Xenoblade Chronicles 2: Torna - The Golden Country

Though pacing problems make the journey far from riveting, the gameplay tweaks and overall story are worth experiencing if you're already a fan of Xenoblade Chronicles 2

In case you're curious Xenoblade Chronicles 2: Torna - The Golden Country does mostly work as a standalone RPG, like a sort of pointed gateway for the daunting series. You might not pick up on some of the relationship-centric nuances or worldbuilding cues, but as long as you're paying attention you'll be able to piece that together.

Nintendo Switch is no stranger to DLC and add-on content, but few expansions are as vast in their size and content as Xenoblade Chronicles 2: Torna - The Golden Country. Whether you're a season pass holder looking to revisit a series you love from a new perspective, or you're fresh to the franchise and want a standalone adventure, this hefty slice of JRPG action will grab you right from the moment you start switching between Blade and Driver. With some welcome adjustments to combat and combos, this is a fine addition to an already brilliant game on Switch.

This return to the world of Alrest is an excellent supplement to an already incredible game that shines a light on the remaining mysteries in Xenoblade Chronicles 2.

Torna is that rare piece of DLC that has the potential to surpass the original.

Torna: The Golden Country makes for a fantastic place to start in the series and an essential play for anyone that enjoyed Xenoblade Chronicles 2. It's been shortened, streamlined, and depending on your preferences, you might find that this DLC expansion handles a few mechanics better than the main game ever did. Essential for Xenoblade fans, and a good place to begin for those uninitiated.

Torna starts from Xenoblade Chronicles 2 and achieves the enviable feat of improving on the original game's experiences, namely on the level of the combat system, allowing for more alternatives, as well as on the game's plot and opening more elements that will grab the players' attention. A very recommended additional experience, especially for those who are already versed in the original game.

With refined combat, a far tighter script, and an infinitely more likable cast, Torna - The Golden Country manages to address almost all of Xenoblade Chronicles 2's core problems without ever straying too far from its source. The DLC does still suffer from a few of XC2's flaws, particularly in how it paces its story and handles tone, but Torna is nonetheless a fantastic prequel that helps to fill in the blanks without ever feeling pandering or relying too much on fan service. This expansion is a net positive for the series, showing that Monolith Soft is willing to address criticism in earnest. In many respects, Torna - The Golden Country is the game Xenoblade Chronicles 2 should have been.

Torna ~ The Golden Country marks a wonderful send off to the world of Xenoblade Chronicles 2 with its cast of likeable characters, compelling narrative and a revamped combat engine that feels even better than the original. Having spent more than 150~ hours in the world of Alrest combined through the two titles, I can't help but feeling that I still want more- a desire that serves as undeniable proof to the excellence of this series.

Xenoblade Chronicles 2: Torna - The Golden Country is a great companion piece for veteran players and a perfect entry point for series newcomers. A revamped combat system and refined narrative are just icing on the cake.