History YMMV / XenobladeChronicles3

* EvenBetterSequel: While debates rage on about people's favorite game in the main trilogy, ''[=XC3=]'' is generally agreed-upon to be the strongest of the three in the gameplay department, removing many of the [[SeinfeldIsUnfunny dated elements]] of the first game and many of the [[ScrappyMechanic controversial aspects]] of the second, while streamlining and improving on others.

** While ''VideoGame/XenobladeChronicles2'' promoted a message of love and tolerance and denounces authoritarianism and systemic evil, it's received some criticism for handling those themes in a way that comes off as [[WhatDoYouMeanItsNotPolitical overly centrist, milquetoast, and/or simplistic to be satisfying]], with the main points coming down to accusations of bothsiding [[TheEmpire imperialism]][[note]]While the game makes clear that Mor Ardain invading other nations is immoral despite their sympathetic motives, it also praises them for bringing technological advances to less-developed nations, and Niall's stance of "polite colonization" is treated as a reasonable moderate stance between the StrawmanPolitical extreme imperialists and anti-imperialists, which has been criticized as a BrokenAesop and GoldenMeanFallacy.[[/note]], [[TheRevolutionWillNotBeCivilized demonizing]] revolutionaries and activists who challenge the explicitly oppressive status quo[[labelnote:Explanation]]Torna, who are stand-ins for discriminated minorities, are depicted as sympathetic but ultimately misguided {{Malcolm Xerox}}es who [[WellIntentionedExtremist take things too far]] and [[OmnicidalManiac just want to watch the world burn]]. Likewise, Mor Ardainian anti-imperialists are depicted as violent extremists [[NotSoWellIntentionedExtremist secretly funded]] by the same CorruptCorporateExecutive who is also [[TheHorseshoeEffect sponsoring the imperialism hawks]]. The Gormotti refugees displaced by the war and protesting it in Indol are clearly victims, but Zeke dismisses them as overly rude and ungrateful and [[WhatTheHellHero is never properly called out on it]], which is accused of falling into tone policing.[[/labelnote]], and of portraying the solution to systemic evil as a matter of [[NoOntologicalInertia stopping problematic individuals]] rather than enacting broader policy/social change [[note]]Rex's rebuttal to Jin's desire for radical change to end Driver-Blade slavery is a hope for Drivers to do better by their Blades, which is regarded as ineffectual and toothless in the face of StrawmanHasAPoint. Likewise, CorruptCorporateExecutive Bana is treated as the single reason for corruption in Argentum, and although Amalthus is the primary cause of Alrest being such a CrapsackWorld, and the worst aspects of it such as his erasure of Blade memories and violent racism against Eaters are implicitly dismantled at the end, it's not made clear whether many of the other oppressive aspects called out by Torna will also be addressed, or to what extent Rex and the other heroes consider them something worth addressing in the first place.[[/note]] In contrast, ''3'' is all about systemic evil, class conflict, WarIsHell, and revolution, and handles these subjects with much more nuance for those who found ''2'' lacking, acknowledging that systemic evil usually cannot be resolved by defeating any one individual, and that while some revolutionaries can be extremist and harmful, sometimes the system is so rotten that it must be changed or removed to clear the way for a more just world, to the point that [[TheRevolutionWillNotBeVilified the heroes]] ''[[TheRevolutionWillNotBeVilified are]]'' [[TheRevolutionWillNotBeVilified the revolutionaries]]. Likewise, Rex's apolitical philosophy adopted by House Cassini is depicted with more nuance; their disinterest in taking political sides or pushing for social change isn't necessarily treated as the ''right'' solution to evils like Moebius, but their TheAntiNihilist mindset provides a net good in terms of boosting morale for those who ''are'' politically active, avoiding the GoldenMeanFallacy pitfall. It helps that ''Future Redeemed'' also does a lot to rehabiliate Rex's own seeming complacency in the eyes of critics by [[spoiler:depicting him as one of the main leaders of a band of anti-Moebius revolutionaries who is just as in favor of entirely scrapping the system as Ouroboros are]].
** Relatedly, the ending of ''2'' left many players frustrated, because although the BigBad responsible for the worst aspects of Blade slavery and discrimination was defeated and the most immediate cause for conflict (the lack of habitable land) was also resolved, the other issue of the Blade-Driver system, which Jin calls out as fundamentally unequal (and which [[StrawmanHasAPoint fans generally agree with]]), but which is generally regarded favorably by the heroes (which said fans regard as having undertones of apologetics for SympatheticSlaveOwner and HappinessInSlavery), was left intact. ''3'' does not show the new state of Alrest directly, but the fact that Agnian culture is based off egalitarian Torna and that it elected Nia as a queen with her Flesh Eater Core Crystal publicly visible indicates that Alrest did indeed experience major pro-Blade social reforms.

* EvilIsSexy:
** D without his helmet on has a pretty handsome design, with him having PermaStubble on his chin, a single [[EverythingsSparklyWithJewelry ear piercing]], and a combover that's befitting of a {{Bishonen}}.
** N as well since he keeps Noah's LongHairedPrettyBoy looks while having a domineering and chilling personality.
** Similarly to N, M is just as strikingly beautiful as Mio and wears a rather form-fitting armor in combination with a luscious, waist-length hair.
** Even with her being the source of lots of [[ManipulativeBitch manipulation]] and [[PersonOfMassDestruction destruction]], [[CoDragons X]] has a genuinely [[DarkActionGirl attractive]] design and, in both Japanese ''and'' [[SugarWiki/SuperlativeDubbing English]], a very [[FlirtyVoicePloy arousing]] voice.

* HardTruthAesop: Sena's Ascension Quest, which focuses on [[spoiler:Shania and how she was shaped into the person we meet]], caps off with the aesop that just because someone is your biological parent doesn't mean that they love you. [[spoiler:Shania's mother]] is shown to be a vile human being whose selfish nature caused untold suffering, and is contrasted with Monica and Ghondor's relationship which, while strained, is built on genuine love.

* HardTruthAesop: Sena's ascension quest focus' on [[spoiler:Shania and how she was shaped into the person we meet]], caps off with the aesop that just because someone is you parent doesn't mean they love you. [[spoiler:Shania's mother]] is shown to be a vile human being who's selfish nature caused untold suffering, and is contrasted with Monica and Ghondor's relationship which, while strained, is built on genuine love.

** In ''Xenoblade Chronicles 3,'' Ouroboros and Moebius are mortal enemies. In ''Series/Loki2021,'' Möbius and Ouroboros are friends and allies.

** While initially not getting much attention, Masha's ascension quest mentions she became the head of House Cassini after the previous head stepped down, with some people theorising that the former head was none other than [[spoiler:the Founder of House Cassini Linka]]. The evidence used is that, as someone that [[spoiler: wasn't assimilated by Origin, Linka would have the same [[TheAgeless immortality]] that the likes of Shulk, Rex, Melia, Nia, and Riku had]] meaning it's possible that she's still alive by the time of the base game, despite there being over a thousand years between the base game and DLC.

* RainbowLens: With the reveal of the photo at the end, [[spoiler: which shows Rex seemingly married and had children with Pyra, Mythra, and Nia, some have begun to perceive the dynamic as a bisexual polyamorous relationship where Nia is also involved romantically with Pyra and Mythra. Supporting this interpretation is their evident closeness established in 2, Nia's attire resembling theirs, and her wielding weapons reminiscent of their primary armaments.]]

** While initially not getting much attention, Masha's ascension quest mentions she became the head of House Cassini after the previous head stepped down, with some people theorising that the former head was none other than [[spoiler:the Founder of House Cassini Linka]]. The evidence used is that, as someone that [[spoiler: wasn't assimilated by Origin, Linka would have the same [[TheAgeless immortality]] that the likes of Shulk and Rex had]] meaning it's possible that she's still alive by the time of the base game, despite there being over a thousand years between the base game and DLC.

* JerksAreWorseThanVillains: Despite only appearing in Sena's Ascension Quest, Shania's mom is the most unanimously hated character in the game. While the villains this time around are less well-liked compared to previous examples in the series, they tend to be treated with either indifference or [[BaseBreakingCharacter mixed reception]] due to the fantastical scale of their atrocities. Shania's mom, on the other hand, [[FantasyForbiddingFather refuses to let her pursue her passion as an artist]] and [[KlingonScientistsGetNoRespect expects her to act like a member of the Reid family]]. When Shania [[spoiler:is KilledOffForReal as a member of Moebius]], her mother chooses to [[spoiler:SpeakIllOfTheDead instead of acknowledging her own role in her daughter's SanitySlippage]]. The fact that she's supposed to be an ally while acting this way makes her more loathsome than if she were a villain. Even [[HateSink Consul D]] is liked more due to [[LoveToHate being more entertaining]], despite his various atrocities.

* JerksAreWorseThanVillains: Despite only appearing in Sena's Ascension Quest, Shania's mom is the most unanimously hated character in the game. While the villains this time around are less well-liked compared to previous examples in the series, they tend to be treated with either indifference or [[BaseBreakingCharacter mixed reception]] due to the fantastical scale of their atrocities. Shania's mom, on the other hand, [[FantasyForbiddingFather refuses to let her pursue her passion as an artist]] and [[KlingonScientistsGetNoRespect expects her to act like a member of the Reid family]]. When Shania [[spoiler:is KilledOffForReal as a member of Moebius]], her mother chooses to [[spoiler:SpeakIllOfTheDead instead of acknowledging her own role in her daughter's SanitySlippage]]. The fact that she's supposed to be an ally while acting this way makes her more loathsome than if she were a villain.

*** Noah's mentor Crys was extremely commonly believed to be Shulk and Fiora's son since the trailer first dropped due to his design resembling a mix of the two, as well as his kind heart and mentorship being considered reminiscent of Shulk's endgame values, which he symbolically passes onto Noah. Seemingly [[spoiler:{{Jossed}} by ''Future Redeemed'', which reveals Shulk and Fiora did have a son together, but that his name was Nikol and that he was a GenerationXerox. Nevertheless many still hold onto this theory, believing Nikol was not an only child and that Crys and Nikol were brothers. Furthermore, those who also theorize that Noah was part of that family believe that the relationship between Crys and Noah was a result of unconscious BigBrotherMentor instinct coming through]]. Others theorize that Crys is the son of Shulk and Alvis, given that Alvis resembles Shulk but not Fiora and has Alvis's eyes, as well as a personality and role in the story which heavily mirror Alvis's.

** Similarly to N, M is just as strikingly beautiful and Mio and wears a rather form-fitting armor to in combination with a luscious, waist-length hair.

*** Triton quickly became a fan-favorite for a multitude of reasons: being a [[spoiler:TokenGoodTeammate among the Consuls]], his unique [[DittoFighter Soulhacker]] class that lets the Ouroboros claim Unique Monsters' Arts as their own, and his {{Pirate}} characterization and accent.

** Relatedly, the ending of ''2'' left many players frustrated, because although the BigBad responsible for the worst aspects of Blade slavery and discrimination was defeated and the most immediate cause for conflict (the lack of habitable land) was also resolved, the other issue of the Blade-Driver system, which Jin calls out as fundamentally unequal (and which [[StrawmanHasAPoint fans generally agree with]]), but which is generally regarded favorably by the heroes (which said fans regard as having undertones of apologetics for SympatheticSlaveOwner and HappinessInSlavery), was left intact. ''3'' does not show the new state of Alrest directly, but the fact that Agnian culture is based off egalitarian Torna and that it elected Nia as a queen with her Flesh Eater Core Crystal publicly visible indicates that Alrest did indeed experience major pro-Blade social reforms. It's also somewhat implied that Klaus abolished the Blade-Driver system after all, due to the fact that normal Blades are seemingly no longer depend on Drivers to exist, and can now have children, grow up, and permanently die of old age or other natural causes, indicating their life cycles became just like humans'.

* SalvagedStory: While ''VideoGame/XenobladeChronicles2'' promoted a message of love and tolerance and denounces authoritarianism and systemic evil, it's received some criticism for handling those themes in a way that comes off as [[WhatDoYouMeanItsNotPolitical overly centrist, milquetoast, and/or simplistic to be satisfying]], with the main points coming down to accusations of bothsiding [[TheEmpire imperialism]][[note]]While the game makes clear that Mor Ardain invading other nations is immoral despite their sympathetic motives, it also praises them for bringing technological advances to less-developed nations, and Niall's stance of "polite colonization" is treated as a reasonable moderate stance between the StrawmanPolitical extreme imperialists and anti-imperialists, which has been criticized as a BrokenAesop and GoldenMeanFallacy.[[/note]], [[TheRevolutionWillNotBeCivilized demonizing]] revolutionaries and activists who challenge the explicitly oppressive status quo[[labelnote:Explanation]]Torna, who are stand-ins for discriminated minorities, are depicted as sympathetic but ultimately misguided {{Malcolm Xerox}}es who [[WellIntentionedExtremist take things too far]] and [[OmnicidalManiac just want to watch the world burn]]. Likewise, Mor Ardainian anti-imperialists are depicted as violent extremists [[NotSoWellIntentionedExtremist secretly funded]] by the same CorruptCorporateExecutive who is also [[TheHorseshoeEffect sponsoring the imperialism hawks]]. The Gormotti refugees displaced by the war and protesting it in Indol are clearly victims, but Zeke dismisses them as overly rude and ungrateful and [[WhatTheHellHero is never properly called out on it]], which is accused of falling into tone policing.[[/labelnote]], and of portraying the solution to systemic evil as a matter of [[NoOntologicalInertia stopping problematic individuals]] rather than enacting broader policy/social change [[note]]Rex's rebuttal to Jin's desire for radical change to end Driver-Blade slavery is a hope for Drivers to do better by their Blades, which is regarded as ineffectual and toothless in the face of StrawmanHasAPoint. Likewise, CorruptCorporateExecutive Bana is treated as the single reason for corruption in Argentum, and although Amalthus is the primary cause of Alrest being such a CrapsackWorld, and the worst aspects of it such as his erasure of Blade memories and violent racism against Eaters are implicitly dismantled at the end, it's not made clear whether many of the other oppressive aspects called out by Torna will also be addressed, or to what extent Rex and the other heroes consider them something worth addressing in the first place.[[/note]] In contrast, ''3'' is all about systemic evil, class conflict, WarIsHell, and revolution, and handles these subjects with much more nuance for those who found ''2'' lacking, acknowledging that systemic evil usually cannot be resolved by defeating any one individual, and that while some revolutionaries can be extremist and harmful, sometimes the system is so rotten that it must be changed or removed to clear the way for a more just world, to the point that [[TheRevolutionWillNotBeVilified the heroes]] ''[[TheRevolutionWillNotBeVilified are]]'' [[TheRevolutionWillNotBeVilified the revolutionaries]]. Likewise, Rex's apolitical philosophy adopted by House Cassini is depicted with more nuance; their disinterest in taking political sides or pushing for social change isn't necessarily treated as the ''right'' solution to evils like Moebius, but their TheAntiNihilist mindset provides a net good in terms of boosting morale for those who ''are'' politically active, avoiding the GoldenMeanFallacy pitfall. It helps that ''Future Redeemed'' also does a lot to rehabiliate Rex's own seeming complacency in the eyes of critics by [[spoiler:depicting him as one of the main leaders of a band of anti-Moebius revolutionaries who is just as in favor of entirely scrapping the system as Ouroboros are]].

*** Eunie and Taion are also very popular with queer fans, especially bisexual and trans fans, due to having fairly gender-nonconforming MasculineGirlFeminineBoy personalities and appearances, as well as their implied attraction to each other as well as having a lot of HoYay with other characters of the same gender making them come off as AmbiguouslyBi.

* TooCoolToLive: Guernica Vandham is [[spoiler:the first Lost Number]] seen in the game, and survives for an ''even shorter'' time than his near-identical Alrest counterpart -- barely getting any time to know the main characters after granting them their Ouroboros powers

*** Eunie and Taion are also very popular with queer fans, especially bisexual and trans fans, due to having fairly gender-nonconforming MasculineGirlFeminineBoy personalities and appearances[[note]]Eunie is sometimes headcanoned as a trans woman due to having BoyishShortHair and a [[Creator/EmilyCarey nonbinary voice actor]] in childhood, leading to some interpretations that she may have been initially raised as a boy. Taion's figure is more androgynous than Noah and Lanz, and his default outfit covers his entire body in loose-fitting clothing, leading to some interpretations of him as a trans man until the bonus DLC costumes revealed he has noticeable pectorals underneath. That the first officially released Interlink concept art between him and Eunie was overwhelmingly feminine-looking (later reveals showed there are two forms depending on who is in charge, and Taion's is more conventionally masculine-looking) also led to some fans interpreting him as a closeted trans ''woman'' at first.[[/note]], as well as their implied attraction to each other as well as having a lot of HoYay with other characters of the same gender making them come off as AmbiguouslyBi.

* TooCoolToLive: Guernica Vandham is [[spoiler:the first Lost Number]] seen in the game, and survives for an ''even shorter'' time than his near-identical Alrest counterpart -- barely getting any time to know the main characters after granting them their Ouroboros powers.
* TransAudienceInterpretation: There is one theory that proposes that Sena is a closeted trans man. She is a {{Tomboy}}, as she loves exercise, has an almost {{Bromance}}-like friendship with Lanz, and has a hairstyle akin to a boy’s aside from the ponytail. Her character arc is about her [[spoiler: being pressured to follow expectations that she doesn’t want to meet. As the journey progresses, Sena slowly learns that she is her own person and that she doesn’t need to follow what society expects her to do.]] This is something that a lot of trans people can relate to, so the story can come full circle by having her transition into a man.

** N is also controversial for similar reasons to Noah. [[spoiler:While the fandom mostly agrees on him being a good and interesting villain compared to his predecessor [[VideoGame/{{Xenosaga}} Kevin Winnicott]], there is a lot more debate as to how well the story sells the TragicVillain aspects of his character. One part of the fandom adores him as a complex and tragic JerkassWoobie whose descent into insanity and abusive behavior is a perfectly logical consequence of the trauma and manipulation Z put him through, while the other half finds him UnintentionallyUnsympathetic because they find the characterization gap between him and the significantly more virtuous but also blander Noah too vast and reliant on {{Informed Attribute}}s to buy Noah's claim that he relates to N's experiences or that he has any remaining good qualities left for Noah to redeem him through]].

** The infamous photograph in the game's ending that depicts the fate of ''2''[='=]s cast and ([[spoiler:what is heavily implied to be that Rex impregnated Pyra, Mythra, and Nia all at the same time]]). Cute and NarmCharm, or lurid and just {{Narm}}? It's common for either side to accuse the other of holding extremist political beliefs and reading in subtext that doesn't actually exist without much middle ground. The former half find it a wholesome followup to the implications of the NG+ screen from ''2'' and a progressive, rare depiction of healthy queer {{Polyamory}} in popular culture, while the latter interpret it as a [[spoiler:[[HaremGenre harem]] centered primarily around Rex and a family-friendly version of BedFullOfWomen]], and can be subdivided further into two categories: those who see the [[spoiler:harem ending]] as a ''good'' thing and a [[EarnYourHappyEnding fitting reward]] for [[spoiler:Rex being such an AllLovingHero]], and those who see it as a ''bad'' thing due to believing it's [[PanderingToTheBase pandering to]] ''2'' fans who liked the game for {{Ecchi}} reasons and typically used [[spoiler:Rex]] to self-insert, or believing the picture has regressive undertones due to [[HideYourLesbians backing down from the AmbiguouslyBi and polyamorous implications at the end ''2'']] and is OOC for insinuating the characters follow [[MenActWomenAre old-fashioned and sexist gender roles]]. Also, while the polarization is to be expected given [[spoiler:Rex's]] BaseBreakingCharacter status, paradoxically many of the most positive reactions to the picture come from former haters and fence-sitters [[spoiler:who now praise him for being RescuedFromTheScrappyHeap due to his seeming newfound sexual prowess, assertiveness, and manly badass design]], while a lot of the most negative responses to the image come from longtime [[spoiler:Rex]] fans who support a polyamory outcome but loathe how it was presented for the above reasons and view these newer fans as a MisaimedFandom.

** The infamous photograph in the game's ending that depicts the fate of ''2''[='=]s cast and ([[spoiler:what is heavily implied to be that Rex impregnated Pyra, Mythra, and Nia all at the same time]]). Cute and NarmCharm, or lurid and just {{Narm}}? The former half find it a wholesome followup to the implications of the NG+ screen from ''2'' and a progressive, rare depiction of healthy queer {{Polyamory}} in popular culture, while the latter interpret it as a [[spoiler:[[HaremGenre harem]] centered primarily around Rex]], and can be subdivided further into two categories: those who see the [[spoiler:harem ending]] as a good thing and a [[EarnYourHappyEnding fitting reward]] for [[spoiler:Rex being such an AllLovingHero]], and those who see it as a bad thing due to feeling it panders to the fans who treat [[spoiler:Rex]] as a vehicle for {{Ecchi}} self-insertion, or because it comes off as regressive due to [[HideYourLesbians downplaying the LGBTQ and polyamorous aspects]] while also adding undertones of [[MenActWomenAre old-fashioned and sexist gender roles]]. While the polarization is to be expected given [[spoiler:Rex's]] BaseBreakingCharacter status, paradoxically many of the most positive reactions to the picture come from former haters and fence-sitters [[spoiler:who now praise him for being RescuedFromTheScrappyHeap due to his seeming newfound sexual prowess and manly badass design]], while a lot of the most negative responses to the image come from longtime [[spoiler:Rex]] fans who support the outcome but loathe the presentation for the above reasons and view these newer fans as a MisaimedFandom.

** N is also controversial for similar reasons to Noah. [[spoiler:While the fandom mostly agrees on him being a good and interesting villain compared to his predecessor [[VideoGame/{{Xenosaga}} Kevin Winnicott]], there is a lot more debate as to how well the story sells the TragicVillain aspects of his character. One part of the fandom adores him as a complex and tragic JerkassWoobie whose descent into insanity and abusive behavior is a perfectly logical consequence of the trauma and manipulation Z put him through, while the other half finds him UnintentionallyUnsympathetic because they find the characterization gap between him and the significantly more virtuous but also blander Noah too vast and reliant on {{Informed Attribute}}s to buy the idea that Noah can relate to N's experiences or that he has any remaining good qualities left for Noah to redeem him through]].

** [[spoiler:Melia's]] Ascension Quest has her talking about a dearly cherished friend who meant a lot to her and was a great inspiration in her youth, [[spoiler:who in context is clearly meant to be Shulk. However her flashback montage of fond memories of the events of ''1'' and ''Future Connected'' closes off on a quizzical lingering shot of ''Fiora'' instead.]]

** N is also controversial for similar reasons to Noah. [[spoiler:While the fandom mostly agrees on him being a good and interesting villain compared to his predecessor [[VideoGame/{{Xenosaga}} Kevin Winnicott]]), there is a lot more debate as to how well the story sells the TragicVillain aspects of his character. One part of the fandom adores him as a complex and tragic JerkassWoobie whose descent into insanity and abusive behavior is a perfectly logical consequence of the trauma and manipulation Z put him through, while the other half finds him UnintentionallyUnsympathetic because they find the characterization gap between him and the significantly more virtuous but also blander Noah too vast and reliant on {{Informed Attribute}}s to buy the idea that Noah can relate to N's experiences or that he has any remaining good qualities left for Noah to redeem him through]].

** N is also controversial for similar reasons to Noah. [[spoiler:While the fandom mostly agrees on him being a good and interesting villain compared to his predecessor [[VideoGame/{{Xenosaga}} Kevin Winnicott]]), there is a lot more debate as to how well the story sells the TragicVillain aspects of his character. One part of the fandom adores him as a complex and tragic JerkAssWoobie whose descent into insanity and abusive behavior is a perfectly logical consequence of the trauma and manipulation Z put him through, while the other half finds him UnintentionallyUnsympathetic because they find the characterization gap between him and the significantly more virtuous but also blander Noah too vast and reliant on {{Informed Attribute}}s to buy the idea that Noah can relate to N's experiences or that he has any remaining good qualities left for Noah to redeem him through]].