Review of Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition

Xenoblade Chronicles X gets a thrilling Definitive Edition makeover, enhancing gameplay with new systems and content tweaks.

: Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition revisits Monolith Soft's RPG ten years later, adding new content and refining core mechanics. The changes highlight sophisticated battle systems and vast world exploration on Mira's continents. Despite some critique on accessibility and narrative depth, it offers an engaging experience in the Xenoblade series. Its unique combat and expansive landscapes make it a compelling addition to console gaming, especially on the Nintendo Switch.

Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition breathes new life into Monolith Soft's RPG, which was initially released a decade ago. The game, now available on the Nintendo Switch, revisits the complex world of Mira, introducing players again to its nameless protagonist immersed in a military sci-fi setting. This Definitive Edition includes upgrades such as new character and mech models, refreshed character graphics, and additional story segments, aligning the game more closely with contemporary RPGs.

The overhaul of Xenoblade Chronicles X's battle system represents a significant shift in gameplay dynamics. The original game’s real-time battles required players to manage cooldowns strategically for Arts attacks—special moves with varying effects depending on position and timing. In this edition, a new cooldown bar expedites the availability of Arts, mitigating necessity for meticulous planning and potentially changing the game's strategic demands. While this has stirred debate among purists, it undeniably enhances the immediacy and thrill of battles, especially during extended encounters.

Narrative depth remains a central concern for Xenoblade Chronicles X, especially when compared to its numbered counterparts. The game focuses on expansive side quests rather than emotional, character-driven exploits typical in the series. These side quests delve into themes like racial tensions, interspecies marriages, and complex human interactions through missions dispersed across Mira's varied landscapes. Critics note that while these elements add breadth, the game's protagonist lacks significant personal stakes and development compared to other entries.

A cornerstone of Xenoblade Chronicles X is its worldbuilding. The alien planet Mira spans five diverse continents, each presenting unique ecological features and challenges. The measured pace at which exploration tools are unlocked echoes players' settling and mastering their new home base, establishing a profound sense of accomplishment and discovery. The scale and design of Mira reflect Monolith Soft's renowned attention to environmental detail, whose influence extends to celebrated titles like Breath of the Wild.

Despite being perceived as an 'odd one out' in the Xenoblade series, this edition's revisions ensure that Xenoblade Chronicles X remains a significant and accessible entry for new players and veterans alike. Enhancements in user interface, including menus and skill allocation systems, are expected to simplify gameplay for returning players without detracting from the complexity the game is known for. Moreover, the game's accessibility options, including camera and UI adjustments, ensure a broader appeal. Developer Monolith Soft and publisher Nintendo have enabled fans to revisit or discover this unique Sci-Fi RPG adventure, celebrating its role in the evolution of RPG mechanics and storytelling.

Sources: Eurogamer, Nintendo

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