SPOILER ALERT
FERAL FUTURE
Xenoblade Chronicles: Future Connected is a somewhat sizable epilogue of the main game of Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition. While I greatly enjoyed my time in the post-Mechonis world of Future Connected, I couldn’t help but feel there are more questions posed than the game has answers for.
BEGIN AGAIN
Taking place one year after the Mechonis-Bionis/Zanza-Yaldaboath war, Future Connected attempts(and mostly succeeds) at tying up many narrative loose ends. Shulk and Melia, whilst piloting the Junks airship, are shot down by a raving Telethia. Amidst inescapable terror and excitement, our heroes plummet towards the Bionis Shoulder; a previously unexplored region. In the confusion of seemingly certain death, the pair hear voices cry out; aplomb with vigor are two smaller voices preparing for battle. Enter the nopon!
Our main goal is to fix the Junks airship. MonolithSoft has a knack for deceptively encourage players to prioritize the main path, while providing a smattering of side content for completionists. You’ll find a generous bounty of side quests, unique bosses and items. MonolithSoft should be commended for including so much content in an expansion-logue(yes, that’s a new term. You’re welcome) at no extra cost.
Melia really comes to her own in this expansion. We see her constantly re-examine herself as a leader of the High Entia race. Her flaws, her strengths, her weaknesses are all laid bare. Future Connected is a tale of fleeting despair acquiescing to hope and purpose.
On the other hand, I can’t help but feel that there should be a declarative statement or synopsis that ties the whole Xeno(Gears, Saga and Blade respectively) together. What does Future Connected spell out for the eventual Xenoblade 3? I never stopped hearing my inner voice ask that question.
MEAT AND PLAY-TATOES
If you’re familiar with Xenoblade Chronicles’ battle system(and you should be) , you‘ll be at home in Future Connected, mostly. Player levels start out at 60, and you have a more limited team pool. It was a rude awakening for me, as I wiped out fairly early, per my own recklessness. It was a nice shake up, but be warned; don’t go into this expansion-logue thinking you’re going to wreck $&@! if you struggled in the main game.
For those seeking bar/inventory fillers, you’ll be pleased to hear that there are new mechanics abound. The ether crystals deposits now reward you with gems instead of crystals. Not only does this cutback on mundane menu surfing, it cultivates a mindset that keeps you the player to search for the best of the best.
TEMPUS FUGIT-IVE
Time Attack Mode is yet another bonus included in Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition. Here, players can tackle two sets of challenges and acquire Noponstones, which can be used for a number of in-game prizes. How it breaks down is as follows:
Free Mode: Can use any party members and equipment to complete battle challenges. Level requirements are non existent. Wave based. Rewards are theoretically easier to obtain.
Fixed Mode: Fixed party members and levels, Wave based. Rewards are theoretically harder to obtain.
The lazy SOB in me prefers Free Mode, but the ambitious side of me will commit to having it all. I personally feel as if the Fixed Mode challenges are hard just to be hard somewhat. Not insurmountable by any means, just kind of silly. With that being said, it’s a welcome addition to an already content-dense game. You’d be hard pressed to find another Japanese Role-Playing game of this caliber. Whether it be replay value, structure, or world building, Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition is a class act.
Purveyors Of Pixels 