Xenoblade Chronicles 3 does its best to cater to both newcomers and long-time fans of the series, by shaking up previously established mechanics, characters and locations. Things manage to feel simultaneously fresh and familiar in this epic JRPG, which is great for everyone.

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Despite this, newcomers are likely to have missed certain things that returning fans will have picked up on. Whether that's familiar enemies or winks and nods to existing characters, there are many things to which players of the previous games can apply the Leonardo DiCaprio pointing meme.

5 Combat

The Mio-Dominant Ouroboros in Xenoblade Chronicles 3

Combat in Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is by far the best in the series. It flows a lot better, with a new dodge move and improved animations speeding things up considerably. The introduction of the Ouroboros mechanic also spices things up, turning a very anime-like JRPG into a very anime-like Evangelion JRPG. It’s pretty amazing. However, players of the previous games will likely notice multiple features that return.

From the names of various Arts to the hectic and chaotic flashing of lights, sounds, and repeated dialogue, combat will feel comfortably familiar to most. Well, aside from the “Let’s show them a thing or three”-style phrases that are repeated ad nauseam. Those are not fun. Fortunately, for those who are not well-versed in the Xenoblade Chronicles style of combat, the tutorials in the third game are a vast improvement over those in the previous games. So, while fans of the series will instantly feel right at home, it won’t take you very long to get a handle on things.

4 Territorial Rotbart

A Unique Monster in Xenoblade Chronicles 3

The enemies you’ll see in Xenoblade Chronicles 3 – save a few exceptions – have likely appeared in the other Xenoblade Chronicles games. From the wild Feris to the flocks of Flamii, these fantastically designed enemies have made themselves known many times before. However, that’s not what fans of the previous games will be paying attention to when it comes to enemies. Their eyes will be diverted to the giant gorilla that goes by the name of Jingoistic Gigantus.

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This towering level 80 enemy has been in practically every Xenoblade Chronicles game to date. In Xenoblade 1 and 2, he goes by the name of Territorial Rotbart. His role, however, remains mostly the same. Patrolling key areas in both games, he’ll swipe at your party, taking out a good chunk of your health – if not all of it – for seemingly no good reason. So, if you ever decide to go back and play the original games in the series, just be prepared for the big gorilla to make an appearance.

3 The Big Sword In The Sky

Teach's Spot in Xenoblade Chronicles 3

There are so many phenomenal locations across the Xenoblade Chronicles series. If you think the vast landscapes of XC3 are impressive, well you’re in for a treat with Xenoblade Chronicles 2. Looking out across the Gormott wilderness, or exploring Mor Ardain’s impressive city and towering castle, is a truly exceptional experience. Xenoblade Chronicles 1 has its fair share of awesome locations, too, that stretch out as far as the eye can see. If only those who missed out on these amazing games could explore some of these locations. Oh wait, you already have — kind of.

Many of the locations in Xenoblade Chronicles 3 are locations from Xenoblade Chronicles 1 and 2. You see that massive sword sticking out of the ground? Well, a species of robot people used to live and wage epic wars on it. The titan with a hole in it? Yeah, that’s Uraya, and you’ll see parts of it scattered all across Aionios. It’s pretty incredible to see several iconic locations from the previous games make their way into Xenoblade Chronicles 3, if only as ruins or background details.

2 Blades And Mechons

a split image of Lanz and Sena from Xenoblade Chronicles 3 with a close up of Lanz on the left and a mid shot of Sena on the right

Throughout Xenoblade Chronicles 3’s world, you’ll spot various characters sporting an interesting look. Multiple party members look slightly different. Sena, the bright, bubbly, and super-into-weightlifting character, will look instantly familiar to anyone who has played Xenoblade Chronicles 2. The blue lines that run down her skin and the tinge of fiery blue in her hair will remind players instantly of Blades. The Hero mechanic that adds a changeable character to your party is strikingly similar to the Blade mechanic in XC2, as well.

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Similarly, Lanz — the stoic defender of your team who's ultimately gooey inside — looks just like a Machina from Xenoblade Chronicles 1. Well, almost. The Machina in Xenoblade Chronicles 1 were a race of machine people who had grey and white stripes running across their faces and bodies. They also had weird robot parts sticking out of them. Fortunately, Lanz is lacking in that department.

1 Vandham, Who?

Xenoblade Chronicles 2 Characters extreme close up of Vandham smiling to someone off screen against a rocky background

For fans of Xenoblade Chronicles 2, the reveal of Vandham early on in the game was a pretty big deal. Anyone who hasn’t had the joy of experiencing the second Xenoblade game may have been a tad confused. There are several characters throughout Xenoblade Chronicles 3 that reference or appear from other games in the series. On the one hand, it's a pretty neat wink and a nod to long-time fans. On the other, it’s a frustrating tease, as we all desperately await the answers to why they’re here!

Vandham, for example, is a pretty key character in Xenoblade Chronicles 2. He’s one of the various playable characters, has a pretty emotional moment part of the way through the game, and even serves as one of the driving forces for Rex to get his act together. Seeing him have a small part at the beginning of Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is exciting for players of the previous games, and something newcomers to the series can enjoy in retrospect.

NEXT: Every Game In The Xenoblade Series, Ranked