Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Review – Epic JRPG Finale on Switch

Xenoblade Chronicles 3

Released: July 29, 2022

Developer(s): Monolith Soft

Publisher(s): Nintendo

Completed Emulated, purchased physical copy after.

HowLongToBeat Time: 62 hours | My Clear Time: 39 hours 38 mins.

Background

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Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is the fourth entry in the Xenoblade Chronicles series by Monolith Soft but the third game on the Nintendo Switch. Xenoblade Chronicles X, is one of the other entries in the series but is ‘stuck’ on the previous Nintendo console, the Wii U. The Xeno series has been around since 1998’s PlayStation title Xenogears which interestingly enough was one of the pitches for Final Fantasy VII by Tetsuya Takahashi and Soraya Saga. They were told the project was ‘too dark’ for Final Fantasy, but they could develop it as their own project, which would later be known as Xenogears.

Takahashi’s aspirations led to Final Fantasy creator and former Square Executive Vice President Hironobu Sakaguchi to place Takahashi as director (Siliconera Staff, 2010). Since then the series has Xenosaga on the PlayStation 2, Xenoblade Chronicles for the Nintendo Wii, Xenoblade Chronicles X for the Wii U, a remake of Xenoblade Chronicles 1 for the Switch, and two sequels on the Switch as well.

Experience

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From February to now, I have completed Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition, Future Connected DLC, Xenoblade Chronicles 2, Torna: The Golden Country DLC, Xenoblade Chronicles 3. At the time of writing, I have not beaten Xenogears, Xenosaga I-III, or Xenoblade Chronicles X. My personal favorite of the Xenoblade Chronicles series is Xenoblade Chronicles 1.

Impressions

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They found a way to take the gameplay elements I liked from Xenoblade Chronicles 1 and 2 and combine them together with their own twist to make 3 work. You have two different factions in the game and one gameplay style of one is playing like Xenoblade Chronicles 1 which would be Keves. With the other faction, Agnes, you are doing your auto attacks until the gauge fills for you to use your actions like Xenoblade Chronicles 2.

You also have a class system that functions very similarly to the Final Fantasy job system, so using Final Fantasy V experience does work wonders here with mastering a class and moving onto another one. The art style of the game, music, movement, interlinking, and the other quality-of-life adjustments Monolith Soft has made here is praiseworthy.

The feeling of the movement speed being too sluggish for the world is gone, the misleading quest tracker of Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is nowhere to be found. The field skills that became a point of contention with the previous game is also nowhere to be found here either.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 truly feels like a game that has used the shortcomings and triumphs of its previous entries and utilized that well to make a successor that is the refinement and culmination of what was done right before it.

Verdict

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I enjoyed this game far more than I thought I would, and do feel as though that Xenoblade Chronicles 3 has done everything it possibly could to not only appeal to the divided fan base of XC1 and XC2, but also wrap everything they did neatly with a bow on it. The art direction is a more subtle look of XC2, and the plot is arguably more emotional than either of the prior two games.

The well-designed fast travel system of XC1 resurfaces again here as well and, with all the other quality of life and refinements in XC3, make this game a blast to play.

TLDR

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Pros

• Engaging Exploration and Side Quests: Xenoblade Chronicles 3 offers engaging exploration and side quests that add depth to the game world and provide meaningful content for players.
• Lack of Filler Content: The game avoids filler content like fetch quests, ensuring that players can focus on meaningful gameplay experiences throughout their journey.
• Great Music: Xenoblade Chronicles 3 features exceptional music, including unique enemy tracks, enhancing the overall atmosphere and immersion of the game.
• Deep and Emotional Storyline: The game boasts a deep and emotional storyline that resonates with players, drawing them into the rich narrative world.

Cons

• Side Content vs. Main Content: Similar to Xenoblade Chronicles 1, important content is sometimes relegated to side quests, potentially detracting from the main storyline experience.
• Generic Regions: Some regions in the game feel more generic and less unique compared to Xenoblade Chronicles 2, which may affect the overall immersion and sense of world-building.
• Complex Combat Mechanics: The combat system in Xenoblade Chronicles 3 may feel overwhelming and complex for some players, potentially hindering their enjoyment of the game.
• Performance Issues on Switch: The game’s graphical demands can lead to performance issues on the Nintendo Switch platform, affecting the overall gameplay experience for some players.

Rating: 10/10

In Summary: Despite its performance issues and complex combat mechanics, Xenoblade Chronicles 3 stands out as a top-tier JRPG, offering an immersive experience with its deep storyline, engaging exploration, and exceptional music.

References

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1. Siliconera Staff (2010, June 30). Soraya Saga on Xenogears and Xenosaga. https://www.siliconera.com/soraya-saga-on-xenogears-and-xenosaga/