Xenoblade Chronicles 3: Expansion Pass Wave 2
a game by | Nintendo |
Platform: | PC (2022) |
Editor Rating: | 9/10, based on 1 review |
User Rating: | 8.0/10 - 2 votes |
Rate this game: | |
See also: | Anime Games, RPGs, Xenoblade Chronicles Series |
One of Nintendo's newest overnight sensations is getting its second wave of downloadable content with Xenoblade Chronicles 3: Expansion Pass Wave 2. While the first batch of DLC focused on adding yet more content to Monolith's massive RPG experience, Wave 2 will appeal even more to purists looking for an added challenge and an expanded story.
Still, these DLC packs have not been as expansive as we've come to expect from other companies. Did the introduction of Ino and her mechanical plot sway me into finally getting some DLC for Xenoblade Chronicles 3? Well, yes, and no.
Here Comes a New Hero
The star of the show in Xenoblade Chronicles 3: Expansion Pass Wave 2 is Ino: a new face that joins the world of Xenoblade with a fresh new quest for players to enjoy. Is it as massive as Xenoblade Chronicles 2's Torna? Not by a long shot, but it doesn't aim to be that kind of downloadable content just yet.
Ino and her accompanying quest are meant as side diversions to the game's main plot – not necessarily an expansion of it. So, if you're hoping for a whole lot of new quests to complete or a continuation of the story, you'll have to wait a bit longer. However, players looking into new heroes to tackle some of the main story quests will definitely get their fill in this update.
Mechanical Throwbacks
Much like Poppi in Xenoblade Chronicles 2, Ino is an artificial blade with a knack for the Nopon language. Unlike her predecessor, though, Ino doesn't feature a complex customization system or a seemingly endless array of options to choose from when customizing skills Still, she does provide some interesting new mechanics to the game.
That said, fans of the Poppiswap system will be pleased to hear that she has her own Inoswap mechanic.
As to what role she plays in the party, Ino is a "Noponic Champion" defender class blade. This means that this robotic champion can take a beating while the rest of the team focuses on dealing damage to their target.
A Renewed Design
Fans of the Xenoblade series will be pleased to heat that Ino fits well with the rest of the game's designs. Unlike Xenoblade Chronicles 2, where some blades designed by guest artists clashed with the rest of the world, Ino's artificial blade design looks great with the rest of the party.
As I mentioned before, don't expect a long, rich quest from this DLC. Although it's reasonably well executed, Ino's quest is nothing to write home about. Players who want to enjoy a long and engaging single player campaign might be disappointed by this DLC pack, then again, fans of the game could use a break from the story they know so well.
Rating 9/10
Still, we'll have to wait a bit longer for a proper expansion pack, as Nintendo has announced that the game's only massive expansion will come sometime next year.
As far as additional content goes, Xenoblade Chronicles 3: Expansion Pass Wave 2 offers a good amount of new content for players looking for a challenge after beating the game's main story.
Pros
- Ino's design looks great
- The Inoswap mechanic adds a ton of gameplay complexity
- The included quest is short, but sweet
Cons
- The DLC is over before you know it
- Not a proper expansion to the game
Download Xenoblade Chronicles 3: Expansion Pass Wave 2
System requirements:
- PC compatible
- Operating systems: Windows 10/Windows 8/Windows 7/2000/Vista/WinXP