Xenoblade Chronicles (universe)

Xenoblade Chronicles (universe)
	;
Developer(s)	Monolith Soft; Monster Games
Publisher(s)	Nintendo
Designer(s)	Tetsuya Takahashi
Genre(s)	Action role-playing
Console/platform of origin	Wii
First installment	Xenoblade Chronicles (2010)
Latest installment	Xenoblade Chronicles 3: Future Redeemed (2023)
Article on Xeno Series Wiki	Xenoblade Chronicles (universe)

The Xenoblade Chronicles universe (ゼノブレイド, Xenoblade) refers to the Super Smash Bros. series' collection of characters and other properties hailing from Nintendo and Monolith Soft's series of open-world action role-playing games. Xenoblade currently consists of four installments and is the newest subseries of the Xeno metafranchise, which has spanned several systems and publishers. The series is represented in a playable form by the protagonist of the first Xenoblade Chronicles game, Shulk, with elements from its two sequels present in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate including an additional 2-in-1 fighter in the form of Pyra and Mythra from Xenoblade Chronicles 2.

Franchise description

Tetsuya Takahashi was an employee for Squaresoft (now Square Enix), known for working in the Final Fantasy series as an artist, starting in Final Fantasy IV. He has worked on the opening scene of Final Fantasy VI, and as a graphic designer for Chrono Trigger, the latter where composer Yasunori Mitsuda would join him later in the Xeno franchise. While deciding potential scripts for what would eventually become Final Fantasy VII for the PlayStation, developer Squaresoft decided against a script written by Takahashi on the basis of it being "too dark and complicated" for the company's vision of Final Fantasy; however, Square and Hironobu Sakaguchi allowed him to start the project as a new property instead. Takahashi, working with a subteam within Square, became the director of what was released in the Americas as Xenogears for the PlayStation in late 1998. The game, a science fiction JRPG featuring traditional combat that sometimes involves humanoid combat robots called "gears" - in accordance with various recurrent concepts in mecha genres - was a critical and commercial success in both Japan and the Americas, and received recognition for its ambitious approach to incorporating major themes into its storytelling and characterization, examining both the principles put forth by reputed philosophers and the theological concepts and devotional practices of several real-world religions.

Though Xenogears was conceived as the fifth episode of a series of six, Square decided against devoting resources to further works related to Xenogears in favor of focusing on their flagship Final Fantasy series, which prompted Takahashi and much of the Xenogears staff to leave the company and form what would become Monolith Soft with the financial backing of Bandai Namco. Due to the legal rights of Xenogears remaining with Square, Takahashi could not create games that were direct extensions of the Xenogears continuity (despite what the end credits originally indicated), so he proceeded on a project that could more accurately be described as a reboot that shared thematic similarities: the Xenosaga trilogy (which was originally intended to be six games), published by Bandai Namco from 2002 to 2006 on the PlayStation 2. Set millennia in the future where Earth is no longer the primary homeworld of a space-faring humanity, the games feature different combat systems between each installment, all of which are mechanically separate from their spiritual PlayStation predecessor. References to other IPs from Namco were also present throughout this series, such as Tekken with Kazuya Mishima in the first game. The series' reception was generally favorable, though review outlets tended to express more mixed opinions when comparing them with Xenogears, finding fault with elements such as a much more lopsided cutscene-to-gameplay ratio and the removal of some of the acclaimed philosophical elements.

In May 2007, Namco sold its stake in Monolith Soft to Nintendo, and Monolith Soft soon became a first-party developer for the company. Takahashi began work on a different IP for the Wii, which over the course of four years of development was unveiled at E3 2009 under the title Monado: Beginning of the World. It would later be renamed Xenoblade Chronicles, by then-president Satoru Iwata, once again following the convention of including Xeno- in the title to honor the director's previous, though otherwise unconnected, work. Involving himself in every aspect of the game's development, Takahashi worked to separate it from its forerunners in both gameplay style and theme, with the relationship between humans and machines as one of the carryovers. The original concept of the game came from the idea of giant godlike titans serving as the basis for the world and story, with the gameplay coming later. Once the concept was presented to the team, morale was bolstered and development kicked off. The game would eventually be released in Japan on June 10, 2010, and then in PAL regions on August 19, 2011; however, the game's American release would only take place on April 6, 2012, which led to an interim period where concerned gamers took part in a fan campaign called "Operation Rainfall" to persuade Nintendo of America to localize the game and two other Japan-exclusive Wii RPGs, The Last Story and Pandora's Tower. This campaign was successful and all three games eventually received limited releases throughout 2012. This release did come with some compromises, particularly with Xenoblade. An estimated 100,000 units were distrubted for all of North America through Nintendo's store and GameStop. The game sold out very quickly, and the original release is now considered a somewhat rare collector's piece. Also, since an English dub was already created in Europe, Nintendo of America simply used it for the North American release, starting the tradition of a majority of the English cast in every Xenoblade game since having thick European accents.

Xenoblade Chronicles received overwhelming critical acclaim across the board. It was lauded for revitalizing and reinventing the otherwise stagnant Japanese role-playing genre and bringing it into the twenty-first century, with a sense of freedom instilled by a massive open world that has been compared to the size of the real-world Japanese archipelago. Many unique landmarks and hundreds of side missions of varying lengths are peppered across this world, with someone leading to unique interactions and cutscenes, officially titled "Heart-to-Heart." This encourages exploration in hopes of finding new content that would be of great benefit later. The gameplay style of the combat closely resembles that of Final Fantasy XII, but with elements indicative of MMO titles. Battles are not turn-based and instead take place in real-time, with enemies roaming about the overworld, able to be engaged at the player's discretion. Enemies can direct their attention, or "aggro", to certain party members, and it is actively encouraged for particular techniques. Certain creatures are also "uniquely named" and act as overworld mini-bosses; it is not uncommon to find a unique monster roaming about in an otherwise tame landscape. Combat has an emphasis on chained group attacks and allowing some characters to strategically divert enemy attention away from other party members. The game introduced the concept of character specific abilities called Arts, which are governed by a cooldown system that does away with the traditional magic points, and became a staple of the series moving forward. Closely tied in with the game's theme is a "Visions" system where the lead character can see glimpses of critical or even fatal enemy attacks, which can allow the player to either avoid or prevent an incoming attack. Especially praised were the characters, both for their writing and voice performances and for the integration of their relationships into core aspects of the gameplay both inside and outside of battle. The game sold over 800,000 units globally and, as a first-party Nintendo property, its main character Shulk was included in the roster of Super Smash Bros. 4 in 2014 and returned in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

Shulk on Bionis' Leg, with the Mechonis in the far distance, as depicted in Shulk's SSB4 reveal trailer. The two titans form the world of Xenoblade Chronicles.

After the success of the seminal entry, Monolith Soft sought out to develop a new entry in the series. This new entry was teased with the codename "X" by in early 2013. The successor's title was finalized during E3 2014 as Xenoblade Chronicles X and released for Wii U in Japan on April 29, 2015 and on December 4, 2015 overseas. While not a direct sequel to the first entry, this game is instead a spiritual successor with an unrelated story that utilizes similar gameplay mechanics. However, their are some subtle connections to the first entry found in-game implying a shared universe, which was confirmed in later entries. Gameplay is largely similar to the first entry, with its major gimmick being characters can use both melee and ranged weapons and can pilot humanoid mechs called Skells to fight and traverse the game's enormous world, complete with smaller supplementary tools to aid in exploration and discovery. Xenoblade Chronicles X received mostly positive reviews and is generally received as a solid entry in the series with enough differences to play it over the others, although some elements like the soundtrack and obtuse user interface can be hard to swallow at times. The game sold roughly 400,000 copies, which was significantly less than the previous entry, though this can partially be attributed to the overall poor sales of the Wii U. This game did receive some controversy after release. Fans outside of Japan noticed that some content was removed during the localization process, including scantily clad costumes for canonically underage characters and a character creation slider for breast size. This caused some outrage that international players were getting an inferior product, though Tetsuya Takahashi has claimed that he personally does not mind these changes.^[1] The game was also the largest first party Wii U game ever made at 23 gigabytes, which was inflated even more with DLC packs that existed solely to fix performance issues, outright preventing many potential players from playing the game.

A port of the original Wii title, titled Xenoblade Chronicles 3D was developed by Monster Games and released for the New Nintendo 3DS on April 2, 2015 in Japan, Europe, and Australia, and on April 10, 2015 in the Americas. The handheld port was lauded for preserving the scale and frame rate of the original game while also including additional side content such as a jukebox and character model viewer, but skepticism was cited for the port's considerably downgraded visuals. The original Wii version was made available for digital download much later on the Wii U eShop in Europe on August 5, 2015 and in the Americas on April 28, 2016.

Tetsuya Takahashi understood the criticisms that fans had about the previous entry on Wii U regarding the shift away from a rich story, among other complaints, and thus strove to address them in the next title. During the Nintendo Switch presentation in January 2017, Takahashi revealed this titled as the next numbered entry in the series titled Xenoblade Chronicles 2, which would release for Nintendo Switch worldwide on December 1, 2017. This entry reverts back to the fantasy settings of the first game with heavier emphasis on gameplay and world building, concepts Xenoblade Chronicles X deviated from to mixed reception. Gameplay is again mostly similar, with the main gimmick being drivers and blades, the former being able to control and swap between the latter in combat. This allows for many more playable characters than previous games, all with unique dialogue and quests. The game was seen as a return to form for the series and a must-have for an early Nintendo Switch title, though criticism was given towards not being designed with beginners in mind, as this game was likely the first taste of the series for many. The game has sold nearly 3 million copies sover its life time, far more than any previous entry in the series.

This game received a downloadable expansion in 2018 titled Xenoblade Chronicles 2: Torna ~ The Golden Country, which is a prequel story that explains how many character are in their positions by the events of the main game. Other small downloadable content was released after the main game, notably Shulk and Fiora as blades. This particular pack confirms that previous games exist in alternate universes and an event that could destroy them all is coming.

In between mainline entries, a full high-definition remake of the game with added story content, titled Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition, was released for the Nintendo Switch on May 29, 2020. This version included a slightly different artstyle to fit better with its sequel, re-recorded music, and a new time attack mode. However, the lack of feature introduced in Xenoblade Chronicles 3D like the juke box drew some criticism and prevented the game from truly being the definitive edition of the game. This release also include a new campaign titled Xenoblade Chronicles: Future Connected, which is available from the start. This campaign reintroduces content cut from the original release, and adds more teases to the shared universe concept introduced in both Xenoblade Chronicles X and Xenoblade Chronicles 2.

During the Nintendo Direct of February 9, 2022, Monolith Soft made the official announcement of Xenoblade Chronicles 3 for Nintendo Switch and originally set to be released for September 2022. However, the game was finished ahead of schedule and released on July 29, 2022. This game is the final installment in the Klaus saga, and fully realizes the shared universe concept with the worlds of the previous numbered entries combining into one, with the goal to undo this damage or at least bring peace. Gameplay is largely similar to previous entries, with the main gimmick being a greatly expanded battle party, now containing six active members instead of the typical three at a time. This allows for more strategies and customization, which leads to more unique battle scenarios. The game once again received overall positive reception and was praised as the culmination of what made previous games great in the first place. There was criticism levied towards a divisive ending and performance issues caused by aging Nintendo Switch hardware, but most reviews admitted that these complaints were either minor issues or up to personal tastes.

This game received a downloadable season pass that introduced new content into 2023. The final installment is a story expansion titled Xenoblade Chronicles 3: Future Redeemed. This story acts as an interquel between all three numbered Xenoblade titles, but also hints of connections with the remaining Xeno games (Xenoblade X, the Xenosaga trilogy, Xenogears) and ties up all loose ends in the series. The developers have confirmed the next entries will contain a new storyline.

The Xeno franchise has also received a few crossovers, largely in other games that Monolith Soft had a hand in development. The most prominent is the Super Smash Bros. series, which contains Shulk from Xenoblade Chronicles in the base game of both Super Smash Bros. 4 and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate alongside the stage Gaur Plain, and Pyra and Mythra added as downloadable fighters in Ultimate in 2021 alongside the stage Cloud Sea of Alrest. Other additions include music tracks, trophies, spirits, and Mii Costumes, including a special Rex costume for purchasing the Ultimate Fighter Pass 1. To commemorate the launch of Xenoblade Chronicles 2, Rex's Salvager Armor Set was also released as free equipment for Link in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, which Monolith Soft helped develop. Outside of first-party titles, the game Namco x Capcom and its spiritual successor Project X Zone series, all developed by Monolith Soft contain KOS-MOS and T-elos as playable characters characters alongside Bandai Namco, Capcom, Sega, and Nintendo characters in Project X Zone 2, as it is also containing Fiora.

In Super Smash Bros. 4

The Xenoblade Chronicles franchise makes its official debut in Smash 4, with one fighter, one Assist Trophy, one stage, a handful of music tracks, a Mii Fighter costume, plenty of trophies, and a boss character representing it. All representation is strictly from the original Xenoblade Chronicles, as that was the only entry in the series to have been released by that point.

Fighter

Shulk (Starter): The protagonist of Xenoblade Chronicles debuts as a starter character and wields the Monado as his primary means of combat. In battle, Shulk utilizes various Monado Arts that alter his attributes, such as jumping height or damage output, and the Monado's beam blade grants him the single longest-reaching sword in the game. Despite all of this, though, Shulk is currently ranked 35th on the Super Smash Bros. 4 tier list, labeling him as a mid-tier character. This is in large part due to his Monado Arts’ drawbacks and his notoriously sluggish frame data, though a dedicated playerbase has been studying his Arts and continuously uncovering new advanced techniques with them.

Stage

Gaur Plain (Starter): An expansive stretch of wilderness located on the Bionis' Leg. The lifeless body of Mechonis can be seen in the background of the stage. Many platforms, some of them being walk-offs, are strewn about haphazardly. Gaur Plain appears in both versions of SSB4, although it is larger in the Wii U version, with more platforms and two usable springs. The stage in both versions features a day-night cycle starting in the daytime and when nightfall comes, Metal Face may arrive and attack any nearby fighters while verbally taunting them.

Assist Trophy

Riki: One of Shulk's comrades and party members, Riki uses Arts like Happy Happy, Freezinate, Yoink!, Bedtime, You Can Do It, and Roly Poly. He also appears in Shulk's Final Smash.

Mii Costume

Outfit

Dunban's Outfit (DLC): Based on Dunban's outfit, one of Shulk's closest friends and party members in Xenoblade Chronicles. Includes a Dunban outfit for Mii Swordfighters and a Dunban Wig. The Mii will hold the Homs Sabre if it is worn. Dunban himself also appears alongside Riki as part of Shulk's Final Smash.

Headgear

Dunban Wig (DLC): Based on Dunban's haircut in the original game.

Music

Main article: List of SSB4 Music (Xenoblade Chronicles series)

Original Track

Xenoblade Chronicles Medley: The only Xenoblade Chronicles remix on the soundtrack, this track is a medley of "Gaur Plain (Day)", "Mechanical Rhythm", "You Will Know Our Names", and "Engage the Enemy".

Source Tracks

Engage the Enemy: This music plays during special story events in Xenoblade Chronicles and is featured on Disc 2 of A Smashing Soundtrack.
Gaur Plain: This is the music that plays in Xenoblade Chronicles on the Bionis' Leg during the day. It is featured on Disc 1 of A Smashing Soundtrack.
Gaur Plain (Night): This is the music that plays in Xenoblade Chronicles on the Bionis' Leg during the night.
Time to Fight!: This is the music that plays in Xenoblade Chronicles during regular battles on Bionis.
An Obstacle in Our Path: This track plays during most boss battles, usually against Faced Mechon.
Mechanical Rhythm: This is the music that plays in Xenoblade Chronicles during the regular battles on Mechonis.
You Will Know Our Names: This is the music that plays in Xenoblade Chronicles when the party confronts a uniquely named monster. It is featured on Disc 1 of A Smashing Soundtrack.

Victory Theme

Victory! Shulk: Taken from the second half of the riff of "You Will Know Our Names" from Xenoblade Chronicles.

Trophies

Main article: List of SSB4 trophies (Xenoblade Chronicles series)

In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

In the base game, the series has received a massive boost in representation with the addition of elements from the two Xenoblade Chronicles games released between Smash 4 and Ultimate, primarily in the form of Mii Fighter costumes, music tracks, and Spirits. Otherwise, all of the previous representation has been maintained in the transition. One of the Mii Fighter costumes is also featured as a bonus for purchasing the first Fighters Pass. Then in March 2021, Pyra and Mythra from Xenoblade Chronicles 2 were added as downloadable fighters, bringing with them a new stage and even more music tracks and Spirits.

Much later in January 2024, a new combined spirit from Xenoblade Chronicles 3 was added to the game, completing the representation of the trilogy in this branch of the wider Xeno franchise.

Fighters

57.
Shulk (Unlockable): The Heir to the Monado from the original Xenoblade Chronicles returns as an unlockable fighter after being a starter in Smash 4. One fundamental change to his moveset is how Monado Arts are selected; in addition to pressing the special button repeatedly to choose the desired Art, the player can now also quick-select Arts instantly by holding the special button and tilting the control stick. Besides this, he has been substantially buffed regarding his frame data and landing lag, even though some of his advanced techniques have been removed and his Monado Arts now provide more extreme benefits and drawbacks. Mecha-Fiora now joins him, Dunban, and Riki for his Final Smash, Chain Attack.
79-80.
Pyra/Mythra (DLC): The two sides of the Aegis from Xenoblade Chronicles 2 arrive as downloadable newcomers as part of the Fighters Pass Vol. 2. Mechanically, they function as a 2-in-1 fighter and can transform into each other at any time using their down special Swap, similar to Zelda and Sheik in Melee and Brawl. Their normal attacks have identical animations, with differences in power, speed, and frame data setting them apart. Their special attacks consist of their respective Blade Arts, and their Final Smashes bring out their Driver, Rex, to perform their most powerful Blade Arts. They were released on March 4, 2021 alongside Cloud Sea of Alrest and its new music tracks and Spirits as part of Challenger Pack 9.

79.
Pyra: The fiery half of the Aegis appears alongside Mythra as the fourth downloadable newcomer in the Fighters Pass Vol. 2. Pyra falls into the slow-but-strong archetype, boasting high KO power and flame effects when dealing damage. However, her attacks are significantly slower than her counterpart's. Her Final Smash, Burning Sword, can catch multiple opponents in a whirlwind of fire before launching them.
80.
Mythra: The light half of the Aegis appears alongside Pyra as the fifth downloadable newcomer in the Fighters Pass Vol. 2. Mythra falls into the fast-but-weak archetype, boasting higher mobility and faster frame data. However, her attacks deal less damage and have significantly less KO power than her counterpart's. Her Final Smash, Sacred Arrow, can catch multiple opponents in a maelstrom of light before launching them.