Xenoblade Chronicles 2
Released: December 1, 2017
Developer(s): Monolith Soft
Publisher(s): Nintendo
Platform(s):
Completed on Emulated
HowLongToBeat Time: 63 hours | My Clear Time: 34 hours 32 mins.
Background
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 was developed by Monolith Soft and announced during the Nintendo Switch Presentation event on January 13, 2017. Directed by series creator Tetsuya Takahashi, the game featured character designs by Masatsugu Saito and music composed by Yasunori Mitsuda (known for works such as “Chrono Trigger” and “Xenogears”), ACE (Tomori Kudo and Hiroyo Yamanaka, known for works such as “Xenoblade Chronicles X“), and Kenji Hiramatsu (known for works such as “Super Mario Galaxy”).
The announcement trailer showcased the game’s vibrant world and engaging gameplay mechanics, sparking excitement among fans and RPG enthusiasts eagerly anticipating its release on the Nintendo Switch.
Experience
Back in early 2020, I gave Xenoblade Chronicles 2 a shot, but I hit a wall shortly after meeting Mythra. The combat system left me scratching my head, and the quest tracker seemed determined to lead me astray, especially with its struggle to handle the varying altitudes of the game’s locations. Fast-forward to February of this year, and I decided to dive back into the series from the start.
I started Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition and its DLC, wrapping them up by the end of the month. With a newfound appreciation for the series, I decided to give Xenoblade Chronicles 2 another chance. After a fresh start and some determination, I finally completed the game on March 13th with 34 hrs 32 mins and nine seconds on my clear time.
Impressions
As mentioned earlier in the experience section, my initial encounter with the game left much to be desired. Years ago, I found the gameplay slow and somewhat perplexing, with pacing akin to watching paint dry. However, revisiting the game after completing the first Xenoblade Chronicles proved to be a transformative experience. Having become accustomed to its combat system and mechanics, I now find myself thoroughly enjoying the majority of the game.
One notable enhancement in Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is the expansion of the world map. Maps now feature depth through elevation, introducing verticality and subterranean exploration. The combat system has undergone significant changes, particularly with the introduction of the new blades mechanic. This allows drivers to wield up to two blades, enabling the utilization of elemental attacks to exploit weaknesses and introduce greater variety through blade combos.
The music in Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is exceptional, ranging from serene melodies to epic compositions befitting climactic battles. While the English voice acting has garnered its fair share of attention, I found its campy, adventurous tone to be rather endearing. Despite the vastness of the world, the quest tracker sometimes leads astray, complicating navigation. Additionally, the introduction of the mastery mechanic, where blades possess passive abilities requiring specific levels for progression, felt somewhat cumbersome.
Character designs, including those by Tetsuya Nomura, contribute to the game’s memorability, reminiscent of fans’ affection for characters in Final Fantasy X. The new art style is also very easy on the eyes and adds for a more animated look and expression than its predecessor.
Verdict
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 offers a journey that transcends initial hurdles to reveal a captivating adventure. While its slow start and intricate mechanics may initially pose challenges, perseverance unveils a world brimming with exploration and dynamic combat. The expanded world map, featuring intricate elevation dynamics, adds depth and verticality to the gameplay experience. The introduction of the blades mechanic introduces strategic depth, allowing for diverse combat strategies and satisfying progression.
Despite occasional frustrations with the quest tracker and mastery mechanic, the game’s exceptional musical score and striking character designs contribute to its enduring charm. The evocative soundtrack, ranging from tranquil melodies to epic orchestrations, enriches every moment of the journey. Character designs, including those by renowned artist Tetsuya Nomura, imbue the game with a distinct visual identity, creating memorable protagonists and antagonists alike.
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 presents a rich and rewarding experience for those willing to invest in its intricacies. While it may not appeal to all players initially, those who persevere will discover a world ripe for exploration, with engaging combat and memorable characters awaiting at every turn.
TLDR
Rating: 8.5/10
In Summary: Xenoblade Chronicles 2 delivers an immersive world, exceptional audiovisual experience, and rich storytelling. However, it comes with a steep learning curve and occasional frustrations with the mastery mechanic and quest tracker.
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