Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition Review: A world worth revisiting

by

When embarking on an open-world video game such as Xenoblade Chronicles X, my initial tendency is to delve into the expansive map, pinpointing key destinations and notable locations for future reference. I frequently stray from the primary goal, viewing these detours as essential groundwork that facilitates a smoother progression through the major missions. The exploration in such games often yields significant rewards, given the captivating nature of the environment itself.

In essence, “Xenoblade Chronicles X” is a sprawling game, where you’ll spend a significant amount of time traversing its expansive terrains, enhancing your abilities, and completing tasks to gear up for tougher obstacles ahead. Unlike its predecessors in the “Xenoblade” series, which were story-centric, this game leans more towards an offline Massively Multiplayer Role-Playing Game (MMORPG) format, emphasizing missions and chores over emotional storytelling. The method proves effective, and the improvements to the original “Xenoblade” recipe make this “Definitive Edition” the optimal choice for an immersive playthrough.

Not Your Typical Xenoblade

One significant change in the scenario of X lies in its mute lead character, whom you can tailor to your preferences right from the start. This custom-made persona finds themselves revived in a life pod on Mira, a recently colonized planet by humans in the year 2054 following Earth’s annihilation due to an extraterrestrial war. You become part of BLADE, an agency focused on locating other Earth survivors and investigating the reasons behind the alien invasion. The narrative follows a common thread for sci-fi tales, with the objective being to track down the aliens responsible for the destruction of your homeland.

Although the ability to tailor your lead character and decide dialogue options during scenes might seem attractive, it’s noticeable that this character lacks the richness and depth exhibited by past Xenoblade heroes. No matter how you attempt to shape them through conversation, they appear one-dimensional, which is particularly apparent when compared to the dynamic and well-rounded side characters. It’s during the cutscenes, whether they are grand and cinematic or simple interactions, that the game truly shines with its diverse personalities and histories of your team members.

As you advance through the game, some dialogues will strengthen your connection with various BLADE members, leading to Affinity Missions that offer insights into their histories. For example, tough-as-nails Elma shows a gentler side, while the youngest team member struggles with self-doubt. These missions, though not as intense as those in other Xenoblade games, contribute significantly to the storyline by giving characters depth and individuality. With more than 20 potential allies to win over, there’s ample chance to forge bonds and learn about each one of them.

PROS:

  1. a sprawling world that begs you to explore it and get lost in;
  2. combat that feels fast and engaging, yet strategic at the same time;
  3. missions lead you to explore the planet and bring you closer to the characters and the world you’re trying to save.

CONS:

  1. story isn’t that exciting and can drag a bit as you have to be a high enough level to complete main missions;
  2. silent protagonist doesn’t really add much to the experience;
  3. visuals look great, but music in certain areas can sound out of place.

The Joys of Exploring an Alien World

As a devoted fan, I must say that the heart of X lies not in its narrative or characters, but rather in the breathtaking planet Mira itself. Initially, it may seem like a monotonous loop of completing missions to advance through levels. However, what truly captivates me is the opportunity to delve into this stunning alien landscape. The five continents of Mira are brimming with diverse ecosystems, each presenting a unique tapestry of landscapes, hidden wonders, and perils. From verdant forests to sprawling deserts and scorching volcanic terrains, every nook and cranny of Mira feels freshly discoverable, with a vertical dimension that demands thoughtful exploration to achieve objectives.

Delving into unexplored territories is crucial, as many assignments will require you to establish scanning devices that not only provide shortcuts for travel and unveil hidden riches, but also reveal exclusive bosses, secrets, and other intriguing elements. The more you probe and discover, the greater your survey rating, which in turn grants access to extra missions and perks, including hard-to-find items and insights into the human race’s struggle for survival. These expeditions not only reflect the game’s main themes but also reward your thirst for knowledge with a plethora of information about the new world humans are attempting to build and the fresh dangers that could jeopardize their future.

Besides venturing out, certain tasks may require you to collect resources, vanquish foes, or accomplish straightforward errands. This blend keeps things interesting, and even though not every task will be a hit, the diversity lets you customize your adventure based on your current interests and manage your progress at your own speed. You’ll accrue experience points from these smaller tasks, so each one contributes to your leveling up and eventual access to the main storyline missions.

Refined Yet Familiar Combat

While venturing through Mira, you should keep in mind that it’s not without potential hazards. This planet is inhabited by numerous alien species, ranging from feisty, bird-like creatures to colossal, fearsome beasts. Some of these creatures are within your combat range, but others could overpower you easily. As a result, it’s important to tread carefully and consider each area thoughtfully. You have the option to either confront these creatures or steer clear of them entirely. However, be aware that some monsters can instantly defeat you if you charge at them recklessly.

As a gamer, diving into X, I find myself immersed in a combat system reminiscent of Xenoblade’s, blending real-time action with tactical turn-based elements. My character’s class determines whether I opt for ranged or close-quarter attacks, always keeping an eye on my teammates, AI-controlled allies who assist in executing potent Arts that can crumble foes. A fresh element in the Definitive Edition is the Quick Cooldown bar, enabling me to deploy an Art immediately post-use, introducing another layer of strategy into combat. Yet, the cooldown bar only recharges after a fight, so strategic planning remains crucial.

The game provides multiple character classes for you to choose from, allowing you to play according to your preference – whether as a defensive tank, a long-range attacker, or a versatile fighter. As you progress through levels, you can transfer some skills between different classes, crafting a customized character that matches your preferred style of play.

Later in the game, you’ll get the chance to pilot Skells – mechanical suits that enhance exploration and make combat more manageable. Customizable and powerful, Skells introduce an exhilarating element to gameplay, sometimes making fights against weaker enemies feel too effortless. When not engaged in battle, Skells make traversing rugged terrains a walk in the park and offer a whole new avenue for world exploration.

Final Thoughts

In addition to the main enhancements, the Definitive Edition offers numerous convenience upgrades. All team members earn experience after a fight, regardless of their participation, thus reducing the tedious aspects present in the initial release. The interface is now more intuitive, allowing you to switch party members directly from the main screen without having to search for them on the map. Furthermore, it offers a clear objective guide to prevent getting lost, and while the graphics are significantly better than those in the Wii U version, there may still be minor performance issues that strain the Switch’s capabilities.

The game, Xenoblade Chronicles X, may have moments where the story seems less engaging and its silent hero sometimes fades into the background next to the more vibrant supporting characters. However, as a whole, this game offers an expansive, absorbing experience that can consume over 60 hours of your time, with even more if you’re determined to finish every mission and explore every nook of Mira. Despite its storyline weaknesses, it’s a world that’s hard not to get lost in, whether you’re embarking on your initial journey or revisiting it again.

Read More

2025-04-03 15:32