Xenoblade Chronicles X-2: Avatar or Hero? A Deep Dive

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This piece delves into the storyline unveilings featured in both the Definitive Edition of Xenoblade Chronicles X and Final Fantasy XIV.

As a die-hard gamer, I’ve been eagerly awaiting news about a potential Xenoblade Chronicles X sequel, given that the Definitive Edition has finally woven its unique narrative into the broader Xenoblade universe. The ending focuses on Al, our new Ares Prime pilot, but the path for a follow-up remains uncertain. Monolith Soft is grappling with some key decisions, one of which is whether to stick with a customizable avatar or switch to a traditional lead character in the next game.

In the initial version of Xenoblade Chronicles X, players assumed the character of Rook, a customizable protagonist meant for an engaging experience. This fit perfectly with the game’s focus on exploration and independence across the alien world Mira. Despite the improvements in the Definitive Edition, Rook’s role in crucial story events was sometimes weak, leading to a gap between gameplay and narrative that somewhat reduced the emotional resonance of the overall adventure.

Why Xenoblade Chronicles X-2 Could Keep Avatars

In Xenoblade Chronicles X, the avatar system served a distinct function: it enabled players to forge a bond through exploration of the open world and survival under pressure. The customization options, ranging from appearance to voice, fostered a sense of possession and made the Mira journey feel uniquely personal. A potential sequel could maintain this design ethos, even if the environment changes from Mira, by utilizing a fresh frontier to delve further into topics like self-discovery and adaptation.

One noteworthy approach is inspired by the character development in the game “Final Fantasy 14”. The Warrior of Light, while customizable, plays a pivotal role in the storyline. Gradually, this character becomes entwined with significant cosmic lore, such as Azem’s legacy and the history of ancient Amaurotines. Yet, other party members can also grow independently. Characters often reminisce about shared past events, and the avatar remains a constant figure in both monumental world-changing battles and intimate personal encounters.

In Final Fantasy 14, the Warrior of Light’s connection with the world is strengthened not only through storyline, but also through personal relationships and shared past. This helps establish the avatar’s presence without overshadowing other characters. If Xenoblade Chronicles X-2 aspires to maintain a player-designed protagonist, it might employ similar strategies.

A compelling approach might involve deepening the connection between the avatar and the post-Mira lore in a more significant manner. The notion of a “faulty Mim” – an artificial being with a damaged memory or unstable personality – could provide the foundation for the storyline. The lore surrounding Mims, initially presented in Chapter 5 of Xenoblade Chronicles X, has already sparked discussions about identity and consciousness. Delving deeper into this theme in a sequel could link the protagonist to humanity’s uncertain future as they voyage aboard the White Whale 2 in search of a new home, further raising questions about their own identity and purpose.

Xenoblade Chronicles X-2 Risks If It Doesn’t Adapt

In other words, while Rook’s adaptability made for exciting discoveries, it resulted in inconsistencies within the storyline. The emotional scenes tended to fall flat because Rook seldom reacted or interacted. This discrepancy is particularly evident in the additional content of Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition. During the crucial moments involving Al and Ares Prime, Rook’s involvement is hardly recognized, even during crucial actions.

Instead of taking a leading role in their respective stories like Shulk from Xenoblade Chronicles and Noah in Xenoblade Chronicles 3, Rook tends to remain more peripheral, acting as an observer rather than shaping events significantly, even during pivotal moments. The relationships and voices of the main characters largely dictate the narrative’s emotional arcs and overall tone.

In Xenoblade Chronicles X, it’s not that the narrative lacks depth, but rather the way the player-character (Rook) is integrated into the game world contributes to a limited emotional connection. Since Rook doesn’t have strong relationships or a well-defined background, he stands detached from the story’s significant themes. To improve this, a redesigned avatar should foster interpersonal connections, grapple with moral dilemmas, and be impacted by the world’s happenings on a personal level.

By incorporating dialogue systems, loyalty missions, and decision-making scenarios, we can make the main character more proactive. Instead of passively observing crucial moments, the character could impact events based on their past, relationships, and decisions. This approach maintains player control while ensuring the character is meaningful to the broader storyline.

What Xenoblade Chronicles X-2 Could Do Differently

An approach that combines elements might yield the optimal solution. For instance, games such as Dragon Age: Inquisition and Mass Effect blend customizable characters with predetermined backgrounds and voice acting. These characters maintain a level of adaptability while being deeply intertwined with the narrative’s unfolding events. It could be beneficial for Xenoblade Chronicles X-2 to emulate this format.

By giving the character an initial backstory that’s somewhat pre-set but still unique – for instance, being a special Mim prototype linked to Mira’s destruction or the White Whale 2’s origin – we can establish narrative tension without sacrificing customization options. Enhancing the story with dramatic scenes that focus on the character’s relationships and past, together with optional character development sequences, adds depth to the emotional aspect. Characters may reference shared history or question the character’s choices, thereby enriching the narrative.

If Monolith Soft chooses to develop another playable character, it’s crucial to endow that figure with depth beyond being just a stand-in. The storyline should include significant events, repercussions, and introspective moments that directly relate to the character’s influence on humanity’s future.

Regardless of whether Xenoblade Chronicles X-2 develops further on Rook’s foundation or features a completely scripted main character, the decision will have far-reaching implications for the game beyond just defining the protagonist; it will determine the game’s essence as either an extension of X‘s innovative design or a return to the traditional storytelling style within the Xenoblade series.

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2025-04-25 06:04