Obliterating My Mental Health with Xenoblade Chronicles

[@zaude846]

"xero explanation given, does a miracle, refuses to elaborate, leaves" is literally the best way to sum up alvis

[@Magic_Ice]

He finally gave an explanation

[@marcmothersole8265]

Zero

[@imaknightdude3145]

Until FR, where we learn LITERALLY everything about him

[@kos-mos98]

​@@marcmothersole8265zenoblade?

[@MugenHeadNinja]

Xenoblade 2 is a game that asks a lot from its players but it really pays off if you're able to embrace everything it has to offer.

[@tedursus]

maybe don't embrace *everything* it has to offer...

[@DarkSideT_]

The first time I played the game I dropped it after 60+ hours. But after a year or so I give it another go with the right mindset and it became not only my favorite game in the series, but one of my favorite games of all time.

[@viniercarp6567]

does that include Pyra's oversized chest?

[@basalt8151]

@@viniercarp6567 ​ Honestly yeah, I had a big prob with the character designs of xb2 when I started the game but as I played I rationalized that it was a deliberate choice. I could be thinking too hard abt it and the character designers could have just wanted anime boob in their game but part of the games message and Rex’s arc is maturation. He’s what, like 15, he’s prob just hitting the stride of his hormones and all that, he begins the game arrogant, irrational, brash. When he meets Pyra he’s worried about the physicality and her appearance maybe not too strongly but regardless, he agrees to take up her goal but he doesn’t really know what he’s doing. Through the course of the game he begins to grow up I mean it’s everywhere Morag and Zeke mention his maturity all the time, Malos mentions it near the world tree, hell even Rex admits he’s been naive and unrefined in that very same cutscene. In this he refocuses not on where Pyra wants to go but what she really wants. And in the end he is pretty much forced to take the ultimate test of his maturity and has to let the woman he loves go. He has to accept and respect her decision because as Zeke says, “that’s what being an adult means.” There’s a lot of people can’t even do that in real life. Although not everyone gets rewarded for this decision which is the only thing that kinda bothers me but it is explained in universe so whatever and I could be missing something, again it’s really up to you to decide if it’s worth it, I feel like people who play the game talk about the aegis chest more the an the characters do in the game. (Some spoilers for those who care) By the end of the game I wasn’t starting at pyras chest like we all did when we first saw her, like Rex, I was more concerned about what was happening to her and how she felt and how the other characters are dealing with the events of the game. The game starts with Rex touching her chest, but it ends with him holding her hand; I think that’s very telling. And thus, boy met girl.

[@joshuareesor1756]

@@basalt8151 I always thought the main idea behind Pyra and Mythra's designs was to reflect their control over their power, since that is their central character conflict. Mythra's design is light and loose, while Pyra's is dark and tight; Mythra has less control and understanding of her immense power, while Pyra is a seal that overcorrects her use of power. And this goes for many other aspects of the design; Mythra's long hair with curls outward while Pyra's is shortened and curls inward, Mythra's many spikes become shortened and dulled in Pyra's outfit; Mythra's gloves have her clothes stretch out to the side while Pyra's leggings reinforce the focus to the middle, etc. Mythra is generally going outward while Pyra goes inward. This becomes balanced with Pneuma, who gains control over her power, having tied hair and a fully covered power to indicate her as complete, especially with the covered back with wings, a point of vulnerability shared between Pyra and Mythra. Plus, in terms of her more shapely figure, it could be done to better highlight the maturity difference between Rex and Pyra/Mythra. Rex's youth and naive optimism are brought up throughout the game, with the Ageis being something far beyond his understanding (both as a weapon and a person). They contrast each other; Rex is blue while Pyra is red, Rex's outfit emphasizes his youth while Pyra's emphasizes her maturity, and Rex is a free-spirited nobody while Pyra is weighed down by her history and trauma. These hurdles separate them, and only after confronting these differences and resolving to stay together despite their hardships can Rex bring out her true self. This is also signified by the more matching design changes for both Rex and Pneuma, having the same colours and design details that visually showcase how the two have grown closer together despite the apparent differences between them that remain.

[@27ricky04]

I will not tolerate Riki slander, he ended up being a 9999 hp healing monster, he randomly farts all over the party healing everyone by like 80% upwards

[@maxspecs]

Top tier DoT debuffing spiking monster

[@Genethagenius]

I thought I would hate Riki when he was introduced but he grew on me. Plus was a beast in combat! (No pun intended)

[@WakkaMadeInYevon]

Riki is the best Xenoblade character, no contest. Just pure unfiltered joy and wisdom in a story embroiled with grim darkness. Seeing him get torn down like this makes me sad.

[@SleepyBrady]

Ehh it's not farts it's actually him breathing some kind of mint he eats. He even says "Heropon breath smell great!"

[@thatonegeeksite5251]

He ended up being a main in my party and helped demolish the final boss. Seriously loved Riki.

[@LarryButz]

I really like how Malos and Jin’s dynamic ended up becoming. You’d 100% think one would usurp the other as true big bad, but nah, they both end up treating each other as equals and comrades and lament each other’s fates. Despite being forces that are considered utter evil to the world itself, they’re still compatriots in their goals. Even after Jin “betrays” him after a final realization, Malos stills feels bad for how he had to get there and his life. Malos is probably one of the most hammy villains but I still love him. *INDEED!*

[@zooka0619]

I think they were closer than that 😏😏😏

[@lazydroidproductions1087]

People don’t get the power of a good campy villain

[@boredgoddesstori6635]

@@zooka0619 even Malos English VA said that Malos and Jin are gay

[@zooka0619]

@@boredgoddesstori6635 INDEED!

[@2yoyoyo1Unplugged]

@@boredgoddesstori6635Maybe Jin was gay _later on,_ but originally he absolutely only had eyes for Lora

[@TheScar3cro]

I probably said this every time someone talks about the plot of XC1, but the foreshadowing with Zanza is there since Shulk and Reyn start their journey. In their conversation before they go Shulk tells Reyn, that there are two voices in his head. One reasonable voice and the other one just screaming to kill them all. Reyn jokes about this being his voice in Shulks head, but guess whose voice this really was. Who manipulated Shulk from the very beginning. I found this mind blowing in my second playthrough

[@leahtheanimationfan40]

"In my head, there are two versions of me. One of them is saying that, it's telling me 'listen to what Dunban said.'" "What about the other one?" "It keeps shouting 'make them pay! Destroy every single one of them!' and it won't stop getting louder."

[@WakkaMadeInYevon]

Shulk "the voices in my head tell me to commit genocide *and I'm listening"* Xenoblade Our protagonist

[@lentinant]

Even more, even before that, we find out Monado can control people (Dunban mentions that he was not controlling Monado, it was more like it was controlling him). Pretty much implying Monado has its own will.

[@scubajho]

Before that, Fiora makes comment on Shulk having no taste. That was the whole point of the sandwich scene beyond just establishing their relationship. There are some other comments as to his senses seeming dulled, iirc. I think he talks about not feeling the wind or something of the sort. It's passed off as him always being lost in thought, but the endgame reveal that he's been dead the whole time makes all of that hit differently.

[@ZefoniusLinestraf]

That moment we couldnt see the future

[@eldritchautomaton]

That casual call out dunk on Dunkey was brief, but everything. Thank you.

[@Luke_Barz]

Kbash SPITTIN (on the whole point of cynicism against stories not following a “western” template and not engaging with them earnestly)

[@557deadpool]

Dunkey has always been grating

[@JCOdrjones]

​@@557deadpool always? Nah. A pain when it comes to JRPGs? Yes

[@windy4566]

@@JCOdrjones I’m inclined to agree but he feels like he’s been leaning into the Cinemasins vibes in general too much

[@SantoryuKauboi]

His complaints are not unwarranted though. He doesn’t like what we like, big deal. All of his videos are top tier funny. As a JRPG fan I find these games to have the best stories. But in comparison to something like the Witcher 3, they fall flat.

[@inudeku]

Much like you resonated with Joran, I did as Shania. My mom died and my dad was an unloving piece of garbage. I was never good at stuff like friends. Felt like I didn't even really have friends. My family was poor and even getting food was a struggle. Shania mentioning you only getting one chance and you gotta suffer was breathtaking. It was so extremely lonely. Granted I'm not gonna kill anyone but I think Shania is a brilliant character. The dynamic between Sena having a loving supportive friend in Mio(just watch the jail scene when sena apologizes) vs Ghondor telling Shania she's a copycat weirdo is amazing.

[@user-tf9wo7dd9b]

She's an important character. The City is not the paradise it is presented to be and Shania's character explores that. In Aionios, whether you're from Keves, Agnus or the City, you're only purpose is to fight.

[@KinglyRed]

Shania gets shafted a bit because her backstory and motivation is mostly tucked away in Sena's side story

[@jkhedghog128]

"Maybe your talent, the thing you vibe with, has no real market value." Well, that hit too close to home.

[@Squirtle1208]

Fun fact: Shania is NOT the first character to off themselves on screen in a Xenoblade game. In a Xenoblade X affinity mission, there is another NPC who shoots themself the same way

[@benaffblack]

That side mission is so sad. Like poor Hope had to go throughout that 😢

[@jacedawg355]

*babybabybabybabybabybabybabyYEAHHH*

[@WakkaMadeInYevon]

Classic Xenoblade X moment. They could straight up cut out the main story and I'd barely notice, the side quests carry hard

[@tirex3673]

Also, there is that one guy in a FC sidequest, jumping of Bionis Shoulder.

[@Squirtle1208]

@@tirex3673 oh shit you’re right! These two just stick out more cause they shoot themselves and I feel like that leaves you reeling for a bit

[@AzariahWolf]

7:58 Yeah, the fact that Adam Howden can belt out a genuine rage scream like that and the audio engineers got it to sound this good without clipping is insane.

[@YesThisIsJamesWier]

No literally 😂

[@dragoniota]

1:34:54 Fun little thing to notice, Turters does appear again in the ending on Zekes shoulder! (and has at least one other appearance im fairly certain of)

[@heroponrikibestest5695]

Could be wrong but if i remember correctly, in the scene where Pandoria summons Genbu/Tantal, you can see Zeke pulling Turturs out and petting him.

[@Medleypon]

KBash is talking about Xenoblade. My morning is saved.

[@lulumaneco3684]

my day is saved

[@rhettmitchell]

My life is saved

[@JulesLeoDirect]

The end of Ch5 in Xenoblade 3 had me reeling, it was so good

[@RegeroTerra]

That end of chapter 5, beginning of chapter 6, point in Xenoblade 3 is a strong contender for best scenes in all 4 Xenoblade games. What really sucks, is I got to that point at midnight and had to wake up at 5 AM the next day, so I stopped right at the very end of chapter 5 and was left all sorts of freaked out and hyped up until I could get back to the game the next night.

[@Naterkix]

I said, "Don't. Don't you dare. Stop. Nuh-uh Don't make me add you to the 'games that made me cry list!'" as "that scene" was happening. That list grew by one title that day.

[@primallanturn3366]

@@RegeroTerra not as bad as me... i skipped the third knocking animation on the prison cell door bc i thought it'd just repeat that over and over... it skipped the ensuing 30minutes of cutscenes... including "Mio's" death. Because of the way chapter 6 starts off in the white fog... i had believed that was what actually happens. I thought it just cuts o the white fog, chapter 6 beginning, and only referred to Mio dying through cutscenes

[@leahtheanimationfan40]

​@@primallanturn3366 Oh my goodness, you pour soul. That's the best part of the game 😭

[@sushi287]

It’s a shame that 3 couldn’t stick the landing tbh - the first 5 chapters are absolutely incredible

[@Unovachamp]

1:34:54 actually Turters does appear again. He does in several cutscenes like e.g. the ending where he sits on Zekes shoulder.

[@ASquared544]

A personal other reason why the Xenoblade 3 cast uses so many in universe swears is… they don’t know what s*x is. They can’t say f**k because they do not understand the concept. … also swears tend to be based on topics that are taboo or something, and they mainly use “Spark” or “Snuff” as they relate to their cycle of life and death and they were raised to believe that trying to reject that life was taboo, so of course as soldiers who hate their life they use those as swears all the time.

[@laggalot1012]

The several uses of "bitch" (particularly within Ghondor's colourful vocabulary) should be enough indication that age ratings and reducing profanity were not the (main) motivation for the script change. Sure, the city people or Moebius members could reasonably be expected to drop f-bombs, but they don't, so that's presumably where they draw the line, but that's nothing if not unremarkable for most games not rated M or equivalent.

[@Keaixiaoen0919]

@ASquared as some one who played these games in Japanese with Chinese text, I'm shocked by the differences in the dub. It feels like a different product, especially with 2 and 3

[@shivamarya5225]

Don't worry the English dubbing team did not think that hard about. They sound way less emotional than the original dub and bitch is not necessarily even a sexual slang

[@laggalot1012]

​@@shivamarya5225 Hard disagree. I'm going to disregard the JP comparison, because I am under no illusion that I could accurately assess voice acting quality for a language I don't understand beyond extremely basic phrases. Xenoblade has a pretty good English voice acting record, though. 2's dub was troubled for sure, especially for the early-game, but still picks up in quality as it goes and I think it ends at a good level. And I'd argue 1 and 3's dubs are very strong overall, quite consistently high-quality. You make it sound like they barely tried and I think that assessment is entirely unreasonable. Script changes are more case-by-case. I think 3's flavour changes generally work well, suiting the context of the world and its conflict, so it doesn't feel out of place if you're at all able to suspend your disbelief a little. Not every voice actor delivers them consistently well, but some, like Eunie's, absolutely do.

[@shivamarya5225]

@@laggalot1012 just watch the future redeemed trailer in english and japanese, the dialog sounds way more emotional and much softer, especially the second half of the trailer and the last dialog, its a completely different experience. Most of the british voice cast have only ever done one or two voice acting roles before and are mostly stage actors, thats why they sound much louder and less emotional. The dialog changes work okay but the tone of the voices is just not the same

[@lukedelameter7961]

Small correction about the visions: Story-Wise, they are Shulk’s, but you don’t need to control him to receive them. In fact, it is entirely possible to warn *him* about what is about happen.

[@jackpatterson5832]

It can be hard to find sincere, balanced, good-faith critique of this series that I love so much, especially 2. Videos like this one, alongside those by people like KingK and Ludiscere, mean the world to me. Thank you, K

[@dekaidoku]

I love how subtle Pyra and Mythra is. Cause Mythra is too honest, so she keeps Pyra as her guard. Cause Pyra is good at lying for she has everything Mythra doesnt. Even all her happy moments with Rex however, it never stopped her from wanting to kill herself until Rex accepted all of her.

[@Shikojen]

Pyra is explicitly bad at lying, I know this comment is a yearish old but I just wanted to say that when I saw you mention that bit.

[@mookgoon]

Obliterating my afternoon with a 3 hour Xenoblade video.

[@anonymouss1270]

I’ve obliterated my day trying to get 4 outdoor attack up IIs in torna. Seriously it’s a 12% chance not a 0.000012%

[@eldritchautomaton]

You know...there's plenty of things here that I disagree with (especially when it comes to XBC2) but unlike many other sensationalized and accusatory videos, this was delivered levelly and with tact. The humor felt more like you with laughing with Xenoblade fans rather than at Xeno fans. Great job on this video!

[@malum9478]

laughing at xenoblade fans is based, actually

[@Paradox1012]

​@@malum9478 did you engage with this video? If you did you would know how vapid that statement is.

[@sharebear421]

@@Paradox1012 he kinda has a point. Even though xenoblade is one of my favorite franchises the fan base is definitely not apart of that enjoyment haha

[@sleeplessknight173]

@@sharebear421 Same for every type of media ever, "fans" and "fanbases" suck in general. Doesn't mean you should make fun of everyone who likes a curtain thing just cause some "fans" are annoying, it's insulting and annoying af.

[@Paradox1012]

@@sharebear421 it is often justification to point and laugh and debase things that have some meaning in games and other media.Because 2 internet mongrels are creepy and weird or something, and I feel like that reasoning doesn't produce value. Is it "fun to do" as a vice? Perhaps. But you must understand that these things can become wrapped very rapidly from thier original jokey intentions when mixed with malice towards someone or something. I cannot take anyone who is constantly memeing and making fun of shit seriously as a person because thier opinion can fluctuate rapidly over minor things, the resolve they have in thier opinion is weak, and i just dont vibe with that. The only way that works is if you are a person like Sam Hyde and you make it clear that you LIVE only for the funny at all times and being a true comedian is the only thing you wish to present to the world. This video makes jokes, but it uses them to further a meaningful discussion and not to put down any one individual(s).

[@solidskullz5736]

I love the xenoblade series. I’ve played the original, 2, X, and currently playing 3. Amazing characters, worlds, music, and gameplay. Definitely one of my favorite rpg series

[@Hephaestus_God]

Can we talk about how X is the biggest Blue ball in video game history... like come on please make X2 lol You also forgot to mention the most Jaring thing in all of xenoblade.... Tyrea flying away using her high entia wings. It's the only time ever you see one fly and it's never touched on again or explained lmao.

[@VashdaCrash]

Actually, I just talked to an NPC who talked about that: high sentia are capable of flying with their wings, she explained that it's extremely hard and needs extensive training, and she also said that it's like trying to move your ears. So, yeah.

[@ThatRonin]

RIGHT???? I need a sequel so badly, one of my absolute favorite WiiU games

[@NeoAcetalos-yw1ws]

Megaman ZX advent might be a close second

[@GrassPokeKing]

Can't WAIT until they come out with Xenoblade Chronicles XX, and then even LATER, they'll come out with Xenoblade Chronicles XXVIIIII, and by then I'm sure there'll be YET ANOTHER addition to the Xeno saga

[@j.mn.a509]

Cant wait to watch this in 2 years after im finally playing through all the xeno games

[@andromeda8226]

It will be very worth it my friend

[@Honeymuts]

Watched the Patreon early access for this, and you do the games a great justice. You highlight what makes these deep fantasy worlds and their characters so enthralling, and fairly criticize what needs to be acknowledged as downsides for games that can eat up hundreds of hours of time for those who haven't initiated with them. I really appreciate the portion on X and gushing about the best exploration in the series. X was my first Xenoblade and I loved it, but I'd forgotten just how much of a treat exploring Mira is after the emotional whirlwinds of DE, 2 & 3, and admittedly fell into the "X is just a spinoff" camp after years of not owning a Wii U. Got me installing an emulator to revisit it with those crisp & tasty 1080p visuals

[@AverageAspie]

Same. I dropped Xenoblade X(after I got the Skell) because I wanted a sequal to XC1, a BIGGER story. Welp, after I got and played 2 to completion, I kinda burnt out over how micro-managing and stark in style it was. Still haven't played X3 yet. Now older, I respect and enjoy some aspects of were the series is going, but I'm really nostalgic over the exploration, freedom, evolved gameplay of X. I really want more X! Heard it runs well on macOS via Dolphin.

[@culIen]

The xenoblade chronicles were really the friends we made along the way huh Excellent shit buddy as always, loved being a part of this 👏

[@smashbreault4051]

Wow a lot more Praise for X than I was expecting. It's my favorite game of all time that just so happens to also be a Xenoblade game for some reason. 😅

[@ArthurBoente]

Xeno 3 does something that NO OTHER game did. The characters talk to each other and discuss stuff. They talk about their feelings and fears. You know that story where "if they just stopped and talked it would all be solved" ? So, they talk here, and solve stuff talking.

[@VashdaCrash]

That's awesome.

[@jacobmonks3722]

I wouldn't say NO OTHER game does this, but it certainly makes the characters feel real and genuine. By the time you finish the game, you feel like you know exactly how any two characters would talk and think about any topic.

[@proctoscopefilms]

You should play Persona as soon as possible.

[@ArthurBoente]

@@proctoscopefilms I've played persona 3,4 and 5.

[@marcmothersole8265]

Not going to lie that sounds like an extremely low bar. Bit confused how no other game has the main characters communicate...

[@pockystyx4087]

god, I need an X port and sequel like; yesterday.

[@malum9478]

i would do some dirty things for a nintendo exec if it meant we got a port and sequel

[@unluckystaravia2352]

​@@malum9478 Come on you and I both know you're only using a Xenoblade X port as an excuse to sleep with Miyamoto and while I don't blame you you should try and hide your lust a bit /j

[@jens94008]

maybe remastered for nintendo next gen

[@axineight2608]

the switch would implode on it self

[@unluckystaravia2352]

@@axineight2608 Isn't the switch more powerful than the original hardware X was on though? Was it coded in such a way that it'd be hard to port or something?

[@gavinxdorian]

This was beautiful. KBash, please don't ever worry about whether what you are doing is good enough. You capture the beauty of game storytelling and the power of ludonarrative harmony better than pretty much any other game commentator I've ever seen in my 30+ years of gaming. What you are doing is powerful, important, and of exceptionally high quality. Congratulations and thank you.

[@MrGnuh]

"combat in xenoblade chronicles2 is slow unless you cancel auto attacks" narcipear jelly: "am I a joke to you?"

[@jardejay8804]

That jelly made me love the game.

[@acidwizard6528]

What does that jelly do? I played XC2 a few years ago, but I don't remember anything like that.

[@MrGnuh]

it auto charges your arts fast af! lmao

[@raiden8929]

​@@MrGnuh speak like a standardd human please

[@MrGnuh]

@@raiden8929 sorry. no can do. Yuniecorns are by no means standardd

[@alexpousson5237]

I can't express how much I love that you did this. This trilogy holds so much importance to me and I immediately fell in love with your channel when I saw the NMH video. So to see you giving what is effectively a 2 and half hour love-letter to this series really makes me happy.

[@kooljoshboy8210]

Gonna watch until the XC3 part and then comeback when I've finished. Currently on chapter 5 loool Update: just finished the game last night. I have rewatched the ending like 10 times. Cried. Every. Single. Time. What a masterpiece.

[@NeverSaySandwich1]

Did you play future connected?

[@varkster6860]

You have such an excellent understanding of how philosophy and parallels to the real world were implemented with Xenoblade 3, as well as a very good outlook on the heart these games have in terms of how they treat friendship and the loving nature of people. These games present both the better and the worse of humanity and strike very deep chords in me, this is why at the end of every Xenoblade game, regardless of how much of a roller coaster it has been, I have been finding it increasingly hard not to find myself tearing up, or in certain cases even crying. I feel like this has become almost a 'meme' at this point, that when a new Xenoblade game comes out people almost expect to cry crocodile tears at the end and it speaks volume for, as much goofiness and anime you see throughout the game (in some instances it may even appear as utterly bizarre), the emotional weight the game strikes for a lot of us just thanks to the developers' understanding of human life. That final speech by Noah at the end of Xenoblade 3 is such an amazing monologue to end the game. It perfectly encapsulates what makes the game throughout a very special journey, what makes every game to that point a very special journey. The way the words were delivered and what was said just resonated with me heavily. I agree with you that there are so many people in the west who don't appear to particularly understand this series, or even look at it mockingly, and it's a massive shame. I nudged a couple of my colleagues to get into the series as well as my gym trainer, I understand that it can be a little daunting to tackle a series which is literally notorious for its game length, depending on the way you play you could easily rack up 200+ hours in one playthrough of Xenoblade 3, which is insanity to most. It is, however, something that they have been coming back to me with to discuss and hear my thoughts when they reach any part of the game, I'm always happy to talk or even explain some things despite having finished it months ago at this point. I don't really remember any games which inspired such conversation (and in some cases, almost debates) between me and my friends. Yes, a cool game would come out, like in Elden Ring I would briefly mention "have you seen that thing" and they'd go "oh yeah I hated that boss" and that would be the end of it. With Xenoblade (especially 3, because that's the most recent one and I have gotten them to start with it because I genuinely think it's the easiest to get into) it's a constant back and forth, at times spiraling into entirely different conversations because that's the nature of the writing for this game. These games have so much soul and heart put into them which 99% of everyday industry games released nowadays lack, I've only touched the surface and didn't even mention world design, fantastic side character writing, great and satisfying battle mechanics, fantastic art direction, awesome RPG character building. It's honestly such a shame that Xenoblade is looked down upon in some circles, because I feel that if these same people gave the game a try and looked past the "haha anime" they too, would find something special.

[@VashdaCrash]

The game giving more chances to talk about it than most is a great point. I think it'd be great if that was taken into account more often when rating videogames

[@jabariwiththebois5765]

​@@VashdaCrashI think Xenoblade has a lot to talk about because of how gargantuant everything in it is. Lore, gameplay mechanics, Worldbuilding, the OST.... I don't think "how much there is to talk about" should really be a standard, because some games don't aim for that scope, and they aren't any less great or memorable because of it imo

[@VashdaCrash]

@@jabariwiththebois5765 That looks like a good point but I don't think the game has to have a great scope to have a lot to talk about. It depends more on the people who play it than the developers.

[@Zakaker]

The greatest praise KBash could possibly give to a game series is making a 2.5 hours long video and ending it with "I've only been able to scratch the surface" And the greatest praise my ADHD ass could possibly give to a video is watching 2.5 hours of it and still yearning for more

[@ableno.9906]

As a lover of Xenoblade 2 it's probably my favorite in the series, I really enjoyed your coverage, also that pateron part at the end had my laughing cause I was just imagining you doing attacks well saying the names.

[@Spartan1312]

I think your final takeaway was on point and something most JRPG's do not try to address. The Xeno series has always tackled rough subjects and I hope they always will.

[@Walmbat]

I'm honestly glad, that even if you were originally motivated by money, you played these games and found joy and more in them. I came to them through a friend, after having experienced the earlier Xenos ages ago, and they… they're good, they're great, they're warm and joyful. They reach out and help you up, emotionally, because at the end of the day, no matter how dark it's been, they're stories of hope and connection. I won't say they cured my depression, but they sure put a smile on my face.

[@scubajho]

During Shania's scene, all I could think of was Hope's sidequests in XCX. That quest is what fully sold me on X. If you didn't get the chance to do it during this whirlwind tour, I highly recommend going back and giving it another go at some point.

[@famillesabot5719]

Yeah I did this sidequest before xc3 was annouced. I was not impressed by Shania

[@Brotagon1st_in_Hiding]

I've come to the realization recently that talking about art is absolutely also a work of art itself, that is what I strive to do with my own work, This video is beautiful

[@Kingsleybeard]

I'll never forget in XC2 when I was getting a brand-new tutorial...40 hours in...to my eventual 100 hour first run of the game. 11/10 Goated XD (actually a proud member of XC2 defense team, its got flaws but damn it just hit different for me)

[@azm4381]

i am sick as hell rn and this 2 1/2 hour video might help me take my mind off it thanks kbash you’re my hero

[@Kuuribro]

I'm at the ending at 2:28:00 right now. Man KBash I am a Xenoblade mega fan, I moved my life across the world just to HOPE to eventually get the chance to help make one of these things with Monolithsoft. From me, this kind of mega essay of love and poking fun at it, it's huge. I appreciate this so much. Just. SEEING somebody put this kind of appreciation into words and into an expression. It's cathartic as hell.

[@RyanBeardy]

I remember when Shulk was announced for Smash 4 and I a huge Nintendo fan had no idea who he was. I looked it a cutscene compilation of the game's story and found it really interesting and unique. The Xenoblade series is never a game that's gameplay I would personally enjoy enough to take the dive, but I'm glad I could still appreciate the series in some way watching the story unfold in those cutscenes and in your video!

[@berserkchip]

I hate to be 'that' Xenoblade X fan, but not talking about the red exclamation point side quests is overlooking basically half of the entire game. Those quests do an enormous amount of work in building both Mira and NLA, as well as it's inhabitants, both fleshing out humans as well as introducing and fleshing out new alien inhabitants, including new species that either seldomly appear in story cutscenes, or don't appear at all. Doing these quests causes new research labs to be built, new stores to open, new clothes and armor sets to be available, a plethora of new characters become playable, and the quests themselves, while not voice acted, are arguably more interesting than the main story. There's a quest line that's a whole Back to the Future reference, there's a big murder mystery, there's a romance between a human and a Prone, leading to a wedding, etc... Through these quests, you also learn about the different cultures of each race, delving into their philosophies, life styles, politics and worldviews. You get to watch as each species interacts and integrates not only with humans, but also each other. It's incredibly interesting. And through it all, you, the player (or your character) have a much greater degree of agency as oppose to the main story. You even get a certain sorrowful hint towards the player character's 'true' identity if you do absolutely everything... The more of these quests you do, the more the landscape is permanently changed by an ever increasing population of different alien races, absolutely FLOODING NLA with life and people. Not doing these quests and not covering them in your review, admittedly a mistake a lot of people and especially a lot of reviewers make, admittedly a mistake 'I' myself made in my first playthrough of the game, is, like I said, missing half the picture of why X is such a criminally underrated entry in the series. To anyone reading this, KBash or anyone who played X the way he and a lot of people did, I'm not saying you should go back and fight Telethia the Endbringer and unlock Lao's Skell, but on your own time, if you 'have' time, please consider going back and clearing out the red "!" points on your map. Trust me, it's SO mother fucking worth it.

[@SilverRay85]

It's true. Xenoblade x may be "sidequests: the game" but doing them really fleshes out the world and its inhabitants. Really bums me out that my save file glitched so I couldn't actually finish every side quest

[@lordofhostsappreciator3075]

3's sidequests > X's sidequests

[@famillesabot5719]

It's my favorit X experience. Discover new race, new lore element. I really enjoyed the sidequest Orphen and the Zabbudogan (for godgobba sake 🙌)

[@Izzak_Beck]

I feel like the thing with X is that you have to approach it like an Elder Scrolls game. The main story is there, and you'll probably want to move it along to get access to new stuff; but, is definitely not the meat of the game, sure you can just run through the main quest, but you're going to miss the Dark Brotherhood, and that's just a shame.

[@BringerOfMoisture]

@@lordofhostsappreciator3075 that’s just false

[@jelyse14]

1:56:59 You explaining Jin here as the "anti-Xeno protag" and how he's "what happens when a protag arc goes wrong" is just.... wow, Xenogears spoilers but... he totally saw the Grahf archetype for what it is without knowing Grahf. 😆 Grahf's whole deal is absolutely the "protag arc goes wrong". Fei is Lacan, Lacan is Grahf, Grahf is the "protag goes wrong" after Lacan sees the one he loves unjustly die and makes an incomplete contact with the Zohar, creating the id-like alter Grahf. I just love how that comes through so clearly with Jin, that without knowing which previous Xeno character archetype Jin is based on he was still able to pick up on that. ' ' Digressing here a bit because I love the archetype so much but, I also love how Jin and N explores the Grahf archetype, coming at aspects of it from another angle while keeping the archetype intact. Like the destructive will to live to the very end of the world/the wish for the world to end and finally die, the goal to bring about that end of the world/the goal to have the Now exist forever. And that Jin/Lora is an exploration of Lacan/Sophia if Lacan kept on living forever with the grief and anger rather than his id-will living on in his place, and N/M is the exploration of Lacan/Sophia if Sophia were revived against her will and forced to side with the enemy with Lacan wanting to protect her and this endless life they now have after experiencing the grief and trauma of losing her in the first place.

[@ericmonachello]

Thank you kbash for ruining my life. i listened to this video like a podcast (skipping the spoiler sections.) I liked your thoughts. Decided to dust off my copy of xenoblade chronicles 2 (purchased at launch with no more than 2 hours of play). Now 30 hours of game time later I'm fully addicted to not only 2 but the rest of the series. Played xenogears for an entire sunday with a friend. Already purchased 1,X,torna,and 3 in anticipation of my "round the world." Girlfriends worried. I can't sleep. Why did you do this. Also that comment about burritos made me laugh a lot. Thanks for the video

[@Alfonso88279]

I finally watched it entirely, I think it's a great video. It's funny and informative, and it's not condescending to controversial takes. Sometimes I lose interest when the creators of these videos completely ignore a very common take on the matter just because they don't share it. If you are gonna go big with a video, GO BIG, refer as many sources and takes as you can. That way you include everyone. You don't need to agree. Just recognize their existence and validity. Very well done here. I loved Xenoblade. What a travel, it was. I have so many magic memories for each game... with Xenoblade 1 I was starting college, I played it in my hacked wii, obtained from not very trusty sources, I never heard about the game and I was expecting nothing from it. In fact, I was much more interested in the other two that were in the package: The last story and Pandora's tower. For me, Xenoblade was the "whatever". And then I played. And WTF. The creativity, the imagination implied, the scale, so amazing. I watched in my old tv, a very small one from the 80s. You know, those fat ones. Small, and fat. Like me, back then. Xenoblade 2 got me with my first serious job. I remember I was so busy, just had part of my attention to dedicate to it. I remember playing the game, while working and watching the soccer selection from my country. It was possible because the switch was portable. So useful. And Xenoblade 3 got me in a very important phase of my life, with children around and the idea of community and society were totally different for. The game made me revise the ideas of love and death and passing the torch. Magical. Gaming is AMAZING. I love movies and reading, but when done right, videogames strike so hard. Such a high art.

[@Frgt10Dreamer]

i must say this review of the series was actually beautiful. like i truly appreciate the work you put into this and the deep dive and explanations

[@MaxMonado]

10:19 Hey that's a cool video! But seriously, this is one of my favourite retrospectives of the series I've seen, it's great to see a positive yet critical and nuanced look at all the characters and games. Your coverage was great :)

[@karlthefirst]

havent seen this channel before, this was probably the best introduction I could have gotten, general vibes are good, you can critique things without needing to add insults about the people who enjoy them which is something I can never seem to find on youtube, and on a more subjective level sharing the same love for trying to maximise the numbers on the characters in games we play and specifically the job/skill systems of xc3 and ffta is something I dont think ive found anyome else be so vocal about having that be a favourite thing in games. whenever I talk to friends about whether wed enjoy certain rpgs or games it usually always comes down to if they have fun upgrade/equipment settings, I love fiddling with that stuff and working to get more upgrades hence why xc3 and warframe are some of my favourite games and that all started with ffta for me so you mentioning that game hit an extra chord for me.

[@TyGuy9001]

As someone who’s not into these types of RPGs, I did watch someone play-through X1 and I liked it. Honestly, I really love a lot of the editing style, the candor and work that goes into these videos, but one of the reasons I keep coming back to them is the ability for KBash to really give interesting and thoughtful takes on games I’ve never played before. Well done on this Goliath of a task to KBash, here’s hoping the next video goes well ahead!

[@brainydiode]

I feel like Xenoblade hits that perfect line between niche and well-known that puts it in the unenviable position of having a lot of people know about it without engaging with it who parrot jabs at it by popular creators while also having a bunch of very vocal defenders who pour praise on the series so uncritically that it can become just as exhausting, even for a series fan, and I won't lie and say I've never been in the latter group. But that makes it so refreshing to have somebody engage with the series in good faith and come away with a really nuanced take that calls out the series for the crap it pulls while also acknowledging the vast amounts of good stuff it also pulls off. So thank you so much for doing that. Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is my favorite video game. It has my favorite JRPG combat system, my favorite JRPG main cast (and very close to my favorite main cast in any piece of media ever), and one of my favorite soundtracks. I love the setting and all the environments you get to play around in, and I think the worldbuilding is really well done and I love how much it informs the main plot. I don't think I'll ever forget reaching Indol in my first playthrough and seeing the refugee camps and that mural and suddenly being overwhelmed by the melancholic feeling of existing in a world on the edge of death. At risk of sounding like one of those uncritical defenders I mentioned above, I have taken on a solemn mission of reminding people that, while, yes, 2 is the horny one with the crappy tutorials, it's so much more than JUST the horny one with the crappy tutorials.

[@lucasl3657]

I love this series quite a bit, especially 3 for its characters and gameplay, and am happy that you got to experience it too and provide your genuine thoughts. I haven't had the chance to play X myself, but I look forward to doing it someday given your own praise for the title.

[@Kimosabes2hot]

The Xenosaga series might have been more important to my cumulative years than I first thought.

[@liquidsnake23]

But boy that first one…..80% unskippable cutscenes ptsd

[@TheBig451]

@@liquidsnake23 Uh... they all have a pretty similar cutscene to gameplay ratio, so not sure what you mean by that. If anything, 2 is worse because the game is so much shorter. Plus... you can skip literally every single cutscene soooo. Also Episode 1 is the best one, don't @ me

[@557deadpool]

@@TheBig451 3 has the best look and skippable cutscenes

[@TheBig451]

@@557deadpool yeah but the plot wrap up is pretty weak imo.

[@Implosion-Gaming]

​@@TheBig451 ep 1 is the best, you spilled.

[@fridgegremlin5496]

this man coming out with the most BASED explanation of XCX being as amazing as it is. Still my favorite open world, still my favorite JRPG. Hours and hours and hours of absolute enchantment, all sadly marooned on the Wii U and potentially the open seas if you have a good PC. If XCX2 ever happens you bet your entire ass that’s a system seller for me. hey kbash did you do the lobster quest

[@rowanatkinson3594]

Xenoblade X and 2 have things that kind of keep me from enjoying them as much as 1 and 3, but I 100% respect them as games and understand why people enjoy them as heavily as they do: they are games that absolutely have merit and incredibly strong draws and the fact that I could not get over my hangups to enjoy them says more about my personal tastes than their objective qualities. I absolutely on board with people that love those games and I'm happy that they do: just because something isn't to my personal tastes doesn't mean someone is wrong for loving something and there is very clearly a lot to love with both of those games

[@emblemblade9245]

Thank you. Seriously.

[@leahtheanimationfan40]

I haven't played X yet (hoping for a Switch port...maybe) but I definitely have problems with 2. However, there are plenty of things I like and even love about 2. Though I don't really understand how anyone could love 2 more than 1 and I definitely don't understand how anyone could love 2 more than 3. But yeah, I think it really does come down to personal taste

[@-lord1754]

Xenoblade 2 is one of my favorite games ever (and I have played hundreds of games) and your takes are absolutely brilliant. I get the complaints for the game a lot but, you also take a more nuanced and articulate approach and it was a great to listen to. Also in Tora's defense, he is also most definitely a minor so hes just an incel not a p3do.

[@nathanallen2339]

I am so glad you touched on how amazing the jumping and world design is in Xenoblade Chronicles X

[@orangepotato2112]

Oh my goodness. This was all I ever wanted. Thank you kbash for playing these games, will watch the video when I get time goddamn

[@joshimation1844]

2:03:19 seriously such an amazing analysis on how people view media and stories especially ones with extremely ambitious stories, so well worded it’s everything!

[@TheCrawl]

Hell yes. Great video on a great series. And I’m so stoked you enjoyed X! It’s like a secret Phantasy Star game, with mechs and a dope Jpop OST. I love it so much. The others are pretty good too I guess ;)

[@famillesabot5719]

You didn't have to justify X is a great game.

[@Lanoman123]

Jpop? More like Gpop

[@malum9478]

it's literally like a weird mirror world version of pso2 it's kinda bizarre. down to the the aesthetics even.

[@harleyducote5982]

OK now I'm interested as someone with 3.3k hours with that phantasy star series

[@stuartstedman7015]

This video had a catharsis in its conclusion that mirrors the games themselves. That’s lovely.

[@armedweiss5531]

I've only ever played the first Xenovlade due never getting a Wii U or a switch. I got it as a gift for my 14th birthday. And that first playthrough, it was something truly magical. It was the first time I ever truly felt gripped by a game's story and world, and has probably left the biggest impact in my life with how I analyze and enjoy narratives in the media I consume. Genuinely wish I could play the sequels because the first was just that impactful for me.

[@Qwerty10254]

Please buy a Switch and get 2 and 3. X is skippable imho and it will get remastered eventually

[@0ctopusComp1etely]

If you put a gun to my head and told me to name my favorite Xenoblade game, I could probably do it, and 100% mean my answer. But that answer would probably change the next day, or hour, or minute, and they'd all be true. I just love the whole series too much to not care about each of them. There are some genuinely infuriating faults with each of the games, things that keep them from shining fully for me. But man oh man do they SHINE though. When they hit their peaks, they're as monumental and towering as the titans they showcase.

[@lloganm1234]

2.5 hours of xeno goodness from my favorite KZbinr??? Let's gooooo

[@joemcadams2101]

Xenoblade X mentioned!!! I think you did a great job covering how it is set apart from the rest of the series and why it succeeds. The movement options and exploration goals are what keeps my WiiU around to replay it every few years. Playing these games with a deadline in mind and back to back must have been pretty hard and not the best way to enjoy them to their fullest. I'd imagine a lot of people are going to be mad you didn't spend extra time on their favorite or didn't do the mandatory Skyrim review of mentioning the 3 actually well written side quests. However, all the analysis and narrative weaving was great and kept me engaged the whole way through. Awesome job!

[@Dilan10Z]

Thank you for making this. It's pretty amazing. Trying to get my friends into these games is a pretty big ask, and the only person I've been able to at least glean the series over my shoulder is my partner. Point is, it's nice to see others who appreciate this only slightly niche thing as much as I do.

[@Richiebxrry]

Which order would you recommend playing the games?

[@leahtheanimationfan40]

​​@@Richiebxrry XC1, Future Connected, XC2, Torna the Golden Country, XC3. I haven't played X but I know it's standalone from the rest. Personally, I played Xenoblade 1 Definitive Edition and absolutely loved it! And I played Future Connected right after. I wasn't sure about 2 so I just decided to watch the cutscenes on KZbin instead. I didn't like the story in 2 very much, but I liked Torna so I bought it. I played Torna about 9 months before Xenoblade Chronicles 3 was announced, and then I decided to actually play Xenoblade 2 in preparation for 3. While I definitely still have gameplay and story issues with Xenoblade 2, it did grow on me a little. Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is my absolute favorite though!

[@Richiebxrry]

@@leahtheanimationfan40 thanks for this info very insightful 👍🏾

[@lulumaneco3684]

ty you for segmenting each part in the video and specially for the the story spoiler for part three, i was able to watch everything else and ill watch that part later once i do get the game and beat it. really enjoyed this one!

[@anthonyjackson9654]

Kbash, you know what you're talking about with these games. It's why you kick ass. Only played Xenoblade 1, and it definitely stuck with me.

[@aion425]

I loved this. Your honest opinions, still respecting the games' good sides while cracking a joke here and there put a smile on my face. I personally adore the games because they gave me an experience few games has given. A roller coaster of emotions and events. I still think XB2 is the one that left the biggest impression on me with XB3 close after. Great video, you've earned a sub.

[@PhriekshoTV]

The MMO style combat feels faster than your average turn based game, tbh, but I love it a ton. By far one of my favorite series of all time, and XBC2 is overhated, and I prefer Rex's brash naivety and its shattering to Shulk's journey. Also X is one of the most enjoyable games to explore ever made. Also Mechonis Field is one of the best songs ever made. Also Melia is my main character because she's a great constant party healer. Also I never thought of Riki as anything other than a CC tank

[@TorrenceL]

video was great as always 🫶🏾 but that ending of x3 & the summary of the vid hit hard!!! the message had my brain buffering for awhile but also the reason i love the series keep up the amazing work

[@ASquared544]

Something to also point out about 1 (spoilers btw for those of you skimming the comments before getting to that point in the video): At the beginning, Shulk talks about how there are 2 voices inside him, one telling him to move on and the other telling him to kill all the Mechon and take revenge. It’s implied that wasn’t a metaphor for his feelings, and that second voice was probably Zanza.

[@lp3397]

this video is phenomenal. thoughtful, critical, and all the while totally sincere about what makes games like this good. cant imagine the hours that you put into this!!

[@Saz103]

Xenoblade is the only nintendo series where I wish it was bigger, it has grown exponentially for its style of game selling over 1.5mil consistently but most people treat it like its just another anime rpg.

[@KhaosElement]

Is that GC Vazquez reading quotes?! Yo! My two favorite KZbinrs in the same video!

[@LuciferHunter-kt7pm]

Omg thank god this video is out today. I have to mark spectrum drop for the next two hours and now I can listen to this while doing it!!

[@andrewhoff8782]

XB3 broke me because of a certain method of storytelling that was 'executed' (IYKYK) I haven't been able to continue playing since, never finished it. Any time I think about trying to pick it back up I start crying, and that's not hyperbole that's just how much these pieces of wonderfully beautiful artistic media affected me.

[@Dr.Meme-Man]

44:07 “especially in a non-numbered, almost spin-off title” Takahashi played us HARD man. 1:09:56 he gagged us GOOD!! Took like….8 years. But he SOMEHOW pulled it off.

[@GuardianNuel]

Kbash Covering Xenoblade is probably the greatest gift I could receive. Thank you man! I adore this franchise.

[@superultradeluxe_1927]

Measuring the passage of time by Kbash's hair

[@rozemorgaine1886]

So glad Xenoblade X got a fair shake. It took me a long time to give it another shot BUT WHEN I DID. Hoo boy. I hope there's an X2 some day.

[@marxianwolf227]

2 and a half hour video? Sheeeeesh got a feast today

[@WakkaMadeInYevon]

A Xenoblade retrospective that not only includes X but both praises it and acknowledges what it does better than other games in the series? Based, subbed. Too bad it didn't have a Welsh catgirl and thus fails as a game on a fundamental level.

[@Runningwritingreading]

How dare you open with the XB2 meme dance... I'll see you on the catalog later Anon.

[@alexanderterry187]

I really hope you end up doing a similar addendum for Future Redeemed! Really enjoyed this breakdown, and FR is definitely my favourite entry in the series.

[@parkeryoudontknowme1516]

2 1/2 hour kbash video. Just what I needed

[@SpaceLanceFTW]

Incredible work, you've become probably one of my favorite gaming critic from both how eloquent and how concise and honest you can be.

[@ASquared544]

Xenoblade 3 has a pretty good post game. Better than the other Xenoblade games tbh. Just thought I’d mention that.

[@sharebear421]

I’d argue X has the most to do post game. Well technically it’s the only one with a post game, the others are just end game previous point of no return. But yeah X has an insane amount of quests to do

[@davidguthriemusic]

fantastic video man--a huge undertaking to be sure, and you pulled it off so well! I loved your exploration of the overarching themes of the franchise as a whole, which is not something I'd ever considered, since I've only played XC1 and X. Really good analysis. I also appreciate you giving some love to my boy X, it's one of my fave games of all time but is super underrated/underplayed because well, ya know, Wii U exclusive+hyper complex LOL.

[@recombinantgestalt]

I was pretty disengaged with the plot of Xenoblade X during the entire game, feeling like a never-ending tutorial. Then you get to the end- the tutorial is over and the plot really takes off and had me can't-put-it-down engaged. Oh my God- the lifehold was _________ all along?!? What next? I can't _wait_ to hit the next chapter! Credits roll.

[@BenOlsberg1995]

Fuck, man. I could type out a college thesis on the myriad of important topics you covered in this video but frankly, I don't have the time or energy......coupled with the fact that I'm sure no one would read it, not that I could blame them. But the sheer effort and tenacity your poured into this one is damn near physically palpable. Your content has truly made life easier for me to bear these past 6 months and I thank you for it. As long as you keep making videos I'll be in the audience, supporting it all.

[@crimsoncloud753]

26:30 slight correction, shulk doesn't need to be in the party for visions to happen iirc.

[@Kinggongin]

I think you did a FANTASTIC job showing each games strong suits and their themes, hell you helped me word things ive struggled with for years. I think one of the most beautiful things about these games do end up being the people WHO DO play and appreciate the games for what they are. The people who do invest time into these games who to this day still refer to seven or coffee with milk as such instead of their names, people who care about these games and peoples first expirience with them, that even if spoilers may help, fresh looks at these games are so important to enjoying them as well, that we band together in these discussions with a fervor and gusto that just makes me happy. Ive derived as much joy from rex as a character as someone who also loves him and we bond over THIS KID IS KIND OF INCREDIBLE AND THE SCENE WITH HIS PARENT STILL MAKES ME EMOTIONAL? A game that preaches the power of friendship to the point it inspires it in conversations with others IS DOING SOMETHING RIGHT, and im glad to see someone else even if only starting to wade in the pool or maybe never dipping back in get so much out of these games, because dissecting them is as fun as playing them to me xD

[@Chelaxim]

The sniper skit had me rolling.

[@AKABoondock19]

i cried more at the end of 1 than 2 and 3 combined just because of the pure beauty of it. It has the most perfect ending all-time in JRPGs imo. Hits every note you ask for for an ending.

[@justaslime7525]

FINALLY HE JOINED US IN THE MADNESS THAT IS XENOBLADE

[@EvilMike349]

Not sure how I hadn't come across your channel before now, because it looks like your stuff is right up my alley, but I can't wait to finish this video and dive into some of your others! If you're doing my favorite series this much justice, I'm very interested to hear more of what you have to say! Your production and editing on this is great, too, so awesome work across the board!

[@lordlofus1399]

Afraid kbash is gonna blast my favorite series but here we go!

[@sharebear421]

Mostly just the second game (justifiably)

[@Beodude123]

Very good video man. I think we are all our own worst critics. You have a very cool and unique flair in a crowded space. Your videos are thought provoking, entertaining, lightheartedly juvenile, yet mature in tone. Keep doing what you're doing, and we'll keep slurping it up like ramen in a bangin noodle shop!