Yeah, he’s a great character as i can relate the way they betrayed him especially later in the story it amplifies his believes and his ideals. In the beginning story, i first played ZB2. I thought he wasn’t gonna do much but after going on later in the story, i enjoy more, and he understand little bit and I know he was going through lot of things but good character even when people other says he weak that’s not how it is betrayed, but I to differ is a good character even later in the story
Nah, I loved Rex. He got it out the mud, kept trying his best, and never claimed to be perfect. Even as the plot kept introducing more problems he couldn't understand he never stopped. He opened up to his party and let them make him better. He already had the traits of a hero, he just wasn't tested until the plot started. I'm glad Ramzees introduced the series to me.
@@juniorjunior5884 Absolutely, even with all the rough things that happened to him, all the loss he still kept it real. I'm convinced that people who claim that he's a Mary sue didn't actually play the game.
@jadethescribe You hit the mark when you mentioned how people dismiss the idea of male child soldiers in fiction. Because these are typical action focused series with male leads, the majority of the audience are trying to project through the protagonist. We'd like the idea of power and fighting nameless enemies, but not the reality that would come with it.
@@jadethescribe I adore the line "Did I go wrong somewhere" example of a show which fully devotes to a Rex type plot is FMA 2003 the whole series is beating the MC up with every right-hook it can as he keeps clawing through 52 episodes an a film straight there was gonna a whole second half to the show but funds where cut to make it one edited down film
Rex represents the best of humanity in many ways. One thing that makes him stand out in my eyes is his Optimism. Many people view his Optimism as childish, naive, and stupid. Honestly, Rex's Optimism was something Alrest needed. Especially when you see that Rex is aware of the problems his world is facing. Holding onto that Optimism was the bravest thing Rex could do. The hope he embodied. Especially when you see how far his Optimism has brought him. I know he's received a lot of love since XC3FR, but it feels like people only love him for who he is now. That's not what matters; it's the Rex that made it all this way that matters. His journey.
I actually said something similar to on a video by Paragon of Torna on this same topic... It's easy for people to call him childish and naive because of the world's current state and especially when they aren't personally involved This world needs optimistic idealist like Rex now more than ever because we are on a steep downward spiral that will only get worse from here I also noticed that people constantly compared Rex to Shulk which is honestly stupid because while they have their similarities they are 2 different people at the end of the day with their own struggles and hardships
@@infernape2010 To add more to Rex, he understands nothing will ever change if people complain or remain nihilistic. Even before he met Pyra and Mythra, Rex was already trying to help his world in any way he could. He sees the wars, loss, and struggle as meaningless. He's focused on what he can do for everyone. It reminds me of how Rex believes in humanity so much that he knows the world will be in good hands even when he's gone. I never like comparing Rex to Shulk. Like you said, they're completely different people. Heck, XC3FR shows how well they work together and help one another. Last, Rex's optimism is challenged, broken down, and redefined in XC2, and we see how much it has evolved in XC3FR. At times, I feel that Rex is a character that is taken for granted.
i loved rex ever since i first played xenoblade 2 10 minutes into the game we are told that alrest is basically dying, but Rex is still optimistic for the future. The va while not the best at action scenes i think he did a great job with the more emotional scenes especially at the start and end of chapter 7. A reason why i think people don't like Rex is that he develops a reason to fight throughout the game, he realises how important his party is to him and wants to protect them but soon realises he can't protect everyone when pyra gets kidnapped in Tantal even at the end of the game his final test is to leave pyra and mythra behind when escaping the world tree was absolute cinema I LOVE REX RAHHHHHH
In my first playthrough of xenoblade 2, at the beguining I didnt really like rex (mostly because of his voice) but I ignored it and kept playing. After a while I started to really like rex, the more you explored the world the more you realize that the world was dyng and hope was dwindling. Rex was the hope that everybody needed. All of that culminated in the scene of rex fighting jin and malos at the clifs of morytha and what he says to pyra and mythra genuenly made me tear up. Yeah he fell earlier but his alies were there to help him, alies that he made by being hopefull.
I mean Rex's intial design is what got people more like "Look at this goof" Then we heard his voice and started laughing at him. Yeah Rex barely has many manly qualities until FC or 3 when we see a photo of him with Pyra, Mythra and Nia. By then the hate died down.
@@16ktsgamma Basically the time line of events yeah. There is something to talk about with his design, cause I get the method behind the madness first impressions aside.
Excellent video Jade! I think a lot of people's wrong expectations also come from the fact that most anime are meant to be power fantasies for the player to insert themselves into. So, when people get a protag who actually acts like any normal person would, they turn their nose up at it. Most of my issues with Rex stem from his English voice acting, but I know that's a voice direction issue and not the VA's fault. There are moments (like the final battle against Malos) that legit had me cheering in my head for Rex as he gave his typical anime spiel. 3's DLC showed that despite Rex growing up into more of an Addam-like figure physically, he was still the same boy we fought alongside throughout his journey in 2. Also... who wouldn't be jealous of that man? Guy not only gets two hot blade waifus BUT a Welsh cat girl as well? Madness! xD
@@Cyrus_Bright 100% agree with you there. You don't get to see a lot of jrpg protagonists fail as much as Rex. This is one of the games where I definitely feel like the 'happily ever after' was earned. He had to fail a lot and learn to get to the point where he was at the end of the game. And yeah, totally jealous of how he pulled all those baddies 😂.
Fair, reasonable and understandable. Zeke has the best quotes of the franchise hands down. I can still remember using some random greataxe blade with him and using my level 4 special only to have my ears blessed with " Welcome to axe town, population: *your face!* "
I instantly loved Rex from the opening, he's Simon the Digger levels of inspiring and one of my favorite characters of all time This analysis gave me even more reasons to love him than before
It was literally just popular to dunk on Xenoblade 2 back then, and I didn't play the trilogy until last year, it kinda upsets me it was popular to hate on XC2, it was a solid game.
Finally someone who shares pretty much the same thoughts I have about Rex. I loved the little goof we see at the very start of the game and I still loved him when he was chadasaurus Rex. I generally don't like Harems in any media (except gentlemen's literature) but seeing the photo at the end of 3 just made sense to me.
I wish I could like the video multiple times. I played the game recently and didn't know how bad the reception was for Rex. When I started playing, I didn't like him at first (mainly in the very beginning), but when he formed his bond with Pyra, Rex took off and didn't look back. The game has really done a very good job of depicting all of the good and bad things from his character, and maybe that's why I felt so invested in the game overall.
@@diogozmm Same, he's such a human character in that way. He (and a lot of the other characters) have their ups and downs and that's what makes them so engaging. Glad you liked the video 👍
People hated rex initially, some still do. But you need to hold the idea that he is a child, it makes his character feel alive and understand why he feels the grief and sorrow throughout the story as he grows and overcomes his struggles and grows into a man
@raulrojas9253 kingdom hearts is a different style compared to xenoblade. Just because sora doesn't express the same emotions rex does throughout their individual stories, that does not mean rex is a bad character. Rex is a well written character, and he's believable. While I haven't played much of kingdom hearts myself, I'm sure that there are many character analysis videos out there that detail how well sora is written into his story, just like how rex is in this game
Ngl i genuinally didnt get the rex hate when i first played 2, i still dont either. Rex was always a great character even before FR, but its gud to see people finally like him
I recall in a previous video you discussed the famous quote "it's a marathon, not a sprint" and even said it's ok to stop if you need to. I think I'll build upon that. "Rome wasn't built in a day." Something that a lot of people in general seem to overlook is that a lot of people are not born exceptional. Everyone can't get enough of the finished "product-" your best self, but almost no one wants to hear about how you got there and the bumps along the way. This mostly pertains to real life, as underdog stories are actually pretty popular when they're fictional, but sometimes I think it can bleed over into entertainment, like with XC2. "Rex was such a whiner!" Bro he was 15, give him a break lol.
Omg you watched that 😳lol, but yeah absolutely. There's a lot of reflection and hard work that goes into how people turn out. We're just seeing the finished product when it comes to the best of us. The appeal of a character like Rex to me is that he reflects the very human journey most of us are on.
I started Xenoblade with 2, and I pretty much loved Rex since day 1. I was also one of the people praying my boy Al Weaver would get a chance to redeem his voice acting. Rex was a likeable guy and I liked his optimism. When he almost broke down twice I felt so much pain for him. I like his appearance in 3, but I definitely was sad how many people turned into Rex fans because of it. Also I was always a believer he got Nia before the confirmation in 3. Like new game plus loading screen and post battle dialogue made me a believer. Also they had a freaking super special when Nia and Pyra/Mythra were equipped. Too many things to show how close the relationship was.
People stil bringing up the scream in the prologue on the ship and 2 or 3 screams of the whole games are so cringe too me. Like we get it sounded funny, get over it lasted like 10 seconds. In a long ass jrpg the most common talked about thing is like 3 screams through the whole game and his clothes which fits hit characters (who gives a shit?) shows you how they rarely talk about his characters and just look at him superficial. Being a optimistic goofball works that well because of the surrounding characters. Also Rex is rather mature for his age imo. Like Zeke is a like a more chaotic and mature version of him yet i rarely see people complaining about him other than they find him cringe or something which is the whole point so it can surprises you with his deep moments.
You’re so right about toxic masculinity. I remember back during the pre-release of 3. Someone told me that they didn’t like Noah’s character because of his long hair. Not their design mind you. The character.
The hate for Rex and the type of masculinity he embodies is so depressing. Xenoblade is one of the few franchises that bothers to give its male protagonists, real flaws and growth, rather than rely on self inserts that are never allowed to really fail or make incorrect decisions. Xenoblade isn't afraid to let its male protagonists have genuine weakness and vulnerability, to let them cry and give up when overwhelmed by impossible odds. Xc2 writes Rex as earnest and kind without expectation of reward. Rex doesn't just get rewarded by universe for doing the bare minimum of decency the way so many generic anime protagonists do. He goes well and truly out of his way to do the very best he can in situations where he stands very little to gain. He has nothing to gain and everything to lose from going back to save Nia from the Ardainians, but he does so anyway, not because he expects her undying gratitude or devotion, but because it's the right thing to do and he owes her his life. He stands to gain very little from stopping the Titan weapon in Temperantia or stopping Genbu from descending into the cloud sea, and in every case he's helping people who have greatly wronged him before. And every time he does he loses something or someone, but he keeps insisting on following true to his convictions about helping people. Nia, pyra and Mythra don't fall for Rex because he does the bare minimum of kindness the way most harem protags do. He constantly risks everything he has to make them smile, and not because he expects affection or love back, but because they're his closest friends and he'll happily tell them he loves them regardless. He treats them with the same level of Kindness he treats Morag, Zeke or anyone else. He's strong enough to know Jin and Malos have to be stopped, but Kind enough to know they're in deep pain born from real suffering. The only thing that's changed about Rex in xc3 is the size of his body, not the size of his heart. Hell, if people are gonna complain about the "harem", Rex actually emotionally commits to all of them, instead of waffling and leading them on, in the way so many anime does, where male characters get to wallow in the affection of multiple women without actually having to put any emotional work or decisive commitment into any of them. It really can be demoralizing the way so people reject a depiction of masculinity that says it's okay to feel scared and weak, it's okay to fail, it's okay to be small and scrawny, it's okay to put the needs of other before your own, it's okay to be driven by optimism and not anger or pride, it's okay to show kindness and mercy and It's okay to love and be loved in more than a romantic or idolized way.
Well said 👍, It's very nice to see other's that understand the heroic charm of his character. Seeing Rex's moments of weakness also made me feel like I could overcome my hardships in life. To me, that's one of the greatest things a hero can do.
Not to be that guy, but, what's the source for the tumbnail? Also, great video, Rex is awesome and has always been awesome even before his chadification in fr.
Okay this video is great and I like most of your points however I do have to mention at 11:19 you misunderstand the way that this scene is supposed to be taken,(in my opinion at least) Rex obviously feels overwhelmed as many of us did when we were in our teenage years and so he tries to say something outlandish in order to get a reaction out of the rest of the party. He knows he's not gonna leave and he definitely knows that the party won't let him. But he feels as if he has no idea what to do and so he selfishly provokes everyone else (even if he doesn't know he's doing that himself) It shows even further that the drivers in the party allow the blades to take their frustration out on him ( because they have emotional stake in this given that Pyra is a blade as well) Nia's reaction probably pissed Rex off more, Brighid was extremely cutting with her criticism especially cause she knows what Pyra's intention is at Elysium as well as her feelings toward Rex. And finally Poppi being there at the end to emotionally console him and bring him to his senses, which is extremely emotionally damaging because Poppi and Tora are not what would be considered a real driver and blade given that they are artificial however they still look up to Rex and Pyra as an example of what to be as a driver. Just like how Rex looks up to Vandham and Zeke as what a proper driver is. This scene is probably the best in the game writing wise and it reminds me of my favorite show Gurren Lagann which has a similar character arc for the MC Simon(surprise another mecha with a well written teen protagonist learning what it means to be a man) But yeah I love scenes like this because after this point Rex slowly stops being emotional and instead becomes emotionally mature.
@@hammerbro2833 I see what you're saying there. The scene is super complex and even while I was writing the script I felt like I was glossing over certain aspects. So yeah, good comment 👍
I hear you, but I don't think he interpreted the scene wrong at all. Rex was definitely going to quit because his mind was so focused on the fact that he had no power over his life. So he wanted to go back to a life where he actually had control over his outcome (he eventually learns how selfish this mindset is). In the beginning, Rex's sudden gain to power gave him a false sense of security despite being underqualified. His consistent loss streak slowly broke his self-confidence. So after his loss in Tantal, the idea that his strength and courage could take him to Elysium, was shattered by the idea that he was never good enough in the first place. He truly felt like he should quit. He didn't just want attention, but he did want to tell all the people he looked up to.
I hated it at first and I still find it uncomfortable to watch but that is kind of what makes it brilliant. Giving up is just not his style so someone had to slap the sense back into him.
I didn't hate Rex.... though at the same time I didn't like him too much compared to other characters I've seen in other RPGs go through similar things. Granted I also didn't finish it(geeze where did I stop playing). Perhaps the VA could have been better or the direction of said VA could have been better. Dunno; but even with all my own opinions on the guy I can agree some people really hate him just a bit too much.
I still stand by that I think Al Weaver should have been able to voice Rex again in FR. No shade against his new VA tho he dif a great job in conveying he is still the same person from 2 just matured.
Now it kinda makes sense why I never got the amount of hate Rex got, I don't feel like I really grew up with this image of heroes having to be "bulletproof", this kind of toxic image of masculinity, at least not as something a main character would have to adhere to. Although I'm pretty sure it's also because I very early on felt like I could relate to Rex, not with the working young for the sake of family, but his goal in reaching Elysium, he's not just chasing a dream for nothing, he's chasing it because he sees the issues that are plagueing his world and wants to do something about it, even if it might be idealistic and ultimately in vain. God knows our own world has seen its fair share of problems in the last decade and before, and I was quite close to Rex's age when first playing the game, so his character very much spoke to me, and the way he matured throughout the story, his general openness and willingness to extend even a hand towards those that wronged him, just cemented him as one of my favorite characters in probably not just gaming but media overall.
Thats the kind of Mindset a weak person will have Rex is not even a hero. Play the game again, he gets bullshit powersup for no reason and out nowhere, you cannot say this shit without ignoring those facts. Zeke the Zekenator is a way better character and hero but we need comic relief....but we already had Tora, nah we need another.
@@raulrojas9253 "He gets bullshit powerups for no reason and out of nowhere" which is different from your general shounen protagonist how...? Although I wouldn't say for no reason for the most part. Mythra, maybe, but that's even acknowledged in the story somewhat, but his only powerups after that after Nia and the third sword, and both of those he earned by understanding and helping his allies with their mental struggles that have been holding them back.
@@raulrojas9253Bet this guy loves Shulk, who wielded the Monado perfectly because he had Zanza blood, and Noah because Riku chose that iteration in a thousand years. Speaking of powerup, how much did Noah work for the Lucky Seven? Rex at least had a training arc, where was Noah's? 😂
Too be fair I just don't like it too much (cof cof until... x3) because I have another expectations from X1 and is really annoying, but after replaying 2 I can't imagine other protagonist for it.
@@lindthechaoticheretic8708 yeah, him and his game. Not so much now but back in the day you should have seen how people would compare him to shulk. Not to mention all the character design controversies xeno 2 had.
I understand if people dislike the character They are entitled to their character opinions But the game just because they dislike rex, nah that's not a good excuse to dislike the game
So we can’t like tex without fanboys that glaze him getting mad 🤨?? He is mid as a character and not as good of a protagonist as Shulk, noah, or matthew. I like him better in 3 dlc but, he is barebones basic rpg mc. Just not that big on xenoblade 2 as a whole. We can like different things without hating on those who did nit like xeno 2.
Flawed characters that have character growth and arc!? The outrage!! Where is the Mary Sue protagonist that win every single fight, when you need them?
That’s not the issue. It’s the whole, you bring the boss’s hp to zero then the cutscene portrays you getting your butt whooped. Xenoblade 1 and x handled losses way more immersively.
@@firenze6478 I certainly agree that XC1 and XCX handled that better, especially the fight against Metal Face where the Monado just bounces off him. I was an important hint to him being human, leading back to Fiora being untouched earlier in the lab. But that said, the important part of that battle was that you lost and from that point on, the Mechon is a real threat to the party. Same in XC2, you loose and have to escape. This is sorta the point about XC3 that loses that tension, you win the first battle against the Mobius, and the second and the third and the fourth and so on. Speaking for myself I was checked out of the story when the main enemies of the game could simple be punched by regular Mio over a hundred meter in a single hit and the game still expected me to take the enemies seriously. Even worse was when J was shown to be back from the dead with his memory intact. By then I already knew nothing bad was ever going to happen to the protagonists and death meant nothing in this universe, completely deflating any tension or suspense for the entire game. When Mio came back I was legitimately pissed off that I had wasted so much time on the game. XC1, XC2 and Saga always had me on edge if a party member could be killed off, because they showed they had the balls to off important characters.
i think rex is a great protagonist i love him and xenoblade 2 but i hate your title and your thumbnail please never make anything like that again relating to this series because it makes me feel even more ashamed to be a xenoblade 2 fan
Sorry mate, I just don't see it. I'm not a big Rex hater, but I didn't find him very interesting throughout the game. To me he was just kind of the same from start to finish. Did he grow in some aspects? Sure, he had a few good moments I can think of, but I wouldn't say he's this super awesome gigachad like all the Rex defenders are making him out to be. Don't even get me started on the 'harem' thing either because that was so stupid. The fact that he got all 3 girls is absolutely wild and I'm normally an advocate for harems, but the way it was done and executed was straight lazy and wish fulfillment. Nia literally pushed him towards Pyra/Mythra at the end of 2 and then suddenly at the end of 3 we see that he knocked up all 3? We don't even know how this all came about either. I'd go more in-depth about it, but at this point I'm just over it. I'm glad Pyra and Mythra became the fighter in Smash Ultimate and not him. He can stay in Final Smashes and Taunts as a cameo. I will admit his design in 3 is straight gas though.
@OxygenC2 Lmao? You don't even know who I am. Who are you to assume i like gay harems? I'm not an SJW from California that spends 90% of their time on Twitter/X I prefer straight harems where the guy is the main focus, thank you very much.
@@ShogunPlasma Most ppl who say they liked Rex in 3 but not 2 are those kinds. If you're not then fine. But to say that Rex never changed is your bias working against you. The one who changed the most was Rex, amongst Xenoblade main MCs lol. What remained the same with Rex was his attitude towards life. What do you think all those Ls he took was for? Compare it to Noah and Shulk. Noah lost once, and it was only to himself. Shulk lost twice, and even then the 2nd loss was a betrayal. They learned less in their journeys than Rex did. That's why this video is sorely needed.
Fanboys: Rex is chad, he ended with the 3 girls. Me: because the writers allow it, doesn't make him a real Chad. he also never learned from his mistake and is by far the worst protagonist so all it took to make it good is give him a fucking Harem like one of those isekai protagonist? Pathethic. Shulk now that's a Protagonist and he stayed with one Girl Fiora. Noa realized that it wasn't possible to be together with Mia and finally moved on with his life X....we don't know even to this day nah but xenoblade 2 a fucking Harem, geez Pyra deserved better....Mythra I couldn't give 2 shits. Rex is a Sora clone but worse. Except he got the girl while Nomura just fucked sora up after Kh 2.
I always said, a world that needs a child to save it does not deserve to be saved. I'd rather watch an overdramatized rugged male save the world than a realistic boy whining all day. I can watch real life teenage meltdowns for that. That said, it's all fantasy. If you like that type of story I won't hold it against you. Kids play these games too (probably more than adults) and they need relatable characters.
can’t say I agree with that stories that have young people save world usually imply a message of “the young people questioning/breaking the status quo” old people tend to stay stuck in their ways and not want change which by itself is not a bad thing sometimes change is necessary other times it’s not The best stories have the young protagonist save the world not by himself (at least not solely cause we still need the power fantasy ) but have all the allies they’ve made throughout his journey both the young and the old help in doing the impossible…like killing god or maybe I’m too optimistic but if you want a good example (that you would never ask for) Watch and or read Fullmetal alchemist brotherhood and think that does it perfectly
I understand where you're coming from That being said, Shulk was originally 17 in the Wii JP version. Seems to me you only like calm collected heroes who have everything except their romance in control.
The amount of idiots that didnt know about the secret convo if you had rex and nia as the only blade and no other character son the field. He literally asks to talk to her about THAT scene and she just says "Yeah its chill we'll talk about it later uwu" x'D Id be rich if I had a penny every time I heard someone say I was lying. When 3 came out and showed /that photo/, i felt the biggest "Told you so" ever
@@Empress-Missy Yeah I remember that. Also after you beat the game, the title screen has Rex with Pyra, Mythra, and Nia. They definitely were implying it in the base game.
He wasn't joking when he told Nia that he loved her and everyone else!
@@EditorSebas Yep, man really lived up to the salvager code
And you know what? Good for all of them.
@@jadethescribe he showed them a thing or three
Boys hate Rex. "Men" hated Rex until they saw him in 3. REAL men already loved him after playing 2.
@@YoshiAteTooManyYoshiCookies well said
For once someone called me a "real man"
I guess I'm a real man then.
Yeah, he’s a great character as i can relate the way they betrayed him especially later in the story it amplifies his believes and his ideals. In the beginning story, i first played ZB2. I thought he wasn’t gonna do much but after going on later in the story, i enjoy more, and he understand little bit and I know he was going through lot of things but good character even when people other says he weak that’s not how it is betrayed, but I to differ is a good character even later in the story
Yeah, I had to fix what I’m saying it doesn’t make sense
Nah, I loved Rex.
He got it out the mud, kept trying his best, and never claimed to be perfect.
Even as the plot kept introducing more problems he couldn't understand he never stopped.
He opened up to his party and let them make him better. He already had the traits of a hero, he just wasn't tested until the plot started.
I'm glad Ramzees introduced the series to me.
@@juniorjunior5884 Absolutely, even with all the rough things that happened to him, all the loss he still kept it real. I'm convinced that people who claim that he's a Mary sue didn't actually play the game.
@jadethescribe
You hit the mark when you mentioned how people dismiss the idea of male child soldiers in fiction.
Because these are typical action focused series with male leads, the majority of the audience are trying to project through the protagonist. We'd like the idea of power and fighting nameless enemies, but not the reality that would come with it.
@@jadethescribe I adore the line
"Did I go wrong somewhere"
example of a show which fully devotes to a Rex type plot is FMA 2003
the whole series is beating the MC up with every right-hook it can as he keeps clawing through 52 episodes an a film straight
there was gonna a whole second half to the show but funds where cut to make it one edited down film
Rex represents the best of humanity in many ways. One thing that makes him stand out in my eyes is his Optimism. Many people view his Optimism as childish, naive, and stupid. Honestly, Rex's Optimism was something Alrest needed. Especially when you see that Rex is aware of the problems his world is facing. Holding onto that Optimism was the bravest thing Rex could do. The hope he embodied.
Especially when you see how far his Optimism has brought him. I know he's received a lot of love since XC3FR, but it feels like people only love him for who he is now. That's not what matters; it's the Rex that made it all this way that matters. His journey.
I actually said something similar to on a video by Paragon of Torna on this same topic...
It's easy for people to call him childish and naive because of the world's current state and especially when they aren't personally involved
This world needs optimistic idealist like Rex now more than ever because we are on a steep downward spiral that will only get worse from here
I also noticed that people constantly compared Rex to Shulk which is honestly stupid because while they have their similarities they are 2 different people at the end of the day with their own struggles and hardships
@@infernape2010
To add more to Rex, he understands nothing will ever change if people complain or remain nihilistic. Even before he met Pyra and Mythra, Rex was already trying to help his world in any way he could. He sees the wars, loss, and struggle as meaningless. He's focused on what he can do for everyone.
It reminds me of how Rex believes in humanity so much that he knows the world will be in good hands even when he's gone. I never like comparing Rex to Shulk. Like you said, they're completely different people. Heck, XC3FR shows how well they work together and help one another.
Last, Rex's optimism is challenged, broken down, and redefined in XC2, and we see how much it has evolved in XC3FR. At times, I feel that Rex is a character that is taken for granted.
Rex is my favorite Xenoblade, and maybe JRPG, protagonist because of his optimism.
Rex said: That's it, i'm im getting every single one of my blades pregnant.
That he did. That he did 😌
I love when people actually play this game and understand it’s messages instead of hating it on Twitter and never touching it 🙏
NEVER listen to Twatter Monkeys.
@@DURIEL1or Reddit in 2017 😂
@@OxygenC2 Exactly
some people still do that even the one that played the game
Rex was instantly my favorite protagonist in Xenoblade chronicles. He just felt instantly relatable unlike the other 2 xenoblade protagonists
i loved rex ever since i first played xenoblade 2 10 minutes into the game we are told that alrest is basically dying, but Rex is still optimistic for the future. The va while not the best at action scenes i think he did a great job with the more emotional scenes especially at the start and end of chapter 7. A reason why i think people don't like Rex is that he develops a reason to fight throughout the game, he realises how important his party is to him and wants to protect them but soon realises he can't protect everyone when pyra gets kidnapped in Tantal even at the end of the game his final test is to leave pyra and mythra behind when escaping the world tree was absolute cinema I LOVE REX RAHHHHHH
Yep truly peak fiction
In my first playthrough of xenoblade 2, at the beguining I didnt really like rex (mostly because of his voice) but I ignored it and kept playing.
After a while I started to really like rex, the more you explored the world the more you realize that the world was dyng and hope was dwindling. Rex was the hope that everybody needed.
All of that culminated in the scene of rex fighting jin and malos at the clifs of morytha and what he says to pyra and mythra genuenly made me tear up.
Yeah he fell earlier but his alies were there to help him, alies that he made by being hopefull.
Remember: This is the guy that said "And I love you. And *all* you guys."
@@blockeontheleafeon He meant it
@@jadethescribe So true.
I mean Rex's intial design is what got people more like "Look at this goof"
Then we heard his voice and started laughing at him.
Yeah Rex barely has many manly qualities until FC or 3 when we see a photo of him with Pyra, Mythra and Nia. By then the hate died down.
@@16ktsgamma Basically the time line of events yeah. There is something to talk about with his design, cause I get the method behind the madness first impressions aside.
Polygamy!
Mr. Polygamy!
And this is Mrs. Polygamy, Mrs. Polygamy, Mrs. Polygamy and Mrs. Polygamy!
Four!?!🤯
@@Lemuel928 Venture Bros thing. Though it wouldn't surprise me at this point of Poppy was Four.
Zeus once said “The true measure of a hero is not the size of his strength (or balls 🤣🤣🤣) but the strength of his heart.
TLDR; Everyone hates Rex because they are forcing their own opinions on him or they're an incel.
Excellent video Jade! I think a lot of people's wrong expectations also come from the fact that most anime are meant to be power fantasies for the player to insert themselves into. So, when people get a protag who actually acts like any normal person would, they turn their nose up at it. Most of my issues with Rex stem from his English voice acting, but I know that's a voice direction issue and not the VA's fault. There are moments (like the final battle against Malos) that legit had me cheering in my head for Rex as he gave his typical anime spiel. 3's DLC showed that despite Rex growing up into more of an Addam-like figure physically, he was still the same boy we fought alongside throughout his journey in 2. Also... who wouldn't be jealous of that man? Guy not only gets two hot blade waifus BUT a Welsh cat girl as well? Madness! xD
@@Cyrus_Bright 100% agree with you there. You don't get to see a lot of jrpg protagonists fail as much as Rex. This is one of the games where I definitely feel like the 'happily ever after' was earned. He had to fail a lot and learn to get to the point where he was at the end of the game. And yeah, totally jealous of how he pulled all those baddies 😂.
He loved all of us and we loved him.
I liked Zeke more. That is my entire contribution to this debate.
Fair, reasonable and understandable. Zeke has the best quotes of the franchise hands down. I can still remember using some random greataxe blade with him and using my level 4 special only to have my ears blessed with " Welcome to axe town, population: *your face!* "
I’m glad you made this so now I can point others to this video on why Rex is just… Awesome!
Glad you enjoyed it! I would mean a lot if you did share it around 👍
I instantly loved Rex from the opening, he's Simon the Digger levels of inspiring and one of my favorite characters of all time
This analysis gave me even more reasons to love him than before
Chadasaurus Rex
It was literally just popular to dunk on Xenoblade 2 back then, and I didn't play the trilogy until last year, it kinda upsets me it was popular to hate on XC2, it was a solid game.
Haters be like, "ReX wAs A wImP uNtiL xC3."
No bro, he went from a Chad Lad to a Chad Man!
Finally someone who shares pretty much the same thoughts I have about Rex. I loved the little goof we see at the very start of the game and I still loved him when he was chadasaurus Rex.
I generally don't like Harems in any media (except gentlemen's literature) but seeing the photo at the end of 3 just made sense to me.
If this game gets a remaster then i want to flesh out all the party members, Like they did with nia
Rex was a great character. He was strong! He was stabbed in the back, witnesses a mentor die and still maintained his can do, uplifting attitude!
I wish I could like the video multiple times. I played the game recently and didn't know how bad the reception was for Rex.
When I started playing, I didn't like him at first (mainly in the very beginning), but when he formed his bond with Pyra, Rex took off and didn't look back. The game has really done a very good job of depicting all of the good and bad things from his character, and maybe that's why I felt so invested in the game overall.
@@diogozmm Same, he's such a human character in that way. He (and a lot of the other characters) have their ups and downs and that's what makes them so engaging.
Glad you liked the video 👍
8:30 they get torna shreds
Rex translated to English is King.
People hated rex initially, some still do. But you need to hold the idea that he is a child, it makes his character feel alive and understand why he feels the grief and sorrow throughout the story as he grows and overcomes his struggles and grows into a man
Sora was also a kid and he wasnt shit like rex.
@raulrojas9253 kingdom hearts is a different style compared to xenoblade. Just because sora doesn't express the same emotions rex does throughout their individual stories, that does not mean rex is a bad character. Rex is a well written character, and he's believable. While I haven't played much of kingdom hearts myself, I'm sure that there are many character analysis videos out there that detail how well sora is written into his story, just like how rex is in this game
Ngl i genuinally didnt get the rex hate when i first played 2, i still dont either. Rex was always a great character even before FR, but its gud to see people finally like him
Same, I got on social media a little bit after the game came out and the response genuinely shocked me
I recall in a previous video you discussed the famous quote "it's a marathon, not a sprint" and even said it's ok to stop if you need to. I think I'll build upon that. "Rome wasn't built in a day."
Something that a lot of people in general seem to overlook is that a lot of people are not born exceptional. Everyone can't get enough of the finished "product-" your best self, but almost no one wants to hear about how you got there and the bumps along the way.
This mostly pertains to real life, as underdog stories are actually pretty popular when they're fictional, but sometimes I think it can bleed over into entertainment, like with XC2.
"Rex was such a whiner!" Bro he was 15, give him a break lol.
Omg you watched that 😳lol, but yeah absolutely. There's a lot of reflection and hard work that goes into how people turn out. We're just seeing the finished product when it comes to the best of us. The appeal of a character like Rex to me is that he reflects the very human journey most of us are on.
Short answer: Because he's the chad who NTR'd NTR. A true man amongst men!
Long answer: This video.
Rex is my goat. Always has been. Always will be.
I started Xenoblade with 2, and I pretty much loved Rex since day 1. I was also one of the people praying my boy Al Weaver would get a chance to redeem his voice acting. Rex was a likeable guy and I liked his optimism. When he almost broke down twice I felt so much pain for him. I like his appearance in 3, but I definitely was sad how many people turned into Rex fans because of it. Also I was always a believer he got Nia before the confirmation in 3. Like new game plus loading screen and post battle dialogue made me a believer. Also they had a freaking super special when Nia and Pyra/Mythra were equipped. Too many things to show how close the relationship was.
People stil bringing up the scream in the prologue on the ship and 2 or 3 screams of the whole games are so cringe too me. Like we get it sounded funny, get over it lasted like 10 seconds. In a long ass jrpg the most common talked about thing is like 3 screams through the whole game and his clothes which fits hit characters (who gives a shit?) shows you how they rarely talk about his characters and just look at him superficial.
Being a optimistic goofball works that well because of the surrounding characters. Also Rex is rather mature for his age imo. Like Zeke is a like a more chaotic and mature version of him yet i rarely see people complaining about him other than they find him cringe or something which is the whole point so it can surprises you with his deep moments.
You’re so right about toxic masculinity. I remember back during the pre-release of 3. Someone told me that they didn’t like Noah’s character because of his long hair. Not their design mind you. The character.
The hate for Rex and the type of masculinity he embodies is so depressing. Xenoblade is one of the few franchises that bothers to give its male protagonists, real flaws and growth, rather than rely on self inserts that are never allowed to really fail or make incorrect decisions. Xenoblade isn't afraid to let its male protagonists have genuine weakness and vulnerability, to let them cry and give up when overwhelmed by impossible odds. Xc2 writes Rex as earnest and kind without expectation of reward. Rex doesn't just get rewarded by universe for doing the bare minimum of decency the way so many generic anime protagonists do. He goes well and truly out of his way to do the very best he can in situations where he stands very little to gain. He has nothing to gain and everything to lose from going back to save Nia from the Ardainians, but he does so anyway, not because he expects her undying gratitude or devotion, but because it's the right thing to do and he owes her his life. He stands to gain very little from stopping the Titan weapon in Temperantia or stopping Genbu from descending into the cloud sea, and in every case he's helping people who have greatly wronged him before. And every time he does he loses something or someone, but he keeps insisting on following true to his convictions about helping people.
Nia, pyra and Mythra don't fall for Rex because he does the bare minimum of kindness the way most harem protags do. He constantly risks everything he has to make them smile, and not because he expects affection or love back, but because they're his closest friends and he'll happily tell them he loves them regardless. He treats them with the same level of Kindness he treats Morag, Zeke or anyone else. He's strong enough to know Jin and Malos have to be stopped, but Kind enough to know they're in deep pain born from real suffering. The only thing that's changed about Rex in xc3 is the size of his body, not the size of his heart. Hell, if people are gonna complain about the "harem", Rex actually emotionally commits to all of them, instead of waffling and leading them on, in the way so many anime does, where male characters get to wallow in the affection of multiple women without actually having to put any emotional work or decisive commitment into any of them.
It really can be demoralizing the way so people reject a depiction of masculinity that says it's okay to feel scared and weak, it's okay to fail, it's okay to be small and scrawny, it's okay to put the needs of other before your own, it's okay to be driven by optimism and not anger or pride, it's okay to show kindness and mercy and It's okay to love and be loved in more than a romantic or idolized way.
Well said 👍,
It's very nice to see other's that understand the heroic charm of his character. Seeing Rex's moments of weakness also made me feel like I could overcome my hardships in life. To me, that's one of the greatest things a hero can do.
Never played it, i just thought it was funny that his sword was in smash but not him. Like how does that happen?
Hardware limitations
Rex in xenoblade 3 is a BEAST looks like he's been hitting the gym
yet the outfit design is so bland I don't wanna look at any fanart of it
Pyra is my favorite, but I always thought Rex was great too
Not to be that guy, but, what's the source for the tumbnail? Also, great video, Rex is awesome and has always been awesome even before his chadification in fr.
Okay this video is great and I like most of your points however I do have to mention at 11:19 you misunderstand the way that this scene is supposed to be taken,(in my opinion at least) Rex obviously feels overwhelmed as many of us did when we were in our teenage years and so he tries to say something outlandish in order to get a reaction out of the rest of the party. He knows he's not gonna leave and he definitely knows that the party won't let him. But he feels as if he has no idea what to do and so he selfishly provokes everyone else (even if he doesn't know he's doing that himself) It shows even further that the drivers in the party allow the blades to take their frustration out on him ( because they have emotional stake in this given that Pyra is a blade as well) Nia's reaction probably pissed Rex off more, Brighid was extremely cutting with her criticism especially cause she knows what Pyra's intention is at Elysium as well as her feelings toward Rex. And finally Poppi being there at the end to emotionally console him and bring him to his senses, which is extremely emotionally damaging because Poppi and Tora are not what would be considered a real driver and blade given that they are artificial however they still look up to Rex and Pyra as an example of what to be as a driver. Just like how Rex looks up to Vandham and Zeke as what a proper driver is. This scene is probably the best in the game writing wise and it reminds me of my favorite show Gurren Lagann which has a similar character arc for the MC Simon(surprise another mecha with a well written teen protagonist learning what it means to be a man) But yeah I love scenes like this because after this point Rex slowly stops being emotional and instead becomes emotionally mature.
@@hammerbro2833 I see what you're saying there. The scene is super complex and even while I was writing the script I felt like I was glossing over certain aspects. So yeah, good comment 👍
I hear you, but I don't think he interpreted the scene wrong at all. Rex was definitely going to quit because his mind was so focused on the fact that he had no power over his life. So he wanted to go back to a life where he actually had control over his outcome (he eventually learns how selfish this mindset is).
In the beginning, Rex's sudden gain to power gave him a false sense of security despite being underqualified. His consistent loss streak slowly broke his self-confidence. So after his loss in Tantal, the idea that his strength and courage could take him to Elysium, was shattered by the idea that he was never good enough in the first place. He truly felt like he should quit. He didn't just want attention, but he did want to tell all the people he looked up to.
I hated that scene when Brigid slaps him.
@@roykalager2360 yeah that's understandable
I hated it at first and I still find it uncomfortable to watch but that is kind of what makes it brilliant. Giving up is just not his style so someone had to slap the sense back into him.
@ze_darku_magician5504 I didn't like the ingrained mindset of the scene. That women can hit men and it's ok.
Nice points and everything, but you gotta admit bro needs to go shopping for some new fits.
true true
na what if it tell you i dont care what characters wear?
@@jadethescribe no no his new design looks bland as shit he looks more like Zekes uncle then Rex
I didn't hate Rex.... though at the same time I didn't like him too much compared to other characters I've seen in other RPGs go through similar things. Granted I also didn't finish it(geeze where did I stop playing). Perhaps the VA could have been better or the direction of said VA could have been better. Dunno; but even with all my own opinions on the guy I can agree some people really hate him just a bit too much.
I still stand by that I think Al Weaver should have been able to voice Rex again in FR. No shade against his new VA tho he dif a great job in conveying he is still the same person from 2 just matured.
It's probably because people clowned on his performance as much as they did. It's a shame but I get it.
defending rex? easiest sub ever
Xb2 my favorite game of all time❤
yep, I was hooked when it first came out.
Now it kinda makes sense why I never got the amount of hate Rex got, I don't feel like I really grew up with this image of heroes having to be "bulletproof", this kind of toxic image of masculinity, at least not as something a main character would have to adhere to. Although I'm pretty sure it's also because I very early on felt like I could relate to Rex, not with the working young for the sake of family, but his goal in reaching Elysium, he's not just chasing a dream for nothing, he's chasing it because he sees the issues that are plagueing his world and wants to do something about it, even if it might be idealistic and ultimately in vain. God knows our own world has seen its fair share of problems in the last decade and before, and I was quite close to Rex's age when first playing the game, so his character very much spoke to me, and the way he matured throughout the story, his general openness and willingness to extend even a hand towards those that wronged him, just cemented him as one of my favorite characters in probably not just gaming but media overall.
Thats the kind of Mindset a weak person will have
Rex is not even a hero. Play the game again, he gets bullshit powersup for no reason and out nowhere, you cannot say this shit without ignoring those facts.
Zeke the Zekenator is a way better character and hero but we need comic relief....but we already had Tora, nah we need another.
@@raulrojas9253 "He gets bullshit powerups for no reason and out of nowhere" which is different from your general shounen protagonist how...? Although I wouldn't say for no reason for the most part. Mythra, maybe, but that's even acknowledged in the story somewhat, but his only powerups after that after Nia and the third sword, and both of those he earned by understanding and helping his allies with their mental struggles that have been holding them back.
@@raulrojas9253Bet this guy loves Shulk, who wielded the Monado perfectly because he had Zanza blood, and Noah because Riku chose that iteration in a thousand years. Speaking of powerup, how much did Noah work for the Lucky Seven? Rex at least had a training arc, where was Noah's? 😂
subscribed cause I saw ryu in the art
Loved rex in both games.
People who think Rex is chad clearly never know any better protagonist 😂 He's chad because he marry and knocked 3 wives? That what made him chad? 😂
You missed the whole point of the video.
Too be fair I just don't like it too much (cof cof until... x3) because I have another expectations from X1 and is really annoying, but after replaying 2 I can't imagine other protagonist for it.
I think fans hate him not because he is emotional or a teen. They are angry that writers choose this character for the story
Me personally I like Rex
They were too young. Too jealous. The generic twitter cloud took over
I liked everything about Rex except his forgiving nature.
I mean Jin killed many people, how could Rex forgive him?
Bro imagine being jealous of Kirito.
then the whole abridge series is shit talking those who simped the series
episode 18s preview damn your feels
Real
What is this thumbnail
It got the job done lol
I never hated Rex
I dont hate Rex. But his shorts lol
love his character, hate his design.
People hated Rex?
@@lindthechaoticheretic8708 yeah, him and his game. Not so much now but back in the day you should have seen how people would compare him to shulk. Not to mention all the character design controversies xeno 2 had.
I understand if people dislike the character
They are entitled to their character opinions
But the game just because they dislike rex, nah that's not a good excuse to dislike the game
@@jadethescribethere were character controversies?
@@OmniMon94 Yep, two. One about Pyra and another about Dahlia (a rare blade from the game). I have a video on the latter.
So we can’t like tex without fanboys that glaze him getting mad 🤨?? He is mid as a character and not as good of a protagonist as Shulk, noah, or matthew. I like him better in 3 dlc but, he is barebones basic rpg mc. Just not that big on xenoblade 2 as a whole. We can like different things without hating on those who did nit like xeno 2.
Like most YTers don't soy it up for Shulk and Noah. 😂
Flawed characters that have character growth and arc!? The outrage!! Where is the Mary Sue protagonist that win every single fight, when you need them?
Fun fact, Noah only lost ONCE in the entire journey, to HIMSELF. 😂
@ It’s dangerous to say it out aloud, especially when you realize this “loss” only happened because Mio and M planned it. 🙈🙉🙊
That’s not the issue. It’s the whole, you bring the boss’s hp to zero then the cutscene portrays you getting your butt whooped.
Xenoblade 1 and x handled losses way more immersively.
@@firenze6478 It happened a lot with 1 too. Beat down an enemy then cutscene, then fight again.
@@firenze6478 I certainly agree that XC1 and XCX handled that better, especially the fight against Metal Face where the Monado just bounces off him. I was an important hint to him being human, leading back to Fiora being untouched earlier in the lab.
But that said, the important part of that battle was that you lost and from that point on, the Mechon is a real threat to the party. Same in XC2, you loose and have to escape. This is sorta the point about XC3 that loses that tension, you win the first battle against the Mobius, and the second and the third and the fourth and so on.
Speaking for myself I was checked out of the story when the main enemies of the game could simple be punched by regular Mio over a hundred meter in a single hit and the game still expected me to take the enemies seriously.
Even worse was when J was shown to be back from the dead with his memory intact. By then I already knew nothing bad was ever going to happen to the protagonists and death meant nothing in this universe, completely deflating any tension or suspense for the entire game.
When Mio came back I was legitimately pissed off that I had wasted so much time on the game.
XC1, XC2 and Saga always had me on edge if a party member could be killed off, because they showed they had the balls to off important characters.
i think rex is a great protagonist i love him and xenoblade 2 but i hate your title and your thumbnail please never make anything like that again relating to this series because it makes me feel even more ashamed to be a xenoblade 2 fan
Sorry mate, I just don't see it.
I'm not a big Rex hater, but I didn't find him very interesting throughout the game. To me he was just kind of the same from start to finish. Did he grow in some aspects? Sure, he had a few good moments I can think of, but I wouldn't say he's this super awesome gigachad like all the Rex defenders are making him out to be.
Don't even get me started on the 'harem' thing either because that was so stupid. The fact that he got all 3 girls is absolutely wild and I'm normally an advocate for harems, but the way it was done and executed was straight lazy and wish fulfillment. Nia literally pushed him towards Pyra/Mythra at the end of 2 and then suddenly at the end of 3 we see that he knocked up all 3? We don't even know how this all came about either.
I'd go more in-depth about it, but at this point I'm just over it.
I'm glad Pyra and Mythra became the fighter in Smash Ultimate and not him. He can stay in Final Smashes and Taunts as a cameo. I will admit his design in 3 is straight gas though.
Nah you only like gay harems. Or harems where the straight guy isn't in control. This is where it all ends anyway.
@OxygenC2 Lmao? You don't even know who I am. Who are you to assume i like gay harems? I'm not an SJW from California that spends 90% of their time on Twitter/X
I prefer straight harems where the guy is the main focus, thank you very much.
@@ShogunPlasma Most ppl who say they liked Rex in 3 but not 2 are those kinds. If you're not then fine.
But to say that Rex never changed is your bias working against you. The one who changed the most was Rex, amongst Xenoblade main MCs lol. What remained the same with Rex was his attitude towards life. What do you think all those Ls he took was for? Compare it to Noah and Shulk. Noah lost once, and it was only to himself. Shulk lost twice, and even then the 2nd loss was a betrayal. They learned less in their journeys than Rex did. That's why this video is sorely needed.
Rex was hated cuz shulk was so much better
Rex is sora but British and with a harem
Fanboys: Rex is chad, he ended with the 3 girls.
Me: because the writers allow it, doesn't make him a real Chad. he also never learned from his mistake and is by far the worst protagonist so all it took to make it good is give him a fucking Harem like one of those isekai protagonist? Pathethic.
Shulk now that's a Protagonist and he stayed with one Girl Fiora.
Noa realized that it wasn't possible to be together with Mia and finally moved on with his life
X....we don't know even to this day
nah but xenoblade 2 a fucking Harem, geez Pyra deserved better....Mythra I couldn't give 2 shits.
Rex is a Sora clone but worse. Except he got the girl while Nomura just fucked sora up after Kh 2.
I always said, a world that needs a child to save it does not deserve to be saved. I'd rather watch an overdramatized rugged male save the world than a realistic boy whining all day. I can watch real life teenage meltdowns for that. That said, it's all fantasy. If you like that type of story I won't hold it against you. Kids play these games too (probably more than adults) and they need relatable characters.
can’t say I agree with that
stories that have young people save world usually imply a message of “the young people questioning/breaking the status quo”
old people tend to stay stuck in their ways and not want change which by itself is not a bad thing sometimes change is necessary other times it’s not
The best stories have the young protagonist save the world not by himself (at least not solely cause we still need the power fantasy ) but have all the allies they’ve made throughout his journey both the young and the old help in doing the impossible…like killing god
or maybe I’m too optimistic but if you want a good example (that you would never ask for) Watch and or read Fullmetal alchemist brotherhood and think that does it perfectly
Good thing Rex recruits several older people to join his cause who are instrumental to his success and help him grow as a person along the way!
@@emblemblade9245 too bad about vandam😢
though that was kind of obvious if you know how these stories work
I understand where you're coming from
That being said, Shulk was originally 17 in the Wii JP version. Seems to me you only like calm collected heroes who have everything except their romance in control.
The amount of idiots that didnt know about the secret convo if you had rex and nia as the only blade and no other character son the field. He literally asks to talk to her about THAT scene and she just says "Yeah its chill we'll talk about it later uwu" x'D Id be rich if I had a penny every time I heard someone say I was lying. When 3 came out and showed /that photo/, i felt the biggest "Told you so" ever
@@Empress-Missy Yeah I remember that. Also after you beat the game, the title screen has Rex with Pyra, Mythra, and Nia. They definitely were implying it in the base game.
They don't need to be the only pair in the field for that line, but it does reduce the number of possible lines for the game to choose from.