Available on the Nintendo Switch
So I know I'm late to the party with getting my impressions out but I've been taking my time with this game. Monolith Soft deserves major props for their world design and how they make it feel alive. Each game in the series feels like it's bigger than the last release and this game is no different. This game takes place in the world of Aionios where two warring factions, Keves and Agnus, are locked in perpetual combat. The game centers on six characters: Noah, Mio, Sena, Lanz, Eunie, and Taion, and their struggle to find out the truth of their world and why they must fight and kill one another. This game from the get-go is more emotional than other entries in the series as they go for the feels right from the beginning. Monolith lets you know people will die in this world. From a visual perspective, the game looks amazing I love the Xenoblade style of cel-shade visuals mixed with CG. I think it gives the series an anime look that I personally enjoy, seeing as how I am a huge anime fan. If you have played Xenoblade Chronicles 1 & 2 then you know what to expect from a visual and gameplay standpoint as they don't stray too far from their bread and butter so to speak.
Gameplay
The gameplay is kind of hard to describe it's kind of like a hybrid between action and turn-based styles of JRPG. It's a combat system that you have to experience to completely understand, don't worry though there are plenty of tutorials that explain arts, skills, gems, crafting, etc. There is also a menu spot where you can go back and refresh yourself if you feel you may need some more time on a particular gameplay element. That is one of the things I think is the biggest and best addition as it lets players who are not used to the series learn and understand the system without it being a basic trial-by-fire type scenario. While you don't have to have played previous entries in the series to enjoy this game, this game takes the best parts of gameplay of 1, 2, and even Xenoblade Chronicles X and uses that to make a truly versatile system. Add in the "Hero" that can be added as a 7th member of your party and you have the ability to make for some really over-the-top battles. Also returning are the Tyrant class monsters these monsters are special and can be very challenging depending on your level and loadout. Once they are defeated a gravestone appears and you can challenge them again at any time and see if you can beat your best time. This game also includes special monsters that are marked with blue wings next to their level or they have sparkles next to their level that usually indicate they will drop something rare. The chain attacks have also made a return and this time they are way easier to pull off and rack up damage. New to the game is the Oroboros form which grants the characters extra power and abilities. Also if you are able to pull off a chain attack and an Oroboros order you will be in for a great combo depending on which character it falls on. Doing the Hero Quests not only adds the hero to your party for a time but also allows your characters to learn their class and in addition some of their skills. I really think that this is the easiest and most intuitive that Monolith has ever made their Xenoblade games. One of my main complaints with Xenoblade Chronicles 2 was how in the combat system it would be difficult to pull off combos and chain attacks that could rack major damage, this game resolves those issues.
Soundtrack
The music in this game is amazing. I have always found myself liking the music in the Xenoblade games and this one continues that tradition (really wish they would sell the soundtrack over here in the States, but hey). The voice acting is very well done as well, we even have some returning voice actors from the previous games back which is always a good thing. While I think the voice acting in the second game is a little better this one is not far off. Also, they fixed the weird syncing issue they had in the second game.
Overall Thoughts So Far
This game is fun so far. They deal with a lot of themes too: death, war, etc. While the themes are pretty heavy the game does have its fair share of lighter moments. The cutscenes are some of the best I have seen in a while. Everything from the combat, to the voice acting, even the music and dialogue are top-notch. If I wasn't best to a certain group of four teenage turtles this would be my hands down game of the year. Seriously though it is really good and I do hope it gets all of the recognition it deserves. Monolith Soft has been consistent for a long time and in my opinion, nobody comes close to them when it comes to open-world design. Have you played Xenoblade Chronicles 3 yet? What do you think? Leave a comment and let's talk about it. Thanks for reading and if you like what you see please share and tell your friends and family.
Trailer
Gameplay
Images via SwitchShare
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