| Title | Xenoblade Chronicles Definitive Edition |
| Released | May 29, 2020 |
| Developer | Monolith Soft |
| Publisher | Nintendo Co., Ltd. |
| Platform(s): |  |
| Genre | Action RPG, JRPG |
| Rating | T |
Completed on Nintendo Switch in Docked Mode on Normal
2x Movement Speed mod used.
HowLongToBeat Time: 52 Hours (Main) | My Clear Time: 21h 40m (Main)
Background
Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition is a remastered version of the original 2010 game developed by Monolith Soft and published by Nintendo. Announced during the September 2019 Nintendo Direct, it introduces enhanced graphics powered by the engine from Xenoblade Chronicles 2, a change that has been divisive among fans—some prefer the original’s more muted art style, while others appreciate the update or remain indifferent. In addition to improved gameplay mechanics, the Definitive Edition includes the new epilogue story Future Connected, which takes place a year after the main game and focuses on Melia.
Set on the bodies of two titans, Bionis and Mechonis, the game features a vast open world, a compelling storyline, and a unique blend of real-time, action-oriented combat with strategic elements. Released worldwide on May 29, 2020, for the Nintendo Switch, this remaster aimed to bring the beloved Action RPG to a new generation while offering long-time fans a refreshed, yet familiar experience
The development team for Xenoblade Chronicles Definitive Edition includes:
- Tetsuya Takahashi (Scenario, Producer)
- Known for the Xeno series, Final Fantasy V, Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex.
- Yuichiro Takeda (Scenario)
- Known for Xenoblade Chronicles 1-3, Xenoblade X.
- Michihiko Inaba, Yuki Sakamoto (Directors)
- Michihiko is known for Xenosaga: Episode III, Xenoblade Chronicles, Xenoblade X.
- Yuki is known for Excitebike, The Last Story, Kid Icarus.
- Eiji Takahashi (Art Direction)
- Known for Final Fantasy IX, the Xeno series, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword.
- Yoko Shimomura, Manami Kiyota, Yasunori Mitsuda (Composers)
- Yoko is known for Super Mario RPG, Parasite Eve, Legend of Mana.
- Manami is known for Xenoblade Chronicles 1-3.
- Yasunori is known for Final Fantasy V, Xenogears, Chrono Trigger.
- Shinya Takahashi, Shuntaro Furukawa (Producers)
- Shinya is known for Super Smash Bros., The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, .hack//G.U..
- Shuntaro is known for Resonance of Fate, Xenoblade Chronicles 2-3, and is the current President of Nintendo.
Close-up of Shulk and Sharla, highlighting the intense moment before the strike.
Experience
My journey with the Xenoblade series began with Xenoblade Chronicles 2, but it didn’t resonate with me initially, leading me to put it aside. Later, I revisited the series with Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition, and everything changed. The remaster’s enhancements, combined with its vast world and profound story, drew me in, creating a lasting impression. At the time of writing, I’ve completed every mainline Xenoblade Chronicles entry except Xenoblade Chronicles X.
A snapshot of the player’s progress and save files in Xenoblade Chronicles Definitive Edition.
Impressions
Introduction
From the moment I began playing Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition, I was immediately captivated by the game’s breathtaking landscapes and intricate lore. The remaster not only revitalizes the original 2010 classic with updated visuals and enhanced gameplay but also deepens the immersion into its expansive world.
The story, centered around Shulk and his quest to wield the Monado against the Mechon threat, remains both compelling and emotionally engaging, drawing players into a tale of courage, destiny, and the fight for survival.
A Titan looms in the distance as the duo contemplates their next move.
Gameplay and Mechanics
In Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition, the combat system offers a rich blend of real-time action and strategic depth:
Combat Initiation: Engage enemies in an open environment by targeting them. Increase your tension by timing button presses (particularly the B button).
Auto-Attack System: Characters automatically attack when within range but require tactical movement around enemies to exploit weaknesses and avoid attacks.
Art Palette:
- Displays up to nine arts—special abilities characters can use.
- Standard arts include basic attacks and utility skills.
- Talent Arts are powerful abilities with longer cooldowns and start in the same state as after the previous fight.
Art Usage:
- Arts range from healing to damage-dealing and advanced combos.
- Combos allow for complex tactics and can turn the tide of battle.
Character Playstyles: Each character has a unique set of arts, resulting in varied playstyles. Some characters excel in close-range combat, while others offer ranged support or crowd control.
Level 18 M71 Mechon battles test your skills and strategy.
Additional Gameplay Features:
Quest Tracker:
- The updated interface includes a quest tracker that simplifies managing and following quests.
- Helps streamline navigation and ensures players can easily keep track of their objectives.
Fast Travel:
- Fast travel allows players to quickly move between previously visited locations.
- Enhances exploration by reducing travel time and making it easier to revisit key areas or complete quests.
Sidequests:
- Numerous sidequests expand the gameplay experience, offering additional challenges and rewards.
- These quests contribute to world-building and character development.
Bond System:
- Allows players to build relationships with various characters.
- Enhances interactions, unlocking new dialogue and story elements.
Optional Content:
- The bond system and some character development are optional.
- Important character development can be tied to side content, which might affect immersion for players focusing solely on the main storyline.
The blend of real-time action with strategic elements, alongside the improved quest tracking, fast travel, and optional side content, creates a dynamic and engaging gameplay experience that evolves throughout the game (Enel, 2020).
Character and Art Design
The updated character models in Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition are vibrant and detailed, aligning with the art style introduced in Xenoblade Chronicles 2. While some fans miss the more subdued aesthetics of the original game, the new designs bring a modern polish that complements the remastered environments.
Sharla, Shulk, and Reyn gather beneath glowing fiery rocks and streetlights.
The environments themselves are breathtaking, offering a diverse range of biomes—from lush grasslands to eerie caverns. The attention to detail in the world design enhances the immersion, making every location feel alive.
The music, composed by Yoko Shimomura, Manami Kiyota, and Yasunori Mitsuda, deserves special mention. The re-recorded tracks strike an emotional chord, perfectly underscoring key moments in the narrative.
Unique Features and Mechanics
Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition introduces several key enhancements:
- Influences from Xenoblade Chronicles 2: Integrates updated visuals and mechanics inspired by the sequel.
- Combat System: Combines real-time action with strategic elements, featuring a palette of nine arts including regular and talent arts. Each character’s unique playstyle adds tactical depth.
- Future Connected Epilogue: Adds a new storyline and areas, focusing on Melia and providing additional content beyond the main game.
- Quality-of-Life Improvements: Includes an updated interface, enhanced quest tracking, and fast travel options for smoother navigation and exploration.
- Bond System: Allows players to build relationships with party members through sidequests, though it’s optional for character development.
- Graphics Updates: Enhanced textures and character models provide a more visually appealing experience.
Drawing a path to the next objective on the map.
These features and improvements enhance both gameplay and visual appeal, enriching the overall experience.
Seiyuu Performances
The Japanese voice acting is stellar, with notable seiyuus delivering powerful performances:
- Shintaro Asanuma
- Known for Shulk from Xenoblade, Susanoo from Akame ga Kill!, Crow Hogan from Yu-Gi-Oh!
- Shiori Katsuta
- Known for Melia from Xenoblade, Aurora from Professor Layton, Beelzebub from Three Leaves, Three Colors
- Mai Aizawa
- Known for Marie Rose from Dead or Alive, Eda Lee from Bravely Default, Ninth from Future Diary
- Hiromu Miyazaki
- Known for Chen Gong from Dynasty Warriors, Tank-Top Tiger from One Punch Man, Fudo from Fist of the North Star
Dunban acknowledges skill with a rare compliment.
Verdict
Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition successfully modernizes a beloved classic, enhancing its visual appeal, gameplay mechanics, and accessibility while preserving the essence that made it a standout in the JRPG genre. Its rich world-building, emotionally resonant story, and the addition of Future Connected ensure that it remains a landmark title for newcomers and fans alike.
TLDR
Xenoblade Chronicles Definitive Edition (Switch)
9.5
Outstanding
Summary: A definitive remaster featuring major quality-of-life improvements and additional content, Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition revitalizes a classic for a modern audience and stands as a must-play JRPG.
References
- Nintendo of America. (2019, September 4). Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition – Announcement Trailer – Nintendo Switch. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLEkwIvfOO4
- Enel. (2020, May 30). Truly Understanding Combat in Xenoblade: Definitive Edition. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_DsUSxDm3M
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