Nintendo Switch Critic Reviews

Just like it did with the excellent Torna – The Golden Country, Monolith Soft has given us a carefully refined prequel experience here, adding to and improving upon core combat and exploration elements that were already best-in-class. Xenoblade Chronicles 3’s delightful battle system feels better than ever, its stunning landscapes are packed full of exploration that’s been reinvigorated thanks to the new Affinity system and there’s enough emotion and revelations packed in to satisfy the most ardent of Xenoblade fans. It also provides something of a clean slate going forward for this most intriguing of franchises. Where will the world of Xenoblade take us next? We cannot wait to find out.

It’s not clear what the future holds for the Xenoblade series, but the director, Tetsuya Takahashi has confirmed that the story that started in the first game is officially finished with this DLC. Whether it will go the route of starting a brand new story in the same universe – like what Kingdom Hearts 4 appears to be doing – remains to be seen, but if this did happen to be the final thing we ever got in the Xenoblade franchise, I would be thoroughly satisfied. Future Redeemed is the perfect end to a perfect story.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Future Redeemed is a phenomenal expansion and perfect finale for the Xenoblade Chronicles trilogy. It is brilliantly-paced and has none of the issues prior releases have, making it even better than Xenoblade Chronicles 3.

Future Redeemed provides an amazing balance of keeping what made XC3 so phenomenal and adding in just the right number of changes. Most of all, it serves as a beautiful love letter to fans who've been with the series for the long haul, as it features some callbacks to Xenogears and Xenosaga as well! [Issue #66 – July/August 2023, p. 25]

Xenoblade Chronicles 3: Future Redeemed is a fantastic addition to the Xenoblade Chronicles saga. It ties up the story so far in a nice thematic bow, with equal amounts of new additions and returning favorites. The combat system is tighter and incredibly satisfying, and is even tied to exploration to make you feel like you’re always growing. Once again, I can’t wait to see what Monolithsoft cooks up next.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3: Future Redeemed is an absolutely essential component of the Xenoblade Chronicles trilogy. Combat and exploration are tightly refined to keep things moving along, so there’s never a dull moment unless you choose to take a breather. The story relies heavily on nostalgia for its emotional moments, but fans will be pleased that some of the loose ends are finally tied together, albeit with knots they likely didn’t expect.

If you came here looking for anything but glowing praise, you came to the wrong place. All the work that Takahashi has put into building his world pays off beautifully here with a fun, rewarding nostalgia trip, the most refined gameplay in the series, and the same beautiful look and sound we’re accustomed to. Frankly, my biggest criticism is that I wanted more. Future Redeemed may close the door on one chapter of the Xenoblade Chronicles saga, but hopefully it won’t be too long before Monolith Soft opens another and I get just that—more Xenoblade.

Quotation forthcoming.

Speaking of unexpected, what Future Redeemed does best is recontextualize the ending of Xenoblade 3.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Future Redeemed pulls from key narrative moments across the series and creates a magnificent narrative that ties up loose ends. It relies heavily on series knowledge, making it the perfect expansion for fans who have stuck with the series for so many years. The unique features allow it to differentiate itself from the base game, but the lack of party variety seems like an oversite. Still, this was a fantastic conclusion to this adventure, and it has me eager to experience the next chapter.