
Netmarble Unveils 'Bloomwalker': A New Crafting Adventure in the Ni no Kuni Universe for Nintendo Switch

By Shigeru Miyamoto


By Shigeru Miyamoto
During the recent Xbox Tokyo Games Show, Netmarble officially pulled back the curtain on "Bloomwalker," their eagerly anticipated crafting-focused adventure. This reveal confirmed the game's integration into the celebrated Ni no Kuni universe and its upcoming availability on both the original Nintendo Switch and its successor. Fans got a deeper look into a title that promises to bring a familiar warmth and charm to Nintendo's platforms.
While an initial preview of "Bloomwalker" surfaced some time ago, the latest showcase reaffirmed its perfect fit for Nintendo's console ecosystem. The game exudes a delightful sense of comfort and ingenuity, inviting players to traverse a land scarred by environmental decay. Central to the experience is a magical moving house, serving as a companion alongside endearing nature spirits. The extensive crafting mechanics are expected to be particularly engaging in the portable format of the Switch, enhancing the overall player journey.
Currently, a precise launch timeline for "Bloomwalker" remains under wraps. Similarly, the specifics of how this new installment will intricately weave into the broader tapestry of the Ni no Kuni lore are still largely a mystery. Nevertheless, the newly released trailer has ignited considerable excitement, evoking a sense of nostalgic comfort and anticipation among series enthusiasts.
The game’s design emphasizes several key aspects that define its unique experience. Players will find themselves continually moving their home base from one haven to another, strategically stopping at resource-rich areas to delve into the surrounding environment. This mobile dwelling evolves alongside the player's journey, gaining new functionalities and transforming visually as it becomes instrumental in tackling pollution and overcoming obstacles. The moving house transcends a mere vehicle; it becomes a loyal friend and a central hub for progress.
A distinctive feature of "Bloomwalker" is the personal pocket dimension accessible through your house's door. This private space allows players immense creative freedom to construct structures, organize facilities, and personalize their surroundings. It's a bustling haven where familiars and higgledies reside, grow, and contribute, steadily expanding into a vibrant, living home filled with activity and charm.
Players are encouraged to forge deep connections with artisan familiars, each possessing their own unique stories. As these relationships flourish, new crafting recipes, advanced facilities, and diverse crafting pathways become available. The restoration of the world also attracts more higgledies, small creatures that, when cared for and provided with food and shelter, generously reward players with vitality and essential resources. These interactions deepen the immersive quality of the game, making companions an integral part of the adventure.
In "Bloomwalker," crafting transcends a solitary activity, evolving into a collaborative effort. Strengthening friendships with familiars unlocks access to novel formulas and specialized facilities. These allow for the processing of materials gathered by higgledies into valuable finished goods. The fruits of these labors are then utilized to rebuild villages, establish new housing, or create thoughtful gifts, further solidifying bonds with companions and advancing the world's restoration.
"Bloomwalker" marks Netmarble's second significant contribution to the Ni no Kuni universe, following their development of "Ni no Kuni: Cross Worlds" for mobile in 2022. There's a collective hope among fans that this new title will steer clear of controversial elements like cryptocurrency and blockchain technologies, ensuring a pure and enjoyable gaming experience that focuses on its core strengths and narrative depth.
About the author

Legendary game designer at Nintendo, creator of Mario, Zelda, and Donkey Kong.

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