The Fantastic Worldbuilding of Xenoblade Chronicles 

I apologize in advance for 13:55. Somehow a scrapped joke turned into this monstrosity after listening to the Katamari Damacy soundtrack.

Yeah, I agree. Klaus did a fantastic job building the world.

Yeah the game is sooo chuck full of world building both big and small. Hell I just recently encountered an NPC on Colony 9 who talked about how she lost her father a year ago and that she had to sell his blacksmith store. That store was called 'Xord's Smithy' and that line just gave me chills.

Nopon are one of the most wonderfully implemented "new races" I have ever seen. Most games will boast the hell out of their cute creation. Maybe a cutscene, or maybe a companion spouting exposition to explain their existence. In Xenoblade, Nopon just... are there. They are an intelligent species that just so happened to evolve alongside Homs and High Entia, and everyone in-game belieavably treats them as such. My first time encountering a Nopon was in Colony 9 in XC1, and I ran towards them thinking "what is this furry baby?!!!"... oh. Their tagline said "Colony 9 Citizen". They were a citizen and that was that. Welcome to Bionis, player.

There's also the lore regarding the giants. The only two giants you ever get to meet are Zanza and Noskcid. Yet when you run through Prison Island, you notice that the doors are gigantic, enemies are somewhat large, and there seem to be tables way bigger than a Homs could use. And I love the detail that these tables look like they are the size that Zanza and Noskcid would comfortably be using. Plus the giant arena that holds a gigantic monster that could easily hold two giants in a battle against each other or the monster, as well as a large stone throne in the same room. There's even some gutters on the sides of the hallway leading up to the arena that makes this feel even more real, giving off the idea that these gutters would drain away the blood from the arena fighters. Then there's also the ever absent, Agni, who has a large tomb in Makna Forest but also a few locations named after him on the Bionis Shoulder in Future Connected. Coincidentally, we see Zanza in one of the cutscenes on the Bionis Shoulder, which is a location that the other giant known as Agni was born at. Plus the large size of the Shoulder makes you feel really tiny in comparison to a lot of the ancient structures and landscapes. (BTW, I know Zanza the Giant's true name, I'm just calling him that for the sake of not spoiling too much for anyone strolling through these comments.)

Xenoblade delivers on world building in so many different ways. I've spent hours just talking to NPCs in Frontier Village and Alcamoth, which ended up giving me so much information about and insight into the respective cities and races.

World building is probably Monolith Soft's biggest strength. It's the thing that every Xenoblade game has in common that I love so much that makes me want to learn more about the world by exploring it and seeing more story revolving around the world.

If you ever wanted to make your own world, ask Klaus for help. It's literally his life's work and I can't recommend anyone else.

One aspect that I wish you decided to talk on is the side-quests and how they make it feel like your journey took time. You don't get that much of a feeling of that because of the skip travel system and the characters only mentioning that "it's been a while since they did x or y". but seeing some of the late game side-quests where you see characters (that a decent chunk of the players never talked to or even remember that they are in the game) grow and develop as you progress the story and almost makes you feel like they are more than just a way to gear, money and exp. This is done especially well on the fallen arm imo because of the (relatively) small number of npc's there. You feel like you learn more about them and who they are. One of the quests there where you help the machina grow up (I think it was orkatix. He was the one who despite growing older was still in his little pod thing) it doesn't unlock for a decent while and it makes you feel almost hopeless like he does. Since he and his mother are on the outskirts of the hidden villiage (the little ring surrounding the lake) you probably only see them once or twice on an average playthrough. But if you try to 100% the game (like I do) you notice the dialogue that pops up that foreshadows future quests. But since you gain affinity really quickly in the hidden villiage you unlock most of the quests chains pretty quickly. Yet he always stuck in the back of my mind while doing the quests there and it really enforces the hopelessness he feels. You can do so much for everyone in the village except him. If you do the quests that unlock on bionis when you reach the fallen arm it feels even more so. But when I finally saw that his quest was available I felt happy because I was able to finally help him. I wouldn't feel that way if there were more surviving machina because you lose a sense of connection with the individual npc's. Like how many quest lines can you describe in detail in say alcamoth or frontier village that don't take you out of the general area or end up giving you skill trees. Probably only a couple. But I can do a decent job with the machina quests. It really enforces a sense community. You feel especially bad as the player because you only got this far because they suffered. And it hurts because you learn what really happened on mechonis, their home. This concludes my TedTalk. Thanks for reading a guy rambling about a bunch of polygons.

This was a really great video! I actually didn't know you could see Colony 9 on the pathway to Colony 6. I'm also glad I learned you don't need to waste time walking around every inch of an area to have it completed; you have no idea how much time I've wasted on that already. I can't wait to see what you come out with next!

As a Xenoblade player since 2011, it's really refreshing to see all these new videos like this just aching to talk about how great the Xenoblade series is (and for me, especially XC1)!

I really liked the point you made about how it convinces the player that the world is very black and white and then it actually isn’t.

Here's also a cool level design detail between the Bionis and Mechonis. Mechonis maps have tangible shapes and curves like man-made structures, just like Alcamoth, but else where on the Bionis you'll find more abstract shapes that seem entirely organic. It's a cool little detail that really makes the whole organic vs mechanic theme shine everywhere

Oh wow, never even noticed the aggressiveness of the Bionis in the beginning cutscene, amazing foreshadowing in an amazing game. Love the videos!

I expected a Dio's ZA WARUDO, at the end of that supercut.

Glad we can finally use HD clips to appreciate this masterpiece of a game

Speaking to Desire at Colony 9 and learning about her father made me genuinely sad.

2:58 its like reyn said No matter how many times i see it i never get used to it

DIO after getting his stand 0:23

4:11 i loled way too hard XD

The most amazing thing for me is how the game does worldbuilding with its NPCs. Most of these characters don't even have names, and there weren't enough resources to give any NPCs custom animations (poor Giorgio, just staring at his skillet all day long), but a lot of them have their own internal storylines that advance as the player progresses through the story. I'm the type of gamer who loves flavor text, and who tries to talk to every NPC until I've exausted their dialogue, which is nearly impossible in this game, but so rewarding! Just in Frontier Village alone, I had these encounters with unnamed NPCs: -An adorable Nopon girl who wants to own her own shop one day, and practices her shopkeeper voice on the player. She eventually sets up a shop in Colony 6, although she doesn't sell anything to the player. There is no reason to ever talk to her in either location, and you would only recognize her in Colony 6 if you had spoken to her in Frontier Village and remembered her distinctive speech patterns. -Several Nopon who are stationed along the outer portion of the Village's tree, complaining about the Pterixes who fly above the balconies because of how frequently their droppings fall on them. One of them even gets hit in the face while speaking to the player. -Another such Nopon speculates that the debris that falls on Colony 9 (which we see the AA cannons shooting at earlier) is actually the Bionis' poo. Looking at the Bionis' spatial layout and orientation, this theory actually seems plausible. -A Nopon who gives you monster-kill quests based on nightmares he has, and how he will wet the bed if the player doesn't complete these quests. After the quests are completed, he continues announcing his dreams, which take on a more poetic and prophetorial nature, as though he has become some sort of Sage. -A Nopon girl who likes to stargaze (as do many of the NPCs; the devs clearly realized that a very cost-effective way to world-build with NPCs was to have them stand in place and just marvel at the visuals alongside the player), but doesn't like the cold air along the upper balconies at night, so she stands well inside the doorway of the tree, content to gaze at a tiny sliver of the sky every night. I literally cried when I read her line about "A tiny triangle of stars and sun, all for me." -A girl Nopon who wants to find a non-Nopon boyfriend. One of her Nopon suitors attempts to woo her by speaking without the distinctive Nopon speech patterns: "Hello, I am a Nopon. Me come from Frontier Vi... Darn it!" (There is also a named Nopon whose family has lived in Alcamoth for generations who speaks without this dialect, except when he gets very excited). -Another Nopon explains this dialect as a result of the speech patterns of Ecclesiatical Noponese being translated into the Homs language. He then admits that he just made that all up on the spot. Also an honorable mention to the unnamed High Entia lady in Alcamoth who asks you to get her an herb to help ease the pain of her menstrual cramps. Of course she doesn't say that outright, but it's very easy to read between the lines.

I'm 99% sure that XC3 will be a prequel to the entire franchise. The events leading up to Klaus. And the possiblity of a 3rd universe where Klaus was stopped! And Xenoblade X's timeline amd Reality Just think about it! Are they just gonna continue in the XC1 universe? Or the second? (Could merge the universes back together with that Rift from XC1 dlc. Considering it's an artificial universe and isn't meant to be) Another theory? ORRRR, are they going to give us a prequel and go more into detail on this 'Saviorite Rebels' from XB2. And the ongoing war at that time. More of Klaus and Meyneth! Explore the land of Morytha before it as destroyed by war and Klaus! What if there was a 3rd universe? WHAT IF Klaus made 3? The 3rd one being an exact copy of the original. The ONLY difference was, Klaus disappeared from THAT universe, and was in the other 2? An alternate reality where KLAUS DID NOT DESTROY EVERYTHING! But instead, sent himself and Meyneth and other shit! The Saviorite Rebels stopped Klaus. But little did they know he simply exists in 2 other universe. And bcuz Klaus FUCKED with the universe in the 3rd one, Purple Aliens didn't like what Klaus did and came to wipe out Humans. Xenoblade X begins! Hence, XC3 connecting XCX to the main series. It's Perfect! Note: I haven't played the XCX. I only saw the beginning cutscene. Which is why I made this theory. And pls don't spoil. Just tell me if the aliens had other reasons or whatever. And don't say what they were. I'm waiting for X to come to NS But this is ALL just a theory. A GAME Theory

3:53 I did the same thing but then when I got to the fallen arm and got all the land marks by accident it filled up the whole map and I almost started crying jk

I'm so glad I came across your channel, helps me put into words why Xenoblade Chronicles is my favorite franchise

3:59 Chuggaaconroy's sentiments exactly

I just found you're channel and gotta say that I love everything Xeno, from gears, saga, to blade. There's a lot in each that makes them so unique. You got a new sub!

Something that sticks out to me a lot with XBC1 and 2 is the theme of rewriting history - not something that most RPGs or much media delve into at all.

I loved the world of Xenobalde bc I think it’s one of the most original and well build ever not only in videogames with a fascinating design and concept. Thinks like this are very rare nowadays and the realizations of that world was magnificent. And I’am pleased how that work evolved and improved even more with XC2, where everything in detailed was almost perfect in a world that let you immerge from the sigle homeless citizen to the political relationships of titan’s reigns. I’ve never seen such a work in a videogame.

I feel like it shows a bit of personality about Maynath that the people of the Mechonis have a substantially longer lifespan

Awesome vid! I’ve always loved how well constructed the world of Bionis and Mechonis is. Looking forward to future videos on he other games if you decide to dive into their worlds

I've always assumed that worldbuilding is an important fact, but I never went as deep as this analysis does, even for what I consider my favorite game! Your video essays are really complete and well done!

One of my favorite parts of new game plus was when I left tephra cave and I noticed that the fallen arm was visible

Great video as always!! Can't wait to see more!😁

Great video as always.

Alternate title KayJulers explains Xenoblade's Lore of the Bionis & Mechonis.

Dude your vids are amazing i love listening to them while drawing you def deserve more subs, likes and views

I love your videos so much, keep up the good work!!

"Really diving into the side quests" Side Quests... Sees a naypon that want to sell me Red Pollen Orbs. Hmmmm...

Beautifully written analysis as always!

You deserve way more subscribers, these videos are great

I can’t believe I didn’t find your channel sooner!

You really make the best Xenoblade content here. I hope you keep on doing these!

4:09 OMG I did exactly that! It took me aaaaages and then I accidently closed the game without saving... AND I DID IT AGAIN. Pure pain

Excellent look at some of the things that make Xenoblade’s world building some of the best. As mentioned by others, one of my favourite minor details is the story of King Agni, or rather what you’re able to piece together of it. Very very minor Future Connected spoilers: a giant born on the Bionis’ shoulder, quests and place names all around the Bionis hint at his ascension to King and his eventual place of rest. But perhaps most interesting is the similarity between his name and the Mechonis capital - AGNIratha. With how many quests focus on this legendary figure it’s hard to believe the Machina just happened to name their city that way by chance.

LETSGOOOOO 10/10 video by the simple facts it’s by you

OMG, the Eryth Sea being filled in by discovering landmarks slapped me in the face when that happened. Wasted atleast an hour swimming around to fill it in... 🤣😭

Amazing video!!! ❤❤❤❤❤

I'm glad I stumbled across your channel. I'm in for the long run.

3:59 I WASN'T THE ONLY ONE?? PHEW!

I adore the world of xenoblade 1. This concept creates one of my favourite universes in any form of media.

This video made me happy

3:49 Yeah, Chocobo Theme 🎶❤️🍀.... and thanks for the as always informative and entertaining video anyway 😄

I loved how you used Reyn’s sound effects and used the Definitive Edition graphics.

fantastic essay.... MORE

I only wish the game had better side quests, I can only think of a handful that were actually good like Xord’s daughter for example

As someone who wishes to be a storyteller, your analysis have been insightful.

I really hope the series gets back to it's Xenoblade 1 roots. Drop the crazy fan service in Xenoblade 2 and focus on making an amazing world and compelling, serious story.

Also any plans on making a video about Xc2 world building? It's pretty cool how Klaus manage to try revive the past world as best as he can in the most simple way possible.

It only makes sense, Zanza DID make his world in his image, which is beautiful

Didn’t think rolling star could be so terrifying

Please make sequels to this video

Zanza loves world building.

About the title screen (very spoilery)!!!!!! Throughout the game the title screen remains the same: the Monado is the focus representing its control over the world and how Zanza does not allow the existence of any living being beside itself. When you complete the game the title screen shows everyone in the new colony 9 representing how the world is no longer controlled by one single entity and is instead ruled by the wills of all who inhabit it. I literally just started the video and thought of this and had to point it out. On to the video!!!!

Do XC2, please! That game has some of my favorite worldbuilding of any piece of art!

rolling lonely star in a xenoblade video essay? easiest like of my life. great video even aside from that, though!

Yooo how do you get to that spot in 3:52? That looks so beautiful!

PLEASE follow up with 2

i love you

Is that dead Gaur Plains in Xenoblade X?!

What about Alvis core crystal

I'm so glad I got into the Xeno series when DE came out. I'm about a 3rd into XC2 and all the environments just blow me away. Probably the best areas/worlds I've seen in any game.

Jooojooo. Dioooo

All the things in the main story are fine and all. But the sidequest is what really makes the world fell real to me. With them you know that don't only Sharla juju and otharon suffer loses on the battle of colony 6, the campament is okay on normal but doing sidequest you see that there are low resources, the elderly has problems living there, there are traumatized children. With desire you know not only shulk loses somebody important as a face. The different refugee entida camps. The entida npc that is racist aganist other species. The machina child that don't grow because the machina work different. All the nopon complot of the red polen. The ages, relationships, different times when they are out... It truly makes you remember that there are people around the world besides the main cast, and all of them suffer in general degrees as you do. The sidequest also helps to different themes of the game but that is for another day. Well still what you have said in the video is certainly true. But I think that 2 and X for what I know are much better in worldbuilding(with this I don't mean that in one is bad of course quite the contrary) so will love to see these videos.

Oop

No lie, my thought process before clicking in this video: I don't know who you are I do like Xenoblade Chronicles I think I know more about it than you What if I don't? I better watch this just to be sure. Edit: after watching, no new facts were revealed to me. However, this was a fun video and was very well thought out

Wrong. The world is pretty too look at but the actual worldbuilding is non existant, nothing on Bionis makes a single bit of sense, it's a complete mess.