Nintendo dropped a surprise release date for the upcoming JRPG Xenoblade Chronicles 3. Originally announced to release in September, the game will now launch at the end of July. Xenoblade Chronicles is the latest entry in the Xenoblade series and connects the events of the first two games in an all new adventure where "life" is the central theme.
Players take the role of protagonists Noah and Mio in a turmoil between two nations. Six other characters will join forces with you and set their sights for Swordsmarch, a land pierced by a gigantic sword. Here are some gameplay features announced:
Battle with up to seven characters: Like in previous Xenoblade Chronicles games, battles start by facing enemies directly in the overworld. Players can control Noah’s party of six, as well as additional characters they’ll meet during the adventure. Each character has their own role in battle, which allows for diverse strategies.
Class change: Noah is a Swordfighter, specializing in close-range attacks, while Mio is a Zephyr, drawing enemy attention while evading their strikes. Thus, each character has their own class with their own strengths. Progressing in the adventure, players can change characters’ classes, creating a customized party.
New Interlink system: Each of the tag-team pairs – Noah and Mio, Lanz and Sena, Eunie and Taion – can make use of the Interlink system if certain conditions are met. They will then combine into a giant form called Ouroboros. Each Ouroboros has its own powerful move set, and deciding when to transform can be the key to winning a battle.
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 will release exclusively on the Nintendo Switch on July 29, 2022.
Check out the official release date trailer below: