There is no random core bonding, so each Blade and Driver team is set in stone. As you progress you’re introduced to the much-alluded-to warrior prince Addam, and the Aegis herself, Mythra. After a brief intro explaining the always complex geopolitical climate of Alrest, we are (re)introduced to Jin and Lora who are on the run from a pack of angry monsters. While certain elements of the lore are not as deeply explained, the core story is entirely self contained. As such, one could conceivably play it with no foreknowledge of the prior entry. Torna takes place 500 years before the events of Xenoblade Chronicles 2. Clearly, Nintendo sees it as deserving of recognition independent of its parent.

Nintendo sent it to me as a separate game, and it will stand on store shelves as a seperate game. While this will be different for every person, I myself have decided to view Torna as its own game. Judging it therefore requires the reconciling of two very different perspectives. It is simultaneously a sizeable DLC add-on for Xenoblade Chronicles 2, while also existing both digitally and physically as its own independent release, making it in a way the fourth full Xenoblade title. Xenoblade Chronicles 2: Torna ~ The Golden Country represents a fascinating new venture for Nintendo.

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