This is how you do DLC. What could have been a simple prequel story became one of my favorite Xenoblade experiences with improvements that make it essential playing.
The story of Jin and Lora is beautifully tragic knowing where it leads. Watching these characters we know will become antagonists in their happier days adds so much weight to every interaction. The relationship dynamics between drivers and blades are explored even deeper here and seeing how the bonds form makes the eventual tragedy hit harder. Every character gets proper development and screen time making the party feel more balanced than the main game.
Combat is refined to perfection here. The vanguard/rear-guard switching system adds a new layer of strategy that makes battles more dynamic. Being able to control blades directly and swap between driver and blade on the fly keeps combat engaging throughout. The talent art system and team combos feel more refined and every character is viable which encourages experimentation.
The Community system where you help NPCs and build support levels is actually meaningful here. It makes the world feel more alive and gives weight to your actions as you’re building actual relationships. Seeing these communities before the devastation of the main game adds emotional impact. The side quests feel more integrated into the main narrative rather than just busy work.
Torna as a location is gorgeous and more focused than the sprawling titans of the main game. This tighter scope works in its favor as every area is memorable and packed with things to discover. The golden country lives up to its name with beautiful vistas and that distinctive Xenoblade sense of scale. Exploring feels rewarding with unique rewards and lore scattered throughout.
The party of Lora, Jin, Haze, Addam, Mythra, Minoth, Hugo, Brighid, and Aegaeon has incredible chemistry. Their camp conversations and battle banter bring so much personality to the adventure. Mythra’s character development from bratty and insecure to confident and caring is handled perfectly. Seeing Jin and Lora’s relationship in its prime makes his fate in the main game heartbreaking.
The soundtrack continues the series tradition of excellence. The battle themes are energetic, the area themes atmospheric, and the emotional tracks hit just as hard as the main game. The final battle theme is absolutely epic and the credits song will make you emotional if you played XC2 first.
32 hours for what’s technically DLC is incredible value and every hour is quality. The refined gameplay, focused story, and emotional weight make this essential for any Xenoblade fan. Playing this after XC2 adds so much context and emotional depth to that game’s story.
Torna proves that Monolith Soft listens to feedback and can iterate on their formula while maintaining what makes Xenoblade special. One of the best expansions ever made.