Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is surprisingly newcomer-friendly

digitaltrends.com:

Xenoblade Chronicles is a popular name in my network. My fellow JRPG fans rave about it, but I’ve never actually dipped into it myself. Xenoblade leaks, Nintendo Direct drama, word of mouth — all of that stuck the name inside my head before I even had the chance to pick up the controller.

Now, after going hands-on with Xenoblade Chronicles 3, I can see why it’s worth it. The latest game has one of the best opening chapters I’ve played. I’d be shocked to learn it didn’t live up to the strong start. That’s saying something, since I’m not sold on the systems-heavy gameplay. The complex combat and class systems take some getting used to, and I don’t even like the exploration that much so far. But I’m already immersed enough that I need to know what happens next.

At the start, the game’s first six characters are forced to flee from their colonies after gaining the mysterious power of Ouroboros. Noah is the first character the player gets to know. In a very JRPG protagonist fashion, he’s the one with a sword and the most reasonable mix of justice and diplomacy. Mio, the other lead from the opposing country of Agnus, is equally fierce and empathetic. She’s on her 10th term, the last few months of her life, and wants to live it to the fullest. Her comrades, Sena and Taion, join her and the Keves refugees on a quest to find out why they were entrusted with Ouroboros and find a way to safely return home.

One of the things I always keep in mind regarding stories is whether or not the intro makes my blood rush. Xenoblade Chronicles 3 already passes the test. It’s impressively cinematic, from the masterfully cut footage to the emotional soundtrack. All of it seems intentionally angled to make the player feel something. The beginning