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The JRPG genre is one largely lauded for its achievements in storytelling, delivering some of the most beloved characters in all media. It’s even more impressive when developers find ways to represent characters' interpersonal bonds through gameplay systems, further strengthening their development.
Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Editionputs the party’s relationship front and center through the game’s Soul Voice system; combat will be just as important for strengthening group rapport as role-playing opportunities and standard story progression. Here’s how to make the most of the system while exploring Mira.
What Are Soul Voices?
Soul Voices are essentiallycommands issued to your party while in battle, given either by NPCs or yourself. You will noticecolor-coded speech bubblesspawning after companions perform an Art, urging you or other party members tocomplete specific actions.
to activate your own Soul Voice, you’ll need to use an Art. After you do so, you may encounter aquick-time event referred to as a Soul Challenge. Hit B before time runs out, and that will trigger your Soul Voice, prompting NPCs to use their abilities.
If you havean Art on your palette that matches the colorof an NPC’s speech bubble, it willbecome highlighted. Using it willcomplete the Soul Voiceand activate various benefits.
Soul Voice prompts don’t stick around forever, so you’ll need to ensure your Arts aren’t on cooldown to take advantage.
Soul Voices Benefits
You will know a Soul Voice was successful whenboth you and your NPC partner are surrounded by colored circles, corresponding with the Art you just used. Both characters will begranted a boost to their HP. Their affinity will also grow,strengthening their relationshipand allowing for more intimate character moments between the two.
A successful Soul Voice may also result in a lot of pain for your unlucky target. Sometimes this manifests simply asmore damage, but more often than not,it’s a crippling status ailment.
Paying attention to your team’s barks and making use of the Soul Voice system can see your enemiesbroken, staggered, and even toppled, leaving them completely defenseless.
