Xenoblade Chronicles 2: Torna - The Golden Country Reviews
The story and gameplay all hold their own well against the Xenoblade series reputation for excellence, and will likely leave you wanting more.
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.
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.
Between the characterisation of Blades and Drivers, the improved battle system and a storyline that will make you reach for a jumper sleeve (or for the more sophisticated of souls, a tissue), the expansion DLC just feels so satisfying to play. So, whether you’re a newcomer, a JRPG lover, or a veteran Xenoblade fan, Torna: The Golden Country is a prequel not to be missed.
Through a less intimidating world, a cosier, jazzy atmosphere and an even more dynamic combat system, Torna : The Golden Country reveals not only an archaic chapter from Xenoblade Chronicles 2, but also a fundamental pillar of the series as a whole. While the adventure never quite reaches the density of a full installment, the focus on human relations drives the narrative across uncharted emotional territories, making this standalone expansion a fantastic introduction to this universe, and an unmissable opportunity to explore Alrest deeper.
Review in French | Read full review
Despite not having played Xenoblade Chronicles 2 in nearly a year, almost immediately I found myself completely absorbed by Torna, exploring every nook and cranny, and once again growing to love its characters. The odd style of pacing and sidequest focus can be off-putting for some, but taken as a whole Torna is a fantastic piece of additional content for a massive JRPG. It's a fitting way to cap off the wave of post-release content Xenoblade Chronicles 2 has received, and a must-play for any fan of Monolith Soft.
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.
A fantastic entry point for those who are unfamiliar with the series as well as being a great addition for long time fans. Torna ~ The Golden Country manages to be approachable and enjoyable for everyone. The new changes to combat really help make things more interesting and the world is huge. Definitely worth a play.
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
[Overall score is based on a score of the entire game - base game included] Torna: The Golden Country is a fine conclusion to an already great game - the amount of depth it adds makes the game feel like an entirely new adventure in the Alrest we've come to know and love. Adding new battle features, an excellent new score from Yasunori Mitsuda, and developing characters to meet the necessary endpoints for the base game to proceed, Xenoblade 2 is a masterpiece in building a credible, enjoyable world. It's an absolute recommendation for any Switch owner. 9/5/10
Monolith Soft has created another excellent experience for Switch owners to get stuck into.
Amongst the most generous expansions of all time, Xenoblade Chronicles 2: Torna – The Golden Country is one of the year's best RPGs. Returning players will love diving further into the history of Alrest and discovering more about the events that shaped the world, while newcomers can rest assured that they're starting out with the most refined and welcoming introduction to Xenoblade yet.
Xenoblade Chronicles 2: Torna, The Golden Country is a hell of a package, and a must-have for Switch owners who are JRPG fans, and who enjoy the Xeno- games. Monolith Soft have, yet again, crafted a world worth fighting for.
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.
Good addon to one of the most intriguing RPGs of recent times, where imposed side quests stand in the way of emotional storytelling.
Review in German | Read full review
Torna: The Golden Country is an ambitious addition to an already enormous game, but by stripping away many of the features on the sides of the experience, you're left with a game that never quite finds the highs present in the original game. The story was fun, if hammy at times, but worth seeing. I only wish they had taken better advantage of the excellent changes to combat here to deliver more on the faster-paced combat rather than the dull and laborious side quests.
Xenoblade Chronicles 2: Torna – The Golden Country is an exceptional expansion, justifying itself as a major enhancement of the original game with improvements to level design, combat and the majority of side content.
Torna is a great DLC for fans and newcomers alike. The extra content gives answers to questions you may have had after playing the standard game and makes small gameplay tweaks to make the game extremely accesible for new players and even a better experience for veterans.
Review in Dutch | Read full review