Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition

 Switch
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
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  1. RikiBDGD
    Jun 22, 2020
    10
    Probably my favourite game and the qol makes it even better as the sidequests are now actually enjoyable to do yay
  2. theostrich92
    Jun 22, 2020
    10
    The single best game I have ever played, and I dont even like RPGs. Must buy for every Switch owner, video games dont get much better than Xenoblade Chronicles 1.
  3. QuasarManiac
    Jun 22, 2020
    10
    I already considered the original game a 9/10. Fantastic story, characters, environments, musical score, and absolutely addictive battle and gameplay mechanics. This remaster I’d consider a 9.5/10, which rounds up to a 10. The extra .5 is for the insanely improved graphics, character models, facial expressions, quest markers and progression, and the entirety of the Future ConnectedI already considered the original game a 9/10. Fantastic story, characters, environments, musical score, and absolutely addictive battle and gameplay mechanics. This remaster I’d consider a 9.5/10, which rounds up to a 10. The extra .5 is for the insanely improved graphics, character models, facial expressions, quest markers and progression, and the entirety of the Future Connected epilogue. However, in spite of all of that, there were a few additions I would have loved to see that sadly did not make it into the game. Lacking voices for Heart-to-Hearts, keeping the integral rebuilding of Colony 6 a bit obtuse without adding item trackers, and (a bit subjectively) not updating several notable cutscenes to stay canonically relevant to the current state of Xenoblade. However, don’t take these tiny complaints as deal-breakers. It’s easier to point out the one or two tiny flaws in a game than to count each and every moment of pure joy this game made me feel. It’s truly a masterpiece of gaming, even today, 10 years later.… Expand
  4. JeffGramarley
    Jun 24, 2020
    10
    Me encantó la historia 100% recomendada la experiencia visual y soundtrack son únicos los diseños de enemigos y personajes con características únicas y creativas podría decir que sin lugar a dudas es un juego que debes jugar si tu tipo de juego es el rpg lo vas amar
  5. gbird
    Jun 26, 2020
    10
    Beautiful for a Switch game, great characters/character design, fun, memorable experience.
  6. alxs621
    Jul 1, 2020
    10
    The best way to play this legendary RPG, the Future Connected epilogue is an interesting callback to Xenosaga.
  7. Ammanochi
    Jun 29, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This game is a whole MASTERPIECE, I could honestly gush about it for hours. The story is one of the best in gaming as a whole, the twists and turns are never seen coming the first time around and when you play through the ng+ you see how much foreshadowing and thought was put into it. It immediately hooks you in with the death of shulks childhood friend fiora, and there’s never a dull moment as he meets new people, unlocks the powers of the monado, etc etc. The gameplay is incredible too, although not as complex as xc2 it’s honestly just so fun positioning yourself and your party, and as lame as it may be topple locking is fun af to do. The world of xenoblade de is so immersive, even the NPCs have a fair amount of character and depth and completing their side quests let you see more about the lives of the people on the bionis and mechonis. The side quests have been improved SO SO much from the original, I found myself actually doing them and enjoying them this time while on the 3ds I did the bare minimum to get eater and armor arts and never did a side quest again. The mechonis core act is honestly better than some games. This review has some spoilers in it and I marked it with spoilers so new people prolly ain’t gonna see it but if anyone is please play this game I can almost guarantee you’ll love it… Expand
  8. karlitakirby
    Jun 30, 2020
    10
    Es una verdadera joya, lo recomiendo incluso para los que nunca han jugado un Jrpg!
  9. Anonime
    Jul 10, 2020
    10
    This has been my first xenoblade, and my goodness ... What a great game, what a great story, what good characters, what a great way to create meaningful side missions, the reconstruction of colony 6 is a challenge, its monsters give a lot of life to the world, you always have something to do and you never tire of going back to the same places because there is always something new there.This has been my first xenoblade, and my goodness ... What a great game, what a great story, what good characters, what a great way to create meaningful side missions, the reconstruction of colony 6 is a challenge, its monsters give a lot of life to the world, you always have something to do and you never tire of going back to the same places because there is always something new there. The music is so, so good.

    Its extra is a little lower, but still it is very enjoyable and concludes the story quite well. Although there are still many doubts, which I hope will generate more installments of the saga with the same level, because I will play them more than delighted.

    I loved it.    … Expand
  10. Ice_Candy
    Jul 2, 2020
    10
    Xenoblade Chronicles is already one of the best JRPG's ever made, and this remaster amplifies that ten times. A beautiful looking, well refined game that makes it easier to manage and understand, and is an example of where Monolithsoft may take the series in the future.
  11. Carvajinhx
    Jul 13, 2020
    10
    This is one of the best games I've ever played. Its story it's amazing, its characters are lovable, its soundtrack it's one of the best ever made, its maps and world are immense and beautiful. In general, a masterpiece that has become one of my favourite games ever.
  12. cohbe
    Jul 14, 2020
    10
    Such a great JRPG! The different areas are beautiful and together with their more beautiful music tracks they are just amazing. The characters are all well written everybody has is own point of view, which makes the story so great. Reasons for that are interesting characters, plot twists, which are very surprising and also the backstory of each individual. I only played it because i knewSuch a great JRPG! The different areas are beautiful and together with their more beautiful music tracks they are just amazing. The characters are all well written everybody has is own point of view, which makes the story so great. Reasons for that are interesting characters, plot twists, which are very surprising and also the backstory of each individual. I only played it because i knew Shulk from Smash, i didn't think it would be that good but now, after I finished the game, I have to say it is one of my favourite games of all time. You should definitely give it a try.… Expand
  13. SuperKernel44
    Jul 14, 2020
    10
    I love this game. In fact, this is my favorite game of all time. This game hit all expectations, and I’m well on my way to 100% it. I love the story, the many twists, and the combat and gameplay. Theres just something about this series that I absolutely love.
  14. Rory_is_sexy
    Jul 18, 2020
    10
    I think this game is cool and all but I wish there were some changes. For one, I wish the setting was different. Instead of the being on a dead titan, the main setting could be Florence, Italy and you could see across the ocean the rival city state of Genoa, Italy. Instead of using the Monado and having the power to see into the future, I wish Shulk had a lightsaber and could use theI think this game is cool and all but I wish there were some changes. For one, I wish the setting was different. Instead of the being on a dead titan, the main setting could be Florence, Italy and you could see across the ocean the rival city state of Genoa, Italy. Instead of using the Monado and having the power to see into the future, I wish Shulk had a lightsaber and could use the force. I think Shulk having the force instead of the power to see the future could lead to many cool plot points like Shulk dropping a rock on someone's head. I also wish that instead of fighting enemies with weapons, you would debate them with words. A good debate would establish if Shulk has a more valid world view than the enemy he is fighting and would not rely on the old "might makes right" trope that many games with violence fall into.… Expand
  15. Gastly67
    Jul 19, 2020
    10
    Solo jueguenlo no hay palabras para describir este maravilloso juego. PERFECTO de principio a fin
  16. Nintendiario
    Jul 20, 2020
    10
    Me enamore el juego desde el minuto 1. Es excelente en TODOS sus aspectos.
    La historia es el gran punto fuerte, es mejor que cualquier anime que haya visto en mi vida y da esa misma sensación, avanzas junto a los personajes y aprendes muchisimo sobre ellos y sobre como sienten y piensan, Los enemigos son completísimos a nivel emocional y no sabes hasta el último instante como va a cambiar    Me enamore el juego desde el minuto 1. Es excelente en TODOS sus aspectos.
    La historia es el gran punto fuerte, es mejor que cualquier anime que haya visto en mi vida y da esa misma sensación, avanzas junto a los personajes y aprendes muchisimo sobre ellos y sobre como sienten y piensan, Los enemigos son completísimos a nivel emocional y no sabes hasta el último instante como va a cambiar todo. Realmente increíble,
    El gameplay y su curva de aprendizaje es fantástico, cada vez que jugás vas aprendiendo a hacerlo mejor, hasta trasformarte en experto.
    La dificultad está muy bien también, no es un juego que se vaya abriendo solo, hay que meterle ganas y eso se agradece.
    A nivel visual es hermosos.
    Todo te enamora de este juego, TODO. Uno de los mejores que he jugado en mi vida y no exagero.    … Expand
  17. MetroidUser
    Jul 20, 2020
    10
    I would personally give the game a 9.5/10, but I can only round to whole numbers. The game's story, while can fall back on anime tropes(including the infamously awkward dialougue and screaming), is brillantly thought out and planned. But I feel the game shines best in its gameplay, the positioning system keeps what would be a fairly good MOBA into something that is constantly engaging. TheI would personally give the game a 9.5/10, but I can only round to whole numbers. The game's story, while can fall back on anime tropes(including the infamously awkward dialougue and screaming), is brillantly thought out and planned. But I feel the game shines best in its gameplay, the positioning system keeps what would be a fairly good MOBA into something that is constantly engaging. The world is one of the best I have experienced in gaming, it is beautiful, unique, and filled with stuff to do and enemies to fight. All of the characters are worth playing and offer very unique roles and the combat system is filled with depth but remains easily understandable. The music is phenominal and the amount of content the game puts up is massive. The DE version of the game adds quite a bit more than your typical DE version. Graphically the game was improved immensely and performance has improved quite a bit from the Wii version. Various quality-of-life improvements were made. The music was almost completely redone with a real orchestra barring a track or two AND the game offers the ability to use the original tracks for those who prefer it. The game also adds another 15 hours to the game's total length with an additional side story and area. This is likely the best way to remake one of gaming's best.… Expand
  18. HypnoVike
    Jul 22, 2020
    10
    This is the perfect JRPG. Fantastic story with twists and turns, endearing characters that are all useful, music is still wonderful to this day, and combat is involved and very rewarding. Side quests all feel the same, but other than that it is now easier than ever to complete side quests. If you have never played Xenoblade Chronicles then you owe it to yourself to finally play it.
  19. Luke191
    Jul 23, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition is perhaps the greatest JRPG available on the switch and even one of the best RPGs in general. I never got the chance to play this game on the Wii and I wasn't even familiar with the franchise until Shulk was added into Super Smash Bros. Little did I know that this game would end up being one of my favorite games ever. There are three major things that make an RPG enjoyable to me: The storyline, the combat, and the exploration/environments.

    Starting with the storyline, I personally did not understand the hype of this game right off the bat. I won't say I found it boring but I initially didn't think it lived up to the hype it was getting. There's 17 chapters in this game and early on I did not find every single chapter to be amazing story wise. Chapters 1 and 2 were both did a good job with getting my attention and interest. However things started to slow down a little bit from chapters 3 - 6. Again, these chapters weren't unbearably boring but there wasn't anything outstanding or jaw dropping like certain events in chapter 2. I found myself getting completely invested in the storyline after I found my sixth party member, and when I got to chapter 9 I couldn't stop thinking about what would possibly happen next. I didn't see this at the time but the earlier chapters pretty much consisted of meeting new party members and getting to know them. While it isn't very heavy story wise, it really plays a role in learning about your party members and really gets you attached to them. That being said, this games storyline isn't only fantastic among video games, but it even tops plenty of movies and books that I've come across. As shown in the reveal trailer, this game does deal with "the future." This topic has been done plenty of times but Xenoblade manages to do this topic in a way that I haven't really seen done often. What I find amazing though is how unpredictable the game became. Back in middle school I was taught that an essay had to have 6 points: Introduction, rising action, conflict, climax, falling action, and conclusion. However with Xenoblade it only ever got better! Everytime I thought I reached the climax or the main plot point of the game it only turned out to be the tip of the iceberg and I LOVED it. From chapter 9 - 17 I was constantly kept on my toes. My playthrough LITERALLY became the embodiment of the "I don't need sleep I need answers" meme.

    Moving on to the combat, I absolutely adore how fresh and unique Xenoblades combat is. It takes the strategy of turn based games like pokemon and proceeds to apply it to real time action. The use of the D-Pad might not be for everyone but thankfully you can switch around your controls with button mapping. That being said, Xenoblades combat has a lot more depth than meets the eye. In fact, Xenoblade is one of the few games I've played where you can beat the hardest post game boss at the lowest level possible assuming you have the right strategy and you're smart enough. (This is only possible through expert mode but my point still remains) I never once got bored of finding new strategies and learning more about the combat. In addition to this, you don't have to worried about being overleveled at any point because expert mode allows you to remove Exp from your party members and store it in a reserve, meaning you can decrease your level however you want without any consequence.

    The environments of this game are fantastic, and truthfully I would argue that some areas are even prettier than breath of the wild. I mentioned before that I found some of the early chapters to be nothing special story-wise, but I love that the environments really picked up during these points in the storyline. I found a lot of places where the story lacked, the scenery and environments were so much fun to explore. There's so many places that the game doesn't require you to go too and I love that the game actually rewards you for exploring the areas. Every new landmark and location you find will reward you with Exp and every item you collect can be logged in the "collectopedia" which can get you some pretty useful items in return. However, I think one of my favorite things about this game is the fact that you can encounter level 80 monsters at such a low level, I'll never forget the thrill I got when I first found some of these giant beasts. Not all of them are aggressive so it doesn't really hinder your exploration factor.

    Even beyond the environments, combat, and story, there are so many things that deserve attention. The soundtrack was absolutely phenomenal, there were plenty of times where I didn't mind grinding or wandering around aimlessly just because I was admiring the music. The post-game is absolutely massive, there's so much replayability that I can't list it all in this review. All I can say is that this is a must-play. if you're interested at all in buying this DON'T SLEEP ON IT because honestly, it's worth every penny.    … Expand
  20. Tri9322
    Jul 5, 2021
    10
    Xenoblade Chronicles is a life changing experience of a game that really defines what an rpg can be. That may be a bit of an exaggeration but the story and characters are all written so amazingly. There's so much content, the music, graphics and combat are all phenomenal. There's a lot of locations to visit and they're all fun to explore. There's so much side content. Only small gripes areXenoblade Chronicles is a life changing experience of a game that really defines what an rpg can be. That may be a bit of an exaggeration but the story and characters are all written so amazingly. There's so much content, the music, graphics and combat are all phenomenal. There's a lot of locations to visit and they're all fun to explore. There's so much side content. Only small gripes are it is very long, though that can be a positive, as well as it can get grindy at times and the side quests don't give a ton of XP unless you start the large branches early. The colony building is cool, and again the plot and characters are just phenomenal. Another gripe is that there are some quests/areas that are locked away near the end making it impossible to 100% if you didn't do everything there which does hurt a game like this. Those are annoying, but the game is still so good it's a 10/10. Oh and futures connected is cool. The definition of a must play for JRPG fans.… Expand
  21. JDN9
    Jul 24, 2020
    10
    "Let's take one of the greatest RPGS of all time, fix all the problems that people have with it, then release it on a console that can handle it almost perfectly, including taking it on the go"
    That is a basic take away of what this game is compared to the original, I had a few problems with the original despite it being my favourite game of all time... but damn, this game takes the cake.    "Let's take one of the greatest RPGS of all time, fix all the problems that people have with it, then release it on a console that can handle it almost perfectly, including taking it on the go"
    That is a basic take away of what this game is compared to the original, I had a few problems with the original despite it being my favourite game of all time... but damn, this game takes the cake.
    This game is PERFECTION to me, and to many others it seems. I don't think it's humanly possible to describe the perfection of this game in only 5000 characters. But i'll go over all the aspects I can.
    Firstly:
    Story: I won't spoil this, even in this review I can't, just play it for yourself, it's honestly one of the greatest stories in a video game to date.
    Music: Almost every single song in this soundtrack is an amazing thing to hear, i love it so much... it's perfect at setting the mood in every location you go to, the battle music is always great and it's hard to describe what feeling the music of this game gives you.
    Characters: Every character in this game has a purpose, from the nerdy but brave Shulk, the heroic and downright bad-ass Dunban, to the lovable goofball that is Riki, each character has some sort of story, even the ones that are not in the main cast, each Side-quest has a great feeling to it, adding onto the world... oh yeah, side-quests!
    Side-quests: They managed to fix the bad side-quest system with the first game... My only problem with it. and it's great now, you can finally track the locations of enemies and items for side-quests instead of being lucky with the item orbs you get, you can finally complete each and every side-quest without it feeling like a drag which is just amazing to me.
    (Honestly, i might be able to finish this in less that 5k words because the story is such a big part of it, and i don't want to spoil any of it)
    Well, in short:
    Play this game, if you like RPGS or you are unsure on them, play this.
    This is my favourite game of all time.    … Expand
  22. adearriba07
    Jul 27, 2020
    10
    This is my first time playing a Xenoblade game and I loved it! Awesome gameplay, awesome story, awesome music, I loved the battle system. It is addictive. In general this is an AWESOME RPG.
  23. rex501st2
    Jul 30, 2020
    10
    One of the best games of all time. And incredible world, amazing characters, and a story that will keep you excited until the end of the game. And fans of rpgs and jrpgs will have an amazing time with this game
  24. Devin9303
    Aug 3, 2020
    10
    This Game is just a masterpiece. I‘ve spend about 6-7 hours just in the intro area.
  25. moron43
    Aug 5, 2020
    10
    This is simply one of the greatest JRPG experiences of all time. Fantastic and engrossing story, a lovable and memorable cast of characters, a legendary soundtrack, a creative battle system that stays fresh 50+ hours into the game, and thanks to the Switch's hardware, the game looks better than it ever has. I really cannot recommend this game enough. Truly a masterpiece of modern RPGs.
  26. Zethor
    Aug 17, 2020
    10
    One of the greatest games I have ever played, reimagined in a beautiful fashion. Numerous quality of life upgrades fix some minor issues from the original alongside an incredible graphical overhaul with a completely fresh, yet familiar rescoring of the gorgeous soundtrack. A few songs proved to be a miss for me, but the vast majority proved to be greatly improved from before. This is trulyOne of the greatest games I have ever played, reimagined in a beautiful fashion. Numerous quality of life upgrades fix some minor issues from the original alongside an incredible graphical overhaul with a completely fresh, yet familiar rescoring of the gorgeous soundtrack. A few songs proved to be a miss for me, but the vast majority proved to be greatly improved from before. This is truly the definitive way to play Xenoblade Chronicles, a game which I already revered as one of the greatest games of all time prior to this release, and I cannot recommend it enough.… Expand
  27. Tsukemono
    Aug 22, 2020
    10
    I started playing the second one first and right off the bat the English voice-overs are weird it just sounds off so then I done a quick google and from what I read from the fan base, you have one side of them saying play it in Japanese with the English subtitles there is no other way to play.
    Then on the other side of the fan base saying play with the English dubbed version and they all    I started playing the second one first and right off the bat the English voice-overs are weird it just sounds off so then I done a quick google and from what I read from the fan base, you have one side of them saying play it in Japanese with the English subtitles there is no other way to play.
    Then on the other side of the fan base saying play with the English dubbed version and they all give there reasons on why you/we/I should play it Japanese or English dubbed.

    I switched out between the two to see which I perfected and I decided to just stick it out with the English dubbed and it’s one of them ones where it kind of grows on you like the voice-overs and the way they say certain words at first YES it is odd but it's kinda adds charm to it it’s really strange to try and explain it and on the bonus side it saves you having to read all the time.

    I’m only on chapter 11 or 12 and I’m like 130+ but I’m one of the people who has to do everything I can in an area before I move on so that’s why my hours are what they are so high.
    But don't let the hours put off because there all side quests and you don't have to do them.

    And Lastly I hope you enjoy the game like I am and the game has so much charm it’s amazing!    … Expand
  28. MagicMikey
    Aug 22, 2020
    10
    if you have any taste for JRPGs. It combines the conveniences and gameplay seen in Western games with a strong story and an imaginative world. If you need to just be absorbed in a world for a long time, it's that and so much more!
  29. Agatisbyrjun
    Sep 6, 2020
    10
    Maravilloso, no lo jugué en su tiempo y ahora tuve el placer. Recomendadisimo.
  30. greyrinplays
    Sep 18, 2020
    10
    I haven't played the original since I did not have the Wii, but thank the developers and thanks that the Switch is a port machine. Having to play one of the biggest JRPG that was localized in the U.S. and finally played and finish the main story was satisfying. And this is the first JRPG that I poured time and effort and finished the game. Can't wait to play the extra story but if you haveI haven't played the original since I did not have the Wii, but thank the developers and thanks that the Switch is a port machine. Having to play one of the biggest JRPG that was localized in the U.S. and finally played and finish the main story was satisfying. And this is the first JRPG that I poured time and effort and finished the game. Can't wait to play the extra story but if you have a Switch and you love JRPG's this is a must.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

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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
  1. Nintendo Force Magazine
    Oct 26, 2020
    100
    This has been a delight in a dark time in humanity's history. [Issue #48 – September/October 2020, p. 74]
  2. GameMAG
    Sep 14, 2020
    90
    Xenoblade Chronicles is still one of the best games of the genre, which 10 years later continues to delight and surprise with a unique world, luxurious epic landscapes, an incredible sense of freedom, beautiful music and a really interesting story. Of course, it is a pity that the Definitive Edition has a technical limitation in terms of resolution, which does not allow the image to really shine in 2020, but otherwise it is a chic project that every fan of the genre of adventure and Japanese role-playing games should play.
    Read full review
  3. App Trigger
    Jul 20, 2020
    95
    It’s hard to believe this is a game that released in 2012 and not more recently. Though there are some dated and heavy systems, the atmosphere and a combat system that gives freedom and depth make Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition an RPG for the ages.
    Read full review
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