Nine months on from the release of the stunning Xenoblade Chronicles 3 and, true to form, Monolith Soft has once again delivered a hefty chunk of story-based DLC for fans to sink their teeth into, this time in the shape of Xenoblade Chronicles 3: Future Redeemed. We’ve already had a bunch of fun new heroes and an all-new challenge mode added through the first three waves of add-on content, and now it’s time to tuck into the real meat of your Expansion Pass.
Much like Xenoblade Chronicles 2: Torna – The Golden Country, with Future Redeemed (which arrives in the fourth and final DLC wave and will be the focus of this review) we’re treated to a prequel expansion that gives Xenoblade aficionados plenty to get excited about with some of the series’ most beloved characters returning, dramatic revelations aplenty and enough jaw-dropping spectacle to fill several lesser RPGs.
We’ll fully admit that, after spending a whole lot of time fully rinsing the main game for our review and guides campaign, the idea of returning to Xenoblade Chronicles 3 did fill us with a certain trepidation. As much as it deserves its 10/10 score we felt like we’d had our fill and then some. And so, it speaks to the overall quality of this absolute top-notch DLC that, mere minutes after booting it up for the first time, any slight weariness was instantly forgotten as we were fully hooked into Aionios once again.
This latest adventure wastes no time in dropping you into the heart of the action, setting out in explosive style and introducing you to a bevy of hugely likeable new heroes who take up arms alongside the likes of Shulk and Rex (yes, he’ll still teach them a thing or three) as they bear witness to the dramatic events that preceded Noah and Mio’s epic battle against Moebius.
It’s a somewhat tricky expansion to review in terms of its story, packed as it is full of spoilers that affect the entire series of games, it’s hard to know what we should or shouldn’t mention for fear of ruining someone’s fun. However, even side-stepping this issue completely by simply stating that the narrative here will rock the socks off series fans, we’ve still got plenty to discuss in the form of meaningful gameplay changes that take the core of Xenoblade Chronicles 3 and improve it in several notable ways.
Indeed, in terms of exploration and combat, Future Redeemed actually manages to top the base game, thanks to a few carefully considered additions. The biggest changes come in the form of rejigged battle mechanics that switch out the main game’s Ouroboros transformations for Unity Combos, and an all-new Affinity system that runs through every aspect of the game, positively affecting almost every action you take outside of main story beats.
Let’s start with those Unity Combos, and you now have the ability to pair up your party members in order to perform specials that take the place of the fantastical robotic transformations from the main game. Unity Combos are charged in the same manner as Ouroboros attacks, filling up a gauge by using your arts and fusion arts and then unleashing devastating assaults on your selected target. The real meat here comes from the fact you can mix up your Unity pairings and change up the effects of attacks to suit any given combat situation, with the game actively encouraging you to experiment and find pairings that suit your playstyle.
Unity Combos still feed into Chain Attacks in much the same manner as Ouroboros assaults did, you can still complete Chain Attack orders with a view to unleashing a final huge Unity Order, but these attacks can now be augmented by equipping various collectible accessories. This, in turn, feeds into the other major change this time out, a revamped collection, exploration, and reward system that gives the entire endeavour a nice lift.
As you roam the stunning world map — a map that, for our money, hews closer to the style of XC1 in terms of its vistas and tone — you’ll take down monsters of varying rarity, collect items, open containers, and all of that good stuff that you were so used to doing in the base game. However, you now have an Enemypaedia and Collectopaedia that register all of this, ticking off enemy types and tallying up how many of each and every item you’ve got your hands on. Complete a listing for collecting six Sour Gooseberries or dispatching three Jarack Volffs, for example, and you’ll score yourself Affinity Points that can then be used to purchase and upgrade a bunch of Affinity Growth skills for all party members.
There are three tiers of Affinity skills to work through and you’ll net points for collecting and killing, developing community relations, completing battle missions, and discovering Affinity scenes that give you a little cutscene and some context about the world as you explore it. This Affinity system really gives the core gameplay loop a huge boost here, adding a real sense of purpose to grinding through enemies and collecting items that incredibly makes the base game feel lacking in comparison. It’s addictive stuff that works well to make a smaller campaign map feel bigger and busier than it actually is. Discovering a new enemy type and working to kill as many as is needed to fill an entry in your collection had us happily roaming this DLC’s world with a revitalised sense of purpose.
Away from these main changes and there are lots of smaller tweaks to be found in new enemy mechanics that see packs of foes given increased attack and defence capabilities, enemy initiative arts, field crafting that allows you to make and repair ladders, fix elevators, create ether masts to locate ether deposits, and an X-reader that pinpoints the locations of other survivors. There's lots that's been added here, in short, and it genuinely makes for instalment of Xenoblade that’s more addictive and fine-tuned than ever.
Of course, all of this would be for naught if the story wasn’t up to snuff, so it’s a good thing that what we’ve got in Future Redeemed is a prequel that delivers the goods in terms of tying up loose ends and bringing the trilogy to a fantastic end – even if it does pose plenty of new questions for those who take their lore super seriously. The new heroes we’re introduced to are all crackers (we actually prefer Matthew to Noah from the get-go in terms of his banter) and the roster of returning legends makes for a terrifically exciting party of protagonists with which to strike out against another array of amazingly OTT Moebius baddies. We loved the regional accents and overblown pantomime madness of these villains in the main game and they’re every bit as entertaining this time around.
Xenoblade Chronicles 3: Future Redeemed wastes no time in throwing you into screen-shaking battles against spectacular foes, and the flow of its story benefits from the shorter running time of around 15-18 hours (easily double that if you’re aiming for 100% completion) getting straight down to business and keeping a high tempo going throughout. If you’re here for big revelations and emotional moments, to see old favourites again, dive deep into the lore, and discover how everything connects, well, you’re in for quite the treat. Playing through this stunning expansion has been a breathless experience for us long-term fans, with a constant conveyor belt of meaningful moments hitting us repeatedly in all of the feels, which is all we could have asked for really.
It helps too that the quality of cutscenes, carefully choreographed battle sequences, a truly epic soundtrack, and top-notch writing all carry over from the main game, with the devs once again proving just how adept they are at shifting the tone from all-out flashy action to moments of quiet introspection. You may have less time to gel with the newbies here, but rest assured you’ll care about them just the same by the time you’re through with this one. It's an awe-inspiring conclusion, and one that improbably manages to improve on the sublime base game.
Conclusion
Just like it did with the excellent Torna – The Golden Country, Monolith Soft has given us a carefully refined prequel experience here, adding to and improving upon core combat and exploration elements that were already best-in-class. Xenoblade Chronicles 3’s delightful battle system feels better than ever, its stunning landscapes are packed full of exploration that’s been reinvigorated thanks to the new Affinity system and there’s enough emotion and revelations packed in to satisfy the most ardent of Xenoblade fans. It also provides something of a clean slate going forward for this most intriguing of franchises. Where will the world of Xenoblade take us next? We cannot wait to find out.
Comments 91
I really, Really want there to be a physical standalone version of this dlc. Just like the Torna DLC from Xenoblade 2. This is basically a full shorter game that earns every penny it cost.
The final chapter is just so great. Especially for long term Xeno Fans.
I'm not convinced it's going to be a 10/10 on par with Torna or base XC3 yet, but it's fun so far.
I think it'll probably mean more to people who are super nostalgic for XC1. Lots of fanservice on that front so far.
I just started chapter 4, 20 hours in, as a long time Xeno fan I can already tell it's a masterpiece, the last chapter in a 13 years long masterclass in how to develop an rpg by Monolith and Nintendo, can't wait to see the end of this arc and what the future will bring us!
I'm very much enjoying the gameplay so far, but midway through chapter 2 it does kind of feel like I'm still waiting for the plot to start. Granted every Xenoblade game is pretty much like that.
This DLC has me doing the whole Leo DiCaprio pointing meme throughout the whole experience. I’m loving it. I’m going for that sweet 100% completion and it’s been great! Just got to the Black Mountains.
Can, can we have a physical version please, Nintendo?
@Phillips455 I am hoping for a physical release as well!
Personally, this DLC is what I wanted from the XB3 a mix of old and new. Characters I actually care about while creating new ones that are just as good. I really am enjoying my time with it and trying to take my time because releases like this don't come around all that often. Plus, I love the references. I'm really feeling it.
Did not enjoy the 3rd game. I was expecting something close to xc2, which for me, remains the best jrpg to date.
@clianvXAi Gameplay top notch. Action scenes top notch. Snot nose kids plot was fine, but I've seen that scenario play out WAY too much in anime.
Uh oh, I must be playing the DLC too fast judging by the length mentioned in your review! I should slow down 😂 but as a massive Xeno 1 fan, I feel frankly spoiled. Absolutely amazing so far!
I was expecting totally different combat mechanics for this DLC as torna dlc did in comparison to xeno 2. For me this is the most dissapointment aspect of xeno 3, its just so boring and repetitive.
@clianvXAi totally agree, xeno 3 while a great game, not as memorable as xeno 2
I'm still deciding whether or not it's better than Torna as a dlc but Future Redeemed is indeed worth the time and money investment. It's one of the best dlcs I played and brings the Klaus saga to a satisfying conclusion.
Best "con" in any review I've ever read! 😂 I can't wait to get stuck in to this one. XC3 was amazing, and improved on everything I disliked about 2 without losing any of the emotional power of XC and XC2. JRPG perfection, and I expect Future Redeemed to be just as good.
That's the most understandable "con" point I've ever seen in a review
Gotta admit for better or worse the Xenoblade series gives you a ton of content for the money. Will pick this up soon. I will get the horizon FW DLC and I figure that, this and story of seasons will be my last purchases until November. I have enough to play that I don’t need day one content.
@Ralizah I think I remember seeing you talk about XC1 and as someone who SEEMS to share the bulk of your opinions on that one I'll say that even without being as into 1 as the other 2 (3 is easily my favorite but I adore 2 and Torna) I actually do enjoy what they're doing with the elements they (literally) pulled from the original game's world.
When I got to chapter 3 it took me a solid 10 minutes of trying to remember where I heard the music around Yesterdale Valley until "Tephra Hill" popped up and it hit me like a truck lol
Not my favorite pieces of music in the series, but the kind of fan service they injected into Future Redeemed - so far, I have to say. I think I'm not even in chapter 4 yet, however many there are - is absolutely brilliant.
And after some time feeling a little lukewarm on the Agnus and Keves additions to the dlc party I'm at a point where I thoroughly enjoy playing every single member rn.
I'll also agree with the bit about the affinity rewards. Xenoblade always rewarded you for exploration, be it with good items/treasure chests with great stuff, experience points, new little stories in the games that aren't XC1 with its dogs*** quest design or just a simple fast travel point... That new layer to it all makes EVERYTHING in this game so bloody satisfying, even though I will say they could've made the jingles a little less... LOUD 😂
This series keeps on delivering. Sounds incredible. Thanks for the review.
I really need to finish XB3 haha
I love how this ties the trilogy together, which we really didn't get with the 3rd entry. Not full closure, anyways.
This is exactly what I wanted.
Cool. I am glad it’s good. I am glad to see the main characters from 1 and 2. I like Xenoblade 3 but it doesn’t overall compare to Xenoblade 1 which is still the best to me. It definitely had the best story to me. 2 was good too but not as much as 1. Xenoblade 3 definitely has the best fighting mechanics but it’s a little overwhelming with introducing all of it and it can get a bit much sometimes. Like someone said here, I am a little disappointed that future redeemed dlc doesn’t have a different battle system like torna did but 3 has a pretty good battle system so it’s ok. Can’t wait to see what’s new for Xenoblade. Hoping they do a whole different story and not reference much from the first 3.
@Diogmites Cheers mate. Cheque's in the post 😉
@PJOReilly should one play this before or after XB3? I never opened mine as I was waiting on the season pass content to come out.
I played through 100% on XB1, Future Connected, XB2, Torna, XB3, and I can quite definitively say this DLC is magical. A welcome return for Shulk and Rex, enough plot to fill in their gaps, and I’m at the start of ch. 4 currently and just curious how it will all play out and conclude, but I’m absolutely in no hurry to finish (20 hours in so far).
Truly brings back memories and is simultaneously making some good new ones!
@clianvXAi 2 vs. 3 is tricky for me in that I feel like 3 isn't nearly as tedious as 2 often can be and mechanically is both better realized and much better explained, but it just never hits the same highs that 2 does and doesn't emotionally connect the same way.
I think I come down on the side of 2 is more obviously flawed but I also just like it more anyway.
@Ryu_Niiyama If you can manage to hold off and play the main game first I think you should. But you'll still enjoy it regardless if you just dive in, especially if you've played 1&2. You should play XC3 though...it's amazing.
@Dom_31 I had a similar 'truck to the face' moment after truly realizing that Colony 9 actually preserved the same layout, despite how different it looked here, and then, yeah, continuing on and hearing that music once you left town. It probably helps that I played the remake earlier this year, so it's all still fresh in my mind.
I preferred the approach of the base game, ultimately, which called back to the older games, but maintained its own sense of identity even when it did. For me, that made the emergent references even more powerful.
But I understand there's a portion of the audience that wanted this sort of comic book crossover approach and were disappointed by the base game doing its own thing, so it's nice they have something that'll feed into their need for a story that addresses the larger mythology of the series and brings back even more old faces.
Otherwise, it feels like a cross between Torna and Xenoblade 3, so, as I said, I'm having fun.
@Ryu_Niiyama I know you didn't ask me, but here's my unsolicited advice: definitely play the base game first. Future Redeemed isn't like Torna, and feels much more reliant on players having experience with the base game.
@PJOReilly Thank you!
@Ralizah Thank you!
Damn... I can't get into this before Zelda drops, but I must play this. XC3 was my GOTY last year.
Been loving this experience so far - review pretty much nails my feelings.
In many ways I'm actually glad Redeemed builds on the battle mechanics of XC3 instead of reinventing the wheel like Torna did.
Torna sort of HAD to do it, not just for story related purposes but because the base game's battle system was incredibly archaic and overwhelming to understand (I say this despite still loving the game), but it's almost as if they learnt from XC2 and stripped it back for a more streamlined experience during Torna.
XC3 (and Redeemed) brings the best of both worlds battle styles and leaves out the slog - you're introduced to mechanics progressively and you can practise and re-review the systems whenever you want as well. It's actually the first time I run into enemies because I enjoy the system - I feel like I know what I can and can't achieve and don't worry about buggering something up.
In a lot of ways I am quite glad that they saved this content for the DLC story though. I think as much as we "wanted" this sort of crossover in the base game (as far as lore and characters go), I think it would have detracted from the story XC3 was trying to craft alongside its fantastic cast.
So far Redeemed feels like a wonderful end coda to XC3 (much like Connected was for XC1) - however, as a separate release? I'm actually not so sure. It does deserves it based on gaming content, quality and playability... but unlike Torna I'd never recommend playing this separately or before the base game as the barrier for entry is too high. XC3 could actually be played without knowledge of XC1 and XC2 (although again... inadvisable), but Redeemed really leans in and indulges the series fanbase completely.
I haven't finished yet but 22 hours in and it's definitely a 10/10 for me to. The mechanics are as solid as ever and exploring all the areas and filling in the affinity goals has been a lot of fun. Looking forward to seeing how the rest of the story plays out.
Random question how does the story feel if you haven't played the games for a long time?
Does it try and remind you of pst events etc if necessary?
I remember the basic and overall lore but is been a few years since i played XC1/2 and its been a busy year since 3. It will probs all come back as i start playing and I'm just being super ocd
I just started playing xeno 3 for two weeks.
Man i am hooked.
Bought an oled just for this game and zelda.
@Phillips455 Indeed. I'm actually holding out for that possibility.
I’ve only played XC3 to completion (and it was my GOTY for last year)…is this still recommended? Or should I play the first 2 games through (whenever I find the time to do so 😂)
Currently on chapter 3 and I am loving it! This is one of those games where I'm even thinking about it at work 😂 I'm deliberately trying to finish up all my work early so I can spend my weekend playing it lol.
@larryisaman I'd definitely recommend playing the first 2 games before this. XC3 on its own didn't really reference much from the other games but this expansion is full of references so far!
As much as I really enjoyed the second game I haven’t picked this up yet and for some reason I can’t be bothered. I think the sheer length of the second game has made me think twice about playing through another. I don’t know 🤷🏻♂️
I'm about 5 hours in and loving it. Lots to connect if you've played 1 & 2. Interested to see where the story of it goes.
Matthew is an awesome character. This DLC is so engaging, and the whole menu, exploration, combat, etc. is an improvement or culmination of the whole series. Agreed. 10/10
I'll grab this eventually. Hopefully either a physical or if the digital hits a sale.
@Vortexeo Eee bloomin’ ‘eck…hopefully I’ll get the time to get through the first two eventually. Thank you!
Haven't had the chance to get this but I just spoiled myself on the story anyway. Takahashi is an absolute madman. This should've been the main game. I'm very much looking forward to playing this eventually
@clianvXAi same here.
Gameplay, story, OST, characters and landscapes are way better in XC2.
I bought all DLC for XC3 but i never played the game again after having finished the story.
I won't even try this DLC.
I Hope they won't do the same ***** with XCX2.
Felt XB3 was worse then XB2, but this expansion so far is promising.
I learned a word today (denouement). For this i thank you.
I just can't get on with the combat. I keep trying with these games. I adore the world of the first XC, but combat feels terrible to me. I don't know what I'm doing wrong. Just feels like everything happens with barely any input from me until I win or lose.
@LikelySatan that's interesting. What difficulty are you on? Playing on easy can do that, but medium and hard do require far more positional movement and party member switching.
Just curious as that majorly impacts how much of the combat you'll engage with. Also Xenoblade is more about preplanning encounters too, like switching Gems, accessories and the correct Job/Blade depending what game you're playing.
@romanista Maybe not, they're using the word incorrectly. A denouement is a part of dramatic storytelling structure referring to the "winding down" part of a story between the climax and conclusion — or in RPG terms, the denouement is everything between the death of the final boss and the credits rolling.
If this DLC added to or modified XC3's vanilla ending in any way, it might be an appropriate word to use, but from the context of the review it sounds like it's 100% a separate, self-contained prequel story. A prequel story that by itself may contain a denouement, but cannot in and of itself be a denouement to the game proper.
I suspect there were some crossed wired as they meant to say something like "capstone" or "swan song" since it's the grand(?) finale(?) of the trilogy.
As I expected considering XC3 is my favorite of the bunch to date in nearly every way (1/DE still wins for music though). Unfortunately I'll be waiting to play this. Too close to when TotK drops, plus I'd feel obligated with the rest of the DLC to properly dive into the postgame of my main XC3 file; I needed a break after 135+ hours. XD ...Not to mention I also want to hold out for a physical release if it'll be a thing.
I just finished the story on level 60, it took me nearly 30 hours including completion of the map, only missing some high level monsters 60+. I am grinding for them right now. I will have to think again about the story tho.
@GrailUK
yeah it definitely sounds like it has a enough content to justify a standalone release like torna.
nice to see that the mainline Xenoblade series is all playable on switch and does make me exited to see what kinds of things monolith could do when the "switch 2" hits considering they are good at pushing the hardware to its absolute limits.
Maybe even a sequel to Xenoblade X (i absolutely loved that game)
Omg! Didn't see this coming!
I loved Torna to pieces, more than Xeno 2 (and probably 1), perhaps because it was shorter and more compact. I'm liking Xeno 3 a lot, I'm near the end of the game now, but again, I believe they are waaay too big and wide, their worlds are endless. I have been thinking this with every Xeno game except Torna.
That's why I believe I'm gonna love this one sooooo much! Can't wait to play it! (after Zelda, obviously)
Great review. Haven't gotten around to pick up the expansion yet, but I'm glad Monolith Soft delivered yet again.
I want to play but I’m still working on FE Engage and Minish Cap. I’m probably going to be on this and Tears of the kingdom with split time.
@Ralizah What would you rate the game so far? Or if you already completed the game, what would you rate it?
I’ve really enjoyed what I’ve played so far. To quote a favorite character from the Xenoblade series, “I’m really feeling it!”
@Wexter It's medium, the first game is the last one I played. It just seemed like there was no feedback or impact with my attacks, etc.
@SlasherZ I'm ten hours in or so. I'd be further by now, but I've been balancing this with Advance Wars, which released just a week or so prior.
Aside from more nitpicky criticisms (too much of the music feels reused for my liking, and I detest the forced walking sequences that crop up frequently in this DLC), my biggest issue is that it's... just not grabbing me. There's no hook yet. Since this takes place after N's purge of the first City that was referenced in the base game, it doesn't have the element of dramatic irony that made Torna so compelling. Most of the new characters don't appear to be especially interesting, either, outside of their designs connecting them back to characters from the older Xenoblade games.
This would be less immediately concerning to me in a 100+ hour JRPG like the last two main Xenoblade games, but for something that'll only last me 20 - 30 hours total, I feel like things should have picked up by now.
It's fun otherwise. Combat is fun and snappy, but simplified, like in Torna. The game keeps a checklist of activities, monsters, items, etc. that are needed for 100% completion, and it does a good job of incentivizing exploration. In general, it's more of the same, which is a good thing if you enjoyed Xenoblade 3 as much as I did.
About 75% thru (if I wasn't working or sleeping I was playing this game) and it's easily a 10/10. Improves on the base game, combat is more fun, and world exploration is very much encouraged through affinity system. The gameplay feels tighter, the world and special areas more interesting to explore, and I have a want to do every side quest possible. And the fan service is through the roof, especially if you were fans of the first 2 games. I can't wait to finish it (please no spoilers), Zelda TOTK has some stiff competition for GOTY 2023 (what can I say, Xenoblade is my favorite series of all time and this might just be the magnum opus).
@Ralizah I strongly disagree about the story and characters. Both are very much up there alongside XC1 and Torna. Especially love Matthew and A. Their chemistry is chef's kiss.
Hands up, who's waiting for a physical release? That'll be me whilst also hoping for a port of X this Autumn.
@LikelySatan I would say these games start fairly stiff but when you learn how to cancel arts and get the abilities to cancel from arts to arts it really opens up when getting different abilities and combos to regain arts faster. It can be very active and chaining arts back to back with the correct abilities and gear. I know it is a bit of an ask to say you'll have to get 4-8 hours into the game before it starts feeling much better, but that's how it is.
Also it is worth taking the time finding the style you like (offensive, support or defensive). You can choose between the characters and classes to find one you like most and let the cpu play the other roles.
I totally agree with 10/10 but only IF you have played either Xenoblade 1 or 2
One can usually jump into any of the Xenoblade games without worry about the story but not this time.
Future redeemed is packfull of memberberries and callbacks to XB1 and XB2.
If you have only played Xenoblade 3 I can't in good coincidence recommend it.
@Kestrel thanx for explaining. Maybe that was partly because i posted it. I looked it up and it felt a bit weird.
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is my favorite story so far, it did take me over 20h to even start liking the game a lot and for both the gameplay and story to pick up pace.
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 was great all around but the story could have been better, however the DLC is absolutely amazing and i feel like the DLC is far better than XC3.
I'd like to see some more N and M story and play with them, since we didn't get them as a hero.
This DLC is now the best DLC i've ever played in over 20 years, Torna is still great but it felt short, unlike Future Redeemed.
Having played the first two games my score is also a 10/10.
I want a full game with this cast too
I want to dip my toes into the Xenoblade franchise properly, but I really wish Monolithsoft would branch out and finish that new medieval fantasy IP. I prefer that aesthetic much more, and the rumors made it sound amazing.
As great as Xenoblade is objectively, I can't help but feel like Monolithsoft as a studio is limited by only creating and maintaining one franchise.
As for Future Redeemed, I tend to feel more interested in the DLC. I bought Torna separately, and it's still the only piece of Xenoblade I own, funnily enough. Somehow the tone, setting, and perhaps more importantly, the characters of both DLC stories appeal to me more than the main games.
I lean more toward Xenoblade 3 as my first main game, but I also understand how important it is that the trilogy be experienced chronologically, or at least holistically. Such is the hesitance for newcomers to join in on a story-heavy franchise like this.
i disagree with the review and honestly i felt disappointed with this dlc dont get me wrong it started off great but further in you get in this it became a mess wen it comes to the plot of this game it left more questions then answers just like the main game itself along with how they shafted pyra and mythra in this one plus rest of the original cast from the last 2 games unless supposely they ll come back in the 4th one which i crosses my fingers that they do cause it would be nice to see all 3 main cast from all 3 games meet each other and join forces or something against a more serious threat.
@Ulysses you do realize monolith is working on a new ip which they will reveal soon still hoping they ll give us a proper sequel to X before xenoblade 4 happens.
@RiasGremory I've known about Monolith's new IP for many years now, but as far as I've known its development went silent long ago. If you know of more recent rumors, then I would love to hear about it!
@Specters I will try again next dry spell...if we ever get one.
@Ulysses well hopefully this year monolith will drop more info on it maybe in future directs later this year.
@clianvXAi how did you feel about 1? I could see the blending of them being not being satisfactory if you wanted more of 2. I’m a 1 super fan and can see what you mean
Xeno 3 is the best one in the series. Which was a relief because Xeno 2 was so abysmally terrible. This new content is fantastic too. I’ve even begin to tolerate Rex.
@clianvXAi oooh hot take. I adored 2 much more than 1, but I can’t say I agree with the opinion 2 was better then 3. I started with 2, then Torna, 1, and then finally 3. XC1 I tried to like, but unfortunately I could only see it as a standard JRPG. That said, the characters were well-written. XC2’s barrier to entry with unintuitive combat mechanics, immersion-breaking English voice acting, and incredibly slow start, even by JRPG standards, is just too much to forgive. A lot of these got better over time, but even then I felt like things didn’t start clicking both mechanically and story-wise until the Mor Ardain arc - I shouldn’t have to wait that long. I also personally HATE having the illusion of choice like what they did in Morytha. As a player, I felt my actual choice wasn’t given the respect the game thought it gave. Admittedly, the story had really great highs once things came together. When they didn’t, they were really bad lows.
Despite a rather scathing review, XC2 is one of my favorite JRPGs, but I don’t think it comes close to XC3
@Ryan_Again how did you not enjoy XB2?! Sorry, but I just can’t imagine not loving it.
I love this DLC so much. I was worried that it wouldn’t stand up to Torna, but I think I like it more. Having Shulk and Rex in my party, along with all the new characters, has been an absolute joy. I can’t wait to keep playing, and I’m just dying to hear that song with lyrics that was in the trailer.
I’m a few hours into this DLC and wow, it’s fantastic.
How do these guys make consistently likable characters in this series?
For who think a 10/10 is too much ...
... its not. This "dlc" (if you want to call it like that) its (using someone else words) PHENOMENAL. Im having a blast playing it.
Its a game on itself, and honestly gameplay and completionist speaking is better than the basic game.
@valharian Are we playing the same game ?
@CorvoRevo how is it not repetitivie? you just spam the same arts over and over, chain attack (which after a while it gets overly tiresome) and repeat.
Just finished the game, it's a 10/10. Might even be my GOTG for 2023 and could even rival Zelda TOTK.
@valharian You described every Xenoblade game dude. I f you not like them, dont play them.
@CorvoRevo I play them for everything else, world, story and music. Just the combat is awful, but at least in xeno 2 you had to pay attention on what specials you did to the opponent because of the elements, so you did influence the combat, not to mention combat in torna, which for me is the best.
@Mrkittyhead I think XBC2 had a “perfect storm” for me not to like it. Xenogears changed my life when I was in High School, then Xenosaga was a major let-down. I wanted but missed original XBC1, so was excited for 2. But I could only get it in Japanese, so although I could understand it, I couldn’t really fall into it. I couldn’t really comprehend all of the mechanics which just seemed ridiculously complicated. Plus I didn’t like the perverse designs, gatcha blades, and “harem for loser boy” story. So I finished it, but by the end it was pure hate. The end was cool tho. Classic Xeno stuff. But everything I personally like about Xeno games is done better in the other games. But my experience was likely marred by the language situation. (Although I only ever saw the Star Wars prequels in Japanese, and that actually made them better! Hahah)
this is what XB3 should have been when it came out- this should have been the main story
@Ryan_Again oh, ok. Yeah, I definitely have a lot of problems with it too, but I had set my expectations extremely low because of how most people feel about it, and it really surprised me.
@valharian I should agree. The combat system in Torna was the best one.
@Mrkittyhead that’s super valid. So much of it is subjective, right? What was our own perception and experience upon entering the game? Your fulfillment with the game is all the more precious because it belongs to you. The fact it didn’t speak to me, means it’s MORE yours, which is good too.
Plus, “maintain expectations”, recipe for success.
Let’s enjoy Zelda TotK, know it’s fantastic, but also “just another game”, so we can be open to it’s beauty.
BTW, Future Redeemed was fantastic, right? 😆
@Ryan_Again right! That’s a really great way of looking at it. Let’s enjoy TotK without having too high of expectations.😄 And yeah, Future Redeemed was great.
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