Xenoblade Chronicles 3D

Story

Xenoblade Chronicles 3D is a legendary saga, set on a grand stage. You’ll travel far and wide, meet a diverse cast, and experience epic set pieces, startling plot twists, and emotional reveals – and it all starts with a world of sea and sky.

A long time ago…

A race of humans called the Homs, who call the Bionis' remains their home, found themselves fighting for survival. The sudden invasion came from the Mechonis. Their enemy was the Mechon – an unstoppable force of warrior machines clad in armour of gleaming steel. The unflinching Mechon gave no quarter in their relentless campaign, as if hellbent on claiming the lives of every last Homs man, woman and child.

But the Homs would not die on their knees. For in their hands was the Monado – a legendary sword that had brought about the Mechonis' end ages before. The Homs hero Dunban raced across the battlefield, the Monado firmly in hand, single-handedly laying waste to entire swathes of Mechon troops. Yet even Dunban himself did not escape unscathed, as the boundless energy overflowing the Monado gnawed at his flesh. Feeling his body failing, Dunban spurred himself on to one last effort. The Monado struck and, with a torrent of light rushing from the blade, obliterated all Mechon caught in the blast.

A year has now passed since the Homs stood victorious at their last stand. A whole new creation myth is about to unfold.

Worlds apart

As hero Shulk, you set forth on a mission of revenge to destroy the Mechon. Accompanied by supporting characters Dunban, Reyn and Sharla, among others, you’ll experience extensive  exploration, and battle against mechanical enemies, using strategy and special powers with a variety of characters. There's plenty to discover in locations other than your main destinations, and there are also times when you'll need to look above and below you! Every resident of Xenoblade Chronicles 3D's towns performs different actions, depending on whether it is morning, evening or night, bringing to life this rich and diverse world.

Stay on target

Xenoblade Chronicles 3D contains many features to make traversing such a huge area as effortless as possible. These features include: A map that lets you skip to locations you've visited before ('Landmarks') simply by selecting them; an arrow that indicates the direction of your next destination; and a clock that lets you change the in-game time. These features all help make your playing experience more enjoyable.

Characters

The characters of Xenoblade Chronicles 3D are a disparate bunch, each with their own personality, their own traits and foibles. Of course, not all are your friends…

Heroes and villains

Shulk

Race: Homs
Age: 18

A handsome young man and a budding scientist. He and Reyn set out to destroy the Mechon that attacked their home colony.

Dunban

Race: Homs
Age: 30

Hero of the Homs, who once felled countless Mechon with the Monado. Currently recuperating from injuries received in the battle fought one year ago.

Reyn

Race: Homs
Age: 18

A member of the Colony 9 Defence Force and Shulk's childhood friend. Optimistic and hard-working, though sometimes hot-headed and overly emotional.

Sharla

Race: Homs
Age: 21

A medic in the Colony 6 Defence Force. A no-nonsense woman with a real inner fortitude, she is an excellent sharpshooter.

Metal Face

Race: Mechon
Age: Unknown

The fearsome Mechon Metal Face is so called as he possesses a distinct visage. He is not to be underestimated.

Supporting roles

Battles

The combat system in Xenoblade Chronicles 3D is broad and deep, comprising real-time action and turn-based strategy. Choose party members, set their strategies, and wage war on your enemies in a unique way.

Unto the breach

Your  party is made up of a maximum of three people. The party members you aren't controlling will decide how to act for themselves, based on the battle situation. Combat combines action game-style attacks and turn-based tactics.

The Art of fighting

Pick  your moment during battle to perform special actions known as 'Arts', which, once used, must cool down. Each character has a range of different Arts that they are able to perform. Some Arts have special effects when used at a certain point in battle, from a set direction, or in combination with another character's actions.

Chain of command

Communicating with your party and increasing party affinity allows you to perform powerful Chain Attacks with the other party members. You can also give simple commands to your party members, directing them to concentrate their attacks on a certain enemy, for example.

To the victor…

When  the enemy's HP reaches zero, the battle is over. You will receive experience that lets you level up and points that you can use to customise your abilities. Check any treasure chests that appear for items or equipment. Sometimes they contain things of real value! Defeating enemies will earn you XP and so on.

Future echoes

Shulk is one of only two people to ever wield the Monado, and it imbues him with visions that let him see a short while into the future. This gives you time to think about how you'll deal with powerful enemy attacks. Every difficulty you foresee can be overcome in a variety of ways. Will you evade, attack or recover? It's up to you to decide how to change the future.

Extras

Enhance your Xenoblade Chronicles 3D experience through a bunch of extras, in-game and in the real world.

Digital real estate

Having two screens is a boon, as the Touch Screen lets you oversee your characters’ conditions, while keeping an eye on the map. Additionally, the C Stick lends precise camera control of the vast, 3D environments you’ll be exploring.

Collection Mode

Beyond the main adventure, Xenoblade Chronicles 3D includes a Collection Mode that features 3D models and soundtrack excerpts to enjoy. These are unlocked by trading tokens obtained through gameplay, which can also be obtained through StreetPass, spending Play Coins or using a Shulk amiibo.

Cover plates

Decorate your New Nintendo 3DS* with this ultra-slick set of cover plates, all in red, featuring the rallying cry ‘Power of Monado’ next to the legendary sword itself.

^{*Cover plates are for New Nintendo 3DS only, and are not compatible with New Nintendo 3DS XL.}

HOME Menu theme

If you purchase Xenoblade Chronicles 3D from Nintendo eShop before 9th April 2015, you will receive a download code for a HOME Menu theme*. The download code will be displayed on your receipt, and the HOME Menu theme can be used on all Nintendo 3DS family systems.

^{*Xenoblade Chronicles 3D Theme design not final}