviewers]] Awards}}
| Game, Original Family
| ''Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch''
| {{Won}}
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="NAVGTR"/>
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| March 8, 2014
!scope="row"| {{sort|SXSW|2014 [[South by Southwest|SXSW]] Gaming Awards}}
| Excellence in Animation
| ''Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch''
| {{Won}}
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="SXSW">{{cite web |url=http://sxsw.co.uk/interactive/news/2014/2014-sxsw-gaming-awards-so-many-amazing-winners |title=2014 SXSW Gaming Awards: So Many Amazing Winners! |last=Blanchard |first=Bobby |publisher=[[South by Southwest]] |date=March 9, 2014 |accessdate=August 1, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6X503hM3k |archivedate=March 16, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| March 8, 2014
!scope="row"| {{sort|SXSW|2014 [[South by Southwest|SXSW]] Gaming Awards}}
| Excellence in Art
| ''Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch''
| {{Nominated}}
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="SXSW nom">{{cite web |url=http://www.destructoid.com/sxsw-gaming-awards-finalists-announced-fan-vote-open-270486.phtml |title=SXSW Gaming Awards finalists announced, fan vote open |last=North |first=Dale |publisher=[[Destructoid]] |date=February 13, 2014 |accessdate=August 1, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6X50NNCu7 |archivedate=March 16, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| March 8, 2014
!scope="row"| {{sort|SXSW|2014 [[South by Southwest|SXSW]] Gaming Awards}}
| Excellence in Musical Score
| ''Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch''
| {{Nominated}}
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="SXSW nom"/>
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| March 12, 2014
!scope="row"| {{sort|British|[[10th British Academy Video Games Awards|10th]] [[British Academy Video Games Awards]]}}
| Artistic Achievement
| ''Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch''
| {{Nominated}}
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="BAFTA">{{cite web |url=http://ign.com/articles/2014/03/13/bafta-games-awards-2014-winners-announced |title=BAFTA Games Awards 2014 Winners Announced |last=Karmali |first=Luke |publisher=[[IGN]]. [[Ziff Davis]] |date=March 13, 2014 |accessdate=August 1, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6YDn8Lxm6 |archivedate=May 2, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
|- valign="top"
| style="text-align:center;"| March 12, 2014
!scope="row"| {{sort|British|[[10th British Academy Video Games Awards|10th]] [[British Academy Video Games Awards]]}}
| Story
| ''Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch''
| {{Nominated}}
| style="text-align:center;"| <ref name="BAFTA"/>
|}

== References ==
'''Notes'''
{{notelist}}

'''Footnotes'''
{{reflist|30em|refs=

<ref name="1UP Dream">{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/news/japanese-kid-dream-true-level-5 |title=A Japanese Kid's Come True: Level-5 Shows off Ni no Kuni at Tokyo Press Conferences |last=Winterhalter |first=Ryan |publisher=[[1UP.com]]. [[Ziff Davis]] |date=June 24, 2010 |accessdate=July 26, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6aJIHpNqT |archivedate=July 26, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>

<ref name="Andriasang comparisons">{{cite web |url=http://andriasang.com/comm4x/ni_no_kuni_comparisons/ |title=Ni no Kuni PS3: Artwork Versus Realtime |last=Gantayat |first=Anoop |publisher=Andriasang |date=June 24, 2010 |accessdate=July 26, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6aJI3kfPz |archivedate=July 26, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>

<ref name="Andriasang demo">{{cite web |url=http://andriasang.com/comm4w/ni_no_kuni_up_for_demo/ |title=Level-5 Puts Ni no Kuni on Demo |last=Gantayat |first=Anoop |publisher=Andriasang |date=June 24, 2010 |accessdate=July 26, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6aJHnI9ed |archivedate=July 26, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>

<ref name="Art">{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjrwfQH-P2c |title=The Art of Studio Ghibli |people=[[Level-5 (video game company)|Level-5]] and [[Studio Ghibli]] |publisher=[[Bandai Namco Entertainment]] |year=2012 |accessdate=July 25, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6aMLHhpCM |archivedate=July 25, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>

<ref name="Destructoid: TGS">{{cite web |url=http://www.destructoid.com/tgs-level-5-discuss-its-partnership-with-studio-ghibli-235371.phtml |title=TGS: Level-5 discuss its partnership with Studio Ghibli |last=Pinsof |first=Allistair |publisher=[[Destructoid]] |date=September 20, 2012 |accessdate=July 30, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6aPBWWTSB |archivedate=July 30, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>

<ref name="Develop">{{cite web |url=http://www.develop-online.net/analysis/re-imagining-ni-no-kuni-for-the-west/0117529 |title=Re-imagining Ni no Kuni for the West |last=Amoros |first=Laetitia |work=[[Develop (magazine)|Develop]] |publisher=Intent Media |date=January 29, 2013 |accessdate=July 30, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6aP7zgEu6 |archivedate=July 30, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>

<ref name="Digital Spy">{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.com.au/gaming/interviews/a454585/ni-no-kuni-interview-level-5-on-its-studio-ghibli-collaboration.html#~pjJzH4jQIU8fzN |title='Ni No Kuni' interview: Level-5 on its Studio Ghibli collaboration |last=Reynolds |first=Matthew |work=[[Digital Spy]] |publisher=[[Hearst Corporation]] |date=February 1, 2013 |accessdate=July 28, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6aMJyYxvH |archivedate=July 28, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>

<ref name="Engadget DS">{{cite web |url=http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/24/rumor-level-5-and-studio-ghibli-teaming-up-on-ds-game/ |title=Famitsu: Level-5 and Studio Ghibli teaming up on DS game |last=Grant |first=Christopher |work=[[Joystiq]] |publisher=[[Engadget]]. [[AOL Tech]] |date=September 24, 2008 |accessdate=July 26, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6aJGaE6sl |archivedate=July 26, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>

<ref name="GameInformer: Hino">{{cite web |url=http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2012/10/19/extended-interview-level-5-president-akihiro-hino-talks-ni-no-kuni-and-studio-ghibli.aspx |title=Level-5 President Talks Ni No Kuni And Studio Ghibli |last=Wallace |first=Kimberley |work=[[Game Informer]] |publisher=[[GameStop]] |date=October 19, 2012 |accessdate=July 30, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6aP8wbLDV |archivedate=July 30, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>

<ref name="IGN: Anticipated">{{cite web |url=http://ign.com/articles/2010/09/27/our-top-10-most-anticipated-japanese-console-games |title=Our Top 10 Most Anticipated Japanese Console Games |last=Shea |first=Cam |publisher=[[IGN]]. [[Ziff Davis]] |date=September 27, 2010 |accessdate=August 2, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6aTnURv1s |archivedate=August 2, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>

<ref name="IGN: Interview">{{cite web |url=http://ign.com/articles/2013/01/08/ni-no-kuni-the-interview |title=Ni no Kuni: The Interview |last=Campbell |first=Colin |publisher=[[IGN]]. [[Ziff Davis]] |date=January 8, 2013 |accessdate=July 30, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6aP5LiPoJ |archivedate=July 30, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>

<ref name="IGN: Sequel">{{cite web |url=http://ign.com/articles/2012/04/17/ni-no-kuni-could-get-a-sequel |title=Ni No Kuni Could Get A Sequel |last=Moriarty |first=Colin |authorlink=Colin Moriarty |publisher=[[IGN]]. [[Ziff Davis]] |date=April 17, 2012 |accessdate=August 2, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6aTgp5F4P |archivedate=August 2, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>

<ref name="IGN Update">{{cite web |url=http://ign.com/articles/2009/05/20/ni-no-kuni-the-another-world-update |title=Ni no Kuni: The Another World Update |last=Tanaka |first=John |publisher=[[IGN]]. [[Ziff Davis]] |date=May 20, 2009 |accessdate=July 26, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6aHvsiBrj |archivedate=July 25, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>

<ref name="Kotaku: Anticipated">{{cite web |url=http://kotaku.com/5901234/my-most-anticipated-ps3-game-slides-out-of-2012-join-me-for-a-moments-sad-reflection |title=My Most Anticipated PS3 Game Slides Out of 2012 (But Here's an English Trailer) |last=Plunkett |first=Luke |work=[[Kotaku]] |publisher=[[Gawker Media]] |date=April 12, 2012 |accessdate=August 2, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6aTgYzOTS |archivedate=August 2, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>

<ref name="Localization">{{cite web |url=http://www.localization.it/one-minute-interview-oli-chance-ni-no-kunis-translator/ |title=One minute interview: Oli Chance (Ni No Kuni's translator) |last=Dellepiane |first=Alain |publisher=Team GLOC |date=September 2, 2013 |accessdate=July 30, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6aPD3IBiw |archivedate=July 30, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>

<ref name="NowGamer">{{cite web |url=http://www.nowgamer.com/ni-no-kuni-wrath-of-the-white-witch-behind-the-scenes-interview/ |title=Ni No Kuni: Wrath Of The White Witch – Behind The Scenes Interview |work=NowGamer |publisher=[[Imagine Publishing]] |date=January 18, 2013 |accessdate=July 30, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6aOlh5S2V |archivedate=July 29, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>

<ref name="PlayStation Blog">{{cite web |url=http://blog.eu.playstation.com/2013/02/15/ni-no-kuni-akihiro-hino-answers-your-questions/ |title=Ni No Kuni: Akihiro Hino answers your questions |last=Bennett |first=Hollie |work=[[PlayStation Blog]] |publisher=[[Sony Computer Entertainment]] |date=February 15, 2013 |accessdate=July 30, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6aPAlzJPH |archivedate=July 30, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>

<ref name="Siliconera PS3">{{cite web |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2010/06/22/ni-no-kuni-is-also-a-playstation-3-game/ |title=Ni No Kuni Is Also A PlayStation 3 Game |last=Yip |first=Spencer |work=Siliconera |publisher=[[Curse, Inc.]] |date=June 22, 2010 |accessdate=July 26, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6aJHDjUJD |archivedate=July 26, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>

<ref name="Verge">{{cite web |url=http://www.theverge.com/2013/1/23/3906010/studio-ghibli-ps3-game-ni-no-kuni |title=The ridiculously charming world of 'Ni No Kuni', Studio Ghibli's gaming masterpiece |last=Webster |first=Andrew |work=[[The Verge]] |publisher=[[Vox Media]] |date=January 23, 2013 |accessdate=July 29, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6aNrtXLiP |archivedate=July 29, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>

<ref name="VG247: Gold">{{cite web |url=http://www.vg247.com/2012/12/12/ni-no-kuni-screenshots-celebrate-localization-going-gold/ |title=Ni No Kuni screenshots celebrate localization going gold |last=Nunneley |first=Stephany |publisher=[[VG247]] |date=December 12, 2012 |accessdate=August 2, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6aTnBjTXn |archivedate=August 2, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>

<ref name="Zoomin">{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYg-W24SGF4 |title=Ni no Kuni - Studio Ghibli are masters of anime - Interview with Dennis Lee |last=Roxx |first=Nancy |publisher=Zoomin Games |date=June 10, 2012 |accessdate=July 29, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6aNiPt9Ad |archivedate=July 29, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>

<!-- Reviews -->
<ref name="CVG Review 1">{{cite web |url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/387631/reviews/ni-no-kuni-wrath-of-the-white-witch-review-ghiblis-godsend-to-gamers-review/ |title=PS3 Review: Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch review: Ghibli's godsend to gamers |page=1 |last=Scullion |first=Chris |work=[[Computer and Video Games]] |publisher=[[Future plc]] |date=January 24, 2013 |accessdate=September 19, 2015 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130126225209/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/387631/reviews/ni-no-kuni-wrath-of-the-white-witch-review-ghiblis-godsend-to-gamers-review/ |archivedate=January 26, 2013 }}</ref>

<ref name="Destructoid Review">{{cite web |url=http://www.destructoid.com/review-ni-no-kuni-wrath-of-the-white-witch-242794.phtml |title=Review: Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch |last=Sterling |first=Jim |publisher=[[Destructoid]] |date=January 21, 2013 |accessdate=September 19, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6bernkPKj |archivedate=September 19, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>

<ref name="EGM Review">{{cite web |url=http://www.egmnow.com/articles/reviews/egm-review-ni-no-kuni-wrath-of-the-white-witch/ |title=EGM Review: Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch |last=Fitch |first=Andrew |work=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]] |publisher=EGM Media |date=January 22, 2013 |accessdate=September 19, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6ber6Oe1b |archivedate=September 19, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>

<ref name="Famitsu Review">{{cite web |url=http://andriasang.com/comywj/ |title=Ni no Kuni PS3 and Call of Duty Score 10s in Famitsu |last=Gantayat |first=Anoop |publisher=Andriasang |date=November 9, 2011 |accessdate=September 20, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6bfoyK1WY |archivedate=September 20, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>

<ref name="Eurogamer Review">{{cite web |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-01-17-ni-no-kuni-wrath-of-the-white-witch-review |title=Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch review |last=Welsh |first=Oli |publisher=[[Eurogamer]]. [[Gamer Network]] |date=January 17, 2013 |accessdate=August 2, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6aTglv77J |archivedate=August 2, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>

<ref name="Game Informer Review">{{cite web |url=http://www.gameinformer.com/games/ni_no_kuni_wrath_of_the_white_witch/b/ps3/archive/2013/01/22/a-beautiful-frustration.aspx |title=A Beautiful Frustration - Ni No Kuni: Wrath Of The White Witch |last=Wallace |first=Kimberley |work=[[Game Informer]] |publisher=[[GameStop]] |date=January 22, 2013 |accessdate=July 25, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6aHp6LGdM |archivedate=July 25, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>

<ref name="GamesRadar Review">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/ni-no-kuni-wrath-of-the-white-witch-review/ |title=Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch review |last=Vincent |first=Brittany |publisher=[[GamesRadar]]. [[Future plc]] |date=January 22, 2013 |accessdate=August 2, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6aTCoXGBA |archivedate=August 1, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>

<ref name="GameSpot Review">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/ni-no-kuni-wrath-of-the-white-witch/reviews/ni-no-kuni-wrath-of-the-white-witch-review-6402702/ |title=Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch Review |last=VanOrd |first=Kevin |publisher=[[GameSpot]]. [[CBS Interactive]] |date=January 22, 2013 |accessdate=July 25, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6aHpBdLA5 |archivedate=July 25, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>

<ref name="GameTrailers Review">{{cite web |url=http://www.gametrailers.com/reviews/wselma/ni-no-kuni--wrath-of-the-white-witch-review |title=Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch - Review |work=[[GameTrailers]] |publisher=[[Defy Media]] |date=January 18, 2013 |accessdate=September 19, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6beqW8nmY |archivedate=September 19, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>

<ref name="Good Game Review">{{cite web |url=http://www.abc.net.au/abc3/goodgamesp/transcripts/s3691350.htm |title=Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch |last1=Bendixsen |first1=Stephanie |authorlink1=Stephanie Bendixsen |last2=O'Donnell |first2=Steven |authorlink2=Steven O'Donnell (Australian actor) |work=[[Good Game: Spawn Point]] |publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] |date=February 16, 2013 |accessdate=September 20, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6bfnH3Zru |archivedate=September 19, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>

<ref name="IGN Review">{{cite web |url=http://ign.com/articles/2013/01/15/ni-no-kuni-wrath-of-the-white-witch-review |title=Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch Review |last=Moriarty |first=Colin |authorlink=Colin Moriarty |publisher=[[IGN]]. [[Ziff Davis]] |date=January 15, 2013 |accessdate=July 25, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6aHhTGufP |archivedate=July 25, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>

<ref name="Joystiq Review">{{cite web |url=http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/23/ni-no-kuni-review/ |title=Ni Ni Kuni review: Fairy tale wedding |last=Kubba |first=Sinan |work=[[Joystiq]] |publisher=[[Engadget]]. [[AOL Tech]] |date=January 23, 2013 |accessdate=July 25, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6aHpJ1U2u |archivedate=July 25, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>

<ref name="Kotaku Review">{{cite web |url=http://kotaku.com/5980747/ni-no-kuni-the-kotaku-review |title=Ni no Kuni: The Kotaku Review |last=Schreier |first=Jason |work=[[Kotaku]] |publisher=[[Gawker Media]] |date=February 1, 2013 |accessdate=September 20, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6bfnP57kp |archivedate=September 19, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>

<ref name="OPM Review 2">{{cit web |url=http://www.officialplaystationmagazine.co.uk/review/ni-no-kuni-ps3-review-out-of-the-niche-into-your-ps3/2/ |title=Ni no Kuni PS3 review – Out of the niche, into your PS3 |page=2 |last=Iwaniuk |first=Phil |work=[[PlayStation Official Magazine|Official PlayStation Magazine]] |publisher=[[Future plc]] |date=January 18, 2013 |accessdate=September 19, 2015 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130120064346/http://www.officialplaystationmagazine.co.uk/review/ni-no-kuni-ps3-review-out-of-the-niche-into-your-ps3/2/ |archivedate=January 20, 2015 }}</ref>

<ref name="Polygon Review">{{cite web |url=http://www.polygon.com/2013/1/24/3908684/ni-no-kuni-wrath-of-the-white-witch-review |title=Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch review: make believe |last=Kollar |first=Philip |work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |publisher=[[Vox Media]] |date=January 24, 2013 |accessdate=September 19, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6besSXw66 |archivedate=September 19, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>

<ref name="RPGFan Review">{{cite web |url=http://www.rpgfan.com/reviews/Ni_no_Kuni_Wrath_of_the_White_Witch/index.html |title=Review - Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch |last=Tucker |first=John |publisher=RPGFan |date=April 9, 2013 |accessdate=September 26, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6bovjUWf7 |archivedate=September 25, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>

<ref name="VideoGamer.com Review">{{cite web |url=http://www.videogamer.com/reviews/ni_no_kuni_review.html |title=Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch Review |last=Dransfield |first=Ian |publisher=[[VideoGamer.com]] |date=January 17, 2013 |accessdate=July 25, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6aHpN30Jm |archivedate=July 25, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>

<ref name="Telegraph Review">{{cite web |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/video-games/video-game-reviews/9824097/Ni-No-Kuni-Wrath-of-the-White-Witch-review.html |title=Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch review |last=Martin |first=Tim |work=[[Daily Telegraph|The Telegraph]] |publisher=[[Telegraph Media Group]] |date=January 24, 2013 |accessdate=September 19, 2015 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6betUQklW |archivedate=September 19, 2015 |deadurl=no }}</ref>
}}

'''Bibliography'''
{{refbegin}}
*{{Citation |title=Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch - Official Game Guide |last=Grossman |first=Howard |publisher=[[Prima Games]] |location=United States of America |date=January 2013 }}
*{{Citation |title=Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch - Game Manual |editor=[[Level-5 (video game company)|Level-5]] |publisher=[[Bandai Namco Entertainment|Namco Bandai Games]] |location=United States of America |year=2013 }}
{{refend}}

== External links ==
* [http://ninokunigame.com/ Official website]
* [http://www.ninokuni.jp/index.html Official website] {{ja icon}}

{{Level-5}}
{{Studio Ghibli}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ni No Kuni}}
[[Category:2013 video games]]
[[Category:Level-5 games]]
[[Category:Bandai Namco games]]
[[Category:Fantasy video games]]
[[Category:PlayStation 3 games]]
[[Category:Role-playing video games]]
[[Category:Studio Ghibli]]
[[Category:Time travel video games]]
[[Category:Video games featuring female antagonists]]
[[Category:Video games with cel-shaded animation]]
[[Category:Witchcraft in video games]]

Revision as of 08:10, 27 September 2015

Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch
Composer(s)
Joe Hisaishi
Rei Kondoh
EngineHavok
Platform(s)PlayStation 3
Release
  • JP: November 17, 2011
  • NA: January 22, 2013
  • AU: January 31, 2013
  • EU: February 1, 2013
Genre(s)Role-playing
Mode(s)Single-player

Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch (二ノ国 白き聖灰の女王, Ni no Kuni: Shiroki Seihai no Joō, lit. Second Country: The Queen of White Sacred Ash) is a

Level-5. It was released for the PlayStation 3 in Japan on November 17, 2011, and published in Western regions by Namco Bandai Games in January 2013. The game is a significantly enhanced version of Ni no Kuni: Dominion of the Dark Djinn, released in December 2010 for the Nintendo DS
, featuring similar gameplay and story elements. Players control Oliver, a young boy who sets out on a journey to save his mother.

The game is played from a

third-person
perspective and its world is navigated on foot, by boat, or on a dragon. While players navigate Oliver throughout the game's world, other characters can be controlled during battles against enemies; during these battles, players use magic abilities and creatures known as "familiars", which can be captured and tamed.

Development began in 2008, simultaneous to Dominion of the Dark Djinn. The game's animated sequences were produced by

Joe Hisashi
. The artwork was also inspired by Studio Ghibli's other productions. The character development of Oliver was a large focus of the game, intending to make children empathize with the character and for adults to relive their adolescence. The developers used the power of the PlayStation 3 to its full potential to render the world with great detail.

Following its announcement, Ni no Kuni was widely anticipated. It was acclaimed by many reviewers, with praise particularly directed at its story, graphic design and unique gameplay. Wrath of the White Witch became one of the best-selling PlayStation 3 games, selling over 170,000 units within a week of its Japanese release, and over one million units within fourteen months of its Western release. The game won year-end accolades, including Best RPG awards from several gaming publications.

Gameplay

Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch is a

third-person perspective. Players complete quests—linear scenarios with set objectives—to progress through the story. Outside of quests, players can freely roam the open world. Players explore towns, villages, dungeons and dangerous places scattered throughout the world, and possess the ability to travel between the world and Oliver's hometown of Motorville. Upon leaving a location, players enter the World Map, which can be navigated, or used to select a destination.[1] The world may be fully explored from the beginning of the game without restrictions, although story progress unlocks more gameplay content and forms of transport to navigate the world.[1][a]

Players control Oliver, Esther and Swaine during battles, with the ability to access their familiars.

When players encounter enemies, they enter a battle mode. Battles take place on an open battlefield, allowing players to freely roam around the area.[3] During battles, players command a single human ally, or one of the familiars accompanying them. To fight enemies, players use magical abilities[b] and "familiars".[5] Familiars are creatures that can be tamed, in order to be suitable to send out in battle to fight for players. Familiars level up and evolve alongside the human characters; each have unique statistics and capabilities, and can be guided through their upgrades with treats and equipped with items.[6] When all enemies in a battle are defeated, players may receive experience points, currency and items. When a specific amount of experience is earned, characters' levels will increase, and their abilities improve. Should a party member lose health or mana points, they can be restored by using provisions. Health and mana can also be restored by picking up a green and blue orb, respectively, known as a "glim"; a golden glim restores all health, and enables the powerful "Miracle Move".[7]

The errands that can be undertaken at the request of townspeople and the bounty hunts available from the Taskmaster are collectively known as "tasks". When tasks are completed, players will earn a number of stamps for their current merit stamp card, which can be exchanged for upgrades.[8] The in-game Wizard's Companion book includes pages featuring Oliver's spells, as well as a bestiary, short stories, alchemy recipes and maps.[9]

Plot

Ni no Kuni follows the journey of Oliver, a resident of Motorville. While trying out a new vehicle designed by his friend Philip, Oliver almost drowns, but is saved by his mother Allie; however, she immediately dies from heart problems after saving him. As Oliver cries, his tears cause his doll, a gift from his mother, to come to life and reveal itself as a fairy named Drippy, who tells Oliver that he is from another world where an evil wizard named Shadar took control. He also tells Oliver that each person from his world has a "soulmate", a person that shares a link with someone in Oliver's world, and that his mother looks very much like a great sage, Alicia, who was captured by Shadar. Realizing that Alicia must have been Allie's soulmate, Oliver sets out with Drippy to travel to the other world and rescue Alicia in the hope that doing so will bring Allie back in his world.

In the other world, Oliver finds a multitude of broken-hearted people affected by Shadar, and uses his new-found magic abilities to restore those pieces of heart which they lack, and travels the world to seek out the four great sages who may be able to help. Along the way, he meets Esther, daughter of one of the great sages, and Swaine, a thief who initially steals a crucial item from them, but who ultimately decides to help. As they enlist the sages' help, they learn of a wand known as Mornstar that could be used to defeat Shadar, but are at a loss as to how to retrieve it, as it was recently destroyed by Shadar. Soon after, they find themselves many years in the past by the actions of a stranger, and are able to retrieve the wand there.

After returning to the present and retrieving three magical stones to complete the wand, Oliver learns that his mother Allie was in fact the great sage, Alicia. Realizing she could not defeat Shadar, and that he had destroyed his soulmate in the other world to avoid the possibility of being defeated through them, she chose to travel into both the future and into Oliver's world in the hopes of finding his next soulmate; after settling in to this new world, she eventually gave birth to her son, Oliver, who unknowingly became Shadar's soulmate. After he is defeated, Shadar's past is shown. He was once a soldier who helped a young girl against orders, and whose hometown was destroyed to set an example; a being known as the White Witch called to him to embrace his despair and become the Dark Djinn, Shadar. The spirit of Alicia talks to the dying Shadar, who realises that the girl he saved was the young Alicia herself. Shadar then uses his power to sever the link between himself and Oliver, in order to save Oliver from dying as well.

With Shadar defeated, Oliver prepares to return home, but the White Witch appears and casts a spell known as "manna", an ash-like substance that turns all living beings in the three major cities into undead-like creatures. A girl named Pea, who has been appearing to Oliver on occasion, travels with the group and uses her magic to clear the cities of manna and restore the people to normal; the group then travel to defeat the White Witch herself. They discover that she was a young queen called Cassiopeia from thousands of years ago who had noble intentions, but was manipulated by her "council of twelve", calling themselves the Zodiarchs, who desired to run the country. Feeling powerless, she found and used the manna spell, believing it would bring peace and prosperity to her people. When the horrific effects of manna were revealed, she gradually witnessed the death of all of her subjects, including the council, and found herself on her own; she was gradually driven to despair and became the White Witch, believing that all life must be destroyed in an attempt to "start over". Her power created an illusory version of the council to oversee the destruction of the world, but the remains of her kind intentions also created the council member that helped the group by sending them back in time, as well as Pea, the incarnation of her as a child. Having been defeated, Cassiopeia fuses together with Pea and is restored to her former, kind self. After assisting the group in destroying the Zodiarchy, the last manifestations of the council, Cassiopeia declares that she will dedicate her life to making amends for her actions and Oliver bids farewell to his friends before returning to his old life in Motorville.

Development

Conceived as a project for

Level-5's tenth anniversary,[10] Ni no Kuni: The Another World was announced in the September 2008 issue of Famitsu, as a title for the Nintendo DS.[11] In June 2010, Level-5 announced that the game would also be released for the PlayStation 3, with significant differences;[12] the DS version was renamed Ni no Kuni: Dominion of the Dark Djinn, while the PlayStation 3 version was given the title Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch.[13] Both versions were revealed to be in development separately, only retaining the same "story axle", while features such as artwork, graphics and specifications all received significant changes.[14] Journalists noted that the game's announcement ignited widespread anticipation within the gaming industry.[15][16][17][18]

Art design

Level-5 collaborated with Studio Ghibli to produce the game's animated sequences, and the game features graphics and visuals replicating the traditional animation style of Studio Ghibli films.[19] The collaboration began when musician Naoya Fujimaki, who had previously worked with both companies, introduced Level-5 president Akihiro Hino to Studio Ghibli president Toshio Suzuki. At the time, Studio Ghibli had completed work on Ponyo (2008), and the animation team had no ongoing projects, which influenced Suzuki's decision to collaborate with Level-5.[20] Another influencing factor of the collaboration was witnessing Hino's passion for the project. Studio Ghibli approached the production process in the same way that they would create an animated film.[21] Work on the animation began in July 2008,[22] and took much longer than the predicted three months.[20]

A comparison of the drawn storyboard and final animated version of a sequence in the game. The player character is driving a vehicle, and one of the wheels falls off, causing him to swerve.
Studio Ghibli's Yoshiyuki Momose designed storyboards for the game's animated sequences, incorporating a "Ghibli-like" style to the game.[20]

Studio Ghibli's Yoshiyuki Momose served as the game's director of animation, staging the scenes and directing actors during the motion capture sessions. He was also assigned to drawing character designs and storyboards, incorporating a "Ghibli-like" style.[20] Hino wished to incorporate the "heartwarming touch" of Studio Ghibli productions into the game;[21] the artwork and character movements was greatly inspired by Studio Ghibli's work,[23] particularly due to their attention to detail, as well as their talent in creating storyboards and utilizing camera control.[24] The development team constantly watched Studio Ghibli's films during development.[10] Game director Ken Motomura regularly worked with Studio Ghibli, swapping and reviewing assets, while Hino worked with the studio in regards to the game's dialogue and animated sequences.[25] To make Studio Ghibli's hand-drawn cutscenes and the game engine's real-time cutscenes transition seamlessly, the team adjusted the latter's color tones, shadows and character movements.[26] For the backgrounds, the team used deep colors, unifying them so they would not look like "a mass of polygons".[21] The team found particular difficulty in animating the game's cel shaded appearance, and spent time researching Studio Ghibli animation to recreate their traditional animation.[23]

When designing the familiars, the team accounted for the characteristics of their surrounding area, which inspired the later design.[26] Some of the initial familiar designs were deemed either creepy of "overly-cute", and adapted accordingly to match the style of Studio Ghibli's artwork.[27]

Story and setting

The team wanted the theme of the game to resonate with children; they initially considered the idea of expressing adventure and dreams. They later explored the concept of a child's greatest influence, their mother, and the possibility of losing them.[28] Although the framework of the story was completed prior to Studio Ghibli's involvement with the game, they still took part in many discussions regarding some ideas, including the game's final scenes.[29]

The majority of the game takes place in a magical world, referred to as the "other world".[1] To avoid making the world map feel outdated, the team modernized the design by arranging the terrain in "fun and fascinating ways".[30] The game's open world was designed to remind players of a "miniature diorama", intending to invoke reminiscence to an older time, as well as the feeling of freshness.[28] Other segments of the game are set in Oliver's fictional hometown of Motorville. The town is modelled after an American town in the peak of the automotive industry during the 1950s and 1960s; this decision was made due to Oliver's interest in cars and machines.[10] Motorville is geographically based near the city of Detroit, Michigan; the Japanese version of the town was named "Hotroit".[31]

Character development

For the game's characters, the team wished to explore the concept of opposites, mainly represented by the White Witch's goal to destroy the world, and Oliver's attempts to save it.[32] The character performances were mostly recorded using motion capture technology, followed by manual adjustment by the team to make a "more anime-like movement".[23] The game's characters were particularly inspired by Level-5's previous work on the Professor Layton series (2007–present).[24] During development, Momose suggested that the team design the clothes in a modern fashion, in order for players to gain a "stronger sense that you have stepped out of the familiar and into a different world".[10]

The game's main playable character, Oliver, is a 13-year-old boy.[33] The team decided to make him a child as they wished to showcase a coming of age story. They wanted children to empathize with Oliver's development, and adults to relive the excitement of their adolescence.[10] A major part of the story is Oliver's personal development, which Hino describes as "the process of how a child grows into an adult".[27] In regards to Oliver's physical appearance, Momose made his outfit represent a young boy in 1950s America, which was the inspiration for his hometown.[34] Adam Wilson portrayed Oliver in the English version of the game. By the time he was cast in the role, voice recording for the other characters had begun.[35]

For the localization of the game, the team decided to give the character of Drippy a Welsh accent, citing comedian Rhod Gilbert as a reference point.[36] Steffan Rhodri was ultimately cast as Drippy; the team immediately felt that he fit the role, during his first audition.[35] The Fairy Godmother character was initially conceived as an "older lady with a perm", which evolved into the concept of a "mountain-like woman".[37] The method that she uses to give birth, in which the offspring burst forth, was inspired by the process that sea anemones lay eggs.[37] The character of Cassiopeia was conceived in a quick meeting, after which the background information and story documents were handed to Momose, who drew the character based on the information. Cassiopeia underwent various changes throughout development. In particular, Momose suggested possible alterations to her physical appearance, such as the size of her head, and changing colors to reflect her emotions. The character Pea was named as a reference to the fairy tale The Princess and the Pea, while her Japanese name of Kokoru is a reference to the word "kokoro" (, heart).[38]

Technical and gameplay development

Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch was developed for the PlayStation 3. The team planned to bring the game to the console from the beginning of development, but opted to work on the DS version of the game beforehand due to the larger number of DS users in Japan at the time.[30] The team found they could render the game world with great detail, using the hardware to its full potential to present the animation, world and music.[23] Hino felt that the PlayStation 3 version allowed the game's music to accompany the imagery, which was not possible on the DS version.[30] The team found particular technical difficulty in animating Oliver's cape, which was overcome by a combination of mathematical calculations and hand-drawn motions by the programmers and graphic artists, respectively.[39]

The team considered utilizing the PlayStation Move controller for casting spells in the game, in a similar fashion to the use of the touchscreen in the DS version, though ultimately decided against it as it would limit the potential sales.[32] The battle system was revised over ten times, in order to achieve something new and unique. For about a year of development, the battle system used a turn-based system, though this was ultimately changed when the team felt that it was not fun for players.[40] The team eventually merged turn-based combat and action elements, popular in Japanese and Western regions, respectively, in order to appeal to both regions.[26]

Level-5 worked with localization company Shloc to translate the game; the two studios collaborated for many weeks.[35] The team found great difficulty when localizing the game for Western regions, particularly due to the large amounts of text and audio that required translation. Other minor changes to the artwork and animation also occurred, such as making Oliver bow in a Western manner.[26] By December 12, 2012, development on the localized version of Wrath of the White Witch stopped as the game was submitted for manufacturing.[41]

Reception

Critical response

Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch received critical acclaim.

Colin Moriarty of IGN named Ni no Kuni "one of the best RPGs", and among the best PlayStation 3 exclusives,[48] and Kevin VanOrd of GameSpot wrote that it joins the "hallmark of the greatest RPGs".[2]

The game's artistic design received acclaim, being favorably compared to Studio Ghibli's previous work.[50][52][53] Eurogamer's Oli Welsh wrote that the artists of Level-5 and Studio Ghibli have collaborated to make a game that belongs to both studios.[17] Moriarty of IGN called the game "unquestionably gorgeous", surpassing the visuals of most other games.[48] Destructoid's Jim Sterling echoed these remarks, stating that "few titles can hope to come as close".[45] GameSpot's VanOrd felt that the "cartoonish visuals are heightened by extraordinary visual details", contributing to the "sense of wonder" created by the game.[2] Stephanie Bendixsen of Good Game called the art "vibrant and exciting", noting that it "brings the game to life in the most beautiful way".[54]

Brittany Vincent of

GamesRadar found the story poignant,[6] and IGN's Moriarty named it one of the game's standout features.[48] GameSpot's VanOrd felt that the game's themes and dialogue positively contributed to the story,[2] and GameTrailers called the writing "top notch".[53] Conversely, Joystiq's Sinan Kubba wrote that the story lacked the charm that the art style possessed,[55] while Polygon's Philip Kollar felt that the game's art style was the only motive to complete the story, which he named "predictable".[49] Some reviewers commented on the pacing of the story;[56] Eurogamer's Welsh found that it was "too slow to surprise or to develop its mysteries",[17] while GamesRadar's Vincent found the pace believable.[6] The game's side quests also received praise; GameTrailers felt that they provide a "deeper insight" into the world[53] and Eurogamer's Welsh commended their variety,[17] while Polygon's Kollar conversely found them uninteresting and "single-minded".[49]

The player character and his companion with their backs to the camera, and the vast world consisting of trees and mountains in front of them.
An artistic design of the game's main world. Reviewers praised the art within the game, particularly commending the work by Studio Ghibli. The layout and humor of the world was also well received.

The world and environments of the game drew acclaim from many reviewers. Electronic Gaming Monthly's Andrew Fitch named the world one of the game's standout features.[52] Jason Schreier of Kotaku praised the "care and precision" with which the world was crafted.[57] Kimberley Wallace of Game Informer called the world "breathtaking",[47] and GameSpot's VanOrd appreciated the use of humor.[2] Destructoid's Sterling felt that the world was "adorable", praising the design and use of the familiars.[45]

The game's characters polarized reviewers. Some felt that the characters were inventive and interesting,

dub is "worth hearing".[50]

Many reviewers found the battle system a refreshing mix from other role-playing games. Fitch of Electronic Gaming Monthly commented that "it keeps getting better the longer you play".

artificial intelligence during the battle.[57] Phil Iwaniuk of Official PlayStation Magazine found the game's consistent battle encounters irritating, but that combat is "otherwise a pleasure".[58] Polygon's Kollar felt that the game's artificial intelligence resulted in a "sloppy" and "frustrating" combat system.[49]

Reviewers praised the use of music in the game. IGN's Moriarty felt that it was appropriate in every situation, praising its ability to create emotion and involve players in the experience.[48] GameTrailers found the soundtrack "powerful", commenting on its appropriate use during gameplay,[53] and GamesRadar's Vincent named it "breathtaking".[6] Sterling of Destructoid favorably compared the soundtrack to Dragon Quest VIII, praising the orchestral qualities and "sense of fun".[45] Chris Scullion of Computer and Video Games wrote that the music ensures the game "sounds as good as it looks".[44] Eurogamer's Welsh called the music "a lush and romantic treat", though criticized the repetitiveness of the battle music.[17]

Sales

Within seven days of its original release in Japan, Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch sold over 170,000 units.[20] Following its release in the United Kingdom, the game topped the charts, and sold out in many stores across the region.[59] By March 2014, the game had shipped over 1.1 million copies worldwide.[60] Many pre-orders of the game's special edition, the "Wizard's Edition", were cancelled due to overselling as a result of a glitch in the order system. All canceled orders were compensated with a voucher and the game's strategy guide.[61]

Awards

Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch received multiple nominations and awards from

The Huffington Post.[69] The game also won Best Sound from Cheat Code Central,[70] and Excellence in Animation at the SXSW Gaming Awards.[71] At the 13th National Academy of Video Game Trade Reviewers Awards, it received multiple wins, including awards for Animation, Art Direction, Original Light Mix Score, Original Family Game, as well as Original/Adapted Song for "Kokoro no Kakera".[72]

References

Notes

  1. ^ Players initially run to navigate the world, though later gain the ability to travel by boat, or on the back of a dragon.[2]
  2. ^ The four playable characters possess differing abilities to use in battle: Oliver and Marcassin use wands to cast spells, Esther plays songs with a harp, and Swaine uses trick shots.[4]
  3. ^ Famitsu's total score out of 40 is composed of four individual scores; Ni no Kuni received scores of 8, 9, 10, 9, totaling 36/40.[46]

Footnotes

  1. ^ a b c Level-5 2013, p. 7
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  3. ^ Tucker, John (April 9, 2013). "Review - Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch". RPGFan. Archived from the original on September 25, 2015. Retrieved September 26, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  4. ^ Stuart, Keith (May 17, 2012). "Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch – preview". The Guardian. Guardian Media Group. Archived from the original on August 1, 2015. Retrieved August 2, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  5. ^ Level-5 2013, p. 17
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  7. ^ Level-5 2013, p. 21
  8. ^ Level-5 2013, p. 9
  9. Moriarty, Colin (June 29, 2012). "Namco Reveals the Wizard's Edition of Ni No Kuni". IGN. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on August 1, 2015. Retrieved August 1, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help
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  10. ^ a b c d e "Ni No Kuni: Wrath Of The White Witch – Behind The Scenes Interview". NowGamer. Imagine Publishing. January 18, 2013. Archived from the original on July 29, 2015. Retrieved July 30, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
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  13. ^ Gantayat, Anoop (June 24, 2010). "Level-5 Puts Ni no Kuni on Demo". Andriasang. Archived from the original on July 26, 2015. Retrieved July 26, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  14. ^ Gantayat, Anoop (June 24, 2010). "Ni no Kuni PS3: Artwork Versus Realtime". Andriasang. Archived from the original on July 26, 2015. Retrieved July 26, 2015. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
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  31. ^ Grossman 2013, p. 380
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Bibliography

  • Grossman, Howard (January 2013), Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch - Official Game Guide, United States of America: Prima Games
  • Level-5, ed. (2013), Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch - Game Manual, United States of America: Namco Bandai Games{{citation}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: editors list (link
    )

External links