Xenoblade Chronicles: Future Connected Review — A Charming Epilogue for Fans

Title	Xenoblade Chronicles: Future Connected
Released	May 29th, 2020
Developer	Monolith Soft
Publisher	Nintendo Co., Ltd.
Platform
Genre	Action RPG, JRPG
Rating	T

Completed on Nintendo Switch in Docked Mode
2x Movement Speed Mod on Normal

HowLongToBeat Time: 7½ Hours | My Clear Time: 2hrs 33min

Background

Xenoblade Chronicles: Future Connected is a standalone expansion to Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition, released on May 29th, 2020, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch. Developed by Monolith Soft and published by Nintendo, this title offers a new chapter in the Xenoblade universe, set after the events of the main game. While Future Connected isn’t a full-length sequel, it features a fresh story with returning characters, a new setting, and expanded gameplay mechanics. The game explores the story of Shulk and Melia, who embark on a journey through a newly discovered land, the Bionis’ Shoulder.

The development team for Xenoblade Chronicles: Future Connected includes:

Experience

Having played Xenoblade Chronicles and Xenoblade Chronicles 2, I was eager to dive into this shorter, more focused expansion. My playthrough was completed on the Nintendo Switch in docked mode, using the 2x Movement Speed mod to help speed things up. While the game’s story isn’t as expansive as the main titles, Future Connected offers an intriguing slice of the Xenoblade experience, with the rich worldbuilding and deep character moments fans have come to expect.

Impressions

Introduction

Future Connected kicks off with Shulk and Melia arriving at the Bionis’ Shoulder, following the events of the main game. The opening segment sets a slow pace as they explore the new area and encounter new characters. While the prologue might feel a bit linear, it establishes the stakes and the bond between Shulk and Melia, creating emotional resonance for players familiar with the original Xenoblade Chronicles.

Gameplay and Mechanics

The gameplay in Future Connected retains the core mechanics of the original Xenoblade Chronicles, with a few tweaks to make it more accessible and streamlined. The combat system still revolves around a real-time battle system with Arts and Chain Attacks, but there is a new “Affinity Chart” system that tracks relationships and unlocks bonuses as characters interact. Additionally, Future Connected introduces the “Link” system, allowing Shulk and Melia to combine their strengths for powerful combo attacks. The world is a bit smaller than in the main game, but the design encourages exploration, with hidden secrets and sidequests scattered across the Bionis’ Shoulder.

Character and Art Design

The character designs in Future Connected are consistent with the visual style of Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition. Shulk and Melia look as detailed and expressive as ever, and the new characters, though less developed, still stand out with their unique designs. The art direction continues to showcase the grand scale of the Xenoblade series, with stunning environmental details that encourage exploration. The Bionis’ Shoulder is an awe-inspiring location, with sprawling landscapes and vistas that add to the feeling of scale and adventure.

Unique Features and Mechanics

One of the noteworthy features of Future Connected is the Link system between Shulk and Melia, which allows for cooperative combat strategies. The two characters complement each other well, with Shulk focused on dealing damage and Melia providing healing and buffs. This system adds depth to the combat and allows for more dynamic battles compared to the standard party setup of the original Xenoblade Chronicles. The expanded skill trees and Arts provide customization options that let players tailor the experience to their playstyle.

Seiyuu Performances

The Japanese voice acting is as strong as ever, with Shintaro Asanuma reprising his role as Shulk, and Shiori Katsuta returning as Melia. The performances are filled with emotion and perfectly match the characters’ personalities. Mai Aizawa and Hiromu Miyazaki provide strong performances for the supporting characters, adding extra depth to the new faces introduced in this expansion.

Verdict

Xenoblade Chronicles: Future Connected provides an enjoyable, albeit shorter, continuation of the Xenoblade Chronicles saga. While it may not offer the same depth or scope as the main game, it still delivers on the series’ signature exploration and combat mechanics.

The character dynamics between Shulk and Melia, paired with a visually stunning world, make it a must-play for fans of the original game. The introduction of the Link system adds a fresh layer of strategy to the combat, and the Japanese voice acting remains top-notch. If you’re craving more of the Xenoblade experience, this expansion is a worthy, if brief, journey.

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