Monolith Soft is known for pushing Nintendo hardware to its limits with its flagship series of expansive open-world JRPGs, and Xenoblade Chronicles 3 looks to set a new standard for the franchise. Nintendo published a new interview for the impending release of Xenoblade Chronicles 3, explaining the scale of the new title compared to its predecessor, Xenoblade Chronicles 2.
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 was revealed at the February 9 Nintendo Direct, closing out the show with a massive reveal geared toward JRPG fans around the world. The new title was originally slated for a September 2022 release before being moved up to July 29, 2022, and the new release date announcement continued to build excitement in the community. Additionally, Xenoblade Chronicles 3 trailers and information released by Nintendo continues to link the new game's story and setting to the original Xenoblade Chronicles game and Xenoblade Chronicles 2.
Nintendo and Monolith Soft published a new interview, revealing Xenoblade Chronicles 3's world is roughly five times larger than Xenoblade Chronicles 2's world. Monolith Soft enjoys developing and figuring out the volume of content deemed essential for a new JRPG according to game director Tetsuya Takahashi. "It turns out that the total walkable area in this game is over five times larger than in the second title," Xenoblade Chronicles 3 producer Koh Kojima said. Monolith Soft accumulated a range of expertise for map creation and world building to create a JRPG experience rivaling past Xenoblade Chronicles games.
Xenoblade Chronicles 3's story and gameplay are developed at the same time with new ideas being implemented to match the game's world, Takahashi said. Takahashi and Kojima enjoy developing and expanding upon concepts for Xenoblade Chronicles, introducing more content through the development process. However, Kojima tries to find a middle ground for the amount of content to strike a unique balance for Xenoblade Chronicles 3. Kojima adds, "I'd like this third entry to be the last one with such a large volume of content!"
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is expected to be the largest Xenoblade Chronicles game to date, and the interview reinforces player expectations heading into launch. Monolith Soft continues to bring out the potential of Nintendo Switch through large, diverse worlds with thriving ecosystems. Games like Xenoblade Chronicles 3 push the JRPG genre forward with new innovations.
On the other hand, Xenoblade Chronicles 3 will be the benchmark going forward for the entire series. Monolith Soft should consider how to approach future Xenoblade Chronicles content and create worthwhile experiences that surpass prior titles.
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 releases on July 29 for Nintendo Switch.
Source: Nintendo
