Nintendo and Monolith Software published the Xenoblade 3 Notes 1 Topics page a few hours after the new release date trailer, the page is only in Japanese but contains more information than what was revealed in English so far, most notably regarding the number of party members, the battle system and Class system, and also introduced new characters and their seiyuu.
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Battle System With up to 7 Party Members
Just like in past games of the Xenoblade series, enemies are visible on the field. Battles begin as you enter in contact with them, and positioning is key. Noah included, your party will have six characters in total, acting as pairs. The 7th party member will be various friends who will join you through your adventures, such as Nopon characters Riku and Manana.
Class Change and Classes in the Xenoblade 3 Battle System
Noah is a Sword Fighter, a close-range combatant with a sword, while Mio is a Gale Fighter, who aggros enemies and is good at dodging. Each character starts with their own Class.
As you progress in your adventure, you will be able to freely change each character's Class. For example, it's possible to have multiple Sword Fighter party members to create an offense-focused team.
Fusing Two Characters With the New Interlink System
Noh and Mio, Lanz and Sena, Eunie and Taion, each form a pair, which can be fused (Interlink) when certain conditions are met, transforming into a giant called an Ouroboros. (Character designer Choco confirmed on Twitter he handled the Ouroboros' designs).
Each Ouroboros has a very specific specialty, and transforming at the right timing is key to winning certain battles. Be careful though as after a certain amount of time, the Ouroboros will overheat and the Interlink will cancel itself.
Profiles of the New Characters Revaled in the Release Trailer, Voice Actors
Ethel - Atsumi Tanezaki
The leader of the forces of Colony 4 in Keves. She dual-wields thin blades.
Isurugi - Tomoaki Maeno
The leader of the forces of Colony Lambda in Agnus. He used to be Taion's superior but now wants to kill him and his friends for revenge.
Kamnabi - Taiten Kusunoki
The leader of the forces of Colony Delta in Agnus. Wields a fire spear.
Mysterious Giant
An hostile giant, that completely overwhelms Noah and his friends when they meet him. When Noah tries to save Mio, who is about to be attacked by the giant, they suddenly merge (Interlink) and transform into their Ouroboros for the first time. They manage to repel the mysterious giant and survive the fight, but now both the nations of Keves and Agnus are after Noah and co. This is when they meet Vandham.
Guernica Vandham - Tessho Genda
A mysterious man who meets Noah and his friends on the battlefield. He joins them in their travels and tells them they should head toward the giant sword that pierces the sky in order to learn about their "true enemy".
Riku - Sayaka Senbongi
A Nopon mechanic of the Keves army who works with Noah and the party.
Manana - Aya Suzaki
A cook of the Agnus army who works with Mio and the party. Loves eating.
What are your thoughts on Xenoblade 3 so far? Is there any seiyuu you're hyped for? Let me know in the comments. Check out the release date trailer below if you haven't yet (English dub). Xenoblade 3 will be out exclusively on Nintendo Switch on July 29, 2022.