Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition – message from Takahashi, says Future Connected linked to series’ future
If you picked up the new special edition for Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition, you’ll have access to a beautiful 250-page art book. That book showcases designs for characters, enemies, locations and more.
Right at the beginning, there’s a lengthy message from executive director Tetsuya Takahashi. Takahashi reflected on revamping the game following its debut ten years ago on Wii. Additionally, he goes briefly into the new Future Connected scenario, and again stresses: “The events that take place and the words spoken by the characters in Future Connected are linked to the future of Xenoblade Chronicles itself.”
Here’s the full message from Takahashi:
“Ten years have passed since the release of the Xenoblade Chronicles game for the Wii console, and now Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition has finally arrived. At Monolith Soft, we approached development for this game not as a simple remaster but with the same enthusiasm we’ve brought to brand new titles like Xenoblade Chronicles 2. There were things we had wanted to include in the original version of this game, things we tried but were ultimately unable to implement, and things we’d heard our fans had wanted in the game. As we looked at this wish list of “things” we all realized this project demanded the same energy as a brand-new game to make our vision of the definitive edition come through clearly to players.
The UI has been overhauled dramatically, and we also focused on improving visibility and making the game easier to play. We eased the burden of certain battles in the main story route, like those with Metal Face and Xord, to ensure everyone will be able to reach the game’s ending. We’ve not only added new character equipment but also revamped designs for existing equipment, and we’ve done our best to bring the visual aspects of the game up to date. We’ve taken advantage of the Nintendo Switch system’s enhanced audio capabilities, remastering the game’s overworld music tracks and battle themes. We’ve made countless other adjustments, changes, and improvements.
Ten years have passed. In that time, players have become more discerning and sophisticated. The standards for what constitutes quality in a game have risen. This definitive edition of Xenobladde Chronicles embodies all the new elements and refinements we’ve made to meet players’ expectations.
When it comes to new elements, the biggest addition is a region not finished in time for the original game – the Bionis’ Shoulder – which sets the stage for the game’s new story scenario, “Future Connected.” Much like Torna – The Golden Country added to the main game of Xenoblade Chronicles 2, Future Connected focuses on the character and story of Melia after the events of the main scenario come to a close. Why Melia and not Fiora, Reyn, Dunban, Sharla, or Riki you might ask? Well, that’s because this scenario isn’t simply a new story to be told, but a way stone of sorts, pointing towards the future. The events that take place and the words spoken by the characters in Future Connected are linked to the future of Xenoblade Chronicles itself. It’s our hope at Monolith that, as you experience this new scenario, you’ll enjoy dreaming of what sort of future that might be. To all of you who have been with us since the Xenoblade series began, and to those of you starting your journey with us, we hope the possibilities for the future of Xenoblade Chronicles inspire you as you play.”
