New Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Developer Interview Discusses Character Design Challenges & Extensive Compositional Efforts

Part 2 of the previously released Xenoblade Chronicles 3 developer interview with the executive director, Tetsuya Takahashi, and Xenoblade Chronicles 3’s producer and directors, Koh Kojima and Genki Yokota, has been published.

• View our coverage of Part 1.

Takahashi states that due to the story’s more serious tone, attention was given to the characters so they could be taller and less flashy, equating to greater maturity. Kojima expanded on the process, stating that it was “a hellish process of trial and error,” with Noah’s design being especially time-consuming to finalize.

As character designer Masatsugu Saito worked on concept images for Noah, Takahashi kept asking for revisions since he desired Noah not to look too fierce, weak-willed, or pompous. A delicate balance had to be struck.

Conversely, the rest of the cast was not as challenging to figure out designs for because their profiles described them well. Still, a vast degree of strenuous effort was spent to ensure that Saito’s art style was reflected in the actual game’s engine.

Regarding the flute being the chosen instrument for off-seers, Takahashi explains that a believable portable tool was a must to always have on-hand, as opposed to, say, a double bass. The exact instrument utilized throughout the game is a shinobue flute, described below:

A transverse flute made of shinotake bamboo with holes drilled in it. It is a Japanese musical instrument that has been used across Japan since long ago at such occasions as Japanese-style festivals.

Further, alongside Mio’s and Noah’s flutes emitting different sounds, real-life flutes were made from scratch so the composer Mitsuda could “choose a scale freely and express himself more easily.” Mitsuda also stated that making new flutes would allow the creation of “a sound that hasn’t been heard before.”

Monolithsoft developed the real-life flutes in collaboration with a shinobue flute craftsman and a Japanese urushi lacquer craftsman. Images were even shared. Other significant details include Xenoblade Chronicles 3 containing around 140 tracks, though Takahashi desired at least 15 more.

For further details from the development team, such as cutscene transitions and compositional work, check out the full interview. Part 3 will be released tomorrow.

We’ll keep updating you all on any vital Xenoblade Chronicles 3 news.