Xenoblade’s Next Move Will SHOCK You! (Persona Did It!)

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This article contains spoilers for Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition.

The Xenoblade Chronicles series consistently blurs the lines between genres and storytelling, pushing the boundaries of what a JRPG can offer. From the epic fantasy of the initial trilogy to the solitary sci-fi setting of Xenoblade Chronicles X, Monolith Soft has never shied away from innovation. With the arrival of the Definitive Edition of Xenoblade Chronicles X, the game’s self-contained universe is now connected to the larger series through the enigmatic Rift Between Worlds, providing Monolith Soft an unmatched chance to develop the series in two unique directions.

Instead of trying to please everyone by blending the original trilogy’s elements with X, Monolith Soft might follow Atlus’ model with Persona and Shin Megami Tensei. By developing two separate yet interconnected games—Xenoblade Chronicles 5 and Xenoblade Chronicles X-2—Monolith Soft could cater to both detailed storytelling and open-world exploration, thereby meeting the diverse preferences of its dedicated fan base.

Xenoblade Chronicles 5 Can Be the Story Pillar

Similar to how Persona 5 developed from Shin Megami Tensei into its unique persona with powerful themes, complex character development, and social commentary, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 can solidly expand on the footings laid by its predecessors. The original trilogy’s gradual progression from earthbound struggles to cosmic disclosures is a hallmark of the series. By maintaining this style, Monolith Soft can offer players another deeply layered narrative that blends fantasy and sci-fi elements.

In the game Xenoblade Chronicles 3, death is not merely a gameplay feature; it forms the core enigma. The characters are destined to die, caught in an eternal cycle of war and rebirth. The series consistently portrays death as a tool for understanding life’s purpose rather than its conclusion. Xenoblade Chronicles 5 might revisit these themes, delving deeper since X’s world is now part of the broader narrative. It could delve into humanity’s initial origins—perhaps on Earth—reconnecting with threads from Xenosaga and even Xenogears.

In the expanded version of Xenoblade Chronicles X, The Rift Between Worlds isn’t merely a device for aligning timelines; it also resurfaces philosophical and mystical ideas from previous Monolith Soft titles. This realm could serve as an essential storytelling instrument in Xenoblade Chronicles 5, potentially incorporating cross-realm recollections or reincarnation as key gameplay mechanics.

In the same vein as Atlus explores societal constraints and self-identity via their series Persona, Monolith Soft can delve into profound questions about memory, persistence, and identity through Xenoblade Chronicles. A fresh installment might retain the character-focused narrative of Xenoblade Chronicles 3 while introducing novel elements such as traversing two worlds or interconnected soul-link systems. It could even allow players to assume roles of reincarnated characters from previous games, mirroring consequences across different timelines.

Xenoblade X-2 Should Embrace Sci-Fi Exploration

In the sequel to Xenoblade Chronicles X-2, they could further emphasize what set the original game apart. The first game wasn’t merely about surviving in an alien world; it was about evolving and adapting. It offered players mechs, vast territories, customizable weapons, and a sense of grandeur that was rare among Japanese RPGs. The Definitive Edition suggested that Mira is part of a larger cosmic order, allowing the world of Xenoblade to grow and thrive as a unique, self-contained branch in the Xenoblade narrative timeline.

Similar to how Shin Megami Tensei adopts a more detached, mechanical exploration of its themes in contrast to Persona, Xenoblade Chronicles X-2 could opt for a minimalistic style, focusing on moral complexity, and environmental storytelling. Rather than relying on extensive cutscenes or intricate political narratives, it could prioritize exploration, player decision-making, and interpreting the world through remnants of AI, ruins, and alien species. The narrative could revolve around the dispersal of humanity following Mira’s collapse: their destinations and transformations without a unifying planet to guide them.

Reducing the script while increasing the game’s immersive atmosphere, and offering optional lore tidbits for those interested, could create a sense of natural progression. With the stories of Xenosaga’s Higher Domain and Xenoblade Chronicles 3’s Origin now officially recognized as part of the continuity, X-2 could position the player as a mythical traveler—a sci-fi pilgrim on a quest to discover purpose amidst the remnants of a civilization that was never their own in the first place.

Monolith Soft’s Kyoto studio was instrumental in shaping the open-world elements for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. With their expertise, they could add even more depth and interconnectivity to Xenoblade Chronicles X-2, potentially amplifying these aspects if the next game leverages the enhanced hardware capabilities of the rumored Nintendo Switch 2.

In Xenoblade X-2, we could see a shift away from conventional party systems. Instead, it might present customizable solo play options, cooperative gameplay, or AI companions that reflect the player’s ethical decisions, similar to the affinity-based AI system in X. This style of game would enable Monolith Soft to maintain a quicker development pace without compromising on its thematic depth.

Two Xenoblade Games Can Serve One Legacy

With a dual-path approach, Monolith Soft can delve further into the intricacies of both parts of their universe without having to make sacrifices. Instead of squeezing elaborate metaphysics and free-roaming navigation into one game, they can celebrate the contrast. Fans who appreciate rich narratives, large casts, and tightly woven themes would be drawn to Xenoblade Chronicles 5. On the other hand, those who yearn for mechs, liberty, and extensive exploration could look forward to Xenoblade Chronicles X-2.

This choice isn’t merely about enhancing the user experience; it aligns with the storyline. The Xenoblade series is fundamentally centered around themes of division and unity: worlds, ideologies, identities. By producing two games, the studio can translate this theme into a gameplay structure. The idea of duality, evident in Xenoblade Chronicles 2’s Blades, Xenoblade Chronicles 3’s Ouroboros forms, and the Rift Between Worlds, becomes tangible. Two paths. Two games. One narrative.

This strategy would ensure that the series remains relevant and up-to-date in the future. Monolith Soft could adopt a method similar to Atlus, where they release different games from separate teams, like with their Persona and Shin Megami Tensei series. Given that they have five branches (four in Tokyo and one in Kyoto), they can effectively manage projects in a way that maintains a regular flow of Xenoblade games without causing burnout or sacrificing quality.

The ongoing funding from Nintendo towards Monolith Soft is quite evident and significant. From creating “Breath of the Wild” to “Tears of the Kingdom”, this studio has grown to play a vital role in Nintendo’s environment. Providing it with the opportunity to steer its primary Japanese Role-Playing Game series in two distinct paths might be a crucial decision shaping the early phase of the Nintendo Switch 2’s life cycle.

Ultimately, it’s not about deciding between the past and the future; rather, Xenoblade Chronicles has been all about uniting diverse realms from the very beginning. Just as Persona and Shin Megami Tensei complement each other to explore distinct aspects of a common theme, so can Xenoblade Chronicles 5 and Xenoblade Chronicles X-2: two sides of the same philosophical coin, perpetually spinning through time and space.

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2025-04-27 04:07