Xenoblade Chronicles 3: Future Redeemed Review

Xenoblade Chronicles 3: Future Redeemed

Released: April 25th, 2023 (US/CA), April 26th, 2023 (ROW)

Developer(s): Monolith Soft

Publisher(s): Nintendo

Completed on Emulated, purchased after completion.

HowLongToBeat Time: 18.5 hours | My Clear Time: 5 hours 44 mins.

Background

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Xenoblade Chronicles 3: Future Redeemed was teased during the Nintendo Direct on February 8th, 2023 as was released as part of the Wave 4 expansion pass for Xenoblade Chronicles 3 on April 25th, 2023. Future Redeemed is a prequel similar to XC2‘s Torna, and is sent in the past of Aionios long before the events of Xenoblade Chronicles 3 transpire. This expansion follows the adventures of Matthew looking for his sister Na’el, while partnered by a mysterious character by the name of A that can fight Moebius.

Experience

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Prior to completion, I have beaten all the Xenoblade Chronicles games and their respective expansions, except for Future Redeemed on the Nintendo Switch from February this year to now. At the time of writing, I plan to play but have not started nor completed Xenogears, Xenosaga I-III, or Xenoblade Chronicles X.

Impressions

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The new gameplay mechanics are a welcome one, as fusion skills feel better than they did in the base game. They use a new Affinity Chart system instead of having multiple classes, that accentuates each character strength and their respective play styles. You have a replacement for the base game’s arts, and unity combos, which allow two party characters to do combo enders.

The new chain is now Break ? Topple ? Launch, Unity Attack. Unity pairings for the skills can be tweaked in the menu. Chain attacks also work differently from the base game, but now you can have accessories that change their properties. Weapon upgrading is now a thing, and the previously mentioned Affinity Chart has points that be spent on it by completing the Affinity Goals. There are also base quests that can be undertaken, similarly to improving the base in Xenoblade Chronicles 1.

Verdict

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Xenoblade Chronicles 3: Future Redeemed is not only a prequel to the base game but continues to take what worked in the past and add its own twist to it, while undertaking the responsibility of giving the Chronicles part of the Xeno series a culminating send-off. The soundtrack manages to surpass the base game, and Matthew might resonate more with players than Noah did. Future Redeemed in terms of fun factor was like experiencing some of the highest highs of Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann and will reward longtime fans of the series with all the references and its theme of legacy.

TLDR

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Pros

• Dynamic Gameplay: Introduces innovative mechanics like fusion skills and the Affinity Chart, enhancing combat depth and customization.
• Expanded Content: Base quests and weapon upgrading offer additional challenges and replay value, enriching the overall experience.
• Engaging Story: As a prequel, the game delves deeper into Aionios’ past, providing an immersive narrative experience.
• Outstanding Soundtrack: Future Redeemed’s soundtrack surpasses the base game, enhancing immersion and atmosphere.

Cons

• Learning Curve: New mechanics may be challenging for players unfamiliar with the series, requiring time to adapt.
• Limited Accessibility: Newcomers may struggle to appreciate references without prior series knowledge.
• Unanswered Questions: A lot left unanswered, despite this being assumedly the last Xenoblade game for the Switch.
• Performance Issues: Some performance issues due to the graphical demand and scope of the game.

Rating: 9.5/10

In Summary: Xenoblade Chronicles 3: Future Redeemed offers an immersive prequel experience with dynamic gameplay mechanics and an engaging storyline. While new players may face a learning curve, fans of the series will appreciate the expanded content, outstanding soundtrack, and the effort done to wrap up the series and hint at things to come.