Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Introduces Hero Party Members, Nopons Riku & Manana

May 16, 2022May 16, 2022 Orpheus Joshua

Nintendo has shared new character information for their upcoming expansive JRPG developed by Monolithsoft, Xenoblade Chronicles 3. Alongside the 6 main party members, players can also utilize extra party members known as “Heroes.” Of these Heroes, two Nopon have been highlighted, Riku and Manana.

Riku is from Keves’ Colony 9, like the protagonist Noah, and is a stubborn Nopon who specializes in item crafting. On the other hand, Manana is a highly-skilled chef who continually cooks for the party.

Screenshots of this pair are viewable via our gallery below:

The tweets introducing and detailing Riku and Manana are listed below:

This charming Nopon pair, Riku and Manana, is one of the special allies known as 'Heroes' that can be recruited to fight alongside you as a seventh member of your party in #XenobladeChronicles3. pic.twitter.com/kpNNlTnvsT

— Nintendo of Europe (@NintendoEurope) May 16, 2022

Manana’s Voice Acting by Aya Suzaki:

マナナは常に食べ物のことを考えているんですも。冒険中、食材になりそうなものを見つけたらマナナに頼めば、おいしく調理してくれますも！マナナはとても明るい性格だから、旅も楽しくなりそうですも！#ゼノブレイド3 pic.twitter.com/sNyPQkKPJM

— ゼノブレイド総合 (@XenobladeJP) May 16, 2022

Riku’s Voice Acting by Sayaka Senbongi:

リクはどのような状況でも表情を崩すことなく慌てもしない、どこか達観したところがあり、ノアたちへのアドバイスも適格ですも。武器の整備は、リクにおまかせしたいですも！#ゼノブレイド3 pic.twitter.com/6FduNpkYWN

— ゼノブレイド総合 (@XenobladeJP) May 16, 2022

Xenoblade Chronicles 3 tells the story of protagonists Noah and Mio contending with a conflict between the nations of Keves, and Agnus. 6 characters will be the crux of the experience, and the broad concept of “life” will be the title’s central theme. Additional seven characters will also be available during specific moments of the journey.

The narrative for the game will tie in elements and plotlines from the future of the prior two mainline games, Xenoblade Chronicles and Xenoblade Chronicles 2. Flutes seem to play an integral role in the title’s premise. The new trailer reveals characters have a mighty Ouroboros form, which allows them to assume the form of powerful oversized entities in battle.

The summoning of this powerful new form depends on a new Interlink system. If specific conditions are met, characters can combine into this mech, and choosing well when to transform should be key to the more difficult battles. Another system revealed is a class change option, allowing players to customize their parties’ builds further than in previous games.