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
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. Gamingking007
    May 29, 2020
    10
    Simply amazing! I’m gobsmacked! I never played the original but always wanted too. I can’t take bad graphics which is why I could never try it before but this remaster is as good as a complete remake in my opinion ! Thanks monolith you’re guys rock !
  2. vahn
    May 29, 2020
    10
    I have quit Xenoblade Chronicles on the Wii years ago because I was waiting for this, and it finally did, at long last I can finally play Xenoblade Chronicles 1 with a decent controller, better QoL changes, and put Xenoblade Chronicles 2 where it belongs: into the trash.

    XC:DE is essentially a remastered version of the original game from wii and with some added bonus like the extra    I have quit Xenoblade Chronicles on the Wii years ago because I was waiting for this, and it finally did, at long last I can finally play Xenoblade Chronicles 1 with a decent controller, better QoL changes, and put Xenoblade Chronicles 2 where it belongs: into the trash.

    XC:DE is essentially a remastered version of the original game from wii and with some added bonus like the extra campaign, added QoL changes like quest tracking and signs for moves, and of course that (horrendous) anime style that reeks of Xenoblade 2. This is probably my biggest nitpick of all because the original wii version had a style more reminiscent of a final fantasy game, which was pretty good and it fit the style of the game, but now they took the AWFUL style of Xenoblade 2, which already didn't know which style to stick with, and made the characters into anime characters.

    To be very fair, some characters do look fine like Melia, Shulk, Sharla and even Riki looks nicer, but some others look terrible (What have they done to you Reyn and Fiora?) and some don't even look much different (Dickson, Mumkhar, Dunban etc). It's very hit or miss and I wish they'd stick with the original game style...but at the very least it's one style instead of hundreds like in XC2.

    With that out of the way, the game is just like 10 years ago: the combat is fast, it's fun, it's tactical and basically, what XC2 should've been (and what XCX did but not as good), you have skill trees which allow each character to have up to 5 talent trees, with each character having the ability of a skill link that allows borrowing a talent from one of the characters - based on the friendship level. Skills can be upgraded further via points and books, allowing them to become even stronger, and thanks to the talent trees each character is capable to be ACTUALLY multiple role (I will never forget swimsuit dunban with so much strength he was a dps machine). The amount of customization in this game is maddening and truly shows the amount of care this game received, including different armor for each character (YES, actual armor showing in a jrpg, when was the last time you saw this?) incredible large areas to explore, crafting, trading, building (for the colonies), and much, much, MUCH, MUCH more!

    In all honesty, the bad things I could tell, are very minimal but still quite annoying. For one the gem removal could've been tweaked better. Aggro is still an issue and Reyn isn't all that better, requiring me to stack up aggro gems to avoid others from being obliterated. Expert mode is a joke and it's basically XC2 way of banking experience instead of using them right away instead of, you know, an actual difficulty option (there is Casual mode but the game is a joke already). Jumping is very floaty and really unreliable even in this version, the minimap is incredibly small and the large map (pressing the L analog) is too big and not well zoomed. Still only 3 slots but at the very least you get an autosave.

    And personally, my biggest pet peeve is the price point: 60 euros for a remaster is quite a lot and really didn't sit well to me when you can buy remasters - and remakes too - for much less. Don't take me wrong, the game is worth all its money, and the extra campaign is a nice touch, but would you pay 60 euros for a hd remaster of, say, Final Fantasy 10? or Dragon quest 8? It's a 10-year-old game, it shouldn't be priced like a recent game, especially when it's quite literally the same game on the Wii with improved graphics and nothing more (the voice acting is the same as the Wii version, and the music, while re-arranged, it was still good back in the way).

    And I'm fairly sure the extra campaign isn't worth the 60 euro price point either and if we can compare it to Torna, it won't be longer than 20 hours.

    But It's sad to say that, despite the price issue and the minimal tweaking done, it shows this game is as solid as a rock: this game was good back in 2010 and it's still good today, and there's hardly any other jrpg that can be compared to this when it comes to content.

    The only issue I could add is that the story is...okay, and very predictable, but I'll take this story over XC2 anytime so it's still solid!

    So if you're curious, and you want to play a PROPER Xenoblade chronicles after that disgrace of a sequel called 2, then this is the game you must play. It's a solid jrpg in every way and it's easily one of the best jrpg of all time.    … Expand
  3. okamimiyazaki
    Sep 4, 2020
    10
    I couldn't get into this game when I played it on Wii, but now I love it. This edition is the best version of the game and has so many improvements. The UI is better, making the game much easier to understand and pick up, with less of a hurdle to overcome. Quest tracking makes the obscene number of side quests seem more reasonable. Appearance customization is awesome and tons of fun. TheI couldn't get into this game when I played it on Wii, but now I love it. This edition is the best version of the game and has so many improvements. The UI is better, making the game much easier to understand and pick up, with less of a hurdle to overcome. Quest tracking makes the obscene number of side quests seem more reasonable. Appearance customization is awesome and tons of fun. The soundtrack is even better than before. The graphics aren't perfect on the Switch (not super high resolution) but they're still a huge step up from the original.

    Everything about this game is great. The biggest flaw is probably the annoying party AI. Other than that - great story, voice acting, combat, environments, exploration, etc. All the systems are well explained and are fun with nice UI (skills, arts, collectibles, affinities, etc.)    … Expand
  4. geozerken
    May 29, 2020
    10
    The best story, really good graphics, amazing anime style. The new soundtrack sounds really good and the new epilogue is very interesting, can´t wait to get a new game of this saga!
  5. sieg89
    May 29, 2020
    10
    One of the best JRPGs ever made now remastered. This is how a legendary game has to be respected. Same game, better graphics, better gameplay. better music. more content. but in the end: the same game. Learn SE.
  6. Thinner187
    Sep 25, 2022
    10
    One of my absolute favourites. I love this game. Great character deaign, overwhelmingly size and beautiful storyline.
  7. seshoumaru_27
    May 29, 2020
    10
    An absolute masterpiece from start to finish, now with more beautiful graphics in and incredible world with superlative art style, one of the best soundtracks ever made, and a story that will stay with you forever. Magnum Opus of JRPG.!
  8. slazapuss
    May 29, 2020
    10
    This game and this series in general is great. I never played the original Wii version but the graphical overhaul has allowed me to enjoy this great experience. One of my all time favorite RPGs
  9. SophieR
    Jun 1, 2020
    10
    This is truly a perfect JRPG and you would be remiss not to give it a try, and learning the combat system is easier than ever with the upgraded UI and in-game tutorials.

    Monolith Soft has managed to perfectly update this game as a definitive edition while leaving everything that made it perfect intact. The upgraded character models, textures, and especially the UI, tutorials, and quest    This is truly a perfect JRPG and you would be remiss not to give it a try, and learning the combat system is easier than ever with the upgraded UI and in-game tutorials.

    Monolith Soft has managed to perfectly update this game as a definitive edition while leaving everything that made it perfect intact. The upgraded character models, textures, and especially the UI, tutorials, and quest tracking have removed any flaws that existed in the past.

    The voice acting and story remain phenomenal, the character development and story development are some of the best I have ever experienced in a game, and of course the environments are the crown jewel.

    Gameplay: 9
    Story: 10
    Design: 10
    Music: 10
    UI: 9
    Overall: 10    … Expand
  10. krulemuk
    Jun 6, 2020
    10
    It's my first time playing Xenoblade Chronicles and what can I say: It's one of the best JRPGs I have ever played. This is surprising due to the fact that I didn't like Xenoblade Chronicles 2.
  11. Master_Haar
    Jun 26, 2020
    10
    Have you ever played a game and you were so fascinated by the story and wished that more people can watch it and enjoy it?
    Well Xenoblade is one of them
    What a beautiful story that takes you on a unforgettable unique journey. The imagination of the creator is mind blowing! The World of Xenoblade is captivating each area you visit have its own speical sight. Am pretty sure that if this    Have you ever played a game and you were so fascinated by the story and wished that more people can watch it and enjoy it?
    Well Xenoblade is one of them
    What a beautiful story that takes you on a unforgettable unique journey.
    The imagination of the creator is mind blowing!
    The World of Xenoblade is captivating each area you visit have its own speical sight.
    Am pretty sure that if this would be adopted as an anime, people would fall in love it with it.
    All the characters are amazing and enjoyable.
    The races and the conflicts they have between
    One another and the twist plots and soo many more will never make the audience grt bored.
    If you like the gameplay (cuz its an issue to some) then you must definitely give it a try and enjoy this game❤️.

    The soundtracks am pretty sure almost everyone will love them And i really like how you can work on your bonds with your other teammates
    Love how you can glamour how you look and the vast choices of weapons and armors you chose from!
    They game overs a lot of things and I don’t want to write more and make this boring just go ahed and see it for yourself.    … Expand
  12. Jonuffy
    May 30, 2020
    10
    Quite simply the best game of all time. This was just so refreshing when it arrived and single-handedly re-energised the JRPG genre for a western audience. Fantastic story, wonderful voice acting with refreshing, diverse British accents. Amazing soundtrack and possibly the best all round that I have ever heard for a video game. Epic vistas, a huge world, enjoyable battle system, lovableQuite simply the best game of all time. This was just so refreshing when it arrived and single-handedly re-energised the JRPG genre for a western audience. Fantastic story, wonderful voice acting with refreshing, diverse British accents. Amazing soundtrack and possibly the best all round that I have ever heard for a video game. Epic vistas, a huge world, enjoyable battle system, lovable characters and a truly unique and wonderfully realised world setting. Do not miss if you have never played it. Give it a go. Phenomenal experience now even more improved with a new epilogue chapter, alternative OST arrangement, visual improvements and QoL improvements to make it more accessible to the more casual player. Excellent package.… Expand
  13. Kri
    Jun 22, 2020
    10
    A masterpiece done even better. Best JRPG of all time. I've never enjoyed replaying a game so much until this one.
  14. btthead
    Mar 28, 2022
    10
    A beautiful remaster of one of the best games of all time, with extra content to boot!
  15. Daher
    May 29, 2020
    10
    Amazing update! This is the true definitive edition and have some new content with future connected. A true masterpiece, one of the best rpg ever made.
  16. Sandman83
    Jun 2, 2020
    10
    Still an amazing JRPG even 8 years after it's original release here in the west (10 years if you count the original Japanese release) and they have really gone way beyond what you can expect from a remake / remaster in this one.
    Everything looks great, the story and voice acting is still excellent, the huge open areas are still as impressive as ever. The amount of sidequest and optional    Still an amazing JRPG even 8 years after it's original release here in the west (10 years if you count the original Japanese release) and they have really gone way beyond what you can expect from a remake / remaster in this one.
    Everything looks great, the story and voice acting is still excellent, the huge open areas are still as impressive as ever. The amount of sidequest and optional bosses are still insane even today but are now manageable with the new excellent quest tracking system.
    The small details also still impress like how armor affects how your character looks and how that in turn affects how everyone looks in every single cutscene.
    This is easily one of the best JRPG:S ever made if not the best one.    … Expand
  17. Strongbuns
    Jun 1, 2020
    10
    I tried playing XBC on an emulator and then the 3DS. This time I'm really feeling this game. The graphics seem good to me, the music is amazing, and the characters are fun. When I played before, I had a hard time finding where to go for side-quests so the quality-of-life improvements to the quest tracking system and map are making the game go a lot faster.
  18. Joenightwalker
    Feb 14, 2022
    10
    the several small QoLs they added in this version adds up to make the experience significantly better, and this version indeed is a window into Monolith Soft bright future ahead with the Xenoblade franchise. Hopefully they get enough money to give Xenoblade X the same treatment!
  19. Simoncino
    May 29, 2020
    10
    Fans of the JRPG genre in possession of the Nintendo Switch would commit a crime to not buy a copy of this masterpiece made in Monolith Soft. And I want to exaggerate: if you do not yet own Nintendo Switch, this is a great reason to buy it. Well yes, such is the value of Xenoblade Chronicles Definitive Edition: probably in five or more years we will talk about it again as a turning pointFans of the JRPG genre in possession of the Nintendo Switch would commit a crime to not buy a copy of this masterpiece made in Monolith Soft. And I want to exaggerate: if you do not yet own Nintendo Switch, this is a great reason to buy it. Well yes, such is the value of Xenoblade Chronicles Definitive Edition: probably in five or more years we will talk about it again as a turning point in a market that needs ideas and projects of this magnitude.… Expand
  20. CDizzness
    Jun 3, 2020
    10
    One of the best JRPGs I have ever played and I have played A LOT. The thing with this game is that the storyline, is ACTUALLY INTERESTING AND ENGAGING. 3 hours in and a super emotional moment happened that I did not expect! Games like these are usually so predictable, but not this one. I havent skipped a single cutscene and I usually have a problem with doing that. In my opinion a lot ofOne of the best JRPGs I have ever played and I have played A LOT. The thing with this game is that the storyline, is ACTUALLY INTERESTING AND ENGAGING. 3 hours in and a super emotional moment happened that I did not expect! Games like these are usually so predictable, but not this one. I havent skipped a single cutscene and I usually have a problem with doing that. In my opinion a lot of newer JRPG storylines are generic and the cutscenes may have gorgeous graphics but lack enough depth to keep me interested. Btw, this is how you do a remaster/remake. The graphics are gorgeous, the frame rate is smooth, the added content is wonderful, the revamped UI rocks, the soundtrack is beautiful too and sounds amazing on a 5.1 surround system. Good job Monolith!! Nintendo you are killing it with exclusives!… Expand
  21. jcboyer515
    Jun 1, 2020
    10
    All the judgmental gRaFiX fanboys are really treating this amazing game poorly, along with some original Xenoblade Chronicles fans? I don't really understand how you can be a fan & crap all over this game when all the creators did was try to make it better. Which they did. Btw I did also wanna point out that all the graphics obsessed individuals constantly bringing up "it's even worse thanAll the judgmental gRaFiX fanboys are really treating this amazing game poorly, along with some original Xenoblade Chronicles fans? I don't really understand how you can be a fan & crap all over this game when all the creators did was try to make it better. Which they did. Btw I did also wanna point out that all the graphics obsessed individuals constantly bringing up "it's even worse than the original", is just a lie. It mostly maintains its new HD quality on the dock, looking absolutely beautiful compared to the old XC. Even in handheld it looks fantastic. It does dip below 400p at it's worst (off the dock), but it's never ever gonna be looking bad. 720p is the native output, so it always looks more impressive than the Wii version. Just because there's less pixels in any given game compared to another doesn't automatically make it garbage. Many people would agree that games like Chrono Trigger or Super Metroid are much better than most current day game releases. This is all subjective I suppose. Anyway, XCDE even surpasses XC2 in terms of graphical quality, which is very evident in handheld. This is an impressive feat since they are both enormous games. Many anti-XCDE complainers mention that many assets of the initial game build were used in the Definitive Edition, & it seems to be the case. I'm not going to ignorantly say it's a port when so many things have changed for the better, but it was a little obvious looking at some of the NPCs that several of them were just glossed & res'd up. While I will concede that I thought they were doing a tiny bit more in this department, it does make sense with the development timeframe Monolith Soft was working with that this was the end product. Nintendo holds these guys to a release date just like any other publisher would for an exclusive game. With the studios of Monolith branching into what it's becoming, while working a new IP as well as Breath of the Wild 2 most likely, it's crazy that they got the engine to run as efficiently as it does. Overhauled UI for most screens & menus, added voiced story content, many lines & musical scores were rerecorded but still have the option for original sound. New video player for unlocked cutscenes, new easy & expert modes, & Japanese voices for the first time. I will say one thing that truly disappointed me was no added voice acting for heart to heart conversations. It's not perfect, but I really love every addition & improvement that was made to a game that I already loved. If I'm being honest it's more of a 9.6 out of ten, but we're rounding up for all the haters (:… Expand
  22. ginessl
    May 30, 2020
    10
    Obra maestra, se ve genial tanto en modo televisión como portátil.
    Más de 100 horas de entretenimiento entre las dos historias, la principal y la nueva secuela.
  23. Cougargames
    Aug 4, 2022
    10
    The best JRPG of all time, definetly on my top 3 games of all time. Music is a masterpiece, story is incredible (sort of reminds me of lotr), the Word is incredible and the combat is great!

    If youve got a nintendo switch, love jrpgs and havent played this yet then you are really missing out.
  24. hkjhkjh
    May 29, 2020
    10
    One of the best JRPG with an awesome story, vast world to explore, interesting characters, very good music etc now in HD
  25. 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 new Xenoblade2 Engine.
  26. Qwertyleo
    Jul 9, 2020
    10
    This is one of the best jrpgs I've ever played, they story is compelling, and had good twists and turns.
  27. SuperRon
    May 31, 2020
    10
    Despite owning and loving my Wii, I never heard about this game in europe at the time, so it completely went under my radar. The following years seeing the game in action,the automatic battle system that seems complicated kinda turned me off.

    I have to say that today justice has been served. The graphics are fantastic and the game looks really good docked. The environments are massive,    Despite owning and loving my Wii, I never heard about this game in europe at the time, so it completely went under my radar. The following years seeing the game in action,the automatic battle system that seems complicated kinda turned me off.

    I have to say that today justice has been served.
    The graphics are fantastic and the game looks really good docked. The environments are massive, rich, and imaginative, the setting of the game is really unique.

    The OST is legendary, every hype scene has the right track, environment music put the right atmosphere.

    The battle system has i said, once you get it, is not only deep and engaging but also fun, with each character having is own niche.

    The definitive edition polished the game with better marker for quest to make it smooth, better IU, a new challenge mode,new difficulties, to make the experience better more engaging and fun.

    This game has mystery, a very long engaging story, it's fun, and as far as JRPG can go this one just check all the good stuff that SHOULD be there.    … Expand
  28. jte
    May 29, 2020
    10
    My favorite game of all time remade for my favorite Nintendo console of all time. It’s a dream come true . The story, music, characters , and beautiful scenery is what makes this game a masterpiece for me . I also really enjoy the gameplay :) . If you haven’t played , please I beg you to at least try it out. This game is a game I will never get tired of playing
  29. Taty214
    May 30, 2020
    10
    Greatest game of all time. The character models have more expressions in every voice cutscense, the remake soundtrack is outstanding and breath taking. they made the quests more easier to get through with the new changes. This is the best remake of the year.
  30. Khalei27
    May 29, 2020
    10
    im gonna be honest. This game is a masterpiece and it deserves nothing but praise. The quality of the remaster/remake/port whatever you want to call it is something that we can discuss and i totally understand if youre complaining about certain quality performances, because i share those feelings too, and i think this game could've pushed the swtich to its limit way better. Despite that,im gonna be honest. This game is a masterpiece and it deserves nothing but praise. The quality of the remaster/remake/port whatever you want to call it is something that we can discuss and i totally understand if youre complaining about certain quality performances, because i share those feelings too, and i think this game could've pushed the swtich to its limit way better. Despite that, the game is the same as the original and they added an epilogue which is something that i really appreciate it. Its one of the best jrp ever made, and i love the fact that a lot of people will play this masterpiece for the first time.… Expand
prev
Page:

Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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
See all critic reviews »