History Trivia / Xenoblade

! This page contains unmarked spoilers. Administrivia/YouHaveBeenWarned.

* BreakthroughHit: While Monolith was originally known for developing several {{Cult Classic}}s beforehand, it was ''Xenoblade''[='=]s surprise success that would allow them to become recognized in the mainstream.
* DirectedByCastMember: In the Japanese version, Creator/RyoHorikawa is one of the voice directors as well as Dunban's voice actor.
* DummiedOut: The [[WhatCouldHaveBeen Bionis' Shoulder]], it was featured multiple times in early previews of the game, and the location is actually in the game data as a mostly fleshed out map. There were many theories on what purpose the map would have served, but was later confirmed to be meant for testing purposes and wasn't meant to be in the game. [[AvertedTrope Averted]] as of the ''Definitive Edition'', where the Bionis' Shoulder is part of the new epilogue, ''Xenoblade Chronicles: Future Connected''.
* FanNickname:
** "[[NakedPeopleAreFunny Naked Dunban]]" for the common strategy of combining the effects of Dunban's Spiritual Awakening and Inner Peace skills with Melia's Unadorned Beauty to make him a very potent dodge tank when armorless.
** "[[CowboyBebopAtHisComputer Duncan]]" began circulating for Dunban after a [[EightPointEight notorious review]] by IGN of ''Definitive Edition'' which initially pronounced his name that way (as well as pronouncing Reyn as "Rain").
** The seventh party member is often referred to as "7th" or "Seven" by the fanbase to avoid spoiling that Fiora is revived as a Face Mechon and eventually rejoins the party. It also doubles as a ShoutOut to another blonde female cyborg, Seven of Nine from ''Star Trek: Voyager''.
* {{Fanon}}: Some fans give Dunban and Fiora the surname "Uzuki," even though their actual surnames are never given (assuming they even ''have'' them, since most Homs have OnlyOneName). This is mostly a homage to [[VideoGame/{{Xenosaga}} Jin, Shion,]] and [[VideoGame/{{Xenogears}} Citan Uzuki]].
* IKnewIt:
** There was a theory that the Mechon that saved Juju and Otharon from the Telethia when Shulk and the party is going up against Dickson was actually Xord, due to sharing the same voice actor, though some were unsure that this was the case due to Xord exploding. [[https://i.redd.it/xcdkfe6xhb051.jpg The Monado Archives confirms that it was actually Xord]].
** As people completed ''VideoGame/XenobladeChronicles2'', there was an immediate suspect for where the dimensionally-lost Ontos core ended up. ''Definitive Edition'' confirmed this by changing Alvis' keyring necklace into what is clearly a dark red Aegis Core crystal.
* {{Jossed}}: Theories abound as to what purpose the DummiedOut Bionis Shoulder map might've originally served in the plot, with the most common being that the party would've crossed it to get from Makna Forest to Eryth Sea, that it was the home of the extinct Giants race, or the original location of Colony 6, and that it was cut for time/budget reasons. However [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwZq82Y3OOY interviews]] after the release of ''Definitive Edition'' revealed that the Bionis Shoulder was not cut as most people assumed, but rather that it was was an early map used for testing purposes, and that there were no plans for it to appear in any major fashion.
* KeepCirculatingTheTapes: In the United States: The retail game is now out of print from its highly limited run by one retailer. This gives it a high value to collectors. This is likely the reason why it got a port on the New UsefulNotes/Nintendo3DS. The Wii version has also since been released on the Wii U Virtual Console, in Europe on August 5, 2015, North America on April 28, 2016, and Japan on August 5, 2016. Used copies can be found at nearly any Gamestop, albeit still at close to original retail price. Eventually, the game was remastered[=/=]remade for the UsefulNotes/NintendoSwitch as the ''Definitive Edition''.
* LimitedSpecialCollectorsUltimateEdition: ''Xenoblade Chronicles: Definite Edition'' for the Nintendo Switch had a collector's edition upon release. The ones in Japan and Europe had an artbook and a soundtrack selection (with Europe soundtrack being on vinyl), while North America got the artbook.
* ModelDissonance: In ''Xenoblade Chronicles'', the cutscenes do this a lot as they are only seen from one angle. [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZd2ZqE56hw Watching them with free viewing enabled reveals all sorts of nonsense]], including Shulk's body disjointing.
* NamesTheSame: "Beyond The Sky" is both the title of a song in ''VideoGame/{{Xenoblade}}'' and in ''VideoGame/FireEmblemTheBindingBlade'', both on Nintendo platforms. Other than that, they share no relation.
* NewbieBoom: Newcomers started rushing in in late 2014/early 2015 partially because of the protagonist Shulk's inclusion in the fourth installment of the ever-popular ''VideoGame/SuperSmashBros'' series, partially because of LetsPlay/{{Chuggaaconroy}} playing it, and partially because it got a [[KeepCirculatingTheTapes much-needed]] re-release on 3DS and the Wii U Virtual Console. Eventually, its own popularity and that of its sequel resulted in an UpdatedRerelease for the Switch.
* PosthumousCredit: Although Creator/GoroNaya (Odama), Takashi Taniguchi (Agares and Zanza) and Creator/SayuriYamauchi (Laulan) died years after the game's release on the Wii, they are still credited for the ''Definitive Edition'' release since it contains the original dialogue.
* RelationshipVoiceActor:
** In the English voice cast, [[Creator/AdamHowden Shulk]], Gadolt (Nicholas Boulton), and Meyneth are ''VideoGame/DragonAgeII''[='s=] Anders, male Hawke and Lady Hawke respectively!
** In Japanese, [[Creator/RyoHorikawa Dunban]] is [[Anime/DragonBallZ Vegeta]]. [[Creator/NorioWakamoto Metal Face]] is by that proxy, [[Anime/DragonBallZ Cell]].
*** Likewise, both [[Creator/JojiNakata Sorean]] and [[Creator/NorioWakamoto Metal Face]] can be respectively, [[Manga/{{Hellsing}} Alucard and Anderson]], [[VideoGame/GuiltyGear Sol Badguy and Johnny]], [[VideoGame/KingdomHeartsII Luxord and Xemnas]], [[VideoGame/TalesOfTheAbyss Van Grants]] and [[VideoGame/TalesOfDestiny2 Barbatos Goetia]], [[VideoGame/SoulSeries Algol and Yoshimitsu]]; the list can go on.
** Via as of ''VideoGame/StreetFighterIV'' and ''[[VideoGame/StreetFighterV V]]'', [[Creator/ShintaroAsanuma Shulk]][[note]][[spoiler:and Zanza]][[/note]] is [[VideoGame/StreetFighterIII Alex]], [[Creator/AkenoWatanabe Sharla]] is Rose and [[Creator/NorioWakamoto Metal Face]] is M.Bison/Vega (the dictator).
* RoleReprise: All of the original English voice cast returned for the ''Definitive Edition'', including Creator/JennaColeman as Melia.
* SleeperHit: The game didn't receive a lot of advertising or recognition by Nintendo upon release in Europe, but positive reviews and word-of-mouth (courtesy of Operation Rainfall's efforts) made the game sell rather well, to the point where they had shortages of available copies because of the surprisingly good sales. The fact that it's the SpiritualSuccessor to [[CultClassic cult classics]] ''VideoGame/{{Xenogears}}'' and ''VideoGame/{{Xenosaga}}'' also helped.
* ScrewedByTheNetwork: Xenoblade's initial run in North America was practically sabotaged. First off, it was released as an exclusive to ''one'' retailer, ([=GameStop=]. Who then proceeded to [[DemandOverload understock a highly hyped game]], and [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lkgUQgjckU proceeded to sell new copies]] [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHN3oOF2tvg as "used"]], which enabled them to double the price. The only alternative were [=eBay=] and Amazon - which went well over triple digits until the 3DS remake.
* TalkingToHimself: For plot relevant reasons, both Shulk and Zanza have the same English and Japanese voice.
* WhatCouldHaveBeen:
** Fiora's first design was different from the final version. [[http://images3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20111007145541/xenoblade/images/b/b1/Fiorung_concept_art.jpg She had her hair in two long pig tails and wore a kinda childish short dress]]. Takahashi and his team eventually decided to give her a more teenager look, though this happened late enough in development that [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPI4WLEQ5as the game's fairly simple reveal trailer]] (as "[[WorkingTitle Monado: Beginning of the World]]") debuted Fiora wearing this very outfit. The outfit is still in the game however, as one of the earlier pieces of equipment you get.
** There is are also a few explorable maps that were DummiedOut of the game (though still accessible by hacking). The most prominent of these are a large, elaborate map set on Bionis' left shoulder, and a map for the Colony 9 created after Zanza's defeat, implying that a post-game was to be included at some point in the game's development. Bionis' left shoulder is set to return in the ''Definitive Edition'', finally averting this, though whether or not other cut content will make it is yet to be known.
** In the '14 years ago' cutscene that plays shortly after Fiora's death, if you turn the camera, you [[https://tcrf.net/images/thumb/3/33/Xenoblade_shulks_mom_face.png/400px-Xenoblade_shulks_mom_face.png can see Shulk's mother's face.]]
** Removed from the international versions, there is a character named Lambert, a knight character that was presumably used for testing purposes only, with all the animations like in the final game.
** The game was originally called ''Monado: Beginning of the World''. The subtitle is still viewable on the Wii save data management, [[https://tcrf.net/images/2/24/Xenoblade_monadotitle_stretched.png while a texture with the Kanji for 'temporary' is displayed in the background, presumably to be removed before the renaming.]]
** Dickson, Mumkhar, and Alvis all have unused dialogue, including for attacking high level enemies (Mumkhar never rejoins the party after the Battle of Sword Valley, Dickson only joins in battle against Metal Face after Central Pit, and Alvis only fights when Shulk encounters the Telethia for the first time and gets Monado Purge), burst affinity quotes, retreat quotes, [=KO=] dialogue (Alvis can't die in his only fight in the game), and Shulk, Fiora and Reyn would have Tephra Cave battle lines exclusive to the Ether Cylinder quest.
** Shulk originally had 6 swords before getting the Monado, including the Debug Sword which was, aesthetically, the True Monado, despite being treated like a regular sword, which was done to test out specific areas. Sharla would've also received Gadolt's Cannon after Mechonis Core.
** There was originally going to be an enemy called 'boss', who had no animation when he was scrapped.
* TheWikiRule: [[http://xenoblade.wikia.com/wiki/Xenoblade_Wiki The Xenoblade Wiki]].
----

*** Likewise, both [[Creator/JojiNakata Sorean]] and [[Creator/NorioWakamoto Metal Face]] can be respectively, [[Manga/{{Hellsing}} Alucard and Anderson]], [[VideoGame/GuiltyGear Sol Badguy and Johnny Sfondi]], [[VideoGame/KingdomHeartsII Luxord and Xemnas]], [[VideoGame/TalesOfTheAbyss Van Grants]] and [[VideoGame/TalesOfDestiny2 Barbatos Goetia]], [[VideoGame/SoulSeries Algol and Yoshimitsu]]; the list can go on.

** The game was originally called ''Monado: Beginning of the World''. The subtitle is still viewable on the Wii save data management, [[https://tcrf.net/images/thumb/1/1b/Xenoblade_monadotitle_stretched.PNG/120px-Xenoblade_monadotitle_stretched.PNG while a texture with the Kanji for 'temporary' is displayed in the background, presumably to be removed before the renaming.]]

* RoleReprise: All of the original voice cast returned for the ''Definitive Edition'', including Creator/JennaColeman as Melia.

* {{Jossed}}: Theories abound as to what purpose the DummiedOut Bionis Shoulder map might've originally served in the plot, with the most common being that the party would've crossed it to get from Makna Forest to Eryth Sea, that it was the home of the extinct Giants race, or the original location of Colony 6, and that it was cut for time/budget reasons. However [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwZq82Y3OOY interviews]] after the release of ''Definitive Edition'' revealed that the Bionis Shoulder was not cut as most people assumed, but rather that it was was an early map used for testing purposes, and that there were no plans for it to appear in any major fashion.

** The seventh party member is often referred to as "7th" or "Seven" to avoid spoiling that Fiora is revived as a Face Mechon and eventually rejoins the party. It also doubles as a ShoutOut to another blonde female cyborg, Seven of Nine from ''Star Trek: Voyager''.

** As people completed ''VideoGame/XenobladeChronicles2'', there was an immediate suspect for where the dimentionally-lost Ontos core ended up. ''Definitive Edition'' confirmed this by changing Alvis' keyring necklace into what is clearly a dark red Aegis Core crystal.

* DummiedOut: The [[WhatCouldHaveBeen Bionis' Shoulder]], it was featured multiple times in early previews of the game, and the location is actually in the game data as a mostly fleshed out map. There were many on what purpose the map would have served, but was later confirmed to be meant for testing purposes and wasn't meant to be in the game. [[AvertedTrope Averted]] as of the ''Definitive Edition'', where the Bionis' Shoulder is part of the new epilogue, ''Xenoblade Chronicles: Future Connected''.

* DummiedOut: The [[WhatCouldHaveBeen Bionis' Shoulder]], it was featured multiple times in early previews of the game, and the locations is actually in the game data as a mostly fleshed out map. There were many on what purpose the map would have served, but was later confirmed to be meant for testing purposes and wasn't meant to be in the game. [[AvertedTrope Averted]] as of the ''Definitive Edition'', where the Bionis' Shoulder is part of the new epilogue, ''Xenoblade Chronicles: Future Connected''.

* DummiedOut: The [[WhatCouldHaveBeen Bionis' Shoulder]], it was featured multiple times in early previews of the game, and the locations is actually in the game data as a fully fleshed out map. The only rumor that can be agreed on by the fandom is that it most likely would have been the area connecting Frontier Village and Eryth Sea. [[AvertedTrope Averted]] as of the ''Definitive Edition'', where the Bionis' Shoulder is part of the new epilogue, ''Xenoblade Chronicles: Future Connected''.

* PosthumousCredit: Although Creator/GoroNaya (Odama), Takashi Taniguchi (Agares and Zanza) and Sayuri (Laulan) died years after the game's release on the Wii, they are still credited for the ''Definitive Edition'' release since it contains the original dialogue.

** In the English voice cast, [[Creator/AdamHowden Shulk]], [[Creator/NicholasBoulton Gadolt]] and Meyneth are ''VideoGame/DragonAgeII''[='s=] Anders, male Hawke and Lady Hawke respectively!
** In Japanese, Dunban (Creator/RyoHorikawa) is [[Anime/DragonBallZ Vegeta]]. Metal Face (Creator/NorioWakamoto) is by that proxy, [[Anime/DragonBallZ Cell]].
*** Likewise, both Sorean (Creator/JojiNakata) and Metal Face (Creator/NorioWakamoto) can be respectively, [[Manga/{{Hellsing}} Alucard and Anderson]], [[VideoGame/GuiltyGear Sol Badguy and Johnny Sfondi]], [[VideoGame/KingdomHeartsII Luxord and Xemnas]], [[VideoGame/TalesOfTheAbyss Van Grants]] and [[VideoGame/TalesOfDestiny2 Barbatos Goetia]], [[VideoGame/SoulSeries Algol and Yoshimitsu]]; the list can go on.

* IKnewIt: There was a theory that the Mechon that saved Juju and Otharon from the Telethia when Shulk and the party is going up against Dickson was actually Xord, due to sharing the same voice actor, though some were unsure that this was the case due to Xord exploding. [[https://i.redd.it/xcdkfe6xhb051.jpg The Monado Archives confirms that it was actually Xord]].

* KeepCirculatingTheTapes: In the United States: The retail game is now out of print from its highly limited run by one retailer. This gives it a high value to collectors. This is likely the reason why it got a port on the New UsefulNotes/Nintendo3DS. The Wii version has also since been released on the Wii U Virtual Console, in Europe on August 5, 2015, North America on April 28, 2016, and Japan on August 5, 2016. Used copies can be found at nearly any Gamestop, albeit still at close to original retail price.
** And now the game is being remastered[=/=]remade for the UsefulNotes/NintendoSwitch, with a release date of May 29, 2020.
* LimitedSpecialCollectorsUltimateEdition: ''Xenoblade Chronicles: Definite Edition'' for the Nintendo Switch will have a collector's edition upon release. The ones in Japan and Europe will have an artbook and a soundtrack selection (with Europe soundtrack being on vinyl), while North America will only get the artbook.

* DummiedOut: The [[WhatCouldHaveBeen Bionis' Shoulder]], it was featured multiple times in early previews of the game, and the locations is actually in the game data as a fully fleshed out map. The only rumor that can be agreed on by the fandom is that it most likely would have been the area connecting Frontier Village and Eryth Sea. [[AvertedTrope Averted]] as of the ''Definitive Edition'', where the Bionis' Shoulder will be part of the new epilogue, ''Xenoblade Chronicles: Future Connected''.

** Some fans give Dunban and Fiora the surname "Uzuki," even though their actual surnames are never given (assuming they even ''have'' them, since most Homs have OnlyOneName). This is mostly a homage to [[VideoGame/{{Xenosaga}} Jin, Shion,]] and [[VideoGame/{{Xenogears}} Citan Uzuki]].

* NewbieBoom: Newcomers started rushing in in late 2014/early 2015 partially because of the protagonist Shulk's inclusion in the fourth installment of the ever-popular ''VideoGame/SuperSmashBros'' series, partially because of LetsPlay/{{Chuggaaconroy}} playing it, and partially because it got a [[KeepCirculatingTheTapes much-needed]] re-release on 3DS and the Wii U Virtual Console. Eventually, its own popularity and that of its sequel resulted in an UpdatedRerelase for the Switch.

* NewbieBoom: Newcomers started rushing in in late 2014/early 2015 partially because of the protagonist Shulk's inclusion in the fourth installment of the ever-popular ''VideoGame/SuperSmashBros'' series, partially because of LetsPlay/{{Chuggaaconroy}} playing it, and partially because it got a [[KeepCirculatingTheTapes much-needed]] re-release on 3DS and the Wii U Virtual Console.

* IKnewIt: There was a theory that the Mechon that saved Juju and Otharon from the Telethia when Shulk and the party is going up against Dickson was actually Xord, due to sharing the same voice actor, though some were unsure that this was the case due to Xord exploding. [The Monado Archives confirms that it was actually Xord] (https://i.redd.it/xcdkfe6xhb051.jpg).