The fascinating realm of Aionios in Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is arguably the best JRPG of 2022, receiving a well-deserved thumbs up. The game is massive, featuring an abundance of characters, an engaging plot, and breathtaking moments that will keep you occupied. The addictive combat and entertaining action will keep gamers hooked to their screens. In short, it’s the largest JRPG that is worth your time.
Significant improvements have been made in the combat and quest design, and the latest installment of the Xenoblade Chronicles franchise boasts an exceptional cast of characters and a captivating narrative. So, how does Xenoblade Chronicles 3 fare, with its huge map and a well-crafted cast of characters?
Xenoblade Chronicles 3: A Standalone Series
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 tells a standalone story with only a few connections to the previous series, including entries 1 and 2, which are not necessary to consider. If you’re playing it for the first time, the game will not require you to play the earlier series before starting Xenoblade Chronicles 3. However, if you’ve been following the series since the beginning, this is the best game to invest your time and attention in.
However, some elements may disappoint you, such as the inclusion of three lengthy cutscenes that could have easily been condensed into single lines, but were unnecessarily prolonged for no apparent reason. The world of Aionios, which centers around two nations, Keves and Agnus, is what makes Xenoblade Chronicles 3 so remarkable. The narrative immerses its characters in an ongoing struggle between these two countries. With all the tension on the battlefield, characters such as Noah, Lanz, Eunie, Mio, Taion, and Sena cross paths throughout the story.
The concept behind the storyline of Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is extremely well thought-out, but in some areas of the game, anti-war themes are prevalent, creating a sense of regret and remorse. The game promotes the idea of treating prisoners of war with dignity.
Memorable Characters
The characters in Xenoblade Chronicles 3 receive ample development of their backgrounds. The game features six playable protagonists: Noah, Mio, Eunie, Lanz, Taion, and Sena.
They are all soldiers who meet on the battlefield during the main story and its numerous twists and turns. You will encounter a special mission early in the game when they will all play together against enemies. In addition to the main characters, more playable characters will be revealed later in the game.
A World with a Vast Map
The open world of Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is vast and populated with monsters and robots. The planet has been expanded to include diverse environments such as deserts and snowfields. In addition to the main mission, several side quests cover a large area on the global map for players to explore and remain engaged. You will meet various side characters who will reveal the past of the key characters during the main missions.
The Soundtrack of Xenoblade Chronicles 3
Soundtracks are often a hit or miss in games, either enhancing or detracting from the experience. However, when it comes to the music in Xenoblade Chronicles 3, we hear beautiful flute melodies that evoke feelings of sadness and love.
The soundtrack of Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is perfect for the game’s psychological war theme. Unlike the previous Xenoblade Chronicles games that emphasized loud and grandiose sounds, the creators had a different approach for this modern iteration. The flute’s various melodies create a sense of the shattered, desolate, and war-ravaged world of Aionios.
The music during the cutscenes is exceptional. The intense and emotional moments are highlighted by excellent orchestral compositions and the diverse styles of composers ACE, elevating the game to a level it wouldn’t have reached otherwise. Additionally, the battle soundtrack is exceptional.
Best Combat in the Series
The plot of Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is a bit strange, but it sets the stage for a 100-hour adventure across a vast universe with captivating characters and excellent combat. Simply put, the Aionios people are born to fight. They must fight for 10 years and undergo rigorous combat training from a young age. However, most soldiers do not serve for 10 years.
The battle mechanics have greatly changed from previous entries in the series, providing players with a new realm to explore with different themes. One of the most significant themes in combat is sacrifice and how it can drastically alter someone’s life path. Even though Xenoblade Chronicles 3 doesn’t always handle these deeper issues with subtlety, it’s hard not to get caught up in the drama once the story progresses.
In combat, parties can now have up to seven members and additional characters with unique classes can be unlocked. Compared to previous games in the series, the number of party members has the biggest impact on combat. Six of your squad members can be switched at any time, allowing you to battle with up to seven characters at once. Although having many combatants on screen can make fights appear chaotic, you will feel a sense of satisfaction after winning a difficult battle.
This is one of the top 2022 JRPGs available for Nintendo Switch. Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is not just the finest game in its series and by its developer, but it is also one of the best games ever produced for its platform and genre. It's a fantastic package that's expertly crafted and immensely engaging.