Xenoblade Chronicles 2: Torna Review – Story-Rich RPG Prequel

Title	Xenoblade Chronicles 2: Torna The Golden Country
Released	September 14, 2018
Developer	Monolith Software, Inc.
Publisher(s):	Nintendo of America Inc. Nintendo of Europe GmbH
Platform
Genre	Action RPG, JRPG
Rating	T

Completed on Nintendo Switch in Docked Mode on Normal

HowLongToBeat Time: 17½ Hours (Main) | My Clear Time: 12hr 53min (Main)

Background

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Released in September 2018 for the Nintendo Switch, Xenoblade Chronicles 2: Torna – The Golden Country is a prequel expansion to Xenoblade Chronicles 2, developed by Monolith Soft. Set 500 years before the main game, it delves into the events surrounding the Aegis War, focusing on the kingdom of Torna and the roles of Jin, Mythra, Addam, and Lora in the conflict against Malos.

The expansion was originally part of the prototype for the main game, as series creator Tetsuya Takahashi explained:

“Torna – The Golden Country was a part of our original prototype for the main game. More accurately, I suppose you could say that it was one of the potential story candidates included in our initial prototype (Takahashi, 2018).”

However, due to its scope, Monolith Soft decided to develop it as a standalone expansion rather than include it in the main game:

“After looking at a variety of factors, we could tell that including Torna – The Golden Country in the main game would divert a major portion of the budget and development time we had allotted for Xenoblade Chronicles 2 (Takahashi, 2018).”

While Torna – The Golden Country can be enjoyed independently, it is enriched by familiarity with the events and lore of the main game.

The development team for Xenoblade Chronicles 2: Torna The Golden Country includes:

Experience

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Years ago, I was cautioned against playing Torna ~ The Golden Country before completing Xenoblade Chronicles 2, as it could spoil significant elements of the main game. Taking that advice, I set it aside until finishing Xenoblade Chronicles 2. Returning to Alrest through this prequel was a rewarding experience as a fan of the Xenoblade Chronicles series.

Torna ~ The Golden Country goes into the origins of pivotal characters and storylines that shaped the base game, weaving an emotionally resonant narrative rich with lore. The blend of nostalgic callbacks and fresh perspectives kept the experience engaging, while its accessibility makes it a strong entry point for newcomers.

Impressions

Introduction

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Set 500 years before the events of Xenoblade Chronicles 2, Torna – The Golden Country tells the story of Jin, Lora, Addam, and Mythra during the Aegis War. Tetsuya Takahashi, the creator of the Xenoblade Chronicles series, emphasized the expansion of the game’s lore, noting:

“The story of Torna – The Golden Country covers not only the pasts of key characters from the main game like Jin, Mythra, Malos, and Praetor Amalthus, but will also spotlight characters like Lora and Addam, who factor heavily into the lore of Xenoblade Chronicles 2 (Takahashi, 2018).”

The game opens with the protagonists traveling to the kingdom of Torna, setting the stage for an impending war. The narrative quickly shifts focus to Lora, Jin, and their companions, highlighting the tensions and alliances that will define the game. This starting pace immerses players by intertwining character backstory with current events, while also providing a fresh perspective on familiar characters and deepening the series’ world-building.

Gameplay and Mechanics

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Xenoblade Chronicles 2: Torna ~ The Golden Country refines the core gameplay of the main game, bringing both familiarity and innovation:

• Community System: Players form connections with NPCs throughout Torna, which unlocks side quests, boosts character stats, and enhances the world-building.
• Combat: The battle system enhances teamwork by allowing active switching between Driver and Blade, adding strategic layers.
  • Driver and Blade Switch: Seamlessly alternate between Driver and Blade roles during combat, opening new combo opportunities.
  • Elemental Combos: Build up elemental chains and unleash Fusion Combos for more powerful attacks.
• Field Skills: Required for solving puzzles and unlocking new paths, these skills are based on the party’s abilities, encouraging varied team setups.

Torna ~ The Golden Country features entirely new maps, including the Tornan Titan and its capital city. Takahashi emphasized this innovation:

“A lot of other RPGs set their additional story sections on existing maps, but Torna – The Golden Country’s maps will be entirely new (Takahashi, 2018).”

The revamped battle system reflects an earlier era, focusing on teamwork between Drivers and Blades. It introduces the ability to swap between characters during combat, adding a layer of strategy to encounters:

“Torna – The Golden Country is set in an era of history before Drivers and Blades had learned to co-operate seamlessly during battle, and so there will be a new battle system used in this expansion (Takahashi, 2018).”

The new mechanics make battles feel both familiar and refreshing. Players will also engage with the Community System, which rewards building connections with NPCs. However, reaching the final act requires players to meet a specific Community rank, which can feel restrictive if neglected.

Character and Art Design

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The art design maintains the series’ signature style, with beautifully crafted environments reflecting the natural and cultural aesthetics of Torna. The character designs have a refined, expressive style that distinguishes the main characters while fitting them into the broader Xenoblade universe.

Yasunori Mitsuda’s soundtrack further enriches the experience, with orchestral and acoustic themes that complement both the story’s tone and Torna’s landscapes.

The soundtrack features new compositions by Yasunori Mitsuda and others from the main game’s team. Takahashi explained the tonal shift in the music:

“The feel of the new music is a bit more grown up, in keeping with the more grown up tone of Torna – The Golden Country overall. They’re played mostly on acoustic instruments, and have a real groove to them (Takahashi, 2018).”

The music enhances the emotional weight of the narrative while adding a distinct identity to the expansion. Tracks like the night theme and Our Paths May Never Cross are especially memorable.

Unique Features and Mechanics

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The most notable feature is the Driver and Blade team-based combat, which adds a tactical twist to classic RPG mechanics. Players can switch between characters on the fly, creating a dynamic and engaging experience. Additionally, the Community System enhances NPC interactions, rewarding players for building relationships throughout the world.

However, the Community System can become a drawback in the final act, as reaching a mandatory rank is needed for progression. This can be frustrating if players haven’t been consistently leveling it up beforehand.

Seiyuu Performances

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Verdict

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While the community system, especially in the later stages of the game, can feel a bit drawn-out, Xenoblade Chronicles 2: Torna ~ The Golden Country excels as both an expansion and a standalone title. It offers a captivating story with emotional depth, refined combat mechanics that reward strategic thinking, and well-developed character relationships.

The fresh environments and the mature, acoustic-driven soundtrack further elevate the experience. Ultimately, this prequel enriches the Xenoblade universe, delivering a rewarding journey for both newcomers and longtime fans alike.

TLDR

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Pros

• Engaging Story: A rich narrative that enhances the Xenoblade universe, offering deep emotional arcs for both new and returning players.
• Refined Combat System: Dynamic Driver and Blade switching, along with elemental combos, adds depth and strategy to battles.
• Community System: Building relationships with NPCs unlocks side quests and offers meaningful gameplay rewards.
• Stunning Art and Sound Design: Beautiful environments and a memorable soundtrack by Yasunori Mitsuda set the perfect tone.

Cons

• Community System Can Feel Grind-Heavy: The system can feel like a time sink, especially toward the end of the game.
• Limited Exploration Options: Compared to the main game, the world may feel a bit restrictive for those expecting more freedom.
• Pacing Issues in Final Act: The final stages drag, with mechanics like the community rank gating your progression.
•  Steep Learning Curve: Newcomers may struggle with some mechanics without prior experience in the series.

References

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1. Nintendo. (2018, June 21). Monolith Soft’s Tetsuya Takahashi reveals more on Xenoblade Chronicles 2: Torna – the golden country. Nintendo of Europe AG. https://www.nintendo.com/en-gb/News/2018/June/Monolith-Soft-s-Tetsuya-Takahashi-reveals-more-on-Xenoblade-Chronicles-2-Torna-The-Golden-Country-1392565.html
2. Night Theme
3. Our Paths May Never Cross