Introduction
Released in 2017 for the Nintendo Switch, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is an epic action role-playing game developed by Monolith Soft. It is the third entry in the Xenoblade Chronicles series, blending together grand storytelling, a complex battle system, and a vast, open world. The game transports players to Alrest, a world inhabited by massive, living titans. These colossal creatures serve as the homes for various civilizations, each with their own culture, politics, and mysteries.
With its deep lore, memorable characters, and innovative combat mechanics, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 has cemented itself as a cornerstone of the JRPG (Japanese role-playing game) genre. In this article, we will delve into the game’s world, story, gameplay mechanics, and why it continues to captivate players to this day.
The Story of Xenoblade Chronicles 2
The World of Alrest
The world of Alrest is unique in that it exists atop a vast ocean of clouds, with the inhabitants living on the backs of titans. The titans vary in size, shape, and environment, and they’re home to a variety of societies ranging from bustling cities to remote villages. At the center of this world lies the myth of Elysium, a paradise said to exist above the clouds. Elysium is considered a utopia where life can flourish, and the protagonist’s journey is deeply tied to this myth.
The Protagonist: Rex
The story follows Rex, a young salvager who ekes out a living by recovering lost artifacts from the Cloud Sea. His life takes a turn when he encounters a Blade named Pyra, who claims to be the key to reaching Elysium. Blades are powerful beings summoned by Drivers (humans), and they possess incredible abilities that aid in both combat and exploration.
As Rex agrees to help Pyra return to her home in Elysium, he becomes entangled in a much larger conflict. Powerful factions and dangerous enemies emerge, all vying for control of the Aegis, a legendary weapon tied to Pyra’s true nature. This sets the stage for a grand, world-spanning adventure.
Blades and Drivers: The Core Mechanic
Blades: The Heart of Combat
The relationship between Blades and Drivers forms the crux of Xenoblade Chronicles 2’s combat system. Blades are mystical entities that grant their Drivers special abilities in battle. Each Blade is unique, possessing their own personality, elemental affinities, and skill sets. Pyra, for instance, is a fire-elemental Blade with abilities that can deal devastating damage while supporting Rex with healing powers.
Players can summon multiple Blades using Core Crystals, which adds a layer of unpredictability to the game. You never know which Blade you’ll summon, and each one brings different strategies to the battlefield. Some Blades focus on offense, others on defense, while others specialize in healing and support.
Drivers and Blade Combos
The symbiotic relationship between Blades and Drivers is what makes combat in Xenoblade Chronicles 2 so dynamic. As a Driver, Rex can equip up to three Blades at once, allowing for versatility in combat. Blades provide weapons and abilities, while the Drivers control the flow of battle. The key to success lies in the seamless switching between Blades and unleashing powerful Blade Combos.
Blade Combos are special chain attacks that are built by linking together moves of specific elements, creating devastating results. For example, combining fire, water, and earth abilities may trigger a massive elemental explosion that can turn the tide of battle. Mastering the timing and elemental affinities of Blades is essential for dealing with tougher enemies and bosses.
The Expansive World of Alrest
Exploration of Titans
The world of Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is vast and full of surprises. Each titan has its own distinct environment, ranging from lush forests to arid deserts, frozen tundras, and sprawling cities. Exploring these titans is a core part of the gameplay experience. Players will encounter hidden treasures, secret areas, and powerful enemies that require strategic planning to defeat.
Each region is beautifully crafted with stunning visuals and attention to detail. The titans are living creatures, and players can often see them moving in the background, creating a sense of scale and wonder. Exploration rewards curious players, as hidden quests, powerful Blades, and rare items are scattered throughout Alrest.
Side Quests and NPC Interaction
Like many open-world RPGs, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 offers a plethora of side quests and optional activities. Players can engage with a wide variety of NPCs (non-playable characters), each with their own stories and challenges. Completing these side quests can unlock new abilities, improve relationships with certain Blades, or lead to valuable rewards.
One of the highlights of the game is the Merc Missions system. Players can send their Blades on timed missions while they continue to explore and progress through the main story. This system allows for more passive gameplay and a chance to strengthen your team even when you’re not actively engaged in battle.
Characters and Relationships
A Cast of Memorable Characters
One of Xenoblade Chronicles 2’s biggest strengths lies in its cast of characters. Rex is the optimistic, kind-hearted hero, but the game also introduces a colorful array of allies and enemies. From the stoic warrior Zeke to the enigmatic Malos, every character brings depth to the narrative.
The relationship between Rex and Pyra (and her alternate form, Mythra) is at the heart of the story. Their bond grows over the course of the game, revealing deeper layers of Pyra’s past and the mysteries surrounding the Aegis.
Affinity and Relationships
Building relationships with Blades and NPCs isn’t just for story purposes; it plays a significant role in gameplay as well. The Affinity system tracks the bonds between characters, and as these bonds grow stronger, players unlock powerful new abilities and skills. Each Blade has an Affinity Chart that unlocks passive bonuses, enhanced attacks, and other perks as you complete certain objectives.
Building strong bonds with Blades is crucial to making your team more effective in combat. By interacting with your Blades through conversations, feeding them favorite foods, and using them in battle, you can deepen their Affinity and unlock their true potential.
The Gacha System and RNG
Core Crystals and RNG Mechanics
One of the more controversial aspects of Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is its gacha-like system for obtaining Blades. Players can use Core Crystals to summon random Blades, and while many Blades are common, some are rare and difficult to obtain. This RNG (random number generator) system can lead to frustration for players who are looking for specific Blades to round out their team.
While the game does provide a large number of story Blades that are guaranteed, the randomness of Core Crystal summons means that some of the best Blades are left to chance. However, this also adds an element of excitement when summoning a powerful or unique Blade unexpectedly.
Music and Visual Design
Epic Soundtrack by Yasunori Mitsuda
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 boasts a stunning soundtrack composed by legendary composer Yasunori Mitsuda and a team of talented musicians. The music ranges from peaceful, atmospheric tracks to epic battle themes, perfectly complementing the mood and tone of each scene. The track “Drifting Soul” is particularly memorable, underscoring emotional moments in the story.
Beautiful World Design
Visually, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is a feast for the eyes. The game’s vibrant, anime-inspired art style brings the world of Alrest to life. Each titan is distinct, filled with diverse landscapes that are a joy to explore. The attention to detail in both the environments and character designs adds to the game’s immersive experience.
The Torna: The Golden Country Expansion
For those who want more after completing the main game, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 offers a robust expansion called Torna: The Golden Country. This prequel story delves into the backstory of key characters like Jin and Lora, offering more insight into the events that shaped the world of Alrest. The expansion introduces new mechanics, a revamped combat system, and an additional narrative that further enriches the lore of the game.
Conclusion
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is a vast, complex, and emotionally charged journey that has captivated players with its engaging story, dynamic combat, and rich world-building. The relationship between Blades and Drivers, along with the open-world exploration of the titans, creates a unique experience that sets it apart from other RPGs. Whether you’re drawn to its epic narrative, challenging combat, or stunning visuals, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is a must-play for any fan of the JRPG genre.
The game not only offers hours of content through its main story but also provides endless replayability with side quests, Blade customization, and the Torna expansion. For players who seek a rich and immersive adventure, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 delivers an unforgettable experience in the clouds of Alrest.
