Can I start with this Game?

[Rupty.]

Never played any Ni no Kuni Game except for Ni No Kuni Crossworlds and really enjoyed the Art Style and the Open World.
Now I wanted to play other Games. Can I start with this one?

[Fabbio]

Yes. This was my first game and I enjoyed as much as i could.

[B l u e b e r r y P o p t a r t]

I never played cross-worlds, but assume it has probably nothing to do with these 2 games except for the same series and maybe some areas and names are the same, etc. You can play the 1st or 2nd game without playing the other as they are not tied together in any way except for a few names and or the feel of the world.

[hollybollybingbong]

absolutely! this was the first game in the series, and tbh, none of the other games are that related to the first one, other than sharing a name

[copperzinc]

Big fan of this series. Played all 3 games and watched the movie (in netflix).
The three games and the movie are definitely related.
It goes like 1 => movie => 2 => cross worlds.

Oliver is in the movie and is main character of 1, Evermore is a main region in movie. Then 2 mentioned Evermore was destroyed so it was rebuilt. They are also tied by the legendary weapon Mornstar.
The regions are supposed to be exactly the same in both worlds, but differs in timeline. You see 1890 America in 1 and a more ancient Ding Dong Dell in the other. The movie is late 20th century (1960?) Tokyo and a much older Oliver. 2nd game is slightly into the future America in one world and a more recent Ding Dong Dell than 1. Cross worlds is obviously a distant future America with advanced VR tech with unrestrained corporate power, and much much later Evermore that even mentioned deeds of King Ferdinand of Evermore. (exact relations to MC King Evan in 2? you will know once you beat 2)

If you played cross worlds you will feel right at home in this game. The familiar system came from white witch. And in fact, you might spot many familiars you recognize from cross worlds ;)

But this game is much harder. It's not MMO so you have to figure out the game yourself. I would in fact say it's the hardest game in the series. (Unless you use expert difficulty in 2)

But if you only like the combat and open world, not familiar and timed-turn based combat then 2 would suit your plate better. The story in 1 is great but the AI gives me a headache xD.