- Official Artbook: 352 pages of concept art and character designs
- DLC Coverage: Torna the Golden Country artwork included
- Character Focus: Detailed sections for all main and supporting characters
- Visual Excellence: High-quality paper with stunning artwork presentation
- Collector Value: Japanese edition with exclusive content not available elsewhere
Artbook Overview
The Xenoblade Chronicles 2 Official Artworks: Alrest Records is a comprehensive 352-page collection showcasing the stunning visual design of the game and its DLC expansion. This Japanese-language artbook differs from the one included in the special edition, featuring exclusive content and a higher production quality.
The artbook features a beautiful jacket with a protective slip cover that reveals custom artwork of Pyra and Mythra, two of the game's most popular characters.
Key Features:
- High-quality printing on premium paper
- Exclusive artwork not found in the special edition
- Comprehensive coverage of all game characters and environments
- Includes artwork from Torna the Golden Country DLC
- Character relationship mapping and development insights
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Pages | 352 pages of artwork and design content |
| Language | Japanese (no English translation available) |
| Dimensions | 8.27 x 0.83 x 11.69 inches |
| Publisher | KADOKAWA (February 12, 2019) |
| ISBN | 978-4047333673 |
Character Artwork Collection
The character section is the largest and most detailed part of the artbook, featuring comprehensive profiles of all major and supporting characters from Xenoblade Chronicles 2 and Torna the Golden Country.
Main Characters
The artbook begins with the game's protagonists, Rex and his Blade partners Pyra and Mythra. Their designs showcase the evolution from concept to final art, including alternate designs and costume variations.
Supporting Cast
Nia, Morag, Zeke, and their respective Blades each receive dedicated sections with multiple outfit variations and development sketches. The relationship mappings provide insight into the connections between characters.
Villain Gallery
The antagonists of the game receive equal attention, with detailed profiles of Jin, Malos, and their minions. Their designs reflect their personalities and roles in the story.
DLC Characters
The Torna the Golden Country characters, including the protagonist Lora, are prominently featured with their own dedicated sections showcasing their distinctive art style and equipment.
| Character | Design Highlights | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| Rex | Driver outfit vs. normal outfit | Dynamic poses with his Blades |
| Pyra/Mythra | Multiple outfit variants | Their transformation mechanics |
| Nia | Cat-like features and weapons | Expressive character design |
| Morag | Military and casual outfits | Her Blade Brighid's fire effects |
| Zeke | Noble attire and relaxed look | His Blade Pandoria's unique design |
Some character designs include revealing outfits that were censored for the Western release of the game. The artbook shows both versions for comparison purposes.
Blade Designs and Concept Art
Blades form the core combat system in Xenoblade Chronicles 2, and the artbook devotes extensive coverage to these weaponized beings and their relationship with Drivers.
The artbook explains the Blade-Driver relationship system, which forms the foundation of both the gameplay and narrative. Each Blade provides their Driver with elemental powers, a weapon, and companionship.
Notable Blade Collections:
- Rare and legendary Blades from core crystals
- Design evolution from concept to final implementation
- Customizable options for certain Blades like Poppy
- References to previous Xenoblade games through returning characters
| Blade Category | Design Philosophy | Gameplay Role |
|---|---|---|
| Common Blades | Standard humanoid forms | Basic combat support |
| Rare Blades | Unique visual themes | Specialized abilities |
| Legendary Blades | Mythical creature influence | Story-critical powers |
| Torna Blades | Ancient aesthetic | DLC-specific mechanics |
| Returning Blades | Cross-game references | Fan service elements |
The artbook also showcases the diverse range of weapon types available to Blades, including swords, spears, axes, chakrams, and unique designs like the gauntlet-type weapons used by certain characters.
World and Environment Artwork
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 features a beautifully realized world of floating continents called Titans, each with unique ecosystems and cultures. The artbook dedicates significant space to showcasing these environments.
Uraya
- Lush landscapes
- Water-based Titan
- Ancient civilization aesthetic
Mor Ardain
- Industrial design
- Mountain-based Titan
- Military architecture
Gormott
- Varied biomes
- Forest and plains
- Most frequently visited area
Environment Highlights:
- Detailed Titan anatomy and internal structure
- Town designs reflecting cultural influences
- Climate diversity across different Titans
- Day/night cycle variations
- Seasonal changes and weather effects
| Environment Type | Design Elements | Artistic Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Natural Areas | Flora, fauna, landscapes | Organic shapes, vibrant colors |
| Urban Settings | Architecture, cities | Geometric patterns, industrial design |
| Ruins | Ancient structures | Weathered textures, decay elements |
| Special Locations | Sacred sites, unique areas | Mystical elements, symbolic designs |
| DLC Areas | Torna landscapes | Distinct historical aesthetic |
Art Collection and Bonus Content
The artbook concludes with special sections that showcase additional creative elements from the game's development.
Bonus Sections Include:
- Enemy design gallery showing all creatures from common to legendary
- Item and weapon showcase with detailed illustrations
- Furniture and collectible item artwork
- Screenshot gallery with gameplay moments
- Behind-the-scenes development notes
The artbook maintains excellent resale value due to its limited print run and exclusive content. The Japanese text adds to its authenticity for international collectors.
| Art Category | Content Details | Collector Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Enemies | Common, rare, and legendary | Multiple design variations |
| Weapons | All weapon types with details | Evolution from concepts |
| Items | Key items and collectibles | Functional descriptions |
| Screenshots | Gameplay moments | In-game lighting effects |
| Development | Concept art and sketches | Design process documentation |
The production quality of the artbook is exceptional, with thick paper that allows the artwork to be appreciated without bleed-through. The binding is sturdy enough to withstand repeated viewing while maintaining the integrity of the two-page spreads.
FAQ About the Artbook
Q: Is this artbook different from the one included in the special edition?
Yes, the Japanese import artbook 'Xenoblade Chronicles 2 Official Artworks: Alrest Records' is different from the artbook included in the special edition. It contains more comprehensive content, including artwork from the Torna DLC that wasn't in the special edition artbook, and features higher production quality with exclusive covers and slipcases.
Q: Is the text in the artbook available in English?
No, the artbook is entirely in Japanese. However, the majority of the content is visual artwork that can be appreciated regardless of language. There is minimal text, primarily consisting of character names and occasional descriptions that don't significantly impact the experience for non-Japanese readers.
Q: Does the artbook contain spoilers for the game?
Yes, the artbook contains character designs and some scenes that may reveal plot points or character relationships. The screenshot gallery at the end of the book particularly contains scenes that could be considered spoilers, though the artbook itself doesn't provide detailed narrative context.
Q: How does this artbook compare to Xenoblade Chronicles 3's official artworks?
Both artbooks follow a similar format and quality standard. The Xenoblade Chronicles 2 artbook has slightly less text compared to the Xenoblade Chronicles 3 version. While Xenoblade Chronicles 2 focuses heavily on the Blade and Driver relationship system, Xenoblade Chronicles 3 showcases its more interconnected class system. Both are excellent collectibles for fans of their respective games.