Originally released on the Wii U in 2015, Xenoblade Chronicles X is one of the final games of Nintendo’s previous consoles before the release of the Nintendo Switch. After Donkey Coney Country Tropical Freeze, Bayonetta 2, Super Mario 3D World and the new Super Mario Bros U have had many successes from the Wii U to the Switch, it feels like one of the remaining classics has taken it a lot, well-known.
The definitional characteristics of the original Wii U release remain intact in this remaster, but developer Monolith Soft goes far beyond a simple visual upgrade. Instead of refined textures and fine-tuning the user interface, we have introduced new narrative-based content as well as a complete redevelopment of the designs of the various systems and menus.
All of this has allowed Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition to stand out as the ultimate way to experience this overlooked classic, and ultimately retired from the Wii U console so that the final big titles of the previous generation can be made available on the Switch.
It’s slow and stable
Unlike the numbered entries in the Xenoblade series, Xenoblade X rolls the ball with a rather gloomy introduction. Even before players assume control of a custom-made silent hero, Earth is wiped out by the intergalactic war crossfire between two hostile alien factions. Humanity was not an active participant in the conflict. It found myself in the wrong place at the wrong time. Worse, only a single colony ship, the white whales, can escape the destruction of the Earth.
After further confusion, the white whale collides with the unknown planet Mira. Survivors set up a makeshift settlement known as the Neuros Angeles (NLA) and begin the difficult process of ensuring survival while searching for missing life stocks in the ship that holds the key to humanity’s future.
This premise is a solid foundation for JRPGs, but the main story of Xenoblade X takes quite a while to establish its footing. It offers interesting revelation early on, but there is no character-driven emotionally resonating storytelling in the numbers Xenoblade title. Additionally, Monolith Soft’s advances in film presentations over the past decade are apparent. The story is primarily told through static conversation scenes. There, the characters stand in a rigid formation. This is in stark contrast to the dynamic orientation seen in titles like Xenoblade Chronicles 3, for example.
However, the game makes up for the flaws of these stories with engaging and humorous side quests. These optional missions frequently explore the themes of cultural exchange and coexistence between humans and the various alien species that inhabit the NLA. In particular, one-sided quests involve preventing radical political candidates from restructuring the entire economy into a pizza-based barter system. This is an example of the game’s light and inventive storytelling.
The remaster also addresses the controversial cliffhanger of the original game, which ends with new story content. Although the details are wrapped, this additional material provides a more critical resolution and aligns the game more closely with the Xenoblade predecessor. Longtime fans will undoubtedly find plenty of material for discussion and speculation in the coming years.
Your original creation
XenoBlade X offers a relatively limited character creation system, retaining binary gender selection and limited customization options. There are some visual enhancements added, but the rigid gender options feel a bit outdated compared to the latest RPGs. Given the game’s pre-recorded audio acting, it would be difficult to implement an extended pronoun option, but these limitations are prominent in today’s gaming situation.
After the first tutorial, the game becomes a vast, open-ended quest to explore Mira and support the survival of humanity. There is a linear sequence of chapters in the main story, but advancements must be involved in the game’s numerous side systems and affinity missions. Revolving around a variety of party members, these missions include fully expressed interactions and, in some cases, unique boss fights. They stand as part of the most engaging content that Xenoblade X has to offer.
However, the quest structure of the game can sometimes feel excessively limited. When you start a main story or an affinity mission, you will lock the player into that quest until the player completes, preventing involvement with other missions. This stiffness can be frustrating if the next goal is something the player is not prepared for.
Nevertheless, the vast world of Xenoblade X offers ample distraction and ensures that exploration and progression is fascinating.
Mecha first
One of the most distinctive aspects of Xenoblade X is its mechanical system. These mecha, also known as squels, fundamentally change your relationship with the player, but are inaccessible for up to about 30 hours of the game. While some people may be frustrating this long-term introduction, the gradual transition from a helpless wanderer to a powerful pilot will enhance the game’s scale and sense of discovery. The ultimate ability to skip the squel further changes exploration, revealing previously inaccessible areas, and strengthening the gaming philosophy.
The battles in XenoBlade X follow a mechanic inspired by the series’ signature MMORPG. Here, the character will automatically attack and the player will manage the cooldown timer’s abilities. A notable improvement to the remaster is the quick cooldown system, allowing players to instantly reuse their abilities under certain conditions. This addition greatly increases the pace and fluidity of combat, providing a satisfying balance between accessibility and challenge.
Beyond the battle, Monolith Soft tackles many of the shortcomings of the Wii U version. Instead of recruiting manually in the NLA, players can switch party members through menus. Additionally, all party members receive experience points regardless of active participation, reducing unnecessary grinding. The progress of affinity has also been streamlined, making it easier to complete the affinity mission and deepen your relationship with party members.
Finally, the game’s user interface has undergone considerable overhaul. Fonts have been updated to improve readability, menus have been redesigned to present information more efficiently, and improved UI improves clarity. These seemingly minor adjustments provide a significantly smoother experience collectively.
Final Thoughts
Monolith Soft has revived Xenoblade Chronicles X without compromising on why it made the original version exceptional. The game remains challenging and immersive, but its most frustrating design choices have been reduced. Mira continues to be a dangerous world that will make you adore, and this remaster ensures that exploring it will be more fun than ever.
A game that requires nearly 100 hours to complete is not a small investment, but I sincerely recommend Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition. Monolith Soft has already filmed an incredible game and received an incredible makeover to make it the absolute best version thanks to the Switch’s upgraded hardware and huge player base.
If you’re a franchise stranger, this is the perfect title to dive in. It takes time to get used to its control and shooting style, but the incredible story and stunning visuals will make you come back for more.
4 stars (out of 5)
Highlights: A fascinating story. Great combat; Gorgeous visuals
Low light: looks great in handheld mode, but docking doesn’t translate well
Developer: Monolith Soft
Publisher: Nintendo
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Available: Now
Reviews conducted on the Nintendo Switch use OLEDs using release code provided by the publisher.
