One interesting dynamic I noticed is that the world of Bionis is massive and the small population living on it are being killed off. Alrest has far more people living in it while the smaller land itself dying off. Even the stasis of Aionios couldn’t escape this decay with it slowly losing both population through homecoming and land due to annihilation events
My favorite thing about Brighid in the main game vs in Torna is that it's kinda implied that Brighid's Default is the bitchier, more snippy side we see in Torna but Morag's calmer, more professional demeanor influenced Brighid into being much kinder and more relaxed than she was with Hugo. Either that, or Hugo's personality resulted in Brighid being bitchier than her default personality.
@@TheHearthGuy Hugo had to deal with several Dughalls and his frustration and anger at them rubbed off on Brighid and his court charm rubbed off on Aegeon.
Watching this video made me realize something. Whether or not I'm looking too much into it, Pandoria recognizing Amalthus as a Bandit when she was about to pass out is a really good detail. It kinda foreshadows Amalthus falling as low as the people he despises most.
53:44 sorry for the timestamp at the end of what I’m addressing. Thank you for your sympathetic analysis of the ‘Rex gives up’ scene. Over the years I’ve seen a lot of analysis/discussion of the game, including this scene. (I’m allowed to keep an earbud in at work, and Xenoblade is one of my hyperfixations) Few, if any of them have been so understanding of the situation Rex is in, up against seemingly impossible odds on top of his emotional turmoil. As much as I love Nia and Brighid, and understand how they feel, they seem unnecessarily cruel here. It strikes me as something similar to victim-blaming. Jin’s admonishments in the previous scene have always bothered me too; they don’t really seem grounded in the context of the situation. Sure Rex is pushing Pyra/Mythra hard in the fight, but he’s giving it his all too, and the stakes of this fights are DIRE. If they lose, Pyra/Mythra get kidnapped and killed in a process that allows Malos to return to his full, world-ending power. The rest of the team would have probably been killed immediately if it weren’t for Pyra’s threat leading to a sort of gentlemen’s agreement. In a situation like that, how could anyone justify putting less than 100% of their effort into it? Jin is a hypocrite.
@@Dash123456789Brawl I have say, I look at this scene as Rex being taken for granted in a way. Nia and Brighid are so focused on Pyra and Mythra that they're ignoring Rex's pain. It's like they're not seeing him as Rex, but instead the Aegis's driver. Even then, going back to when Rex wakes up, the scene focuses on his bandage arm, the broken hilt of Mythra's sword, the world tree and the core he shares with them. All reminders to himself of his failure to get them to Elysium but more importantly protect them. He's done more for them than anyone in Alrest. If Jin could see how Rex treated Pyra and Mythra, he would have understood they found someone that truly cared about them as people, but he was too consumed by his own pain to see that he was putting them through the same pain as him and Lora.
When I get to this part in my Rex character analysis, I will go more in detail on this part and why I love it back then, and love it more now. Because Rex gets compared to Shonen protagonists a lot, I want to say this. Had Rex been any other protagonist, like Ichigo or Luffy, Rex would’ve gone all in on saving Pyra and Mythra. But we get a more realistic take for a kid who finally realizes he was way in over his head. As for Nia and Brighid’s handling of the situation, I initially felt the same about them being too hard on Rex. But when you think about it, both Nia and Brighid have a connection to Pyra/Mythra to varying degrees. They have bonded with one another over the course of the game. On top of putting great value in the relationship between Driver and Blade. When you keep these facts in mind, their rage towards Rex abandoning his future wives when they need him now more than ever makes a lot more sense. As for Nia as an individual, she herself is a lot like Pyra and Mythra, and is also a major focus in chapter 7. Nia didn’t trust Pyra and Mythra at first, but her interactions with Rex and the Aegis were slowly helping her find purpose in the world. Nia may have not wanted to admit it at the time, but Rex’s optimism played a huge role in her life. So seeing that optimism either die or turned out to be fake would trigger Nia greatly, she is a Tsundere after all. Brighid may not have memories of her times with Mythra, but her relationship with Pyra is also noteworthy. They were connected during the Aegis war, and now they have a new connection in the present thanks to her affinity with Pyra. Not only that , the Driver and Blade bond is also important to Brighid’s character and relationship with Mòrag. Mòrag’s reasons for following Rex was because she saw potential in him. In her Brighid’s eyes, it’s not just disrespecting his relationship with the Aegis, but also what Mòrag saw in him: the potential change Alrest for the better. And it does take Poppi’s words to get Rex to at least find a way to make things right. Because yes, Poppi is focusing on who Rex is to Pyra and Mythra, and the rest of the team: hope.
I don't want to overuse the love function on comments, but man I love this whole discussion going on in this comment. If I may add my own words (Besides all I said on that scene already) Its true, Jin is being remarkably harsh, but that is who Jin is. He already has a low opinion of people, and Rex disappointed him. To be disappointed is to expect better, so Rex is the first person, the first *human* in five hundred years to make Jin think better, and seeing him run Pyra/Mythra ragged disappointed him. Is it fair? No, but Jin's whole ideology is predicated on life being unfair, especially towards Blades. As for Nia and Brighid, I touched on it a bit, but besides the obvious frustration they had for Rex's action, I genuinely believe they were trying to rouse Rex to action. Kind of like what @TheJaredPunch said, Nia and Brighid thought of Rex like a typical Shounen protagonist, they expected him to rise to the challenge undaunted, but that was never who Rex was. Nia's a natural cynic and Brighid a natural stoic, emotional vulnerability doesn't come naturally to either, so they snap to get Rex out of it the way they know how. Which doesn't work for the mindset Rex is in as all it does is reaffirm his self-deprecation, hence why Poppi's innocent empathy is needed. Tl:dr Poppi is the best.
@@Dash123456789Brawl i also love how Mórag handles this situation because instead of being the one to break up their argument she instead let's them speak their minds and work out the situation because she knows that if she were to break it up then it would surely create even more distrust within the group. She herself sees how young Rex is despite having faith and interest in him as the driver of the Aegis so she's willing to have patience, it's just a perfect example for why Mórag is the most mature one of the group.
This has been the first Xenoblade Chronicles 2 video essay that really made me change and consider my mindset on this game , it’s never been a game i hated just one i’ve struggled to love but the way you contextualized its story genuinely made me rethink my past grievances and the fact this isn’t even your favorite Xenoblade got me excited for what you’re gonna say about 3
I think what i love most about Xenoblade 2 is it's roundabout nature, almost everything is interconnected from it's themes, to it's world, to it's characters and hilariously even to it's gacha system. It all just culminates into Xenoblade 2 being the most human story out of all the games in the series for me. I honestly dont even have to mention it's connection to the previous xeno series games like saga and gears (which i also find to be sick as hell) for me to truly appreciate it. Ps. Thank you for making this fantastic video
For the whole thing about Jin moving at lightspeed, there is... A lot of relativity to go into, but the fundamental bottom line, if you make something go at the speed of light, it turns into a black hole. The usual logic of "fast weak strikes" also doesn't work. You swing anything at light speed, and it'll rip whatever it hits in half.
Xenoblade 2 is a far denser game than X1 and to be honest, takes a lot of investment to really get all the themes of the story. Between the three mainline games 2 is probably my favorite with 3 being a close second. And the way you told it, it had this theater like quality. You weren't just recounting the game, but trying to weave a tale as old as time itself (literally in the case of the setting of the game). That takes some effort. I can't believe how you'll tackle X3 though, which does it very best to pull together the themes of both 1 and 2 while also telling it's own story. If you thought this video was long, buddy, I think 3 might need to be broken up into parts to get the full story.
@@TheHearthGuy and lots and lots of coffee. In all seriousness. as much as i love these, take your time, and it will be ready when it is ready. [though. I am always team LONG VIDEO, so if it makes easier to make it longer don't worry about editing it shorter lol]
Xenoblade 2 was the first ever game to make me cry and the Xenoblade setues is the only series to consistently make me cry and even just watching a video about Xenoblade 2 makes me cry. This series played such an important part to my life that I had Moment of Eternity the ending theme of Torna played at my mother's funeral.
1:20:43 this scene is honestly so underrated, i love how he's conflicted with how to deal with Jin because being the person that he is it's hard for him to just ignore all the pain and suffering that Jin went through especially after what he just experienced recently with Pyra and Mythra. He still recognizes that Jin is someone who will probably stand in his way but after what he heard from Jin it's just hard to see him as simply just a villain.
This was a great video. It feels like you wanted to say more about XC2, but there's plenty to say already. I can also say that XC2 hits me more emotionally. Much of that is due to how XC2 gives you more time to know these characters, not just from the story beats but also from the heart-to-hearts. There's a more significant focus on character interactions and tons of variety in them, which I enjoy. This cast is multifaceted, and I found myself having more fun with them. I also enjoyed how Rex and the crew could sit with their emotions. I enjoy the quieter moments the most; they put me at ease. Even how characters react to things being told to them. To name a few, .The campfire scene .Mythra's reaction to Rex wanting to protect her and his acceptance .Poppi, Nia, and Mythra's conversation in Mor Ardain There's plenty more, but if there is one thing I would take away from XC2, it would be that you'll never know the impact someone may have on your life. Whether it be their words or actions, sometimes it's enough to know that someone is willing to help and walk alongside you. To give hope.
Oh Xenoblade 2, I've described it before as a delicious icecream...with a gritty texture. Such a good story, and a great world, but the voice acting at times, the tutorials, some of the blade quests...it really feels like someone making the game was determined to annoy players away from all the good. (Also being told that Rosa was too strong to beat when I literally hit battle, put the controller down, and won 20 seconds later with no one taking even a quarter of their health is one of the few times an RPG epic felt like it was insulting me...) But still I love it, and I love the discussions on it.
26:42 i think that the reason why it's said that 3 Titans fell is that Amalthes used the agies war to cover up his attack on the militia on specia which ended up sinking the titan and so he blamed it on Malos and Mythra could be wrong tho
I was really glad when I saw you posted this. It can be really hard to analyze XC2, because the game is, in many ways, an analysis of itself. Its reflection on the cast, and the world that makes them, and their lives and ideas about it, never fails to move and intrigue me. Even here in this video, that I listened to at work in a grocery store, it still had me fighting back my tears. I've pushed multiple friends to stick through with it until they reach a tipping point, and it gets them, too.
I love the contrast between Rex and Amahtlous in Xenoblade 2, one man who refused to give up hope and at every turn fought for a better future, even if the world called him stupid for it, the other a man who gave into cynicism deciding the world wasn't worth saving and trying to destroy it because in his mind it's utterly worthless.
It goes even deeper than that like how both Rex and Amalthus lost their mothers and how one of them didn't let that define their life for the worse while the other did. Or how both Rex and Amalthus are the drivers of the Aegises but Amalthus is very distant to his blade while Rex is the closest to his. And even down to the impact they have on the Aegises, Amalthus drives Malos to be worse and worse while Rex is able to heal Pyra and Mythra's past scars with Addam.
While the person who showed me Xenoblade isn't important to my life anymore (and I really don't like the guy), Xenoblade Chronicles 2 remains a game that has touched me deeply. It's flush with anime bullshit, don't get me wrong, but it's a deeply impactful story with characters I could get lost in. It means so much to me that other people also understand the depth and nuance of XB2, especially how it's a story about looking into the past, seeing all the pain and suffering, and choosing to go on. As someone who's dealt with crippling depression their whole life, XB2 really helped me see a way forward despite all the agony in my life. There is hope. There is an elysium. Sometimes you just have to fight your war to find it. And of course I cried basically the entire last 20 minutes of this video. Sue me.
As a sidenote I really didn't like XB1 when I tried it LOL. I found the series through XB2 and XB3 has been my obsession off and on since it came out. Very good series but man XB1 is rough.
@@necrobinicalastercourte3483 I think it's very fascinating hearing about people getting in the series with 2 or 3 but dislikes 1. It's not a common sentiment people talk about. More common to see people disliking 2 or 3. For you, was it the combat or the writing?
I started off at 2 from a friend’s recommendation. He was a blithe soul, not really bothering where he started. He liked to laugh, he liked the generic tropes and funny situations (He and I will always laugh at the hot spring conversation.) A while later a different friend convinced me to try the remaster of the first, much more into the thematics and underlying story of the setting, he was much more a fan of the first for what it did to set the stage for the series. Afterward having experienced both camps I was very eager to see the third instalment. And I think it hit everything I loved about both that came before, using their systems and worlds but creating characters all of their own. So there we are, a trio of favourites like the Trinity Processor itself. One the logical one who loves the first story for its intelligence and themes. One the emotional one who loves the raw creative spirit both whimsical and dramatic. And lastly the one that loves the whole for its culmination and harmony of both. (Not to mention the sledgehammer of chapter 5.)
Jin didn’t want to die, and Rex didn’t think he did, the only one who believed that was Malos because as much as Jin and Malos cared about each other, they never understood each other, Rex at that point was wiser and understood that which leads to his final conversation with malos
Xenoblade 2 is my favorite blade game probably, not only did i love the story, the music, the characters. but it also helped me through a tough time during quarantine and helped me come to terms with my identity due to a certain welsh cat. Nia is probably my favorite character in fiction besides Shion Uzuki fron xenosaga lol
Foreshadowing, not spoiling. If it was spoiling, his sword would have his backstory printed on it. You need the context of the backstory to see it as a spoiler.
@@AlexT7916 Depends. Might tack on Future Redeemed to the first few chapters of XC3, but it depends on time constraints. I don't want to hurt myself in trying to get the next video done.
I beleve it was spesia that is the 3 titan sunk. Not by the Egis, but by Amalthus later pinning the blame of sinking spesia on Malos and Mythra. Mythra dossent argue against this when she reawakens becaouse as Jin says.. none of this wuld have happend if she did not seal herself away.
(Long story short: you just got a free like, comment, AND subscribe) 52:50 - This section. Wow. Never did I expect to open this video and be so deeply, emotionally touched on a personal level that I genuinely had to pause and rewind those couple seconds MULTIPLE times to fully absorb it. Watching that scene for the first time in-game, such a thought never even came close to entering my feeble, troglodyte brain. So basically, your words in this video are not only reigniting my love for this game and almost everything about it, they are also enabling me to think on my past, even my present, with a perspective I usually don’t. But anyway, I could probably go on and on with this comment for ages and never truly be finished, so I’ll just say this: Thank you so much for this video, man. It rocks. You should be proud.
I honestly never understood the criticisms to XC2 being too 'anime.' Yeah, because it's not like anime and JRPGs, both based off of Japanese ideas and prone to exploring similar things, would overlap. In all honesty, XC2 has plenty of problems, it starts out rougher than its predecessor, and Rex's voice was annoying at 1st, but once it gets going, it really gets going, so much so that I'd say I enjoy the characters of this one, and the villains, much more than the 1st. XC1 was more technical and a tad cerebral even, but XC2 was the one that dug more into the characters and brought out your emotions. Now we can approach XC3, which did both, hence why it's #1.
What an amazing storyteller for such an amazing story. Thank you so much for giving me an excuse to revisit and fall in love with such a beautiful game again. I don't usually comment on many of the videos I watch, largely because English isn't my first language, but between my participation in the premiere and the general feeling that I owe a little more support to someone thanks to whom I've been able to give some closure to stories I had pending, well, here I am. With that said, wonderful video, I'll look forward to the next one. P.S. How much can I or can't I wait for a video in X? (??????
@@TheHearthGuy It's a shame, I can personally attest to the quality of the title. But it's understandable, unfortunately Monolith Soft hasn't had the good faith to free X from the curse of being a Wii U exclusive.
You are an amazing artist for being able to put this together in such a great and understandable way. You’ve gained a subscriber and made my day! Thank you, sincerely
I must say that I’m really happy that you’re making this series of videos. I have a very mixed opinion of Xenoblade. I think the story and world building are great, but oftentimes the way it’s all presented to me doesn’t quite click, so I can’t really get into the games themselves. You’re giving me the opportunity to experience the meaty bits of XB that I love without the minutiae that prevent me from fully getting into the series. Thank you
That's actually a result of a copyright problem. I mentioned it during the premiere, but for some reason, the music from the following cutscene for copyright claimed by someone entirely disconnected from the game as far as I can tell, so I used the music erasure tool to get rid of the background music of the cutscene but it sadly caught the back end of that statement possibly just cause my voice tends to hit a lower register.
@@TheHearthGuyah, gotcha I suspected it was something like that but wanted to be sure As a uber small editor myself I know its easy to miss things like that in videos that are big so wanted to let you no incase it was a mistake
Xenoblade 2 is one of my favorite games of all time. Haters: but the Gatcha and fanservice… In all seriousness, Alrest is the world that got me into the franchise of Xenoblade. Xenoblade 2 has given me a game where I can love the protagonists and antagonists on an equal footing. That’s something no game has done for me. And Rex and Pyra’s relationship is one of my favorites in any video game.
I personally think the reason for why Malos has a Monado is the wrong question but rather why does Alvis. I think the answer to that lies in the fact that Alvis or Ontos is the middle to Pneuma and Logos. Pneuma and Ontos have visions of the future where as Logos doesn’t. Logos and Ontos have a Monado but Pneuma doesn’t.
can’t sit down and watch it now but looks amazing. Idk if it’s mentioned but this is exactly what a Japanese game studio would focus on due to Japan’s ageing population and struggle to expand living space in packed cities like Tokyo
Xenoblade 1 will still remain my most favorite because it feels like the most standalone game and a masterpiece in itself, that's certainly not to say that Xenoblade 2 was bad by any means. The themes you presented were things that I noticed, and it was great, but I felt that at times, the game itself didn't know what it wanted to be with its use of comedy, fanservice, and what feels like filler moments. But beyond all those things, this game is honestly fantastic and I remember the great parts to this day. Some great music to boot.
Say what you will about the fanservice and the Gatcha. But even if I understand the complaints of Roc’s sidequest, IMO, it was an important one to close off Vandham’s character. Chapter 4 as a whole is the starting point of Rex and Mòrag becoming friends. And Poppi’s character development is important to chapter 7. As for Bana, he may not have been that important in the grand scheme of things, but he is a big reason why Rex meets Pyra. And is the key moment in Nia finally beginning to stop holding back. Ok, that aside. If you like 1 over 2, I won’t stop you. And I don’t entirely blame you for thinking that way.
@@TheJaredPunch Thing about Vandahm is that you already KNOW he's a dead man walking because he joins the party and you find out you can't give him any Core Crystals. You hear a "logic" why he doesn't, but I could 100% tell that he was marked for dead then and there. Bana helped kickstart things, but that's honestly where his role should have ended. But trying to push him into the story more and more man him an annoyance that I feel stuck around for too long. He wasn't a key moment for Nia to stop holding back. He was the excuse to have us hint at Nia being a Flesh Eater. Poppi was great, but I don't think many cared much for Tora.
@@0axis771 just because you know a character is going to die doesn’t make it bad writing. And speaking of which, you completely miss the point on what was trying to say about Vandham. As for Bana, that moment with Niall’s death mattered more than you think. It mattered to Mòrag’s character too and Nia’s development because she’s finally making an effort to use her power. Which, need I remind you is a crucial factor in chapter 7. And even if Tora isn’t my favorite Driver, Poppi is my second favorite story Blade, and again, Poppi is important to the later chapters as she grows to become more human and ends being the reason why Rex doesn’t give up.
@@TheJaredPunch Sure, I don't see it as bad writing. But that doesn't change that the writing was on the wall. I'm not saying that it's bad writing. I just said that I saw it coming. It just didn't impact me as well as it did you. And a lot of things being tied to side quests for Blades can get draining because of there being so much. Some are even too tedious to pursue. Yes, it mattered, but it was implemented poorly. There was no reason for Nial to even try to pull off that suicidal move in the first place. His "death" was forced, all things considered, and do not tell me that I'm wrong, cause you know I'm right. Aegeon clearly could have protected everyone with his shield, as he did, and Nial trying to put himself in harm's way was pretty much no different than fridging, albeit subverted cause Nia. Yes, Poppi is great. Why are you acting like I don't agree to that?
@@0axis771 now, you saying it was poorly executed is something I will agree with you on. While it’s not much of a compensation, Niall was most likely trying to get the button before Bana could press it, Aegeaon was there to shield everyone just in case he couldn’t stop Bana in time, which he couldn’t. Look, I’m not mad at you for not agreeing with me. I’m just giving my perspective. As for cutscenes, even I admit that Niall’s sacrifice wasn’t my favorite moment…
I think the lore reason Malos had a monado was because of his similarity to ontos. Ontos is both male and female in their design. Ontos possesses both the power of visions and the will to manifest. Logos has the power to manifest his will to destroy, whereas Pneuma has the power of foresight. It’s to symbolise that they are all very similar, despite their functions being very separate.
I will preface this that, overall, Xenoblade 2 is probably my second least favorit Xenoblade game. Least favorit if we dont allow the technicality that is Torna standalone as its own game. Most of my gripes with it however came from the gameplay side of things, I didnt like the removal of the art pallete (given XCX is my FAVORIT xenoblade game, that makes sense) and the fact stutter stepping "works" at all, the way animations you cancel most animations halfway trough for optimal combat flow, etc Story wise, XC2(excluding torna, i hate the way torna tells its story, and several minor elements within the story(black siren does not exist, no ammount of "cool setpiece" can make me reconsider) itself to much for it to be in the top 3) and XC1 both share a strong second place(music XCX wins, fight me on this, but i also have a giant bias towards mech media involving sawano music) with XC3 being a close, but still superior, first place story wise(second place overall) That said, your analysis/breakdown was wonderfully done, and adresses most criticism i saw against certain scenes. While there are minor things i wished you went further into, or things i dont fully agree with from my personal reading. Overall i fully adore how you put everything into words that i usually struggle with when talking or writing about XC2. Now to get some of my own thoughts out there.(there will be some XC3 and potentialy XC3FR spoilers in it so be adivsed if a reader hasnt yet finished those games) Firstly, my interpretation of the Malos Monado is a different one, even if "being awakend first" is part of it. Its how, and who, awakend them. Pneuma didnt get awoken in her entirety, She was "weakend" as Mythra, out of fear of her full power. That also is shown imo in her final sword(pneuma sword as we call it), which resembles a Monado the most out of all of "her" aegis sword forms, with the characteristic hole in the middle of it even if a lot more coverd then the other monados. while Malos Driver amalthus was unlikely to have the same fears when Awakening Logos, not only because no Aegis had been awoken before, but also because of the type of person Amalthus was in contrast to Adam. Amalthus wouldnt FEAR the power of the Aegis, he would anticipate it, wish for it. furthermore to Malos final moments what i always found interesting was that Malos seemingly WAITED before entering Aion, it didnt seem like there was any reasson for that, nothing indicating that Aion was booting up or anything. No, he waited for Rex and the party. To confront them face to face, to urge them on to face him with all their might. this is of course my own interpretation of dialogue, animation, and subtext but i firmly believe this. Not just to stop them... but to see whos "future" is the one that deserves to be realized. Malos's destructions, or Rex's hope. At the end, he accepted that Rex won, that the future that will be realized isnt the one "he" wished for, be it his own desire, the wish of a friend or the obsession of his driver, he accepts the world that will be created, isnt one he has any place in. And so he asks Pythra one final question... "how was it being alive", a question he himself cant answer, as he dosnt believe he ever truely lived. he simply existed, followed the desire he dosnt know if it his own or those of other people. He dosnt believe he ever "lived". But i disagree with Malos, even if only for a short time in the grand scheme of his existance, he lived, he lived alongside Jin and the rest of Torna. He formed connections with people, he became more then just his desire for destruction. i FIRMLY believe that Pneumas answer was "you already know the answer" or a variation of it. I believe that at least part of his "purpose" he found at the end was to be a final test for not only the party, but the very world itself and himself. his actions in the end wherent those of someone who simply wanted to see the world burn, but someone who is coming to terms with his very existance. This also is gonna be interesting depending on where the series is heading in the future given Takahashi pointed out that the Core crystal within N's sword of the end was NOT just Logos, but SPECIFICALLY Malos, he went out of his way to clarify that it was Malos itself, and not just Logos. I have more to say, in a more coherent fashion, but i think this is enough for a comment on this video for now
I think the implication is very much that Spessia was the third sunken titan. It isn’t anywhere to be seen in the base game. Temperantia wasn’t sunk, as you said.
Videos like this on Xenoblade 2 are great, because they have everything I like about this game and it's story, while leaving out most of the things that I do not. People who really like this game would probably call me a hater, while the haters would call me a blind apologist. I am very okay with this, althought would still like to be friends with at least the fans. I 100% understand why people like this game so much, there is many scenes that I find wonderful, but those are always balanced out by other scenes that make me wish this game could have been better(subjectively). Rescue of Pyra/Mythra is very good and touching scene, but I can't ignore the fact that Rex almost gave up and abandonned them after losing once(ONCE!). Overall, majority of my problems are related to Rex and Tora, alongside with too much of that "anime bullshit", or maybe I should just call it immature humor and excessive fan service. My problems with Tora I doubt I need to explain, but Rex is a bit more complex thing. Probably the biggest issue is that he gets too much spotlight. I had this same issue with almost every Xeno protag, but Rex is the only one where it starts to outdo the positives. Pyra/Mythra are great characters, but I feel they dont get the focus they would deserve due to being so close to Rex. Similarly, to a lesser extent, same goes for pretty much every party member except maybe Nia. Other issue I have with him is that his main characteristic, his undying optimism, feels a bit shallow. He starts the story being that way, and he ends it the same way. He definitely learns as he goes, but it doesnt feel like he ever really changes, instead he learns lessons that reinforce his already existing world view. There isn't many issues, but they are just big enough where I always end up feeling disappointed with this game. Xenogears, Xenoblade 1 and 3 are all some of my all time favorite games, and XB2 is SO close to being one of them, but... it just quite doesnt get there. That scene at the very end, Pneuma standing on the other side of the broken bridge, staring at the party, face full of pain and sorrow, Tomorrow with you playing on the background, is maybe the most beautiful scene in a video game ever. Unfortunately, I also feel that the game doesn't quite do the work to deserve it; it's like the whole game in a nutshell for me. OST might be the best in any game not called Nier: Replicant.
@@TheHearthGuy I personally believe in Pneuma Equality. That being said, I can’t progress without picking, so I usually pick Pyra for 2 reasons. 1) It feels like the choice Rex would make. Not out of favoritism (we all know that) but rather instinct and familiarity. He’s technically known Pyra longer, and he instinctively calls her Pyra just before they fall off the Cliffs of Morytha. 2) It helps to validate Pyra’s existence as an individual. She was born from Mythra fear and self-loathing to bear the burdens she didn’t want to. By this point in the story, Mythra has moved past all that, releasing Pyra from that purpose. Choosing to refer to her as Pyra in that form helps to, in my mind, reinforce that Pyra is more than Mythra’s coping mechanism and has value as a person beyond that.
Xenoblade 1 is the most nostalgic and grand. Xenoblade 2 is my favorite in the series and has the best story and characters. And Xenoblade 3 has the best gameplay and sequel baiting that makes the wait for Xenoblade 4 GRUELING.
I absolutely loved your XC3 review. But I am so hesitant to put 2 hours into this. This game is so jarringly anime. I need my hand held with the assurance that the creator of this vid... recognizes how weird this game is.
Loved this , but one problem I Will never forget xenoblades 2 Dub for Is making tora a redittor, wich Is not canon and a lie, Tora Is literally a Facebook kid. And a furry one for that Matter. Its literally a 13 years old who became orphan and poor as shit, he literally just ate raw potatoes. And even with all that managed to make His family dream come true. Of course he Is a bit perverted, he Is a 13 years old furry Otaku . But on the japanese lenguaje It never comes out as bad as It Is on english specially because they gave it a TEEN voice insted of a fucking middle agged clown like on english
One interesting dynamic I noticed is that the world of Bionis is massive and the small population living on it are being killed off. Alrest has far more people living in it while the smaller land itself dying off. Even the stasis of Aionios couldn’t escape this decay with it slowly losing both population through homecoming and land due to annihilation events
My favorite thing about Brighid in the main game vs in Torna is that it's kinda implied that Brighid's Default is the bitchier, more snippy side we see in Torna but Morag's calmer, more professional demeanor influenced Brighid into being much kinder and more relaxed than she was with Hugo. Either that, or Hugo's personality resulted in Brighid being bitchier than her default personality.
Added to Aegeon in that time period apparently being a bit of a ladies man, it really begs the question: What was up with Hugo?
@@TheHearthGuy Hugo had to deal with several Dughalls and his frustration and anger at them rubbed off on Brighid and his court charm rubbed off on Aegeon.
Watching this video made me realize something.
Whether or not I'm looking too much into it, Pandoria recognizing Amalthus as a Bandit when she was about to pass out is a really good detail. It kinda foreshadows Amalthus falling as low as the people he despises most.
I'm glad you mentioned Rex not joking about loving everyone lmao
he "loved" at LEAST 3 of his party members.
53:44 sorry for the timestamp at the end of what I’m addressing.
Thank you for your sympathetic analysis of the ‘Rex gives up’ scene. Over the years I’ve seen a lot of analysis/discussion of the game, including this scene. (I’m allowed to keep an earbud in at work, and Xenoblade is one of my hyperfixations)
Few, if any of them have been so understanding of the situation Rex is in, up against seemingly impossible odds on top of his emotional turmoil.
As much as I love Nia and Brighid, and understand how they feel, they seem unnecessarily cruel here. It strikes me as something similar to victim-blaming. Jin’s admonishments in the previous scene have always bothered me too; they don’t really seem grounded in the context of the situation.
Sure Rex is pushing Pyra/Mythra hard in the fight, but he’s giving it his all too, and the stakes of this fights are DIRE. If they lose, Pyra/Mythra get kidnapped and killed in a process that allows Malos to return to his full, world-ending power. The rest of the team would have probably been killed immediately if it weren’t for Pyra’s threat leading to a sort of gentlemen’s agreement. In a situation like that, how could anyone justify putting less than 100% of their effort into it? Jin is a hypocrite.
@@Dash123456789Brawl I have say, I look at this scene as Rex being taken for granted in a way. Nia and Brighid are so focused on Pyra and Mythra that they're ignoring Rex's pain. It's like they're not seeing him as Rex, but instead the Aegis's driver.
Even then, going back to when Rex wakes up, the scene focuses on his bandage arm, the broken hilt of Mythra's sword, the world tree and the core he shares with them. All reminders to himself of his failure to get them to Elysium but more importantly protect them.
He's done more for them than anyone in Alrest. If Jin could see how Rex treated Pyra and Mythra, he would have understood they found someone that truly cared about them as people, but he was too consumed by his own pain to see that he was putting them through the same pain as him and Lora.
When I get to this part in my Rex character analysis, I will go more in detail on this part and why I love it back then, and love it more now.
Because Rex gets compared to Shonen protagonists a lot, I want to say this. Had Rex been any other protagonist, like Ichigo or Luffy, Rex would’ve gone all in on saving Pyra and Mythra. But we get a more realistic take for a kid who finally realizes he was way in over his head.
As for Nia and Brighid’s handling of the situation, I initially felt the same about them being too hard on Rex. But when you think about it, both Nia and Brighid have a connection to Pyra/Mythra to varying degrees. They have bonded with one another over the course of the game. On top of putting great value in the relationship between Driver and Blade.
When you keep these facts in mind, their rage towards Rex abandoning his future wives when they need him now more than ever makes a lot more sense.
As for Nia as an individual, she herself is a lot like Pyra and Mythra, and is also a major focus in chapter 7. Nia didn’t trust Pyra and Mythra at first, but her interactions with Rex and the Aegis were slowly helping her find purpose in the world. Nia may have not wanted to admit it at the time, but Rex’s optimism played a huge role in her life. So seeing that optimism either die or turned out to be fake would trigger Nia greatly, she is a Tsundere after all.
Brighid may not have memories of her times with Mythra, but her relationship with Pyra is also noteworthy. They were connected during the Aegis war, and now they have a new connection in the present thanks to her affinity with Pyra. Not only that , the Driver and Blade bond is also important to Brighid’s character and relationship with Mòrag. Mòrag’s reasons for following Rex was because she saw potential in him. In her Brighid’s eyes, it’s not just disrespecting his relationship with the Aegis, but also what Mòrag saw in him: the potential change Alrest for the better.
And it does take Poppi’s words to get Rex to at least find a way to make things right. Because yes, Poppi is focusing on who Rex is to Pyra and Mythra, and the rest of the team: hope.
I don't want to overuse the love function on comments, but man I love this whole discussion going on in this comment.
If I may add my own words (Besides all I said on that scene already) Its true, Jin is being remarkably harsh, but that is who Jin is. He already has a low opinion of people, and Rex disappointed him. To be disappointed is to expect better, so Rex is the first person, the first *human* in five hundred years to make Jin think better, and seeing him run Pyra/Mythra ragged disappointed him. Is it fair? No, but Jin's whole ideology is predicated on life being unfair, especially towards Blades.
As for Nia and Brighid, I touched on it a bit, but besides the obvious frustration they had for Rex's action, I genuinely believe they were trying to rouse Rex to action. Kind of like what @TheJaredPunch said, Nia and Brighid thought of Rex like a typical Shounen protagonist, they expected him to rise to the challenge undaunted, but that was never who Rex was. Nia's a natural cynic and Brighid a natural stoic, emotional vulnerability doesn't come naturally to either, so they snap to get Rex out of it the way they know how. Which doesn't work for the mindset Rex is in as all it does is reaffirm his self-deprecation, hence why Poppi's innocent empathy is needed.
Tl:dr Poppi is the best.
@@Dash123456789Brawl i also love how Mórag handles this situation because instead of being the one to break up their argument she instead let's them speak their minds and work out the situation because she knows that if she were to break it up then it would surely create even more distrust within the group. She herself sees how young Rex is despite having faith and interest in him as the driver of the Aegis so she's willing to have patience, it's just a perfect example for why Mórag is the most mature one of the group.
This has been the first Xenoblade Chronicles 2 video essay that really made me change and consider my mindset on this game , it’s never been a game i hated just one i’ve struggled to love but the way you contextualized its story genuinely made me rethink my past grievances and the fact this isn’t even your favorite Xenoblade got me excited for what you’re gonna say about 3
This is a harem game of tiddies right?
I think what i love most about Xenoblade 2 is it's roundabout nature, almost everything is interconnected from it's themes, to it's world, to it's characters and hilariously even to it's gacha system. It all just culminates into Xenoblade 2 being the most human story out of all the games in the series for me. I honestly dont even have to mention it's connection to the previous xeno series games like saga and gears (which i also find to be sick as hell) for me to truly appreciate it.
Ps. Thank you for making this fantastic video
Thanks to this video I've also gotten an even deeper appreciation for Rex's lesson on connections to Glimmer in Future Redeemed.
For the whole thing about Jin moving at lightspeed, there is... A lot of relativity to go into, but the fundamental bottom line, if you make something go at the speed of light, it turns into a black hole. The usual logic of "fast weak strikes" also doesn't work. You swing anything at light speed, and it'll rip whatever it hits in half.
A two hour summary about the legend of Gigachad Rex.
*Chadosaurus Rex
Gigachadosaurus Rex
True
Chadicus Maximus Rex.
Good. I like that
Xenoblade 2 is a far denser game than X1 and to be honest, takes a lot of investment to really get all the themes of the story. Between the three mainline games 2 is probably my favorite with 3 being a close second. And the way you told it, it had this theater like quality. You weren't just recounting the game, but trying to weave a tale as old as time itself (literally in the case of the setting of the game). That takes some effort.
I can't believe how you'll tackle X3 though, which does it very best to pull together the themes of both 1 and 2 while also telling it's own story. If you thought this video was long, buddy, I think 3 might need to be broken up into parts to get the full story.
I am wondering that myself, just to keep from hurting myself.
@@TheHearthGuy and lots and lots of coffee.
In all seriousness. as much as i love these, take your time, and it will be ready when it is ready. [though. I am always team LONG VIDEO, so if it makes easier to make it longer don't worry about editing it shorter lol]
I was hooked to this game right from the start. And as I’m doing my Rex analysis, hope is my main thesis on Rex’s character.
Xenoblade 2 was the first ever game to make me cry and the Xenoblade setues is the only series to consistently make me cry and even just watching a video about Xenoblade 2 makes me cry. This series played such an important part to my life that I had Moment of Eternity the ending theme of Torna played at my mother's funeral.
1:20:43 this scene is honestly so underrated, i love how he's conflicted with how to deal with Jin because being the person that he is it's hard for him to just ignore all the pain and suffering that Jin went through especially after what he just experienced recently with Pyra and Mythra. He still recognizes that Jin is someone who will probably stand in his way but after what he heard from Jin it's just hard to see him as simply just a villain.
This was a great video. It feels like you wanted to say more about XC2, but there's plenty to say already. I can also say that XC2 hits me more emotionally. Much of that is due to how XC2 gives you more time to know these characters, not just from the story beats but also from the heart-to-hearts.
There's a more significant focus on character interactions and tons of variety in them, which I enjoy. This cast is multifaceted, and I found myself having more fun with them. I also enjoyed how Rex and the crew could sit with their emotions. I enjoy the quieter moments the most; they put me at ease. Even how characters react to things being told to them. To name a few,
.The campfire scene
.Mythra's reaction to Rex wanting to protect her and his acceptance
.Poppi, Nia, and Mythra's conversation in Mor Ardain
There's plenty more, but if there is one thing I would take away from XC2, it would be that you'll never know the impact someone may have on your life. Whether it be their words or actions, sometimes it's enough to know that someone is willing to help and walk alongside you. To give hope.
I just hope we get to see these characters in Xenoblade 4 and how they've both changed and haven't changed.
Oh Xenoblade 2, I've described it before as a delicious icecream...with a gritty texture. Such a good story, and a great world, but the voice acting at times, the tutorials, some of the blade quests...it really feels like someone making the game was determined to annoy players away from all the good.
(Also being told that Rosa was too strong to beat when I literally hit battle, put the controller down, and won 20 seconds later with no one taking even a quarter of their health is one of the few times an RPG epic felt like it was insulting me...)
But still I love it, and I love the discussions on it.
26:42 i think that the reason why it's said that 3 Titans fell is that Amalthes used the agies war to cover up his attack on the militia on specia which ended up sinking the titan and so he blamed it on Malos and Mythra could be wrong tho
I was really glad when I saw you posted this.
It can be really hard to analyze XC2, because the game is, in many ways, an analysis of itself. Its reflection on the cast, and the world that makes them, and their lives and ideas about it, never fails to move and intrigue me. Even here in this video, that I listened to at work in a grocery store, it still had me fighting back my tears. I've pushed multiple friends to stick through with it until they reach a tipping point, and it gets them, too.
Isnt the game about finding waifus?
I love the contrast between Rex and Amahtlous in Xenoblade 2, one man who refused to give up hope and at every turn fought for a better future, even if the world called him stupid for it, the other a man who gave into cynicism deciding the world wasn't worth saving and trying to destroy it because in his mind it's utterly worthless.
It goes even deeper than that like how both Rex and Amalthus lost their mothers and how one of them didn't let that define their life for the worse while the other did. Or how both Rex and Amalthus are the drivers of the Aegises but Amalthus is very distant to his blade while Rex is the closest to his. And even down to the impact they have on the Aegises, Amalthus drives Malos to be worse and worse while Rex is able to heal Pyra and Mythra's past scars with Addam.
While the person who showed me Xenoblade isn't important to my life anymore (and I really don't like the guy), Xenoblade Chronicles 2 remains a game that has touched me deeply. It's flush with anime bullshit, don't get me wrong, but it's a deeply impactful story with characters I could get lost in. It means so much to me that other people also understand the depth and nuance of XB2, especially how it's a story about looking into the past, seeing all the pain and suffering, and choosing to go on. As someone who's dealt with crippling depression their whole life, XB2 really helped me see a way forward despite all the agony in my life. There is hope. There is an elysium. Sometimes you just have to fight your war to find it.
And of course I cried basically the entire last 20 minutes of this video. Sue me.
As a sidenote I really didn't like XB1 when I tried it LOL. I found the series through XB2 and XB3 has been my obsession off and on since it came out. Very good series but man XB1 is rough.
If my video could inspire emotion from you, then I have gone above and beyond my job. Thank you for your wonderful comment.
@@necrobinicalastercourte3483 I think it's very fascinating hearing about people getting in the series with 2 or 3 but dislikes 1. It's not a common sentiment people talk about. More common to see people disliking 2 or 3. For you, was it the combat or the writing?
@@necrobinicalastercourte3483 I usually hear the opposite ngl
I started off at 2 from a friend’s recommendation. He was a blithe soul, not really bothering where he started. He liked to laugh, he liked the generic tropes and funny situations (He and I will always laugh at the hot spring conversation.)
A while later a different friend convinced me to try the remaster of the first, much more into the thematics and underlying story of the setting, he was much more a fan of the first for what it did to set the stage for the series.
Afterward having experienced both camps I was very eager to see the third instalment. And I think it hit everything I loved about both that came before, using their systems and worlds but creating characters all of their own.
So there we are, a trio of favourites like the Trinity Processor itself.
One the logical one who loves the first story for its intelligence and themes.
One the emotional one who loves the raw creative spirit both whimsical and dramatic.
And lastly the one that loves the whole for its culmination and harmony of both. (Not to mention the sledgehammer of chapter 5.)
Jin didn’t want to die, and Rex didn’t think he did, the only one who believed that was Malos because as much as Jin and Malos cared about each other, they never understood each other, Rex at that point was wiser and understood that which leads to his final conversation with malos
Xenoblade 2 is my favorite blade game probably, not only did i love the story, the music, the characters. but it also helped me through a tough time during quarantine and helped me come to terms with my identity due to a certain welsh cat. Nia is probably my favorite character in fiction besides Shion Uzuki fron xenosaga lol
Based Nia and Shion enjoyer
7:40 for the first time I'm noticing that Jin's sword is spoiling his backstory. It has a red elemental crystal.
Foreshadowing, not spoiling. If it was spoiling, his sword would have his backstory printed on it. You need the context of the backstory to see it as a spoiler.
@@hisen3.146 I'm just using a funny word, I love this game with all my might.
With him admitting three’s his favorite, I am very curious to see how much would be required for context for everything
*keyboard burning in the distance*
A lot.
@@TheHearthGuyare you gonna do a separate Future Redeemed video?
No shame in that, 3 was a goddamn masterpiece and while I do appreciate the first two, the third blows them both out of the water.
@@AlexT7916 Depends. Might tack on Future Redeemed to the first few chapters of XC3, but it depends on time constraints. I don't want to hurt myself in trying to get the next video done.
@@TheHearthGuy honestly wish you luck if you gonna do it
Hope it isn't very taxing
God this ending made me all emotional again. Wonderful commentary
I beleve it was spesia that is the 3 titan sunk. Not by the Egis, but by Amalthus later pinning the blame of sinking spesia on Malos and Mythra. Mythra dossent argue against this when she reawakens becaouse as Jin says.. none of this wuld have happend if she did not seal herself away.
(Long story short: you just got a free like, comment, AND subscribe)
52:50 - This section. Wow. Never did I expect to open this video and be so deeply, emotionally touched on a personal level that I genuinely had to pause and rewind those couple seconds MULTIPLE times to fully absorb it. Watching that scene for the first time in-game, such a thought never even came close to entering my feeble, troglodyte brain. So basically, your words in this video are not only reigniting my love for this game and almost everything about it, they are also enabling me to think on my past, even my present, with a perspective I usually don’t. But anyway, I could probably go on and on with this comment for ages and never truly be finished, so I’ll just say this: Thank you so much for this video, man. It rocks. You should be proud.
I saw the length of the video and laughed a little. Mostly because I knew I’d watch it.
1:02:59 NO HE WAS NOT KIDDING ONE SOLITARY BIT HAHAHAHAHA
I honestly never understood the criticisms to XC2 being too 'anime.' Yeah, because it's not like anime and JRPGs, both based off of Japanese ideas and prone to exploring similar things, would overlap.
In all honesty, XC2 has plenty of problems, it starts out rougher than its predecessor, and Rex's voice was annoying at 1st, but once it gets going, it really gets going, so much so that I'd say I enjoy the characters of this one, and the villains, much more than the 1st. XC1 was more technical and a tad cerebral even, but XC2 was the one that dug more into the characters and brought out your emotions.
Now we can approach XC3, which did both, hence why it's #1.
What an amazing storyteller for such an amazing story. Thank you so much for giving me an excuse to revisit and fall in love with such a beautiful game again. I don't usually comment on many of the videos I watch, largely because English isn't my first language, but between my participation in the premiere and the general feeling that I owe a little more support to someone thanks to whom I've been able to give some closure to stories I had pending, well, here I am. With that said, wonderful video, I'll look forward to the next one.
P.S. How much can I or can't I wait for a video in X? (??????
A while, I'm afraid. Never owned a Wii U and never played X. Heard it was surprisingly good despite what people expected it to be.
@@TheHearthGuy It's a shame, I can personally attest to the quality of the title. But it's understandable, unfortunately Monolith Soft hasn't had the good faith to free X from the curse of being a Wii U exclusive.
My favorite types of video.
Poeple detailing what I already know about xenoblade 2 story depth.
Man I want to watch these but also I'm playing through the xenoblade series right now and don't want to get spoiled
You are an amazing artist for being able to put this together in such a great and understandable way. You’ve gained a subscriber and made my day! Thank you, sincerely
I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it, and I'm happy for your support.
Definitely need a video about the various unique blades.
The Legend of Rex
I must say that I’m really happy that you’re making this series of videos. I have a very mixed opinion of Xenoblade. I think the story and world building are great, but oftentimes the way it’s all presented to me doesn’t quite click, so I can’t really get into the games themselves. You’re giving me the opportunity to experience the meaty bits of XB that I love without the minutiae that prevent me from fully getting into the series. Thank you
2:03:09 Same. Xenoblade 2 had a lot more impact on me than I originally expected for a anime game
NEW VIDEO! HELL YEAH!
Xc2 really is the only story that can make me cry! Almost cried to this video, amazing job!
Same
Watched the whole thing on my pc cause my phone didn't work, just came back to say that its awsome
I just stumbled upon this channel and I already subbed. thanks for covering my favorite game of all time so well!! can’t wait for future uploads
59:13 the sound quality dips for some reason for about 30 seconds
Not a complaint but just wanted to point it out
That's actually a result of a copyright problem. I mentioned it during the premiere, but for some reason, the music from the following cutscene for copyright claimed by someone entirely disconnected from the game as far as I can tell, so I used the music erasure tool to get rid of the background music of the cutscene but it sadly caught the back end of that statement possibly just cause my voice tends to hit a lower register.
@@TheHearthGuyah, gotcha
I suspected it was something like that but wanted to be sure
As a uber small editor myself I know its easy to miss things like that in videos that are big so wanted to let you no incase it was a mistake
@@DaxWolf777 Nah, it's all good. Thanks for keeping an eye out.
Commenting to help with the algorithm. Also just to say that this video slaps hard.
Xenoblade 2 is one of my favorite games of all time.
Haters: but the Gatcha and fanservice…
In all seriousness, Alrest is the world that got me into the franchise of Xenoblade.
Xenoblade 2 has given me a game where I can love the protagonists and antagonists on an equal footing. That’s something no game has done for me.
And Rex and Pyra’s relationship is one of my favorites in any video game.
Its a great hentai harem game!
@ dude, there isn’t sex involved.
@@TheJaredPunch its a great harem game then! Which waifu is most desu
My brother Tora can't stop taking stray hits 😂😢
Joke's a side, this was an excellent video!
I personally think the reason for why Malos has a Monado is the wrong question but rather why does Alvis. I think the answer to that lies in the fact that Alvis or Ontos is the middle to Pneuma and Logos. Pneuma and Ontos have visions of the future where as Logos doesn’t. Logos and Ontos have a Monado but Pneuma doesn’t.
Peak game, I love 2 and 3 almost equally as two of my favorite games of all time.
can’t sit down and watch it now but looks amazing. Idk if it’s mentioned but this is exactly what a Japanese game studio would focus on due to Japan’s ageing population and struggle to expand living space in packed cities like Tokyo
Loved it ❤
My favorite fictional setting. There, I said it.
Who else read as it as "And Everyone Loves It".
Xenoblade 1 will still remain my most favorite because it feels like the most standalone game and a masterpiece in itself, that's certainly not to say that Xenoblade 2 was bad by any means. The themes you presented were things that I noticed, and it was great, but I felt that at times, the game itself didn't know what it wanted to be with its use of comedy, fanservice, and what feels like filler moments.
But beyond all those things, this game is honestly fantastic and I remember the great parts to this day. Some great music to boot.
Say what you will about the fanservice and the Gatcha. But even if I understand the complaints of Roc’s sidequest, IMO, it was an important one to close off Vandham’s character.
Chapter 4 as a whole is the starting point of Rex and Mòrag becoming friends. And Poppi’s character development is important to chapter 7.
As for Bana, he may not have been that important in the grand scheme of things, but he is a big reason why Rex meets Pyra. And is the key moment in Nia finally beginning to stop holding back.
Ok, that aside. If you like 1 over 2, I won’t stop you. And I don’t entirely blame you for thinking that way.
@@TheJaredPunch Thing about Vandahm is that you already KNOW he's a dead man walking because he joins the party and you find out you can't give him any Core Crystals. You hear a "logic" why he doesn't, but I could 100% tell that he was marked for dead then and there.
Bana helped kickstart things, but that's honestly where his role should have ended. But trying to push him into the story more and more man him an annoyance that I feel stuck around for too long. He wasn't a key moment for Nia to stop holding back. He was the excuse to have us hint at Nia being a Flesh Eater. Poppi was great, but I don't think many cared much for Tora.
@@0axis771 just because you know a character is going to die doesn’t make it bad writing. And speaking of which, you completely miss the point on what was trying to say about Vandham.
As for Bana, that moment with Niall’s death mattered more than you think. It mattered to Mòrag’s character too and Nia’s development because she’s finally making an effort to use her power. Which, need I remind you is a crucial factor in chapter 7.
And even if Tora isn’t my favorite Driver, Poppi is my second favorite story Blade, and again, Poppi is important to the later chapters as she grows to become more human and ends being the reason why Rex doesn’t give up.
@@TheJaredPunch Sure, I don't see it as bad writing. But that doesn't change that the writing was on the wall. I'm not saying that it's bad writing. I just said that I saw it coming. It just didn't impact me as well as it did you. And a lot of things being tied to side quests for Blades can get draining because of there being so much. Some are even too tedious to pursue.
Yes, it mattered, but it was implemented poorly. There was no reason for Nial to even try to pull off that suicidal move in the first place. His "death" was forced, all things considered, and do not tell me that I'm wrong, cause you know I'm right. Aegeon clearly could have protected everyone with his shield, as he did, and Nial trying to put himself in harm's way was pretty much no different than fridging, albeit subverted cause Nia.
Yes, Poppi is great. Why are you acting like I don't agree to that?
@@0axis771 now, you saying it was poorly executed is something I will agree with you on. While it’s not much of a compensation, Niall was most likely trying to get the button before Bana could press it, Aegeaon was there to shield everyone just in case he couldn’t stop Bana in time, which he couldn’t.
Look, I’m not mad at you for not agreeing with me. I’m just giving my perspective. As for cutscenes, even I admit that Niall’s sacrifice wasn’t my favorite moment…
I think the lore reason Malos had a monado was because of his similarity to ontos. Ontos is both male and female in their design. Ontos possesses both the power of visions and the will to manifest. Logos has the power to manifest his will to destroy, whereas Pneuma has the power of foresight. It’s to symbolise that they are all very similar, despite their functions being very separate.
I will preface this that, overall, Xenoblade 2 is probably my second least favorit Xenoblade game.
Least favorit if we dont allow the technicality that is Torna standalone as its own game.
Most of my gripes with it however came from the gameplay side of things, I didnt like the removal of the art pallete (given XCX is my FAVORIT xenoblade game, that makes sense) and the fact stutter stepping "works" at all, the way animations you cancel most animations halfway trough for optimal combat flow, etc
Story wise, XC2(excluding torna, i hate the way torna tells its story, and several minor elements within the story(black siren does not exist, no ammount of "cool setpiece" can make me reconsider) itself to much for it to be in the top 3) and XC1 both share a strong second place(music XCX wins, fight me on this, but i also have a giant bias towards mech media involving sawano music) with XC3 being a close, but still superior, first place story wise(second place overall)
That said, your analysis/breakdown was wonderfully done, and adresses most criticism i saw against certain scenes.
While there are minor things i wished you went further into, or things i dont fully agree with from my personal reading. Overall i fully adore how you put everything into words that i usually struggle with when talking or writing about XC2.
Now to get some of my own thoughts out there.(there will be some XC3 and potentialy XC3FR spoilers in it so be adivsed if a reader hasnt yet finished those games)
Firstly, my interpretation of the Malos Monado is a different one, even if "being awakend first" is part of it.
Its how, and who, awakend them.
Pneuma didnt get awoken in her entirety, She was "weakend" as Mythra, out of fear of her full power.
That also is shown imo in her final sword(pneuma sword as we call it), which resembles a Monado the most out of all of "her" aegis sword forms, with the characteristic hole in the middle of it even if a lot more coverd then the other monados.
while Malos Driver amalthus was unlikely to have the same fears when Awakening Logos, not only because no Aegis had been awoken before, but also because of the type of person Amalthus was in contrast to Adam. Amalthus wouldnt FEAR the power of the Aegis, he would anticipate it, wish for it.
furthermore to Malos final moments
what i always found interesting was that Malos seemingly WAITED before entering Aion, it didnt seem like there was any reasson for that, nothing indicating that Aion was booting up or anything. No, he waited for Rex and the party. To confront them face to face, to urge them on to face him with all their might.
this is of course my own interpretation of dialogue, animation, and subtext but i firmly believe this.
Not just to stop them... but to see whos "future" is the one that deserves to be realized. Malos's destructions, or Rex's hope.
At the end, he accepted that Rex won, that the future that will be realized isnt the one "he" wished for, be it his own desire, the wish of a friend or the obsession of his driver, he accepts the world that will be created, isnt one he has any place in.
And so he asks Pythra one final question... "how was it being alive", a question he himself cant answer, as he dosnt believe he ever truely lived. he simply existed, followed the desire he dosnt know if it his own or those of other people. He dosnt believe he ever "lived".
But i disagree with Malos, even if only for a short time in the grand scheme of his existance, he lived, he lived alongside Jin and the rest of Torna. He formed connections with people, he became more then just his desire for destruction.
i FIRMLY believe that Pneumas answer was "you already know the answer" or a variation of it.
I believe that at least part of his "purpose" he found at the end was to be a final test for not only the party, but the very world itself and himself.
his actions in the end wherent those of someone who simply wanted to see the world burn, but someone who is coming to terms with his very existance.
This also is gonna be interesting depending on where the series is heading in the future given Takahashi pointed out that the Core crystal within N's sword of the end was NOT just Logos, but SPECIFICALLY Malos, he went out of his way to clarify that it was Malos itself, and not just Logos.
I have more to say, in a more coherent fashion, but i think this is enough for a comment on this video for now
Fantastic game
I think the implication is very much that Spessia was the third sunken titan. It isn’t anywhere to be seen in the base game. Temperantia wasn’t sunk, as you said.
damn 2 hours
Water at last
Based take 2:04:04
holy shit
Videos like this on Xenoblade 2 are great, because they have everything I like about this game and it's story, while leaving out most of the things that I do not.
People who really like this game would probably call me a hater, while the haters would call me a blind apologist. I am very okay with this, althought would still like to be friends with at least the fans.
I 100% understand why people like this game so much, there is many scenes that I find wonderful, but those are always balanced out by other scenes that make me wish this game could have been better(subjectively). Rescue of Pyra/Mythra is very good and touching scene, but I can't ignore the fact that Rex almost gave up and abandonned them after losing once(ONCE!).
Overall, majority of my problems are related to Rex and Tora, alongside with too much of that "anime bullshit", or maybe I should just call it immature humor and excessive fan service. My problems with Tora I doubt I need to explain, but Rex is a bit more complex thing. Probably the biggest issue is that he gets too much spotlight. I had this same issue with almost every Xeno protag, but Rex is the only one where it starts to outdo the positives. Pyra/Mythra are great characters, but I feel they dont get the focus they would deserve due to being so close to Rex. Similarly, to a lesser extent, same goes for pretty much every party member except maybe Nia. Other issue I have with him is that his main characteristic, his undying optimism, feels a bit shallow. He starts the story being that way, and he ends it the same way. He definitely learns as he goes, but it doesnt feel like he ever really changes, instead he learns lessons that reinforce his already existing world view.
There isn't many issues, but they are just big enough where I always end up feeling disappointed with this game. Xenogears, Xenoblade 1 and 3 are all some of my all time favorite games, and XB2 is SO close to being one of them, but... it just quite doesnt get there. That scene at the very end, Pneuma standing on the other side of the broken bridge, staring at the party, face full of pain and sorrow, Tomorrow with you playing on the background, is maybe the most beautiful scene in a video game ever. Unfortunately, I also feel that the game doesn't quite do the work to deserve it; it's like the whole game in a nutshell for me.
OST might be the best in any game not called Nier: Replicant.
Its such a good harem anime game!
Now the real question, who do you chose as the name of Pneuma Pyra or Mythra?
You can tell based on the final cutscene. The one the camera pans towards matches the name the player chose.
Mythra supremacists, rise up.
@@TheHearthGuy I see you are a man of culture as well
@@nawakening370 But of course, my friend. Glad to see culture is alive and well.
@@TheHearthGuy I personally believe in Pneuma Equality.
That being said, I can’t progress without picking, so I usually pick Pyra for 2 reasons.
1) It feels like the choice Rex would make. Not out of favoritism (we all know that) but rather instinct and familiarity. He’s technically known Pyra longer, and he instinctively calls her Pyra just before they fall off the Cliffs of Morytha.
2) It helps to validate Pyra’s existence as an individual. She was born from Mythra fear and self-loathing to bear the burdens she didn’t want to. By this point in the story, Mythra has moved past all that, releasing Pyra from that purpose. Choosing to refer to her as Pyra in that form helps to, in my mind, reinforce that Pyra is more than Mythra’s coping mechanism and has value as a person beyond that.
🎉🎉🎉
i ask you all, who is the best nopon in all of xenoblade ?
The common variety.
@@TheHearthGuy personally, i would really love to have a Nene plush 🥰
Xenoblade 1 is the most nostalgic and grand. Xenoblade 2 is my favorite in the series and has the best story and characters. And Xenoblade 3 has the best gameplay and sequel baiting that makes the wait for Xenoblade 4 GRUELING.
I absolutely loved your XC3 review. But I am so hesitant to put 2 hours into this. This game is so jarringly anime. I need my hand held with the assurance that the creator of this vid... recognizes how weird this game is.
Loved this , but one problem I Will never forget xenoblades 2 Dub for Is making tora a redittor, wich Is not canon and a lie, Tora Is literally a Facebook kid. And a furry one for that Matter. Its literally a 13 years old who became orphan and poor as shit, he literally just ate raw potatoes. And even with all that managed to make His family dream come true. Of course he Is a bit perverted, he Is a 13 years old furry Otaku . But on the japanese lenguaje It never comes out as bad as It Is on english specially because they gave it a TEEN voice insted of a fucking middle agged clown like on english
Are the character designs across the Xeno series always this ... bad looking? Its so jarring how over celled they look.