When Nintendo and Monolith Soft first announced the Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition last September, at first it appeared it would simply be the original game remade for the Switch with new graphics. That alone would be enough for some players, but others were hoping for more before diving into a remake of such a large JRPG.
Then fans noticed there was a glimpse of the Bionis’ Shoulder in the trailer. The Bionis’ Shoulder was a large gameplay area that was cut from the original Xenoblade Chronicles due to time restrictions. Its appearance in the trailer immediately sparked speculation about the Definitive Edition restoring cut content and what sort of story content it might include.
Now that a new trailer has been shown for Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition in the recent Nintendo Direct Mini, we know more about this new content. The game will feature an all-new epilogue called Xenoblade Chronicles: Future Connected that stars Shulk and Melia and takes place at the Bionis’ Shoulder. While story details haven’t been revealed yet for Future Connected, its description as an epilogue means it likely takes place after the events of the main game. However, the epilogue will be available from the start, allowing fans to dive into the new content immediately.
Keen-eyed fans might also notice a small detail about one of the characters in the trailer that suggests a stronger connection to Xenoblade Chronicles 2.
In addition to the new epilogue story content, Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition also features updated battle UI and menu screens and re-recorded music. The map also appears to be improved, with new systems to mark quest-givers on your map, as finding NPCs could be tedious in the original game. Finally, there is a new option for fashion gear, allowing you to set armor used for a character’s appearance separately from the armor they actually have equipped for battle.
Overall, Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition looks like a solid remake with intriguing new content. It will be available on May 29. A limited edition Definitive Works Set will also be available with a 250-page artbook in addition to the game.
