Developed by Monolith Soft, Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is the second-most critically acclaimed game in the series. It maintains the themes it established in the previous Xenoblade Chronicles games while moving forward with an RPG series that's become one of Nintendo's most important IPs.
It is quite an accomplishment, as Nintendo had little to no interest in publishing the first game in North America when it was released on the Wii. Thankfully, after fans fought to get it released in the West, Xenoblade Chronicles and its sequels have become some of the most beloved JRPGs today. The hotly anticipated Xenoblade Chronicles 3 more than lives up to the expectations of fans and critics alike, managing to surpass its predecessors in significant ways.
7 The Character Design
On a technical level, there isn't much that separates Xenoblade Chronicles 3 from its predecessors. The visuals have improved since Xenoblade Chronicles The Definitive edition, and there's less texture pop-in than in Xenoblade 2. However, the most notable difference is the character design and the use of a cell-shading effect. The character designs are excellent across all three games, but Xenoblade 3 is arguably the best, using a style that combines the best of its predecessors.
The style gives the characters a more cell-shaded appearance. It can have a more timeless look. Games like Rogue Galaxy and Dragon Quest 7 from the PS2 era still look great today. The monster designs have improved, with many beasts having a more natural and organic look. The costume designs look spectacular, and players can modify the appearance of the characters by unlocking more classes.
6 The Lead Protagonist
The lead protagonist Noah from Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is every bit as good as Shulk from the first game and a massive improvement over Xenoblade 2's Rex. Like Shulk, Noah is a far more likable character with a calm demeanor and good leadership qualities.
Noah is a good lead character with likable traits and develops over time as the story unfolds. The Xeno series is loved by its fans for having good well written lead characters from Fei to Shulk and Noah is no different.
5 The Hero System
The Hero system in Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is one of the most significant changes in the series. It allows the party to recruit new members of the party by adding a seventh member to the team instead of 6, changing the fighter class, and the main character's appearance.
The Hero quests are also meaningful side quests with good stories that unlock new towns in the form of colonies. Activating the colonies also allows the party to unlock more side quests and skills for the team to use on the field and in battle.
4 The Combat System
The combat system is another notable improvement from Xenoblade Chronicles 3's predecessors. It combines systems that take the best of both worlds from the games without overly complicating it.
The combat system in Xenoblade 3 is complex, but it's much easier to understand thanks to the way the game develops over time by introducing new mechanics slowly. Moreover, the game features the new Ouroboros mechanic that merges two characters into giant biological mechs, opening the door for more super moves and powerful chain attacks.
3 The Systems Are Easier To Understand
The previous games in the Xenoblade series are criticized for being too complex and having an overload of systems and mechanics that can make the game appear overwhelming. While the systems at play in Xenoblade Chronicles 3 are still just as complex, the game introduces the game's many nuances at a steady pace.
Xenoblade 3 will introduce a new feature and allow the player ample time to get to grips with it before moving on to the next. Furthermore, the tips and tutorial system are easily accessible through the paused menu. The Training Drills are there to help and teach mechanics of fighting, Arts, cancel attacks, and more, so one can learn everything there is to know about the combat system.
2 The World Feels More Open
All three Xenoblade games have massive open and explorable worlds, but the biomes in Xenoblade 3 are more vast than ever before. In previous games, locations like caves, open plains of grass, or other multiple environments functioned as separate maps.
In Xenoblade 3, one map comprises several different regions with multiple landscapes, colonies, and environments making the game's world appear larger. As a result, it is much easier for players to wander off and tackle the side quests, fight monsters and gather resources for the colonies. The beauty of Xenoblade 3 is that the game doesn't feel too big or a chore to explore on foot.
1 Side Quests Are More Interesting
Thanks to Xenoblade Chronicles 3's Affinity system, the side quests in the game are more meaningful. The side quests will involve more Hero quests, Collectopedia Cards, and requests given by the residents of each colony.
All of these quests are sometimes connected and linked to unlocking colonies. Most of the heroes in the game are commanders of a colony. Defeating and recruiting them unlocks more colonies and their associated side quests. Completing these side quests raises affinity with the colony opening the door for more quests, EXP, and unlockable skills.
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is available for Nintendo Switch.