We live in a different world now than when Xenoblade Chronicles X launched almost ten years ago. Back then, the game was stylish and ambitious but also quite divisive. I remember feeling excited about its release, only to find it wasn’t the Xenoblade sequel I hoped for. It felt different and left me wanting something more familiar.
Yet, looking back, I can appreciate Xenoblade X much more now, especially with the arrival of the Definitive Edition on the Nintendo Switch. Monolith Soft has spent years fine-tuning their game development skills, and this remaster reflects their growth, making it easier for new players to dive in. Perhaps my own perspective changed with time, but I genuinely enjoyed my experience playing this game again.
The game does carry the Xenoblade name, but it stands alone. You don’t need to know about the earlier titles to jump into this story. Set after Earth is destroyed in an intergalactic war, you awaken as an amnesiac character alongside Elma, who introduces you to New Los Angeles. Your mission? Find the mysterious Lifehold, which may house the last remnants of humanity.
One thing that stands out about Xenoblade X is its vast open world filled with exploration opportunities. Players are encouraged to engage with side quests to level up, making the gameplay loop satisfying. Unlike its predecessors, this game leans heavily on exploration and combat. It’s almost like stepping into an MMO, where the landscape of Mira becomes a character in itself.
The open world is divided into five regions and packed full of quests, monster battles, and hidden treasures. Using the FrontierNav app, you chart your progress across these regions, which gamifies exploration. Each area requires players to tackle various challenges, like defeating formidable bosses or uncovering hidden artifacts, rewarding them for their curiosity.
In terms of combat, Xenoblade X innovates with a real-time system where cooldown mechanics dictate the pace, creating a frantic and engaging battle experience. Early in the game, you learn combat rules, mastering different classes and skills. The new Quick Art system allows players to spam powerful moves, making battles faster-paced and exciting. However, it also raises questions about balance and whether it prepares new players for later challenges.
A significant evolution comes in the form of the Skells—pilotable robots that transform battles. Engaging in Skell combat feels thrilling and empowering, as you take on colossal monsters that once seemed insurmountable. However, maintaining your Skell, upgrading it, and managing its resources becomes crucial to your success.
Beyond fighting, much of the gameplay involves helping NPCs and completing side missions. Take on quests that explore diverse human interactions and moral dilemmas, enriching the game’s narrative. Players foster friendships, solve personal issues, and navigate complex social dynamics. These interactions reveal a robust emotional thread woven throughout the story.
Despite my early hiccups with the game, my recent experience flowed smoothly, highlighting the beauty of Xenoblade X. The first time my Skell soared high above Mira, I felt a sense of freedom I hadn’t experienced before. The visuals have also been remarkably enhanced in the remaster, maintaining the feel of an expansive world without sacrificing visual fidelity.
Technical improvements in the Definitive Edition have made a significant difference. The game runs more smoothly, and design updates have made exploration easier and more engaging. For example, you now change your party and manage your time freely, removing previous roadblocks that disappointed many players.
While some might wish for a more in-depth story, Xenoblade Chronicles X masterfully integrates themes of coexistence and understanding across cultures. At its core, it urges players to explore relationships and communities and address fears rooted in misunderstanding. Although it may not feature the most intricate plot, it excels in making players feel part of a living, evolving world.
The game also features a strong musical score from Hiroyuki Sawano, who brings a unique soundscape to the experience. However, while the music is fantastic, I was hoping to see more new tracks in this edition.
In summary, the Definitive Edition of Xenoblade Chronicles X is a notable upgrade to an already impressive title. It’s enriching to explore its vast landscapes, engage in thrilling combat, and emerge deeply immersed in its world. This game stands testament to Monolith Soft’s creativity—an open-world adventure still resonating in today’s gaming landscape.
As for my overall impression? I couldn’t give this game anything less than a 9. If you’re interested in open-world games, this is certainly one to add to your library.
Note: This review was based on the Nintendo Switch version, provided by the publisher.
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