Nintendo presented a deep dive into the imminent JRPG epic Xenoblade Chronicles in today’s focussed Direct presentation, revealing an expansion pass that unlocks helpful items and outfits upon the game’s release next month and that will provide access to a new story scenario that’s set to launch before the end of 2023.
There was plenty more shown off, with Xenoblade Chronicles 3 thankfully dialling back some of the anime excesses of Xenoblade Chronicles 2 – there was not a single improbably proportioned sidekick to be seen – while restoring some of the scale and wonder of Xenoblade Chronicles X.
Set on the planet of Aionios, Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is set against a backdrop of warring factions from the nations of Keves and Agnos, and a world in which people have pre-determined lifespans of 10 years. Your party is drawn from three characters from each side who’ve put their differences aside – and opening up a broader, deeper take on combat that’s rich with systems.