Along with details on the world of Aionios, the main cast, and more, Monolith Soft also showcased the intricate combat system of Xenoblade Chronicles 3.
Combat should be familiar for long-time fans with Arts providing different effects like healing allies or dealing more damage depending on where you’re positioned. Each attack is assigned to a face button on the Switch with three main roles – Attackers, Defenders and Healers. Players can freely swap between characters at any time and there are Combos to Break, Topple, Launch and Smash enemies. Chain Attacks also return for inflicting massive damage.
Each character also has their class and can change between them freely. These are Swordfighter (well-balanced attacker), Zephyr (evade attacks and unleash counters), Medic Gunner (restore health and buff allies), Tactician (disrupt enemies and support allies), Heavy Guard (use big weapons and draw aggro), and Ogre (crush defenses with immense power). By gaining XP, one can increase their Class Rank and unlock new Master Arts for additional benefits. You even have Fusion Art Attacks which combine two Art effects into one.
Throughout one’s journey, various Heroes can join your party as a seventh character. The ones showcased are Asher, Valdi, Riku and Manana, Fiona, Alexandria, and Gray. You can only use one at a time but they each have their classes like Guardian Commander, Incursor, and War Medic, to turn the tides. Outfits from different classes can be customized to have everyone match.
If all of this wasn’t enough, there’s also Ouroboros where two characters combine into one powerful being. Earn points to increase its power and use unique Arts and Chain Attacks. You can also swap the character in control for a different Ouroboros form and Arts.
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 releases on July 29th for Nintendo Switch.
