Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition

 Switch
Metascore
89

Generally favorable reviews - based on 92 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 88 out of 92
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 92
  3. Negative: 0 out of 92
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  1. Gamer.no
    Jun 14, 2020
    70
    It takes its time to get things going, and it shows its age in multiple areas, but when it all comes together it’s hard to put down Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition.
  2. PCMag
    May 27, 2020
    70
    Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition's core game on the Switch is identical to the 3DS and Wii games in terms of story, gameplay, and graphics (besides the higher resolution). This is the same JRPG Nintendo has published twice before, and it largely holds up. Unfortunately, the aging RPG now looks and feels a bit dated, especially after Xenoblade Chronicles 2's release.
  3. Twinfinite
    May 27, 2020
    70
    Fans will love everything that Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition has to offer; Future Connected is a solid epilogue, and the quality-of-life improvements in the main game help make it a more palatable experience. But for the newer players, unless a good, solid combat system is all you need for your JRPG experience, this might be a tough one to recommend.
  5. ComicBook
    May 27, 2020
    60
    Unfortunately for Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition, the Nintendo Switch isn’t exactly hurting for Japanese role-playing games, though few can match its breadth and width. If you’ve been curious about the title and managed to miss out on both the Wii and 3DS versions, picking up the Switch one is practically a no-brainer, even if it does feel like a bit of a throwback. If you’ve played it before and loved it, maybe Future Connected is plenty enough reason to return. But if you are just generally interested in games more broadly, there are probably better uses of your time. If they had seriously reworked the combat in some way, it probably wouldn’t really be Xenoblade Chronicles any longer, but I imagine I also would have had a much better time with it.
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  1. Eurogamer
    May 27, 2020
    More an expanded re-release than a remaster, the quality of the original Xenoblade Chronicles shines out in this generous package. [Eurogamer Recommended]
  2. Kotaku
    May 27, 2020
    Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition looks much better than the original game, but that’s not what makes it the “definitive edition.” It’s a combination of the graphical upgrade and countless little quality-of-life improvements that breath new life into this modern classic. [Impressions]

Awards & Rankings

4
#4 Best Switch Game of 2020
3
#3 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2020

User Reviews

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User Score
8.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1336 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,179 out of 1336
  2. Mixed: 58 out of 1336
  3. Negative: 99 out of 1336
  1. Indigo514
    May 29, 2020
    10
    Xenoblade Chronicles was already a masterpiece among masterpieces with it's incredible story, interesting world, beautiful environments,Xenoblade Chronicles was already a masterpiece among masterpieces with it's incredible story, interesting world, beautiful environments, memorable characters, engaging battle system and amazing soundtrack. This game doesn't miss a mark on any of those things. The original's only noteworthy issues were it's side quest tracking and UI/battle HUD; some may even argue that graphics was an 'issue' for the original even though graphics should never make or break whether a game is good or not. Anyway, the Definitive Edition has addressed every issue with an incredible amount of quality of life changes and additions. Monolithsoft have knocked it out the park with this one and anyone who is a fan of JRPGs should definitely pick up this game up. Even if this is your first JRPG, they've made it so much easier for newcomers to be introduced into the amazing world that is the Xenoblade Chronicles series. This game a special one for sure and lives up to it's praise and hype. And I didn't even mention that there's extra content that was cut from the original game which already had a lot of content in it.

    I'd like to take this opportunity here to thank Monolithsoft so much for putting so much love and care into this game! Hope others will enjoy and appreciate this game as much as I do!    … Full Review »
  2. HappyHermyHype
    May 29, 2020
    10
    The best and most complete version of one of the best (J)RPG's of all time.
    Most of the Models, Soundtrack, Textures etc. have been redone in    The best and most complete version of one of the best (J)RPG's of all time.
    Most of the Models, Soundtrack, Textures etc. have been redone in the new Xenoblade2 Engine.    … Full Review »
  3. Manuchimso
    May 29, 2020
    10
    I am really enjoying the game so far. Its definitely better than Xenoblade 2 in my opinion. The combat is enjoyable and exploring isI am really enjoying the game so far. Its definitely better than Xenoblade 2 in my opinion. The combat is enjoyable and exploring is enjoyable. This game is a masterpiece 10/10… Full Review »
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