Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition Review – X Marks the Spot

In contrast to other games within the action role-playing genre, Xenoblade Chronicles X stands out distinctly. Though it may seem similar visually and in terms of gameplay mechanics due to its connection with other titles in the series, narratively, this game offers a unique experience that sets it apart.

Before starting Xenoblade X, it’s crucial to set the right expectations because it varies significantly from the numbered trilogy in terms of storytelling, quest design, combat, and music. Fans expecting the deep, emotional narratives, intricate character development, or complex themes found in the previous games may find

In essence, Xenoblade Chronicles X, including its Definitive Edition, bears a strong resemblance to a single-player Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game (MMORPG). This comparison is not new to the series, but it fits this game particularly well. Unlike other games in the series, this one places less emphasis on a linear narrative. Instead, it provides an initial premise that motivates you to traverse and conquer its expansive universe. The game then largely allows players to chart their own course. Although there is indeed a storyline present, the quests are spread out over extended periods of gameplay, often requiring hours, even dozens of hours, of exploration, combat with wildlife, completion of quests, bonding with the inhabitants of New LA, and so forth.

In essence, the structure of Xenoblade Chronicles X leans more towards prioritizing gameplay over a complex narrative. Unlike other games in the series, which boast well-developed characters and compelling stories,

In essence, “Xenoblade Chronicles X” (including its Definitive Edition) closely resembles a single-player Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game (MMORPG) that you can play offline. This comparison is frequently applied to other games in the series, but it fits most accurately here compared to previous titles.

This game might seem aggravating if you’re anticipating a similar experience to the numbered Xenoblade games. However, it manages to excel within its own context. The primary focus of this game, unlike any other in the series, is its immersive world. In fact, every aspect of the game has been carefully crafted and arranged to encourage extensive exploration and interaction with this captivating world.

In the setting of Xenoblade Chronicles X, humanity escapes Earth following a devastating alien war that left the planet charred. One of the Earth-fled ships crashes onto a world called Mira, where they start constructing a settlement, encompassing both physical infrastructure and the populace who will inhabit it. A group named Building a Legacy After Destruction of Earth (BLADE) is spearheading these efforts to establish order and expand exploration across Mira, helping humanity adapt and coexist with the native life forms more effectively. The main character eventually joins BLADE, undertaking various tasks and quests, not just within New LA (the human city on Mira), but also in the untamed wilderness of Mira itself.

In essence, the plot of Xenoblade X doesn’t follow a straightforward path; instead, it starts with an open-ended setup that gradually intensifies to a central conflict that appears to be pursuing humanity through time and space. While the story in Xenoblade X can be quite engaging at times, particularly in its sci-fi elements, it is not the main focus – which sets it apart from other Xenoblade games.

As a gamer, diving into this world feels like stepping foot onto familiar Xenoblade turf. The developers have masterfully crafted an alien landscape that’s both bizarre and believable, as if it organically sprouted on another planet. I, along with up to three other adventurers, traverse the wilderness of Mira, setting probes for research and mining, cataloging and taming wildlife, searching for fellow crash survivors, and more. The journey is filled with formidable native life, and true to Xenoblade style, no corner of Mira is safe from high-level monsters lurking among the lower ones.

In Xenoblade X, delving into the vast, unstructured world of Mira is an exhilarating experience that can easily consume your time. With no clear path to follow, once you embark on exploration, you are free to roam, guided only by your natural curiosity or enticed by the stunning vistas and landscapes, hidden treasures, eerie lore, or the simple challenge of reaching places that seem unreachable. Even after investing dozens of hours into the game, the allure of exploring Mira remains captivating – especially as it’s around this time when players are granted access to Skells, advanced mech suits that simplify traversal and combat, allowing you to explore Mira like never before.

In this instance, the developers skillfully apply their expertise in crafting otherworldly and dreamlike environments to produce a distinctly foreign yet harmonious landscape.

Engaging in this game requires strategizing around automatic attacks, timing for skills players initiate, and positioning. Players who skillfully use status effects and boosts are handsomely rewarded, unlike some other games. What sets it apart is its comprehensive class system that fosters a wide range of build possibilities. In terms of immediate combat mechanics, this game may not be as strong compared to others in the series, but it does introduce unique elements like requiring an ability before it’s off cooldown. However, the class system significantly enhances the experience of crafting builds.

Previously, I pointed out that the soundtrack of game X sets it apart from other games in the same series. Indeed, this distinction holds true, though whether it’s a positive or negative aspect may depend on personal musical preferences. However, the unique musical identity and sound of this game differ significantly from those in the rest of the series. This discrepancy theoretically suggests exceptional music within the series, if not across the entire gaming genre and medium. Regrettably, for my taste, this does not appear to be the case with this particular game.

In summary, the music in game X can range from tolerable but unexciting to grating and distracting, particularly when I’m in New LA. The music of the Xenoblade series has been instrumental in immersing me into their worlds, so I was disappointed by X’s soundtrack, despite its obvious talent. This is a point of contention for me, but others may find it to be a strong aspect of the game if they enjoy what they hear. For me, the music may be an unexpected weak point in X, and the poor sound quality certainly doesn’t help either.

“In terms of the Switch release versus the Wii U one, it’s almost all improvements.”

Compared to the Wii U version, the Switch release primarily features upgrades across the board. However, certain Wii U-specific capabilities, like dual screen gameplay using the Gamepad or Miiverse integration, are no longer present in this update. The majority of other aspects have been carried over as they were. The main exception is the user interface, which has undergone significant enhancements since its poor initial state on the Wii U release. Now it’s much more organized and easy to read.

The graphics in this updated version of Xenoblade 3 appear improved compared to its Wii U release, even when playing in portable mode, which was a challenge for both Xenoblade 3 and especially Xenoblade 2 on the Switch. However, there are occasional drops in frame rate and instances of objects or environments appearing suddenly (pop-in), which can be noticeable.

One significant aspect of this Definitive Edition is the new story content added to the game. The original Xenoblade X left certain plotlines unresolved, and since the rest of the series didn’t revisit those threads, it’s satisfying to see them concluded in this edition.

Not only is it delightful to find X playable on contemporary systems instead of just on the Wii U, but despite any issues I might have with it, it’s a fantastic game with numerous appealing aspects, primarily due to its unique and unforgiving environment. Even though its departure from the rest of the series could lead players to not enjoy it in the same manner or for the same reasons as they do the other games, its notable strengths ensure that they will still find pleasure in playing it.

Of course! In exploring the untamed lands of Mira, many Xenoblade enthusiasts might discover a game that captivates them more than any other title in the series. However, this wasn’t my final verdict on X; it may not hold the same appeal for everyone else too. Above all, it’s fantastic that this game is now playable on Switch, allowing players to experience it and form their own opinions about its merits and flaws.

This game was reviewed on Nintendo Switch.

2025-03-27 15:42

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