Famitsu this week has new details on Tales of Xillia 2. In addition to the reveal of Jude Mathis, which was leaked last week, the mag provides information on the return of Ivar, Character Episodes, Ludger’s second stage Corpse Shell, and more.

Jude Mathis

A graduate of medical school, he is currently an active researcher at facilities in both Liese Maxia and Elenpios. As someone who is concerned about the annihilation of Shell, he feels it is his responsibility to develop Origin to succeed Jin.

New abilities:

Ice Breaker

Kusanagi

Ivar

“Huh, looks like I wound up someplace nice.” After being defeated by Jude in the previous title, he drifted aimlessly in Elenpios until Bisley recruits him. He is currently a multi-agent for the Clanspia Company doing various odd jobs. His hairstyle is the same, but his outfit changed and now he wears sunglasses. Character Episodes

The story is organized into chapters. You’ll have free time in between chapters, where you can work on quests or pursue “Character Episodes.” When you enter a town, your party characters will spread about the town. When a red exclamation mark appears and you talk to them, it triggers a Character Episode. Completing Character Episodes will earn you special items for the specific characters and also trigger additional bonus special cutscenes. “Origin Celsius” appears in Jude’s Character Episode. Second Stage of Corpse Shell

As the story progresses, a second stage of Corpse Shell emerges. In first stage you can’t be knocked back by attacks, but in the second stage your attack power increases and the appearance changes as well.

Thanks, Tale Tale Source.