'Three years had passed. Five years had passed, and still the trees remained with their roots spread out on the bottom of the water. It looked almost as if they were still alive now. Ohina thought to herself; in those days my legs were still strong. My eyes could still see far.'
– Michiko Ishimure, Tenko, 1997 (tr. Bruce Allen).
The post-war years in Japan were accompanied by an ideological shift in the ideas of work and family, with the development of the sarariiman myth. The ideal household, promoted by the Japanese government, was one in which the wife took care of the housework and the children's education, while the husband provided for the family's economic needs. This dream was made possible by the employment conditions of the 1960s and 1970s, when the average worker could expect to spend their entire career with the same company. Representations of the Japanese sarariiman have largely evolved over time, making him both an archetype of ideal masculinity through his loyalty to his employer and his sacrifice for his family (kigyō senshi, corporate warrior). At the same time, other representations emphasise his submissiveness, in line with the westernisation of Japanese culture [1].
And every morning the door closes
The collapse of the economic bubble in the 1990s shattered this ideal, weakening the labour market and the salaried middle class [2]. The destruction of this family harmony, based on a patriarchal concept of sacrifice, led to the dysfunction of Japanese households and the gradual disappearance of fathers from the family unit. The generation born after the 1970s had no memory of the economic miracle of previous decades and found themselves thrust into a world where inequalities were apparent from school and career prospects were mediocre at best. Authority figures were viewed with suspicion and contempt, including the government, teachers and parents. They are said to have failed in their role as guardians: teachers are portrayed as incompetent or murderers, politicians as indifferent to misery and colluding to steal public money, while fathers resign and mothers weep at their powerlessness [3].
The destruction of traditional masculinity, which is still struggling to build a new mythology, has been followed by a reassessment of the place of women, who are regarded as the driving force for Japan's economic recovery and the bulwark against demographic decline. Unsurprisingly, Shinzo Abe's economic programme has focused heavily on the role of women, both as workers and as mothers. Yet Abenomics have failed to transform the labour market environment: government coalitions have been largely conservative, and measures for women have been anemic at best [4]. What remains is a vain discourse to encourage reproduction – despite the economic conditions hardly being met for raising a child – which is reflected in cultural production.
Undoing ikumen in post-Abe Japan
The overrepresentation of motherhood, however, should not obscure the transformations of fatherhood in the 2000s and 2010s. Xenoblade Chronicles 3: Future Redeemed is a striking example as it deals directly with this issue, whereas the original game looked at the question of reproduction and family in a broader way [5]. The heroes of the first two games return, each embodying a different vision of masculinity. Shulk retains his candour while appearing more calm and disciplined. He represents a self-controlled masculinity driven by both elegance and intellect, in the style of the erudite warriors of pre-modern Asia. Rex is much rougher, constantly struggling to find a way to express his feelings and frustrations, despite his good intentions. In some ways, his development is reminiscent of that of Ryōta Nonomiya in Hirokazu Kore-eda's Soshite chichi ni naru (2013), an architect who is unable to provide emotional comfort to his family. Confronted with the way Shulk interacts with Nikol, Rex finds a new harmony with Glimmer, full of empathy and love.
Perhaps the most important aspect of these relationships is that their nature remains implicit. Many of the reminiscent and contemplative passages in Future Redeemed rely on knowledge of the franchise, but the theme of fatherhood runs throughout the DLC. Ultimately, the heroes' distance from their children is a response to the debates surrounding ikumen, a term used to describe fathers who are involved in raising their children in order to make them appear 'cool'. The ideological programme of Abe's Japan relied heavily on this imaginary to encourage fathers to participate in the household, but the figure of the ikumen has been widely criticised for giving men a nice label, even though they contribute to the dysfunction of both the domestic economy and their working environment [6].
The figure of the ikumen can be understood as a way for fathers to make themselves useful somewhere and gain recognition from their peers, a way to find a place to belong (ibasho) after being ejected from both the family unit and the corporate space. Future Redeemed responds to this sociological question in the same way as several local associations have done, through the figure of the ikimen, men who decide to foster communities of solidarity in the same way that they would look after their children [7]. Shulk and Rex, thanks to their experience, become the tutelary figures of the Liberators and Colony 9, but they are more interested in being mentors than leaders. Like the base game, Future Redeemed focuses on building bonds between the various members of the community until their resilience is no longer in doubt. As the various characters point out to Matthew, the virtue of a leader is to bring people together when necessary, not to control their lives. Through the various side-quests, the inhabitants of Colony 9 also gain texture and individuality, autonomy and confidence – more so than in the base game, thanks to a sparser cast.
Maybe tomorrow
There is an optimistic melancholy to Future Redeemed, between the series' various iconic locations reduced to lonely ruins and the forward-looking language of the characters. Like Tetsuya Takahashi's other games, the DLC shines by magnifying the ties that bind individuals, variations on the theme of friendship, love and togetherness – lessons that must be carried beyond the game. A single existence is but a drop in the ocean of human history. Civilisations, buildings, masterpieces, passions, dreams and memories can vanish in an instant, but there remains an explicit duty to cherish the past, not in blind adoration, but in preparation for the future. Future Redeemed constantly refuses to elevate Shulk and Rex onto a pedestal: they are already fading figures, as their injuries attest. Even A, for all her unwavering calm and penetrating gaze, chooses to remain outside the life that Colony 9 and the Liberators have decided to cherish; not because she is without compassion for the survivors, but because she knows – and this is her legacy – that the future belongs to them alone.
As Xeno veterans know, every story has an ending, and not all sequels need to be told. Looking back at Lost Jerusalem and thinking about building a better world is poignant, but this is the everyday story. Fighting for a fairer and more humane world. It may take generations, but the important thing is to keep dreaming and struggling for it, because there is nothing more tragic than an existence without hope, even when darkness seems to engulf everything. Of course, there is something idealistic and simplistic about this statement, but Future Redeemed, like the base game Xenogears (1998) or Xenosaga (2002-2006), leaves room for misery and sadness. Inequality is part of every society, and Takahashi has no illusions about the ghosts that will always roam the Rhadamanthus of the future. This is how Future Redeemed concludes the epic of the Xenoblade Chronicles, just as Episode III: Also sprach Zarathustra (2006) invited one to close their eyes for a while, until the light of hope reappears, maybe tomorrow. In a way, Future Redeemed is just an open door. Its more meticulous progression with Affinity Points, its more fluid exploration thanks to numerous ergonomic additions, and its gameplay designed around accessories rather than classes all point to rich ideas for Monolith Soft's next projects.
I may still be around to see what paths they take.
Maybe I won't.
I will sleep a while, until the dawn wakes me up again...
I still believe... come what may...
__________
[1] Annette Schad-Seifert, 'Samurai and Sarariiman: The Discourse on Masculinity in Modern Japan', in Arne Holzhausen (ed.), Can Japan Globalize? Studies on Japan's Changing Political Economy and the Process of Globalization, Springer, Berlin, 2001, pp. 206-208.
[2] Some contextual details are provided in my reviews of Kaze no NOTAM (1997) and Power Shovel (1999).
[3] This is a rather simplified picture of the cultural representations of the 1990s and 2000s, but they occupy an important part of successful audiovisual production in Japan. On the topic, see Shuk-ting Kinnia Yau, 'Bad Father and Good Mother: The Changing Image of Masculinity in Post-Bubble-Economy Japan', in David G. Hebert (ed.), International Perspectives on Translation, Education and Innovation in Japanese and Korean Societies, Springer, New York, 2018, pp. 243-253.
[4] Mark Crawford, 'Abe’s Womenomics Policy, 2013-2020: Tokenism, Gradualism, or Failed Strategy?', in The Asia-Pacific Journal, vol. 19, no. 4-4, 2021.
[5] On the topic, see my review of Xenoblade Chronicles 3 (2022).
[6] In particular, wives and employers are very suspicious of the ikumen modoki, the father who prides himself on being involved in running the household and bringing up the children, but in reality makes no effort at all. He builds a positive image of himself on his wife's efforts and uses the household as an excuse to shirk his professional responsibilities. The yarisugi ikumen, the man who is overly proactive in his domestic involvement, is equally feared by women, both because he often disrupts household routines and wastes time, unnecessarily burdening his spouse with additional work. On the topic, see Nicholas Michael Feinig, Rearing the Family, Moving Society: Rethinking Gender, Kinship, and Work through Japan’s Fathering Movement, PhD thesis, University of Toronto, 2020, pp. 99-134.
[7] This figure is also subject to specific criticisms, notably the contamination of spaces intended for women by a corporatist and hierarchical masculinity, and the fact that these groups are more places for fathers to socialise than spaces for improving local community life; nevertheless, they are a new ibasho for men, outside the workplace. On the topic, see Nicholas Michael Feinig, op. cit., pp. 230-276.
– Michiko Ishimure, Tenko, 1997 (tr. Bruce Allen).
The post-war years in Japan were accompanied by an ideological shift in the ideas of work and family, with the development of the sarariiman myth. The ideal household, promoted by the Japanese government, was one in which the wife took care of the housework and the children's education, while the husband provided for the family's economic needs. This dream was made possible by the employment conditions of the 1960s and 1970s, when the average worker could expect to spend their entire career with the same company. Representations of the Japanese sarariiman have largely evolved over time, making him both an archetype of ideal masculinity through his loyalty to his employer and his sacrifice for his family (kigyō senshi, corporate warrior). At the same time, other representations emphasise his submissiveness, in line with the westernisation of Japanese culture [1].
And every morning the door closes
The collapse of the economic bubble in the 1990s shattered this ideal, weakening the labour market and the salaried middle class [2]. The destruction of this family harmony, based on a patriarchal concept of sacrifice, led to the dysfunction of Japanese households and the gradual disappearance of fathers from the family unit. The generation born after the 1970s had no memory of the economic miracle of previous decades and found themselves thrust into a world where inequalities were apparent from school and career prospects were mediocre at best. Authority figures were viewed with suspicion and contempt, including the government, teachers and parents. They are said to have failed in their role as guardians: teachers are portrayed as incompetent or murderers, politicians as indifferent to misery and colluding to steal public money, while fathers resign and mothers weep at their powerlessness [3].
The destruction of traditional masculinity, which is still struggling to build a new mythology, has been followed by a reassessment of the place of women, who are regarded as the driving force for Japan's economic recovery and the bulwark against demographic decline. Unsurprisingly, Shinzo Abe's economic programme has focused heavily on the role of women, both as workers and as mothers. Yet Abenomics have failed to transform the labour market environment: government coalitions have been largely conservative, and measures for women have been anemic at best [4]. What remains is a vain discourse to encourage reproduction – despite the economic conditions hardly being met for raising a child – which is reflected in cultural production.
Undoing ikumen in post-Abe Japan
The overrepresentation of motherhood, however, should not obscure the transformations of fatherhood in the 2000s and 2010s. Xenoblade Chronicles 3: Future Redeemed is a striking example as it deals directly with this issue, whereas the original game looked at the question of reproduction and family in a broader way [5]. The heroes of the first two games return, each embodying a different vision of masculinity. Shulk retains his candour while appearing more calm and disciplined. He represents a self-controlled masculinity driven by both elegance and intellect, in the style of the erudite warriors of pre-modern Asia. Rex is much rougher, constantly struggling to find a way to express his feelings and frustrations, despite his good intentions. In some ways, his development is reminiscent of that of Ryōta Nonomiya in Hirokazu Kore-eda's Soshite chichi ni naru (2013), an architect who is unable to provide emotional comfort to his family. Confronted with the way Shulk interacts with Nikol, Rex finds a new harmony with Glimmer, full of empathy and love.
Perhaps the most important aspect of these relationships is that their nature remains implicit. Many of the reminiscent and contemplative passages in Future Redeemed rely on knowledge of the franchise, but the theme of fatherhood runs throughout the DLC. Ultimately, the heroes' distance from their children is a response to the debates surrounding ikumen, a term used to describe fathers who are involved in raising their children in order to make them appear 'cool'. The ideological programme of Abe's Japan relied heavily on this imaginary to encourage fathers to participate in the household, but the figure of the ikumen has been widely criticised for giving men a nice label, even though they contribute to the dysfunction of both the domestic economy and their working environment [6].
The figure of the ikumen can be understood as a way for fathers to make themselves useful somewhere and gain recognition from their peers, a way to find a place to belong (ibasho) after being ejected from both the family unit and the corporate space. Future Redeemed responds to this sociological question in the same way as several local associations have done, through the figure of the ikimen, men who decide to foster communities of solidarity in the same way that they would look after their children [7]. Shulk and Rex, thanks to their experience, become the tutelary figures of the Liberators and Colony 9, but they are more interested in being mentors than leaders. Like the base game, Future Redeemed focuses on building bonds between the various members of the community until their resilience is no longer in doubt. As the various characters point out to Matthew, the virtue of a leader is to bring people together when necessary, not to control their lives. Through the various side-quests, the inhabitants of Colony 9 also gain texture and individuality, autonomy and confidence – more so than in the base game, thanks to a sparser cast.
Maybe tomorrow
There is an optimistic melancholy to Future Redeemed, between the series' various iconic locations reduced to lonely ruins and the forward-looking language of the characters. Like Tetsuya Takahashi's other games, the DLC shines by magnifying the ties that bind individuals, variations on the theme of friendship, love and togetherness – lessons that must be carried beyond the game. A single existence is but a drop in the ocean of human history. Civilisations, buildings, masterpieces, passions, dreams and memories can vanish in an instant, but there remains an explicit duty to cherish the past, not in blind adoration, but in preparation for the future. Future Redeemed constantly refuses to elevate Shulk and Rex onto a pedestal: they are already fading figures, as their injuries attest. Even A, for all her unwavering calm and penetrating gaze, chooses to remain outside the life that Colony 9 and the Liberators have decided to cherish; not because she is without compassion for the survivors, but because she knows – and this is her legacy – that the future belongs to them alone.
As Xeno veterans know, every story has an ending, and not all sequels need to be told. Looking back at Lost Jerusalem and thinking about building a better world is poignant, but this is the everyday story. Fighting for a fairer and more humane world. It may take generations, but the important thing is to keep dreaming and struggling for it, because there is nothing more tragic than an existence without hope, even when darkness seems to engulf everything. Of course, there is something idealistic and simplistic about this statement, but Future Redeemed, like the base game Xenogears (1998) or Xenosaga (2002-2006), leaves room for misery and sadness. Inequality is part of every society, and Takahashi has no illusions about the ghosts that will always roam the Rhadamanthus of the future. This is how Future Redeemed concludes the epic of the Xenoblade Chronicles, just as Episode III: Also sprach Zarathustra (2006) invited one to close their eyes for a while, until the light of hope reappears, maybe tomorrow. In a way, Future Redeemed is just an open door. Its more meticulous progression with Affinity Points, its more fluid exploration thanks to numerous ergonomic additions, and its gameplay designed around accessories rather than classes all point to rich ideas for Monolith Soft's next projects.
I may still be around to see what paths they take.
Maybe I won't.
I will sleep a while, until the dawn wakes me up again...
I still believe... come what may...
__________
[1] Annette Schad-Seifert, 'Samurai and Sarariiman: The Discourse on Masculinity in Modern Japan', in Arne Holzhausen (ed.), Can Japan Globalize? Studies on Japan's Changing Political Economy and the Process of Globalization, Springer, Berlin, 2001, pp. 206-208.
[2] Some contextual details are provided in my reviews of Kaze no NOTAM (1997) and Power Shovel (1999).
[3] This is a rather simplified picture of the cultural representations of the 1990s and 2000s, but they occupy an important part of successful audiovisual production in Japan. On the topic, see Shuk-ting Kinnia Yau, 'Bad Father and Good Mother: The Changing Image of Masculinity in Post-Bubble-Economy Japan', in David G. Hebert (ed.), International Perspectives on Translation, Education and Innovation in Japanese and Korean Societies, Springer, New York, 2018, pp. 243-253.
[4] Mark Crawford, 'Abe’s Womenomics Policy, 2013-2020: Tokenism, Gradualism, or Failed Strategy?', in The Asia-Pacific Journal, vol. 19, no. 4-4, 2021.
[5] On the topic, see my review of Xenoblade Chronicles 3 (2022).
[6] In particular, wives and employers are very suspicious of the ikumen modoki, the father who prides himself on being involved in running the household and bringing up the children, but in reality makes no effort at all. He builds a positive image of himself on his wife's efforts and uses the household as an excuse to shirk his professional responsibilities. The yarisugi ikumen, the man who is overly proactive in his domestic involvement, is equally feared by women, both because he often disrupts household routines and wastes time, unnecessarily burdening his spouse with additional work. On the topic, see Nicholas Michael Feinig, Rearing the Family, Moving Society: Rethinking Gender, Kinship, and Work through Japan’s Fathering Movement, PhD thesis, University of Toronto, 2020, pp. 99-134.
[7] This figure is also subject to specific criticisms, notably the contamination of spaces intended for women by a corporatist and hierarchical masculinity, and the fact that these groups are more places for fathers to socialise than spaces for improving local community life; nevertheless, they are a new ibasho for men, outside the workplace. On the topic, see Nicholas Michael Feinig, op. cit., pp. 230-276.
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 was a game that I adored so, so much, that I couldn't bring myself to start writing a review for it. I could talk about that game for hours, and yet, I'm lost for words.
There is no way to properly explain the way this series hits any more. Half the reason I never tried writing about XC3 was that so much of what I wanted to say would touch on spoilers in one way or another, and given the nature of this expansion the same is going to apply here. (So this is more a rant summarising my feelings on this series as a whole)
One thing I will say, however, is that I am honestly devastated that my memory is as bad as it can be, in particular with this franchise. I have loved, loved all 3 parts of this trilogy but if you asked me to even summarise one of the first 2 games I'd get maybe 5% of the story right, it kinda sucks😭
I'm pretty confident that 3 is my favourite, and not just for recency bias, but the combat, the party, the world, the story, the relationships and development of the characters.. It is truly deserving of the label peak because it genuinely sits at the top of the JRPG mountain in my opinion. I fucking love that game dude, they even added a navigation line to follow!
(Unfortunatley, this expansion removes that again 😭 2 games and 2 expansions to finally stop me from getting lost only to rob me of it again, wounded!)
Anyway if you can't tell I'm already losing myself, these games have got me bad, man. It is all heart, I have no brain, no thoughts (no memory 😔) - I barely understand myself how they've touched me this much, but there's an undeniable charm and sincerity to them that's really just 😩
To make some comments about Future Redeemed specifically, I fully understand the reasoning behind Matthew et al, but I can't help but wonder if I'd have preferred somehow getting to bring things to fruition with familiar faces. Matthew is great don't get me wrong, but his specific personality archetype is an interesting one to go with for the main character of this expansion lol.
Also, without saying anything else: Holy shit the glow up, the future is not the only thing being redeemed god damn.
Final thoughts I think I preferred the combat and overall dynamics in the main game vs this, and locking arts and accessory slots behind finding rare items instead of your player level is kinda oof, but I got by. It felt a bit like XC3 but stripped back a little instead of further improved which is a shame, but with the bar set by XC3 I really don't think there was anywhere to go but backwards anyway.
Difficulty wise there was one boss near the end that was a huge spike for me, but admittedly I'd been playing somewhat lazily until then anyway and it didn't take too long to overcome it.
Overall: this is insane. This series is nothing short of beautiful and if you don't believe me then the soundtrack alone can prove you wrong with ease. I don't know if I want more or not but I definitely want more of something from this team. Do not let British voice acting put y'all off these games bro, yes I know XC2 sounds kinda goofy but you can play in Japanese if you must and even if you don't I guarantee that the voicework does not detract from how good they are. (Also Mio and Nia's accents are too good to pass up on smh shame on you)
Thanks for reading to all who did, hope it's okay that this is just word vomit but I really wasn't kidding when I said I have no words. Hope you're all having a wonderful December and enjoy any festivities you may or may not partake in. Until next time🙏
There is no way to properly explain the way this series hits any more. Half the reason I never tried writing about XC3 was that so much of what I wanted to say would touch on spoilers in one way or another, and given the nature of this expansion the same is going to apply here. (So this is more a rant summarising my feelings on this series as a whole)
One thing I will say, however, is that I am honestly devastated that my memory is as bad as it can be, in particular with this franchise. I have loved, loved all 3 parts of this trilogy but if you asked me to even summarise one of the first 2 games I'd get maybe 5% of the story right, it kinda sucks😭
I'm pretty confident that 3 is my favourite, and not just for recency bias, but the combat, the party, the world, the story, the relationships and development of the characters.. It is truly deserving of the label peak because it genuinely sits at the top of the JRPG mountain in my opinion. I fucking love that game dude, they even added a navigation line to follow!
(Unfortunatley, this expansion removes that again 😭 2 games and 2 expansions to finally stop me from getting lost only to rob me of it again, wounded!)
Anyway if you can't tell I'm already losing myself, these games have got me bad, man. It is all heart, I have no brain, no thoughts (no memory 😔) - I barely understand myself how they've touched me this much, but there's an undeniable charm and sincerity to them that's really just 😩
To make some comments about Future Redeemed specifically, I fully understand the reasoning behind Matthew et al, but I can't help but wonder if I'd have preferred somehow getting to bring things to fruition with familiar faces. Matthew is great don't get me wrong, but his specific personality archetype is an interesting one to go with for the main character of this expansion lol.
Also, without saying anything else: Holy shit the glow up, the future is not the only thing being redeemed god damn.
Final thoughts I think I preferred the combat and overall dynamics in the main game vs this, and locking arts and accessory slots behind finding rare items instead of your player level is kinda oof, but I got by. It felt a bit like XC3 but stripped back a little instead of further improved which is a shame, but with the bar set by XC3 I really don't think there was anywhere to go but backwards anyway.
Difficulty wise there was one boss near the end that was a huge spike for me, but admittedly I'd been playing somewhat lazily until then anyway and it didn't take too long to overcome it.
Overall: this is insane. This series is nothing short of beautiful and if you don't believe me then the soundtrack alone can prove you wrong with ease. I don't know if I want more or not but I definitely want more of something from this team. Do not let British voice acting put y'all off these games bro, yes I know XC2 sounds kinda goofy but you can play in Japanese if you must and even if you don't I guarantee that the voicework does not detract from how good they are. (Also Mio and Nia's accents are too good to pass up on smh shame on you)
Thanks for reading to all who did, hope it's okay that this is just word vomit but I really wasn't kidding when I said I have no words. Hope you're all having a wonderful December and enjoy any festivities you may or may not partake in. Until next time🙏
This review contains spoilers
Finally a Xenoblade DLC that I enjoyed thoroughly!
Very nice QoL features: You can pin items required for quests, gem crafting or even X-reader upgrades. And it will then show you if you find an enemy that drops the item you're looking for.
Finally having access to a bestiary is also very welcomed! Now we can find specific resources more efficiently.
The game does a great job at being an Openworld. Exploring & doing side quests is very rewarding, as Unlock Kits are what allow you to upgrade your characters and become stronger. And the X-reader helps you locate hidden treasures very easyly. It's just a joy to explore.
The battles flow quite well even without using chain attacks, I'm really happy about that.
Just cancelling your arts nonstop and doing Unity combos depletes the enemies HPs quickly enough.
Sometimes, I didn't even use chain attacks even though I could. It just feels better to not use those all the time.
I mostly focused on strengthening Shulk because he is my favorite character. When I found Unlock Kits, I would always use them on him first. I also had fun using Matthew, A and Glimmer.
Btw, it was really sweet seeing the father/son relationship between Shulk & Nikol and Rex & Glimmer. Seeing Nikol having the same passion for engineering than his father is so wholesome.
There are a lot of callbacks to the previous games: The moment the kids ask Na'el to sing them songs, and they name-drop famous tracks from previous Xenoblade games, it made me giggle. "Gaur Plain! Tomorrow with you! Bringer of Chaos, Ultimate!"
The original Colony 9 from Xenoblade 1 is back, along with its music and the battle theme "Time to fight".
More over, they continued to mix up environments from previous games just like they did in base game Xenoblade 3. Combining the three snowy areas from each Xeno game to create the Black Mountains was sick!
And making Prison Island the final area of the DLC was amazing. The developers really wanted to trigger a reaction in the player with all this nostalgia.
Even though he did that to serve his own purposes in the long run, seeing Z team up with Shulk & Rex to try and get rid of Alpha was kinda raw. He's the last person I would have expected to team up with our beloved Heroes.
I was quite invested in the cutscenes showing the Past of Na'el, her struggles with the war & endless killing. The voice actor did a good job portraying her emotions and making us understand why Alpha chose her as a vessel.
After defeating Alpha for good, Shulk, Rex & Alvis leave to become the new avatars of the Trinity processor. This ending really got me in the feels. I loved the story of Future Redeemed, this was a great way to wrap-up the trilogy.
Also, we learn that Matthew is part of the Vandham lineage 🤯
The end credits were so good, great music, and I love that we see a recap of all 3 Xeno games, with actual in-game footage. It was an amazing send-off.
Playing that DLC reinforced my love for those games and the Xenoblade series in general. This really is my favorite video game franchise, no doubt about it.
I can't wait to see what Xenoblade 4 is gonna be like. Because the producer said Future Redeemed put an end to this trilogy, and the next Xenoblade games are gonna be quite different, with an entirely different storyline. So I'm very curious!
----------Playtime & Completion----------
[Started on April 7th & finished on April 26th 2024]
Playtime: 28 hours
100% Completion
Very nice QoL features: You can pin items required for quests, gem crafting or even X-reader upgrades. And it will then show you if you find an enemy that drops the item you're looking for.
Finally having access to a bestiary is also very welcomed! Now we can find specific resources more efficiently.
The game does a great job at being an Openworld. Exploring & doing side quests is very rewarding, as Unlock Kits are what allow you to upgrade your characters and become stronger. And the X-reader helps you locate hidden treasures very easyly. It's just a joy to explore.
The battles flow quite well even without using chain attacks, I'm really happy about that.
Just cancelling your arts nonstop and doing Unity combos depletes the enemies HPs quickly enough.
Sometimes, I didn't even use chain attacks even though I could. It just feels better to not use those all the time.
I mostly focused on strengthening Shulk because he is my favorite character. When I found Unlock Kits, I would always use them on him first. I also had fun using Matthew, A and Glimmer.
Btw, it was really sweet seeing the father/son relationship between Shulk & Nikol and Rex & Glimmer. Seeing Nikol having the same passion for engineering than his father is so wholesome.
There are a lot of callbacks to the previous games: The moment the kids ask Na'el to sing them songs, and they name-drop famous tracks from previous Xenoblade games, it made me giggle. "Gaur Plain! Tomorrow with you! Bringer of Chaos, Ultimate!"
The original Colony 9 from Xenoblade 1 is back, along with its music and the battle theme "Time to fight".
More over, they continued to mix up environments from previous games just like they did in base game Xenoblade 3. Combining the three snowy areas from each Xeno game to create the Black Mountains was sick!
And making Prison Island the final area of the DLC was amazing. The developers really wanted to trigger a reaction in the player with all this nostalgia.
Even though he did that to serve his own purposes in the long run, seeing Z team up with Shulk & Rex to try and get rid of Alpha was kinda raw. He's the last person I would have expected to team up with our beloved Heroes.
I was quite invested in the cutscenes showing the Past of Na'el, her struggles with the war & endless killing. The voice actor did a good job portraying her emotions and making us understand why Alpha chose her as a vessel.
After defeating Alpha for good, Shulk, Rex & Alvis leave to become the new avatars of the Trinity processor. This ending really got me in the feels. I loved the story of Future Redeemed, this was a great way to wrap-up the trilogy.
Also, we learn that Matthew is part of the Vandham lineage 🤯
The end credits were so good, great music, and I love that we see a recap of all 3 Xeno games, with actual in-game footage. It was an amazing send-off.
Playing that DLC reinforced my love for those games and the Xenoblade series in general. This really is my favorite video game franchise, no doubt about it.
I can't wait to see what Xenoblade 4 is gonna be like. Because the producer said Future Redeemed put an end to this trilogy, and the next Xenoblade games are gonna be quite different, with an entirely different storyline. So I'm very curious!
----------Playtime & Completion----------
[Started on April 7th & finished on April 26th 2024]
Playtime: 28 hours
100% Completion
Appreciate the restraint on not making this the actual main video game. I know many expected this kind of devotedly self-referential cloying annoyance based on the concepts initially made available about Xenoblade 3, but what we got was something much more subtle and sweet in its way. As an expansion for hardcore fans it's much cuter and worthwhile. I don't feel like this needed to exist but that's more of a reaction to how satisfied I ended up feeling with the main game whereas for Xenoblade 2, Torna the Golden Country was something it was desperately aching for to clumsily fill whatever holes it had (nothing could ever actually fix that game regardless of their valiant efforts).
Very excited for their next game, if this level of map/level design and narrative follows through but who knows they could just make it shit like 2 again on both counts. But at least they've got me on the right foot towards them again. Not a fan of the checklistification of the open world stuff however, which is ironically the opposite of the coolest directions taken in the main game, where it took the stock open world colony liberation concept and gave it real narrative and emotional weight throughout. Hoping for more of that and less of 1/16 containers found in the next actual one.
Very excited for their next game, if this level of map/level design and narrative follows through but who knows they could just make it shit like 2 again on both counts. But at least they've got me on the right foot towards them again. Not a fan of the checklistification of the open world stuff however, which is ironically the opposite of the coolest directions taken in the main game, where it took the stock open world colony liberation concept and gave it real narrative and emotional weight throughout. Hoping for more of that and less of 1/16 containers found in the next actual one.
Honestly a pretty phenomenal bit of dlc, I'm a but sad I didn't play it sooner but that's what tends to happens when a lot of games you're excited for come out around the same time. I was a bit disappointed at first when it was revealed it wasn't an epilogue as both me and several other people felt the main story would have benefited and while the ending of this dlc does try to give some closure to that I would say some of grievances with the main game ending weren't completely answered. But ignoring and just looking at the dlc on it's own, this was just a good time. Lot's of exploration that rewards you, a more fine tuned battle system that feels great, a fun and frankly insane party gameplay wise that can pull off some crazy damage. Game was just fun from beginning to end.
I was walking in circles around my room for over an hour after finishing it last night and am still trying to collect my thoughts. A beautiful finale to the entirety of Xeno and everything I could have ever asked for.
I have never felt such satisfaction upon finishing something before and am so glad I played Gears and Saga beforehand. I played this series, especially 3 and FR, at the best possible time in my life, purely by chance, and don't think its themes would have resonated with me as deeply as they did had I played it at any previous point in my life. I'll never forget what it has taught me and will forever treasure it. Sagabros we won
P.S. DABURU SUPININGU EJJI
I have never felt such satisfaction upon finishing something before and am so glad I played Gears and Saga beforehand. I played this series, especially 3 and FR, at the best possible time in my life, purely by chance, and don't think its themes would have resonated with me as deeply as they did had I played it at any previous point in my life. I'll never forget what it has taught me and will forever treasure it. Sagabros we won
P.S. DABURU SUPININGU EJJI
Monolith Soft has made the best DLC content ever in my opinion. This thing is so deep, I had a blast playing it and every aspect of it is pretty much perfect. I love Xenoblade man.
This review contains spoilers
XENOBLADE MARATHON COMPLETE
What an amazing little bow they tied this up in. Absolutely no training wheels or explanations, just a pure, unadulterated ending to the Klaus saga. Once again echoing everyone but yes, Rex is my favorite part. Seeing him turn into a hyperprotective father after spending time with him as a 15 year old with ADHD in 2 is amazing. But that 15 year old and optimism are still there deep down. He isn’t good in spite of how he is in 2, he’s good BECAUSE of how he was there (because he was good but that is another can of beans (which i’m feeling full of)) There’s so much fanservice done beautifully, it feels like returning home at the end of a long journey. And once again an entire cast I would lay my life down for. God damn you Takahashi. Beautiful closure to this summer’s Xenoblade marathon. Saved my life.
What an amazing little bow they tied this up in. Absolutely no training wheels or explanations, just a pure, unadulterated ending to the Klaus saga. Once again echoing everyone but yes, Rex is my favorite part. Seeing him turn into a hyperprotective father after spending time with him as a 15 year old with ADHD in 2 is amazing. But that 15 year old and optimism are still there deep down. He isn’t good in spite of how he is in 2, he’s good BECAUSE of how he was there (because he was good but that is another can of beans (which i’m feeling full of)) There’s so much fanservice done beautifully, it feels like returning home at the end of a long journey. And once again an entire cast I would lay my life down for. God damn you Takahashi. Beautiful closure to this summer’s Xenoblade marathon. Saved my life.
Holy shit what an ending to this series. A last run of the series full of fun callbacks and set pieces to everything else. Xenoblade 1 I think was the first game that clicked with me as art rather than something for fun, so seeing colony 9 and Valek mountain again was incredible. The 2 callbacks were also there but it's 2 so I don't really care, sorry.
But the story is what carries it. Being an amazing prequel to 3 with Shulk and Rex (who's actually an insanely good character now, congrats) with Matthew also being an incredibly good protagonist, even if he is your standard headstrong Shounen protag. A is also a good character, but Nikol and Glimmer aren't really given much time in the spotlight. They aren't bad characters by any means, but rather forgettable.
Overall, it's the finale to Xenoblade. And a damn good one. A series of highs and one extreme low like holy shit how do you fuck up that badly, and I'm excited for what Takahashi and Monolith Soft do next
But the story is what carries it. Being an amazing prequel to 3 with Shulk and Rex (who's actually an insanely good character now, congrats) with Matthew also being an incredibly good protagonist, even if he is your standard headstrong Shounen protag. A is also a good character, but Nikol and Glimmer aren't really given much time in the spotlight. They aren't bad characters by any means, but rather forgettable.
Overall, it's the finale to Xenoblade. And a damn good one. A series of highs and one extreme low like holy shit how do you fuck up that badly, and I'm excited for what Takahashi and Monolith Soft do next
An excellent addition to XB3's package, similar to how Torna compliments XB2 and an excellent wait to conclude the Xenoblade trilogy. Not gonna rate this since XB3 ranks as one of my favorites already and this just acts as more of that but in a more contained, succinct packaged. Although, it's a bit of a wilder and more complicated narrative this time around, especially if you've seen the trailers and promos regarding who's joined alongside our DLC protagonist Matthew. There's not too much I wanna say since it's just an expansion but it's made me really excited for whatever project Monolith has next.
There's a bunch of neat goodies that FR adds that might be a bit distracting from the usual Xenoblade fare but the collectathon-like nature of filling the enemypaedia , each of the collectibles and the community is pretty addictive. You needed to fill out the community portion of Torna to beat the game but here I just really felt like I needed to get that checked off. Main issue in this regard is just how monotonous talking to everyone in the colony gets but otherwise you get some good rewards out of the quests.
I am gonna need Monolith to make it so that you can keep your weapon sheathed out in the field
While I did enjoy the class changing aspect of XB3 it did need some ironing out with regards to balance/intrigue, especially as a lot of the cooler classes came much, much later- I am glad that doesn't show up whatsoever here. Each of the party members retains a clear role of <<<Fast DPS/ Crit DPS, Main Healer/AOE Support and Basic Tank/Dodge Tank>>>? making it pretty hard to worry about whether or not your party build is off, all you need to manage is equips, arts and some bonus customizables.
Also while I was fine with the final stretch of XB3 I'd be lying if I didn't say it lacked a certain punch that 2 did, climbing up the world tree. While a much shorter stretch obviously, I do think the ascent up the Black Mountains onto Prison Island is such a cooler final segment.
Overall there isn’t too much I wanna say, it's just a great culmination of the last 3 games on top of the Xeno series as a whole. I'm looking forward to seeing what Gears/Saga/(I dont even know how to start X) hold, as well as whatever comes after this.
Matthew is also really cool, man.
There's a bunch of neat goodies that FR adds that might be a bit distracting from the usual Xenoblade fare but the collectathon-like nature of filling the enemypaedia , each of the collectibles and the community is pretty addictive. You needed to fill out the community portion of Torna to beat the game but here I just really felt like I needed to get that checked off. Main issue in this regard is just how monotonous talking to everyone in the colony gets but otherwise you get some good rewards out of the quests.
I am gonna need Monolith to make it so that you can keep your weapon sheathed out in the field
While I did enjoy the class changing aspect of XB3 it did need some ironing out with regards to balance/intrigue, especially as a lot of the cooler classes came much, much later- I am glad that doesn't show up whatsoever here. Each of the party members retains a clear role of <<<Fast DPS/ Crit DPS, Main Healer/AOE Support and Basic Tank/Dodge Tank>>>? making it pretty hard to worry about whether or not your party build is off, all you need to manage is equips, arts and some bonus customizables.
Also while I was fine with the final stretch of XB3 I'd be lying if I didn't say it lacked a certain punch that 2 did, climbing up the world tree. While a much shorter stretch obviously, I do think the ascent up the Black Mountains onto Prison Island is such a cooler final segment.
Overall there isn’t too much I wanna say, it's just a great culmination of the last 3 games on top of the Xeno series as a whole. I'm looking forward to seeing what Gears/Saga/(I dont even know how to start X) hold, as well as whatever comes after this.
Matthew is also really cool, man.
I am sorry for ever once doubting you, Mr. Takahashi
This review contains spoilers
After 5 months of a non stop binge, my Xeno journey is finally complete. What a phenomenal end to a phenomenal series. I love all of the references to all of the other Xeno games, especially Gears and Saga. The radio fucking blew my mind and I adored the Alpha fight. To cap off this review, here's my top 5 Xeno moments:
1. The Alpha fight- XBC 3:FR
2. The Omega Metempsychosis fight- Saga III
3. The End- Saga II
4. YOUR BLADE- XBC 1
5. The End- Gears
Thank you so much for everything Takahashi, excited to see what Xeno has in store for us next.
1. The Alpha fight- XBC 3:FR
2. The Omega Metempsychosis fight- Saga III
3. The End- Saga II
4. YOUR BLADE- XBC 1
5. The End- Gears
Thank you so much for everything Takahashi, excited to see what Xeno has in store for us next.
LET TAKAHASHI COOK. If this wasn't a DLC it would be my GOTY, but because it technically isn't a full game I'm not calling it that. Amazing conclusion to the story started with XC1, and an amazing expansion of the lore for Xenoblade 3, and Xenoblade as a whole, plus banger OSTs and a great take on 3's combat. I love the aged up old characters, along with the new ones! A will have my heart forever.
This should have been the main game
When Alpha says something so double spinning edge phobic you gotta hit them with that Alrest stare
One of the best conclusions to one of the greatest trilogies of all time to end off a series. Not explaining any story stuff in this review because you should play it for yourself but one of the greatest ever cooked. This being a love letter and a goodbye letter to this series as whole, being a celebration of the journey Takahashi has taken us through. This DLC content is so damn good to add onto the base game as a whole as you can treat it alongside to base game as a dessert after the well-cooked meal.
This DLC helps show that in the series as it goes through a bunch of the themes it has gone through its three games, the culmination of this beautiful DLC. Matthew being one of the main characters alongside Noah to help push along the core themes of Xenoblade 3 along with what base games does and its cast of characters, Matthew approaches the future, takes the good parts of the past and accepts the bad, and keeps moving forward. Rex and Shulk are also there as well with their themes from Xenoblade 1 & 2 to show that all these come together such as the future may be unknown but we should always keep matching forward no matter what happens and how our past hurts but we shouldn’t let it drag us behind, we can learn from our pasts, get back up on our feet and get stronger to be able to keep moving forward. This speaks to the Xenoblade Series as whole, to be able to reflect on our past, don’t let it drag us down but to let it help us move forward in life. To face our trauma and to be our true selves rather than to run away from ourselves.
Takahashi up there with the greats on being able to make beautiful art and personal stories throughout video-games.
"Nevertheless, our intentions will live on, and one day coalesce again. Be it tomorrow... or in a thousand years... Surely, the time will eventually come. I can see it, clear as day."
Future Awaits
This DLC helps show that in the series as it goes through a bunch of the themes it has gone through its three games, the culmination of this beautiful DLC. Matthew being one of the main characters alongside Noah to help push along the core themes of Xenoblade 3 along with what base games does and its cast of characters, Matthew approaches the future, takes the good parts of the past and accepts the bad, and keeps moving forward. Rex and Shulk are also there as well with their themes from Xenoblade 1 & 2 to show that all these come together such as the future may be unknown but we should always keep matching forward no matter what happens and how our past hurts but we shouldn’t let it drag us behind, we can learn from our pasts, get back up on our feet and get stronger to be able to keep moving forward. This speaks to the Xenoblade Series as whole, to be able to reflect on our past, don’t let it drag us down but to let it help us move forward in life. To face our trauma and to be our true selves rather than to run away from ourselves.
Takahashi up there with the greats on being able to make beautiful art and personal stories throughout video-games.
"Nevertheless, our intentions will live on, and one day coalesce again. Be it tomorrow... or in a thousand years... Surely, the time will eventually come. I can see it, clear as day."
Future Awaits
2/20 backlog 2024
A genuine treat for longtime Xenoblade fans. It ties all the games (not you, Xenoblade Chronicles X) together beautifully even though you're left with more questions than answers after the credits have rolled.
A genuine treat for longtime Xenoblade fans. It ties all the games (not you, Xenoblade Chronicles X) together beautifully even though you're left with more questions than answers after the credits have rolled.
Line/lyric spoilers for Future Redeemed
Quote spoilers for Xenoblade Chronicles 3
Thematic spoilers(?) for the whole series
...
“You’re standing at a loss
In front of a door
That’s been closed for so long”
At the time of writing this piece, I’ve been on Backloggd for less than a year. In that small timeframe, there have been multiple times when I’ve thought ‘You know what? I think today I’m going to sit down, and write a review about some of the most impactful games. Not just a short review that just boils down to me saying I liked it, but an actual full, real, in-depth review.’ But I never end up doing it. There’s always some rationale for it, I didn’t have the energy, there wasn’t enough time, I didn’t know how to start, I wasn’t ‘in the zone’ or something of that variety. Perhaps some of these were true at times, but in reality it always boils down to ‘What if what I write is bad? What if I don't convey my thoughts and feelings properly?’
“Until you open it, you cannot know
Afraid to see
What could be on the other side”
I don’t want to go out and make that effort, take that plunge, because I don’t think I can do it. If I try but fail and I butcher it, write it poorly, and/or misrepresent my thoughts, I’ll feel like a stupid fucking clown. More so than usual, that is. There isn’t any point in putting myself out there because it’ll inevitably result in intense hurt, just like every time before.
“I’ve seen that look before
The stare of your fearful looking eyes”
It’s so much easier to just not do it, to not try, to sit back and read others’ reviews instead. To consume art, rather than to create. I can stay safe and content as an observer, rather than a creator.
“Will you give up
And stay where you belong
Afraid your time
It might just take too long”
Satisfied and stationary, not a bad deal. I’ll just stay where I am, resting in my comfort zone. It’s worked so far, no reason for it not to in the future. It’s where I belong.
“Will you give up
And stay where you belong”
But doesn’t that fly directly in the face of not only some of my favorite works, but also my ideals, my beliefs? Have I not been taught time and time again to move forward, to improve, to grow, to learn? Am I not acting like Moebius, in a way? I’m creating a sort of ‘Endless Now’ for myself, am I not?
“And you won’t know
Unless we keep on trying
Now we need the strength to carry on”
Maybe it works, maybe it's easy. Hell, maybe I’ll suddenly wake up one day and write a fantastic review regardless? Is being complacent and waiting for knowledge and skill to find me just waiting for another turn of the clock? If that's the case, given enough seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, years, or even longer, I’ll eventually find myself in the perfect state to produce something of great quality.
“With a turn of the clock, anyone can be a winner, given the time.”
But that’s flawed logic. Waiting indefinitely in hopes that things will magically improve or change is a fool’s errand. I should, no, I need to grow and change and fail and learn of my own accord.
“Our voices might not be heard”
It doesn’t matter if I have no impact, what’s important is really, truly going out and trying.
“And it doesn’t matter if we fail”
Maybe I’ll fall flat on my face once more, but at least something will change. I’ll take that experience, and then get up and try again. I can’t be as I am now forever, I refuse to.
“But if there is a future”
It’s time for me to try, to go for it. I need to reach into the strange, unknowable life that is just waiting for me to confront it. Maybe there’s nothing at all for me, maybe I’m doomed to stay miserable. But maybe there’s something special waiting…
“That’s where we’ll set out sights”
The only way to find out is to venture forth and explore it.
“So… just walk through”
I’ll get up, and walk toward that unknowable future.
“Don’t take too long”
No more waiting for everything to happen.
“You’ll find it there…”
Whatever happens, happens.
“In our future”
…
“Roads stretch out before us. So many paths. Which do you choose? That's up to you. Sometimes you might run astray. You’ll stop, maybe cry in frustration. But you know, that's alright. For the roads… they go on without end. So look up, face forward, toward your chosen horizon… And just… walk on.”
Quote spoilers for Xenoblade Chronicles 3
Thematic spoilers(?) for the whole series
...
“You’re standing at a loss
In front of a door
That’s been closed for so long”
At the time of writing this piece, I’ve been on Backloggd for less than a year. In that small timeframe, there have been multiple times when I’ve thought ‘You know what? I think today I’m going to sit down, and write a review about some of the most impactful games. Not just a short review that just boils down to me saying I liked it, but an actual full, real, in-depth review.’ But I never end up doing it. There’s always some rationale for it, I didn’t have the energy, there wasn’t enough time, I didn’t know how to start, I wasn’t ‘in the zone’ or something of that variety. Perhaps some of these were true at times, but in reality it always boils down to ‘What if what I write is bad? What if I don't convey my thoughts and feelings properly?’
“Until you open it, you cannot know
Afraid to see
What could be on the other side”
I don’t want to go out and make that effort, take that plunge, because I don’t think I can do it. If I try but fail and I butcher it, write it poorly, and/or misrepresent my thoughts, I’ll feel like a stupid fucking clown. More so than usual, that is. There isn’t any point in putting myself out there because it’ll inevitably result in intense hurt, just like every time before.
“I’ve seen that look before
The stare of your fearful looking eyes”
It’s so much easier to just not do it, to not try, to sit back and read others’ reviews instead. To consume art, rather than to create. I can stay safe and content as an observer, rather than a creator.
“Will you give up
And stay where you belong
Afraid your time
It might just take too long”
Satisfied and stationary, not a bad deal. I’ll just stay where I am, resting in my comfort zone. It’s worked so far, no reason for it not to in the future. It’s where I belong.
“Will you give up
And stay where you belong”
But doesn’t that fly directly in the face of not only some of my favorite works, but also my ideals, my beliefs? Have I not been taught time and time again to move forward, to improve, to grow, to learn? Am I not acting like Moebius, in a way? I’m creating a sort of ‘Endless Now’ for myself, am I not?
“And you won’t know
Unless we keep on trying
Now we need the strength to carry on”
Maybe it works, maybe it's easy. Hell, maybe I’ll suddenly wake up one day and write a fantastic review regardless? Is being complacent and waiting for knowledge and skill to find me just waiting for another turn of the clock? If that's the case, given enough seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, years, or even longer, I’ll eventually find myself in the perfect state to produce something of great quality.
“With a turn of the clock, anyone can be a winner, given the time.”
But that’s flawed logic. Waiting indefinitely in hopes that things will magically improve or change is a fool’s errand. I should, no, I need to grow and change and fail and learn of my own accord.
“Our voices might not be heard”
It doesn’t matter if I have no impact, what’s important is really, truly going out and trying.
“And it doesn’t matter if we fail”
Maybe I’ll fall flat on my face once more, but at least something will change. I’ll take that experience, and then get up and try again. I can’t be as I am now forever, I refuse to.
“But if there is a future”
It’s time for me to try, to go for it. I need to reach into the strange, unknowable life that is just waiting for me to confront it. Maybe there’s nothing at all for me, maybe I’m doomed to stay miserable. But maybe there’s something special waiting…
“That’s where we’ll set out sights”
The only way to find out is to venture forth and explore it.
“So… just walk through”
I’ll get up, and walk toward that unknowable future.
“Don’t take too long”
No more waiting for everything to happen.
“You’ll find it there…”
Whatever happens, happens.
“In our future”
…
“Roads stretch out before us. So many paths. Which do you choose? That's up to you. Sometimes you might run astray. You’ll stop, maybe cry in frustration. But you know, that's alright. For the roads… they go on without end. So look up, face forward, toward your chosen horizon… And just… walk on.”
7/10
Queria saber por que diabos as dlcs hoje em dia estão conseguindo ser mais sucinta e efetiva em quesito textual, temático e as vezes design tbm, superior ao jogo base.
Dito isso, eu gostei genuinamente dessa dlc, apesar de muita coisa que não gosto de xenoblade 3 estar aqui, senti que eles conciliaram melhor os problemas com o gameplay, no fim foi uma jornada boa e me fez ficar com vontade de um dia rejogar o 3 base novamente.
Shulk e rex são personagens ok pra ruins em seus jogos, mas aqui pqp eles finalmente viram algo bom porra.
Matthew sola todo o elenco do 3 base
A personagem da A... deixa desejar
Nikol And Glimmer (Kageroi no jp) deixam a deixar pkrl, apesar de ter sides boas envolvendo eles, infelizmente isso pesa na reta final.
Num geral essa dlc foi melhor que o jogo base, mas deixo perguntas abertas que n deveria, as respostas são coesas mas não são boas, finalizei um pouco feliz por que minha experiência foi positiva num geral, mas xenoblade é uma montanha russa.
Queria saber por que diabos as dlcs hoje em dia estão conseguindo ser mais sucinta e efetiva em quesito textual, temático e as vezes design tbm, superior ao jogo base.
Dito isso, eu gostei genuinamente dessa dlc, apesar de muita coisa que não gosto de xenoblade 3 estar aqui, senti que eles conciliaram melhor os problemas com o gameplay, no fim foi uma jornada boa e me fez ficar com vontade de um dia rejogar o 3 base novamente.
Shulk e rex são personagens ok pra ruins em seus jogos, mas aqui pqp eles finalmente viram algo bom porra.
Matthew sola todo o elenco do 3 base
A personagem da A... deixa desejar
Nikol And Glimmer (Kageroi no jp) deixam a deixar pkrl, apesar de ter sides boas envolvendo eles, infelizmente isso pesa na reta final.
Num geral essa dlc foi melhor que o jogo base, mas deixo perguntas abertas que n deveria, as respostas são coesas mas não são boas, finalizei um pouco feliz por que minha experiência foi positiva num geral, mas xenoblade é uma montanha russa.
A great DLC I very much liked but definitely didn’t enjoy this more than the base game.
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is my favorite game that released in 2022 for its incredible story, gorgeous world with a beautiful soundtrack. Not to mention that I loved or liked most of the characters. And Future Redeemed manages to match that energy but with flaws. Combat is fun and dynamic as always and I really liked the Affinity Growth system. This system felt like a great differentiation from the class system where you can take on a different classes from other characters in the base game. Affinity Growth allows you to make upgrades in skills where you can make your characters more powerful for their class. One reason I didn’t like this system is because you NEED to find kits or relics around the map to unlock more abilities to upgrade. And unfortunately, you also need kits to unlock more slots to do more attacks or to wear more accessories. In the base game you can unlock these slots by just leveling up which I much rather prefer. I get this is a DLC trying to make it’s gameplay feel different and fresh but I much rather prefer the base game’s functionality. Other than that combat is still solid and fun with a new section to play in Aionios (or rather old section timeline wise) and I just love exploring the worlds in any Xenoblade game. Unfortunately, a lot of quests weren’t that interesting but still fun to do if you’re interested enough to collect items you may need for various reasons later on.
I really liked the story with also having many moments that meant a lot to me, but I did have a few issues with the story in general. I didn’t really like the pacing simply because I feel like it didn’t have enough time to flesh out some characters. I don’t hate Matthew but to me he seemed really uninteresting until the final 2 chapters of the story. And Nikol felt like a very meh character with not much to say. A major factor that contributed to this issue is the amount of spotlight that well loved returning characters such as Rex and Shulk got, they pretty much overshadowed many of the characters in this Expansion. I did love the interactions between Rex and Glimmer and I wish there was more of it than what we got. I also wish the story did more with Na’el considering she joins your team on the final chapter and it sucks there isn’t more to her other than just having the short role of a temporary antagonist. And N becomes a really refreshing character and makes me like him more as an antagonist not just for this Expansion but for the base game story as well. And of course I did love the story I just felt like it could’ve been better on some aspects. I just didn’t have the same attachment to the characters just like how I did for the main characters in the base game.
Many people have said that this Expansion is what the base game should’ve been and I have to say that I strongly disagree with that take. I feel like I may have been a little negative but by all means I really did like Future Redeemed and I did like the mechanics. I just feel like I was hoping to get more of what I loved from the base game and maybe I just should’ve came in to Future Redeemed with a more open mind. But again I don’t hate this DLC since I did have a great time playing it. Moving forward I wonder where the series will go next as this saga comes to an end.
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is my favorite game that released in 2022 for its incredible story, gorgeous world with a beautiful soundtrack. Not to mention that I loved or liked most of the characters. And Future Redeemed manages to match that energy but with flaws. Combat is fun and dynamic as always and I really liked the Affinity Growth system. This system felt like a great differentiation from the class system where you can take on a different classes from other characters in the base game. Affinity Growth allows you to make upgrades in skills where you can make your characters more powerful for their class. One reason I didn’t like this system is because you NEED to find kits or relics around the map to unlock more abilities to upgrade. And unfortunately, you also need kits to unlock more slots to do more attacks or to wear more accessories. In the base game you can unlock these slots by just leveling up which I much rather prefer. I get this is a DLC trying to make it’s gameplay feel different and fresh but I much rather prefer the base game’s functionality. Other than that combat is still solid and fun with a new section to play in Aionios (or rather old section timeline wise) and I just love exploring the worlds in any Xenoblade game. Unfortunately, a lot of quests weren’t that interesting but still fun to do if you’re interested enough to collect items you may need for various reasons later on.
I really liked the story with also having many moments that meant a lot to me, but I did have a few issues with the story in general. I didn’t really like the pacing simply because I feel like it didn’t have enough time to flesh out some characters. I don’t hate Matthew but to me he seemed really uninteresting until the final 2 chapters of the story. And Nikol felt like a very meh character with not much to say. A major factor that contributed to this issue is the amount of spotlight that well loved returning characters such as Rex and Shulk got, they pretty much overshadowed many of the characters in this Expansion. I did love the interactions between Rex and Glimmer and I wish there was more of it than what we got. I also wish the story did more with Na’el considering she joins your team on the final chapter and it sucks there isn’t more to her other than just having the short role of a temporary antagonist. And N becomes a really refreshing character and makes me like him more as an antagonist not just for this Expansion but for the base game story as well. And of course I did love the story I just felt like it could’ve been better on some aspects. I just didn’t have the same attachment to the characters just like how I did for the main characters in the base game.
Many people have said that this Expansion is what the base game should’ve been and I have to say that I strongly disagree with that take. I feel like I may have been a little negative but by all means I really did like Future Redeemed and I did like the mechanics. I just feel like I was hoping to get more of what I loved from the base game and maybe I just should’ve came in to Future Redeemed with a more open mind. But again I don’t hate this DLC since I did have a great time playing it. Moving forward I wonder where the series will go next as this saga comes to an end.
I was a mess leading up to this and after I beat it, I cannot believe the story is over am in shambles
godlike
godlike
If you look like A please ruin my life.
I started my playthrough of the Xeno series on December the 26th, booting up Xenogears for the first time with nothing more than a deep intrigue about a deeply loved cult-classic renown for its depth and thematically rich story, and now I sit here, several games later, finishing off this review having recently completed the final entry in the Xenoblade series: Future Redeemed. On the surface it may seem like just a conclusion to the Xenoblade trilogy, but instead goes one step further and embraces the entirety of the Xeno series as it aims to imbue its identity with elements from both Xenogears and Xenosaga, whether it be through the countless references that range from subtle to making you wonder "How did they get away with this?" or the usage of thematics that have been prevalent since the first Xeno game, it feels like a celebration of accomplishment and how far the series has come in its 25+ year lifespan. It is a game that screams fanservice from the top of its lungs but in a very endearing way, because despite how much its tied to the previous entries Future Redeemed is able to still create something great that stands proudly on its own two feet, cementing it as my favourite entry of the Blade series.
Exploration in Xenoblade has never been better, as map design takes a more focused approach with each region of Future Redeemed being densely packed, as opposed to the traditional vast and open biomes commonly found in previous Blade entries. Future Redeemed beckons you to interact with its map and explore all that it has to offer through its visually detailed and massively improved area design, which when combined with the highly rewarding exploration that is intrinsically tied to the newly added affinity tree system, results in an incredibly motivating cohesion of systems that work together to encourage the worthwhile time spent going off the beaten track. In addition your gem, arts and accessory slots that were previously locked behind levels in Blade 3 transition to being unlockable through consumables that are spread sparsely around the entire map, which when combined with the affinity tree allows for a large window of choice on how you want to build your party and choose between which characters are deserving of the resources you currently have. It should also be noted that this is the first Blade game that doesn't require loading between certain segments of the map, making for a seamless experience as each area flows into the other with no hitches.
"Nevertheless, our intentions will live on, and one day coalesce again. Be it tomorrow... or in a thousand years... Surely, the time will eventually come. I can see it, clear as day"
On a fundamental level, the Xeno series has always been about rejecting stagnation and pushing on towards the future, with Blade 3 leaning into this message much more than the others. Future Redeemed doesn't alter the thematics too much, choosing to build on what was established prior by still hammering home the importance on moving on towards the future in spite of adversity, but reaffirming and letting it be known that this message is not synonymous with completely casting away and abandoning the present or past. The main cast are more diverse in terms of their origins, allowing for an even representation of the past, present and future within the party resulting in not only the individual exploration of these themes, but also the interlinking of them through the interactions our characters have with one another.
Heavy emphasis is placed on the past by being shown through not just Shulk and Rex but also through a pervasive deep-seated sadness that can be found in every corner of Aionios, as the remnants of locations that once held fond memories, to us and the characters, are reduced to rubble. The present is represented by Matthew and Na'el, the two characters whom the narrative largely revolve around, and their trials and tribulations serve to demonstrate the necessity on reflecting on the past in order to learn from it as to not repeat the same mistakes, while also asserting that its perfectly fine to have things you cherish in the here and now.
Perhaps the most interesting development goes to the way the future is approached. This is not the story intended to conclude the Aionios arc, that is reserved for Blade 3, rather it's a story that ends on an future full of uncertainty, but one that has been imbued with such deep aspirations and meaning through the commitment to leave things to the next generation in the belief that there will be those to carry them on. Without the actions taken in Future Redeemed the Blade 3 cast would have likely never even started their journey, as the spark of hope ignited long before Matthew existed that he carefully nurtured and passed on, just as it was passed onto him, is carrying the hope that what was once a spark will one day grow into a roaring inferno, a coalescence of the wills and dreams of the many who came before and entrusted the future to those who could accomplish the things they couldn't. This is the message Future Redeemed delivers on, and one that I find very believable with its optimism through series creator Tetsuya Takahashi's acknowledgement and understanding of our weaknesses and shortcomings as humans, which is present in all of his works.
All in all, Future Redeemed is a brilliant thematic conclusion to the Xenoblade franchise, the first time Takahashi has been able to fulfil his ambition and give us his 6 game series. The Blade franchise may have been a rocky series for me to get through, but I'm happy to say that both Blade 3 and FR allowed it to end on a very high note, and the sheer quality of both sets a very high bar for Monolith Soft's next projects, whether there is a continuation of Xeno or something entirely different.
Exploration in Xenoblade has never been better, as map design takes a more focused approach with each region of Future Redeemed being densely packed, as opposed to the traditional vast and open biomes commonly found in previous Blade entries. Future Redeemed beckons you to interact with its map and explore all that it has to offer through its visually detailed and massively improved area design, which when combined with the highly rewarding exploration that is intrinsically tied to the newly added affinity tree system, results in an incredibly motivating cohesion of systems that work together to encourage the worthwhile time spent going off the beaten track. In addition your gem, arts and accessory slots that were previously locked behind levels in Blade 3 transition to being unlockable through consumables that are spread sparsely around the entire map, which when combined with the affinity tree allows for a large window of choice on how you want to build your party and choose between which characters are deserving of the resources you currently have. It should also be noted that this is the first Blade game that doesn't require loading between certain segments of the map, making for a seamless experience as each area flows into the other with no hitches.
"Nevertheless, our intentions will live on, and one day coalesce again. Be it tomorrow... or in a thousand years... Surely, the time will eventually come. I can see it, clear as day"
On a fundamental level, the Xeno series has always been about rejecting stagnation and pushing on towards the future, with Blade 3 leaning into this message much more than the others. Future Redeemed doesn't alter the thematics too much, choosing to build on what was established prior by still hammering home the importance on moving on towards the future in spite of adversity, but reaffirming and letting it be known that this message is not synonymous with completely casting away and abandoning the present or past. The main cast are more diverse in terms of their origins, allowing for an even representation of the past, present and future within the party resulting in not only the individual exploration of these themes, but also the interlinking of them through the interactions our characters have with one another.
Heavy emphasis is placed on the past by being shown through not just Shulk and Rex but also through a pervasive deep-seated sadness that can be found in every corner of Aionios, as the remnants of locations that once held fond memories, to us and the characters, are reduced to rubble. The present is represented by Matthew and Na'el, the two characters whom the narrative largely revolve around, and their trials and tribulations serve to demonstrate the necessity on reflecting on the past in order to learn from it as to not repeat the same mistakes, while also asserting that its perfectly fine to have things you cherish in the here and now.
Perhaps the most interesting development goes to the way the future is approached. This is not the story intended to conclude the Aionios arc, that is reserved for Blade 3, rather it's a story that ends on an future full of uncertainty, but one that has been imbued with such deep aspirations and meaning through the commitment to leave things to the next generation in the belief that there will be those to carry them on. Without the actions taken in Future Redeemed the Blade 3 cast would have likely never even started their journey, as the spark of hope ignited long before Matthew existed that he carefully nurtured and passed on, just as it was passed onto him, is carrying the hope that what was once a spark will one day grow into a roaring inferno, a coalescence of the wills and dreams of the many who came before and entrusted the future to those who could accomplish the things they couldn't. This is the message Future Redeemed delivers on, and one that I find very believable with its optimism through series creator Tetsuya Takahashi's acknowledgement and understanding of our weaknesses and shortcomings as humans, which is present in all of his works.
All in all, Future Redeemed is a brilliant thematic conclusion to the Xenoblade franchise, the first time Takahashi has been able to fulfil his ambition and give us his 6 game series. The Blade franchise may have been a rocky series for me to get through, but I'm happy to say that both Blade 3 and FR allowed it to end on a very high note, and the sheer quality of both sets a very high bar for Monolith Soft's next projects, whether there is a continuation of Xeno or something entirely different.
Every time I have to remind someone what my pronouns are, I want Rex to walk in and explain what being Non-Binary means.
Welcome back KOS-MOS.
100% Clear - Story Clear, All Locations and Landmarks, Community Entries, Side Quests, Field Crafts, Survivors Rescued, Containers, Enemypaedia, Collectipaedia, Superbosses, Gem Upgrades, Weapon Upgrades, Upgrade Kits, Manuals, Recipies, LVL 99
I thought the series couldn't get any better after the ending of Xenoblade Chronicles 3 but here we are with MonolithSoft proving me wrong again. This story is the perfect amount of fanservice, with amazing new systems that enhance the Xenoblade experience. If this is really the end of this erea of Xeno, then it is the perfect way to end it
PLAY THIS WHOLE SERIES IF YOU HAVEN'T
I thought the series couldn't get any better after the ending of Xenoblade Chronicles 3 but here we are with MonolithSoft proving me wrong again. This story is the perfect amount of fanservice, with amazing new systems that enhance the Xenoblade experience. If this is really the end of this erea of Xeno, then it is the perfect way to end it
PLAY THIS WHOLE SERIES IF YOU HAVEN'T
I see that Monolith Soft finally got tired of people treating optional content as what it is, because Future Redeemed is designed like a god damn collectathon. You are rewarded with "affinity points" for doing damn near anything, and the game always blares this fanfare. Every. Single. Time. You could at least make the popup more subtle if it's going to show up so frequently. It bothers me more that this kind of design is innately attuned to the part of my brain that wants to see everything completed. The menus are covered in "x/y found" or "x% complete", so I run around not necessarily because I want to see every inch of this world, but moreso because my characters' abilities depend on it.
There's a ton of blatant callbacks to XC1/XC2, but it's done in good taste. They wrap up the sci-fi aspects of the Xenoblade universe quite nicely with this story. Matthew says "I'm full of beans" quite a lot, and while I have no clue what that means, I am too after playing this game. Also, Rex is kind of a gigachad in this game. It almost makes up for XC3's ending implying that he impregnated three women.
Almost.
There's a ton of blatant callbacks to XC1/XC2, but it's done in good taste. They wrap up the sci-fi aspects of the Xenoblade universe quite nicely with this story. Matthew says "I'm full of beans" quite a lot, and while I have no clue what that means, I am too after playing this game. Also, Rex is kind of a gigachad in this game. It almost makes up for XC3's ending implying that he impregnated three women.
Almost.
Honestly, you can't enjoy this expansion to give it 5 stars unless you've completed the franchise up to this point. I don't want to gatekeep, but I have to express that it is necessary to play this. All I will say to avoid spoilers, it was a nice bow to end the trilogy. I couldnt play any games for like 2-3 months after realizing I was done with the trilogy lol.
You know it's peak when the immense, burning hatred I have for Rex is not enough to bring it down even slightly.
I gotta admit, I was a little burnt out on XBC3 when I went into this, so I was a little worried once I started it. Imagine my surprise when not even 20 minutes in, I was already incredibly invested, and by the end, I didn't want it to be over. Future Redeemed takes every system that works from XBC3 and builds upon them in such a fun and satisfying way that it makes the gameplay loop maybe the most enjoyable in the entire series. Playing as Rex is quite possibly the most fun I've had in a JRPG, Double Spinning Edge is one hell of a drug. In terms of story, I gotta hand it to FR for being able to weave bits and pieces from all 3 XBC games, alongside nods to Xenosaga and Xenogears, and do it all so coheasively, its an enjoyable tale all the way through. FR doesn't add too much new music, but the pieces it does have all stand out extremely well, with the Final Boss theme in particular being absolutely insane. My last big praise for FR is its length, because it genuinely feels like the perfect length, its not too long nor too short, I never felt like my interest was fading, it really nailed that sweet spot. In conclusion, I'm feeling full of beans and I need XBC4 stat.