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. SuperSonicJunus
    Sep 9, 2023
    7
    Solid RPG I completed at work on my downtime. This game falls just short of being special. I was at a point in the game when I thought the game was about to end, and just the story went on another 10 hours. Plenty to do in this one. None of the NPCs are memorable. Shulk, on the other hand, is a good character that I’m glad was represented in Smash.
  2. M1sfiT
    Sep 3, 2023
    9
    Gaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaameeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees!! xc
  3. Omletter
    Aug 12, 2023
    10
    The Definitive Edition is a improvement over the original. The graphics have been completely overhauled, and the game now looks absolutely stunning. The framerate is also much smoother, making the combat feel even more fluid.
  4. Fausthor
    Aug 11, 2023
    8
    A beautiful remake for a great game, this version have beautiful character models that fix the rather ugly (although understandable, given the 3DS capabilities). As the original, the game has an amazing story and a great soundtrack. It can get very grindy sometimes, but this versions has some quality of life upgrades that make the gaming experience better.
  5. Sly83
    Aug 11, 2023
    9
    Absolute masterpiece. Seeing the characters I'm more of an anime style is really fitting. And the soundtrack is top tier. Mostly everything about this game is on point. Only knock I really have is the combat menu. Though you can up you combat the way that you like, picking moves can sometimes be a pain in the butt, especially when the action picks up.
  6. Borderlinez
    Aug 8, 2023
    10
    Xenoblade Chronicles Definitive Edition is a beautiful remaster of a classic JRPG with a sprawling story, memorable characters, and epic combat. It's a must-play for fans of the genre.
  7. Alicedcac
    Aug 8, 2023
    10
    Truly live up to its name as "Definitive Edition", they took a perfect game and improve it even more
  8. Kostas_Spirou
    Jul 27, 2023
    9
    The beginning of everything.
    This is a very beautiful videogame, the environments, the areas you can explore, and all the different biomes are genuinely breathtaking. Exploring feels nice, there are random errands and side quests scattered through the world, it's almost something like an Open World.
    I liked the characters, it's rare for a JRPG to have many characters and make them all    The beginning of everything.
    This is a very beautiful videogame, the environments, the areas you can explore, and all the different biomes are genuinely breathtaking. Exploring feels nice, there are random errands and side quests scattered through the world, it's almost something like an Open World.

    I liked the characters, it's rare for a JRPG to have many characters and make them all likeable, but Xenoblade Chronicles managed to do that and I didn't expect it.
    Every character plays differently, and there's a lot of customization, like changing outfits or even weapons, swapping and leveling up abilities, and progressing the skill-tree.

    As for the combat, in the beginning it felt fresh but it did get quite repetitive later on, I do like it but it's not anything special, it's enjoyable for the most part and there's some depth to it, and some cool mechanics.

    Also the music is great, the soundtrack is memorable and it's varied with beautiful overworld exploration songs and some pretty iconic battle themes.

    This is genuinely a very solid game, it reminded me of some old school JRPGs, and for its time it was probably one of the biggest. When I started playing it, I wasn't really blown away, the pacing is slow and it takes a while for the story to pick up, but the last few chapters are honestly impressive, by the end it really got better and better, there are so many plot twists and interesting ideas, and the pay-off is worth it.

    Final Rating: "Amazing" ~ 9/10.    … Expand
  9. thompmi
    Jul 16, 2023
    10
    It's very hard for me to give any game a perfect 10/10, simply because there will always be flaws, but the good in this game is simply too good to deserve anything less.
  10. ferplus
    Jun 24, 2023
    9
    Long, deep and interesting jrpg. Story is great but there is allways a conflict betwen the hurry the plot imposes and doing hundreds of silly secondary missions and collecting shiny things everywhere. The combat system is funny and original, I've never get tired of It. There are extreme peaks of difficulty that fells very unfair, you must grind at the very beggining and all the thousandsLong, deep and interesting jrpg. Story is great but there is allways a conflict betwen the hurry the plot imposes and doing hundreds of silly secondary missions and collecting shiny things everywhere. The combat system is funny and original, I've never get tired of It. There are extreme peaks of difficulty that fells very unfair, you must grind at the very beggining and all the thousands of secondary missions becomes mandatory.… Expand
  11. JAG7
    Sep 20, 2022
    10
    Wow! A masterpiece giant between masterpiece games! Love a million times this game! Everything is perfect and memorable. One the best games ever!! Did every quest possible, and explored everything! Worth every second of gameplay (80 hours plus) , enjoyed everything!
    Do I need to say more!!
  12. KevinK23
    May 28, 2023
    8
    Xenoblade Chronicles - Definitive Edition for the Nintendo Switch is a remastered version of the critically acclaimed RPG that originally released on the Nintendo Wii. With updated visuals, improved gameplay mechanics, and additional content, this Definitive Edition breathes new life into an already captivating adventure.

    Visuals [7/10] The upgraded visuals in Xenoblade Chronicles -    Xenoblade Chronicles - Definitive Edition for the Nintendo Switch is a remastered version of the critically acclaimed RPG that originally released on the Nintendo Wii. With updated visuals, improved gameplay mechanics, and additional content, this Definitive Edition breathes new life into an already captivating adventure.

    Visuals [7/10] The upgraded visuals in Xenoblade Chronicles - Definitive Edition are an excellent improvement from the original. The enhanced textures and improved character models bring the worlds of Bionis and Mechonis to life on the Nintendo Switch. Vibrant and detailed environments, from sprawling landscapes to bustling cities, showcase the game's impressive art direction. The attention to detail is commendable, and exploring the vast open world becomes a visually immersive experience. Although vast lands make up large parts of the game, it doesn't feel empty.

    Story and Characters [8/10] Xenoblade Chronicles - Definitive Edition offers a rich and compelling narrative that delves into themes of destiny, loss, and the struggles of humanity. The protagonist, Shulk, embarks on a quest for revenge against the monstrous Mechon, and the story takes surprising twists and turns along the way. The game's characters are well-written, with their own arcs and motivations that unfold gradually throughout the adventure. The voice acting can be a bit hard at times, if you're a fan of everyone having an English Accent (Dragon Quest, looking at you) then you'll have no problem with this.

    Gameplay and Combat [8/10] The combat system in Xenoblade Chronicles strikes a balance between strategic depth and real-time action. Players control a party of characters, each with their own unique abilities, and engage in battles with a mix of standard attacks and special abilities called "Arts." The ability to position your characters strategically and chain together powerful combos adds an extra layer of tactical depth to the gameplay. The combat at times can feel a bit unbalanced, both in the favour of the player and of the enemy. Players can be caught out in areas, and dismantled very quickly, particularly towards the end of the game.

    Pacing [6/10] While Xenoblade Chronicles - Definitive Edition excels in many areas, its pacing can be a mixed bag. The game's slow pacing can be attributed to lengthy exposition, extensive dialogue, and sidequests that quite simply, are boring fetch quests. While this allows for ample exploration and character development, it may test the patience of some players, especially those accustomed to faster-paced RPGs. However, for those who appreciate a more deliberate and methodical approach to storytelling, the pacing can enhance the immersion and world-building aspects.

    Audio/Soundtrack [8/10] The remastered soundtrack in Xenoblade Chronicles - Definitive Edition is an absolute treat for the ears. The only thing stopping this game from producing a higher number on the scale for this section is, the lack of an OST in terms of tracks. Yes each area has 2 accompanying tracks, and they're all fantastic. Outside of this I can only really recall maybe 3 or 4 different tracks (2 being combat). Again, the quality of these tracks may be great, but I can't help but think they're could've been a bit more. Still, it gets an 8/10 which is a ode to how good the tracks in the game are.

    Additional Content [6/10]: The Definitive Edition introduces a new epilogue called "Future Connected" that provides additional story content for fans of the original game. This standalone adventure allows players to explore a new area and follow the story of Melia and her companions. While it adds a welcome extension to the narrative, it feels somewhat disconnected from the main game. The integration of this additional content could have been smoother to create a more seamless transition between the main story and the epilogue.

    Overall, Xenoblade Chronicles - Definitive Edition is a remarkable RPG that successfully enhances an already fantastic game. With its great visuals, captivating story, and decent quality of voice acting, it offers an immersive and memorable experience. While the combat can be overwhelming and the pacing occasionally slow, the remastered soundtrack and the addition of new content further enrich the game. If you're a fan of expansive, story-driven RPGs    … Expand
  13. aaronsanders769
    May 12, 2023
    9
    Having never finished the original on Wii, I was determined to beat it when I got my Switch and it did not disappoint! Such an amazing story and game, the visuals are stunning! Only a few things kept it from that 10 rating but that's just nit picking it is a MUST play
  14. JJtheTexan
    May 1, 2023
    9
    Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition arrived at the perfect time for me. While everyone else was playing Animal Crossing during pandemic lockdown, I was just not finding anything new that clicked during that awful time. I had previously tried playing the original XC on the Wii and Nintendo 3DS, but found the controls of the former and the visuals of the latter to be too off-putting.Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition arrived at the perfect time for me. While everyone else was playing Animal Crossing during pandemic lockdown, I was just not finding anything new that clicked during that awful time. I had previously tried playing the original XC on the Wii and Nintendo 3DS, but found the controls of the former and the visuals of the latter to be too off-putting.

    XC:DE fixes all the flaws of the first two versions and then goes a thousand miles further, making for an outstanding and unforgettable experience. The battle system takes some getting used to, but after getting past that initial hurdle, I found myself quickly enamored with the characters and their plights. The voice acting is generally good, though repetitive in battles, and the story wound up being one of my favorites in any game I've ever played.

    I can't recommend this game enough for RPG fans. It looks great, plays great, and packs some emotional wallops along with a few twists in the plot. The music is excellent and I still listen to the soundtrack from time to time.

    The new post-game content is fine, but nothing too special.    … Expand
  15. MoonCricket
    May 1, 2023
    10
    My third favorite game of all time but that’s only because Xenoblade 2 and 3 were just that good.
  16. Flounder
    Apr 29, 2023
    9
    Eine erstaunliche Geschichte und eine unterhaltsame offene Welt mit großartigen Gebieten und Landschaften. In diesem Spiel macht es einfach Spaß, stundenlang herumzusuchen. Der einzige Nachteil ist, dass das letzte Kapitel des Spiels sowohl bei der Hauptquest als auch bei den Quests den bizarrsten Schwierigkeitsgrad aufweist. Diese neue Ergänzung behebt auch viele Probleme imEine erstaunliche Geschichte und eine unterhaltsame offene Welt mit großartigen Gebieten und Landschaften. In diesem Spiel macht es einfach Spaß, stundenlang herumzusuchen. Der einzige Nachteil ist, dass das letzte Kapitel des Spiels sowohl bei der Hauptquest als auch bei den Quests den bizarrsten Schwierigkeitsgrad aufweist. Diese neue Ergänzung behebt auch viele Probleme im Originalspiel. Die neue zusätzliche Geschichte ist ebenfalls eine sehr willkommene Ergänzung.… Expand
  17. Sutchii
    Apr 24, 2023
    10
    I am okay with the new graphics and the new musical arrangements. They introduced a lot of QoL upgrades. The music , the story , the atmosphere , the combat all amazing. It's incredible how good this game is. This is how an adventure feels. It is also the first jrpg I recommend the english voice cast over the japanese one. Forget everything you may have heard about this franchise from aI am okay with the new graphics and the new musical arrangements. They introduced a lot of QoL upgrades. The music , the story , the atmosphere , the combat all amazing. It's incredible how good this game is. This is how an adventure feels. It is also the first jrpg I recommend the english voice cast over the japanese one. Forget everything you may have heard about this franchise from a youtuber and try this one. Do yourself a favor if you like Rpgs and JRPGS… Expand
  18. Jerem8
    Apr 11, 2023
    9
    I discover Xenoseries with this XC, and it was a fantastic journey ! With a very good gameplay, the history and the lore are very well used.
  19. Cobalt_Red
    Mar 29, 2023
    8
    One of the best games of the WII generation brought back with a bang.
    The developer didn't just overhaul the interface in combat, but every single menu, screen or function, the collection screen, empathic dialogues and especially the affinity chart, is now much clearer.
    My only negative note about this version is that it has some small censorships compared to the original and all    One of the best games of the WII generation brought back with a bang.
    The developer didn't just overhaul the interface in combat, but every single menu, screen or function, the collection screen, empathic dialogues and especially the affinity chart, is now much clearer.
    My only negative note about this version is that it has some small censorships compared to the original and all versions including the JP version have this change.
    An immense and content-rich JRPG.    … Expand
  20. BlueGuyTalks
    Mar 25, 2023
    10
    Xenoblade Chronicles is one of the best stories available in any video game about courage, friendship, and the power held within everyone, delivered by fantastic characters and a living world.

    FULL REVIEW: There are many times where Action RPGs are well worth their near-sixty-hour tenure, whether through gameplay or storytelling. Luckily, Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition offers    Xenoblade Chronicles is one of the best stories available in any video game about courage, friendship, and the power held within everyone, delivered by fantastic characters and a living world.

    FULL REVIEW:
    There are many times where Action RPGs are well worth their near-sixty-hour tenure, whether through gameplay or storytelling. Luckily, Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition offers a balance of both while revamping the graphical quality of a Wii game. As of writing this review, Xenoblade has three mainline titles and one spinoff title, with each iteration offering varying levels of success, gameplay, and stories. With Xenoblade Chronicles, players start in Colony 9, a town located on Bionis. Shulk, Reyn, and Fiora are good friends with one another, with Dunban offering the trio guidance, especially since he’s Fiora’s brother. Dunban also wielded the Monado, a mythical sword created by Zanza to combat the raging hatred towards Bionis and its people by the Mechons from Mechonis.

    The power struggle persists throughout Shulk and his party’s adventure, kickstarted by Shulk seeking revenge for Fiora’s death at the hands of Metal Face. The game perfectly broadens the scope of what’s at stake during Shulk’s journey by adding Sharla, a medic from Colony 6 in search of her brother, Melia, the daughter of the High Entia Emperor, and Riki, the chosen legendary Heropon of Frontier Village. Together, the party deals with emotional highs and lows. Those emotions reach the player in inspiring ways thanks to each character’s goals and backgrounds, which are given great detail due to the main storyline and heart-to-heart exchanges. Players notice the party dynamic grow and strengthen, ultimately expressed through their compassion and comradery.

    The gameplay also adds depth to the already stunning storyline. Players travel around Bionis and Mechonis, revealing the game’s massive world derived from a low-powered console in 2010. Biome diversity and collectibles only heighten the experience, giving way to often unique enemies to fight in the open world. The combat isn’t my thing, but the game offers a few different modes depending on the player’s skill behind a controller. Combining two or more characters’ move sets is satisfying, especially when players divvy high amounts of damage to enemies. The game also lets players rejoin boss battles if their party members perish before defeating them, making boss battles better streamlined than many other titles.

    Unfortunately, Xenoblade Chronicles includes a few imperfections. While the story remains conventional for most of the playthrough, the endgame route is unexpected. Regardless of if it’s a player’s first Action RPG, the game’s finale is a bit extreme but is still entertaining to experience. With it being an Action RPG, it also comes with a 60-hour playtime. It will take players a while to finish the game before realizing Definitive Edition includes a postgame, adding more hours to the title. However, the game maintains satisfaction despite its playtime, becoming a title for those wanting an introduction to the Action RPG genre. This game is not perfect, but it is very close to it, and I am glad I got to join Shulk and his friends on such an awe-inspiring journey.    … Expand
  21. jelikey
    Mar 3, 2023
    8
    El problema con este juego es la resolución, pero fuera de eso gráficamente es mucho bastante mejor al de Wii.

    Al ver esto, instantaneamente querrás jugarlo en NS y creo que jamás debió que existir en Wii, los gráficos en este remaster tienen estilo de dibujo, el pobre intento de Wii era hacerlos ver de carnes y hueso, era imposible que eso envejeciera bien. Sobra decir lo demás,    El problema con este juego es la resolución, pero fuera de eso gráficamente es mucho bastante mejor al de Wii.

    Al ver esto, instantaneamente querrás jugarlo en NS y creo que jamás debió que existir en Wii, los gráficos en este remaster tienen estilo de dibujo, el pobre intento de Wii era hacerlos ver de carnes y hueso, era imposible que eso envejeciera bien.

    Sobra decir lo demás, porque ya habrás leído reseñas.

    Ah si... otro problema para mi es el precio, debería bajarse por el tipo de resolución que entrega, y ya teniendo consolas que vana ser el triple de potentes que NS a la vuelta de la esquina no se me hace tan justo que valga lo mismo a otros juegos que si están más acordes al estándar actual.

    Porque lo que se vende podría ser un juego de PS3 iniciante, no va ni a 720p, es casi un juego del 2004 ,guau... es demasiado retrasado en ese aspecto, ¡¡¡16 años!!!!    … Expand
  22. jocariba
    Mar 2, 2023
    9
    Un juego maravilloso, la historia es un poco enredosa, pero es un clásico instantáneo, envejeció bien, aunque tiene sus detalles sobre todo en el sistema de combate, una vez que lo dominas, la dificultad baja radicalmente, el remake me parece muy bien hecho
  23. shw079
    Mar 1, 2023
    9
    Excellent game like what I expect from the series but I like Xenoblade Chronicles 2 a bit more.
  24. Edele
    Feb 28, 2023
    10
    XB1 is the best among XB1 to XB3. If there were some changes made to the combat system, I believe XB1 could attract even more players. The game has a great story, music, and cutscenes. Additionally, I'm very pleased with the plot of the DLC.
  25. LilGils
    Feb 22, 2023
    10
    one of the best JRPG ever made. great story and really good mechanic on the gameplay. i really love how story affected the gameplay.
  26. Fletch1027
    Feb 21, 2023
    9
    An amazing world with one of the best stories in a video game though some characters feel like they are not needed in the story towards the end.
  27. Phuz
    Jan 2, 2021
    10
    I first rated this 0/10, now it is one of my favourite pieces of any kind of media ever.

    I hated it, traded it, missed the OST, bought it back, persevered and now one of my all time favourite games.
  28. CarpMagik
    Feb 18, 2023
    8
    Amazing game. Story is absolutely captivating - maybe less at the beginning, but it builds up slowly your interest - very interesting characters and finally beautiful landscape that makes you stop 20 seconds just to admire the view. Gameplay can be slow and a bit boring, but it is an excellent game in overall.
  29. irongod79
    Feb 15, 2023
    9
    It was already one of my favourite games ever on the Wii and the improvements of this version make it even better! Great Story, great pace and game mechanics still actual. It is a pity that the "Future Connected" is quite weak in terms of story and mechanics... a real new chapter linking to the other XBs (this is the main reason I gave only 9/10).

    Additional small note: after playing    It was already one of my favourite games ever on the Wii and the improvements of this version make it even better! Great Story, great pace and game mechanics still actual. It is a pity that the "Future Connected" is quite weak in terms of story and mechanics... a real new chapter linking to the other XBs (this is the main reason I gave only 9/10).

    Additional small note: after playing XB3, Chain Attacks feel a little simple and without the WoW effect    … Expand
  30. DinoBeam
    Feb 11, 2023
    8
    Some amazing unique fantasy landscapes that big fantasy fans will not want to miss. Fun auto based combat. Cool enemies that sadly repeat in new areas alot. Some bosses you need to grind for, with the last boss being one you will most likely need to turn "casual mode" on for, even if you have a solid team that has gotten you easily though the whole game up the that point [and no they doSome amazing unique fantasy landscapes that big fantasy fans will not want to miss. Fun auto based combat. Cool enemies that sadly repeat in new areas alot. Some bosses you need to grind for, with the last boss being one you will most likely need to turn "casual mode" on for, even if you have a solid team that has gotten you easily though the whole game up the that point [and no they do not let you teleport away to grind for that one]. Half the writing is good, half is extraordinarily cheesy bad anime/ 80's kids cartoon level writing. Lots of plot twists. 8 overall.… 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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