Wrapping up this year's Nintendo Direct was Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition, this is the first new main entry the series has gotten since 2017.
With fans of the series ready to dive into the story, Xenoblade Chronicles 3's September 2022 release date can't come fast enough. The trailer used cutscenes gameplay, and quotes to introduce characters, locations, and gameplay. But what was specifically revealed about the release?
Aionios
Comprised of the warring nations of Agnus and Keves, Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is set in the world of Aionios. Still, the trailer makes reference to the "land pierced by a great sword," which seems to be referring to Bionis from the first Xenoblade Chronicles.
Additionally, the Mechonis sword is pictured at the end, along with the body of the Urayan Titan from Xenoblade Chronicles 2. Like the previous games, gameplay footage shows that Xenoblade Chronicles 3 will feature open-world exploration of Aionios.
Keves Characters
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 follows two protagonists and their companions. Hailing from Keves and wielding a sword similar to that of the other protagonists of the series, Noah is the first character seen or heard in the trailer.
He's ed by his friends Lanz and Eunie, a soldier with a shield-like sword and a healer wielding a combination staff and rifle. Early in the trailer, he and coprotagonist Mio are seen fighting against each other, but later scenes show them fighting on the same side.
Agnus Characters
Sporting feline characteristics reminiscent of the Gormotti from Xenoblade Chronicles 2, glowing chakrams, and agile dodges, Mio is the protagonist from Agnus. She's partnered with small but strong Sena and her large hammer, and tactician Taion and his origami-like birds that he controls in battle.
The three can be seen and heard arguing with the Keves crew, but the trailer quickly shows them beginning to understand each other as their interests align and they come together.
Returning Characters
Fans were quick to notice that the two figures near the end of the trailer look and sound like Nia and Melia from Xenoblade Chronicles 2 and Xenoblade Chronicles, respectively. Both former playable characters, their brief appearances have more villainous undertones.
Nintendo has had success with returning characters before, so it's far from out of the question. While it's unclear for the moment if it's truly the characters or some sort of fake out, fans are excited nonetheless to see how the two factor into the storyline.
Nopon's
Unlike the prior two games, there are no Nopons in the main cast of characters. The small, furry race isn't absent from the trailer however, with two of them making a brief appearance; one sporting an afro and teal fur, the other pink hair and orange fur (Riku and Manana, according to the official Xenoblade Twitter ).
There's no telling if a Nopon will make it onto the cast of playable characters, but with Riku and Manana’s appearance, it's clear Nopons are at least present as NPCs in the world and story.
Flutes
One of the first things viewers hear and see in the trailer is Noah playing an ornate flute. Throughout the rest of the clip, flutes are prominently featured, including several scenes of Noah and Mio playing together.
The UK Nintendo page for the game describes both protagonists as "off-seers" who mourn soldiers lost in battle. With the two of them being the only playable shown with the instruments, it's likely that the flutes are somehow connected to them being off-seers, perhaps serving as a conduit or outlet for their mourning.
Vehicles
The trailer shows many instances of gameplay, including creatures in the world, combat, and travel. During the depicted travel, the player can be seen controlling a boat over water, introducing vehicles to the gameplay for the first time.
Aside from being a quality of life improvement, as boat travel is sure to be faster than swimming, there's also possibility of them being used in combat. Large aquatic enemies can be seen swimming in the same portion of the trailer, indicating that they can be encountered while in the vehicle. It would make a lot of sense if these new transportation devices did more than just carry the player around, and it would be a fun game mechanic to introduce as well.
Clocks
Mentioned in lines by Eunie and Mio, one of the bigger mysteries of the game is what the clocks they refer to are. Eunie questions the point of "filling up" the "clocks in our eyes," while Mio calls for the destruction of the "Flame Clock."
While neither of these mentions give very much information, they still make it clear that the clocks will be an important factor, perhaps relating to the games stated theme of "life." It's not hard to notice the thematic connection between life and time, but it is so far unclear what particular role clocks might play in the actual game's narrative or gameplay.
