During today's Nintendo Direct presentation, Nintendo announced a new entry in the Xenoblade Chronicles series, Xenoblade Chronicles 3. Nintendo showed off a cinematic trailer for the game, showcasing some of the story and the setting of the world it takes place in. Nintendo also has a release window for Xenoblade Chronicles 3, launching in September of this year.
The Xenoblade Chronicles series has been critically acclaimed, especially the first Xenoblade Chronicles. The original game in the series sits at a cool 92 on Metacritic, with its enhanced Switch port, Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition, scored at 89 on Metacritic. Xenoblade Chronicles 2 and its main expansion, Torna ~ The Golden Country, were less favorably received than the original game, but it was still popular with its main character Pyra and her alternate form Mythra making into Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
In a two-minute trailer, Nintendo showcased the world Xenoblade Chronicles 3 takes place in, as well as an introduction to its cast of characters. There appears to be a war going on with one side using Mechons, one of the enemies found in the original Xenoblade Chronicles. No in-game combat was shown, but the game was running in-engine with the main character walking around the world and showing off some new traversal mechanics like riding on rails. A couple of familiar-looking characters from Xenoblade Chronicles 2 also appeared, likely descendants of characters from that game.
A Gormotti girl, a humanoid race that has cat-like appearances, closely resembles Nia from Xenoblade Chronicles 2 and even uses the same weapons as Nia. Another human took off his mask and had a similar look to Zeke. The main character also looked to be wielding a red sword with a core near the hilt, similar to the weapons main characters Shulk and Rex use in their respective games. There are likely to be more parallels and reveals to come in the future to confirm some of these theories.
Given that Xenoblade Chronicles 3 appeared at the end of the Nintendo Direct segment, it's pretty clear that Nintendo itself now believes that the Xenoblade Chronicles series is worthy of being one of its big franchises. The series' popularity has only grown in the last 10 years since the release of the original game, and with Shulk and Pyra/Mythra appearing in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, it certainly helps the series stay relevant in the eyes of Nintendo fans.
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 already looks like it will have the stunning environments that the series is known for, but how the rest of the game will play out has yet to be revealed. More news on this title should be coming soon, as September is only a few months away.
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 will be launching exclusively for the Nintendo Switch in September 2022.