Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition [Nintendo Switch] | REVIEW

Few RPGs offer the sense of scale, adventure, and wonder that Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition does, combining breathtaking open-world exploration with unique and engaging combat mechanics to create an experience that truly does feel special. I loved it when it originally released back on the Nintendo Wii U, and whilst I never finished it back then (it’s MEATY), it was one of those games that I ALWAYS wanted to go back to. With this Definitive Edition release, I’ve finally been able to give Xenoblade Chronicles X the second chance it deserved, and believe me, I’m glad that I did.

Check out some screenshots down below:

Xenoblade Chronicles X begins with a dramatic setup: Earth has been destroyed in a war between alien factions, and humanity has fled to the planet of Mira in massive colony ships. I told you it was dramatic, right? One of these colony ships crashes onto the planet, scattering its survivors – one of which just so happens to be you. Your mission? To explore the land, locate missing humans, and secure a foothold for your people, all whilst a greater overarching adventure unfolds around you as begin to uncover the secrets of Mira.

I enjoyed the storytelling of Xenoblade Chronicles X, though it does change things up when compared to other titles in the series. For one, there’s a silent protagonist who lacks personality outside of the occasional nod or headshake in response to others, making them more of an observer than a central figure of the story. Whilst it’s something we’ve seen in plenty of other RPGs (just look at The Legend of Zelda), I’m not overly fond of the idea. I like my protagonists to have a larger-than-life personality that makes them easy to root for, especially in such a massive adventure that’ll take tons of hours to complete, so it was a little underwhelming that they never felt like the star of the show here.

Fortunately, the supporting cast makes up for this thanks to their engaging personalities and some strong writing that really helps bring each interaction with them to life. They’re a colourful bunch who each play a special part in the story, whilst the player can also learn more about them and understand their personalities further through affinity quests that focus on each individual character. These side missions allow players to build relationships with their team, unlocking not just unique abilities but also their personal backstories and motivations, in turn fleshing out the lore of the game and giving players a stronger bond with the party that they won’t always feel with the main character.

The heart of Xenoblade Chronicles X comes with its bedazzling world, and believe me, Mira remains as breathtaking as ever. It’s an absolute triumph of open-world design thanks to its vast yet intriguing world, with towering creatures, lush biomes, and an overwhelming sense of vertical scale that few games can match. Each area you venture across feels distinct, alive, and dangerous, whilst there’s also an element of platforming when exploring that rewards more spry players who take the time to venture off the beaten path and jump between any objects and obstacles around them. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not going to rival Mario, but it makes for some satisfying moments where you can make your way to areas that would seemingly be out of reach.

“Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition is a wonderful return for one of the Wii U’s most ambitious titles, offering an epic sci-fi world, exhilarating combat, and a thrilling sense of scale that makes exploration feel special.”

It also complements the fact that Xenoblade Chronicles X allows full exploration from the start – if you’re brave enough, that is. Massive beasts roam the landscape, often indifferent to your presence but more than capable of obliterating you if you get a little too close or try your luck at taking them on. This balance of freedom and danger makes for an immersive experience where every journey truly does feel like an adventure that could offer wondrous rewards or… well… an impending doom, depending on how daring you’re feeling.

The combat in Xenoblade Chronicles X is a refined evolution of the real-time action-based system seen in the Xenoblade series, blending MMO-style mechanics with dynamic positioning and tactical decision-making. Battles unfold in real-time, with players able to move freely around the battlefield while executing attacks and abilities known as Arts.

At its core, the combat system revolves around synergy between party members. Positioning plays a crucial role, as many attacks have bonus effects when performed from specific angles – striking from behind might increase damage, while an attack from the side could inflict a debuff. Additionally, enemy status effects like Topple, Stagger, and Bind allow for devastating follow-up combos when executed correctly, ensuring players can maximise damage when tackling foes. It makes for an engaging loop that rewards careful planning when in combat, and whilst it’s possible to succeed by simply mashing out attacks, those who are strategic will find the most success.

A key feature of combat is the Soul Voice system, which encourages players to pay attention to their teammates’ calls during battle. Characters will frequently issue commands or requests, and responding at the right moment with the appropriate action – whether it’s attacking, buffing, or healing – can significantly boost its effectiveness. It’s a unique and immersive system that allows observant players to gain the upper-hand in even the direst of circumstances in battle.

However, the true game-changer of combat comes in the form of Skells – massive mech suits that players can unlock later in the game. These mechanized titans transform combat completely, allowing for faster movement, higher damage output, and aerial attacks that look absolutely fantastic in motion. The ability to seamlessly transition from on-foot battles to mechanized warfare adds a thrilling twist to the experience, with it not only feeling really… well… cool, but also making previously insurmountable foes suddenly manageable. They’re an absolute game-changer and mark the biggest difference between Xenoblade Chronicles X and other titles in the series.

Check out some screenshots down below:

The Definitive Edition improves combat clarity with refined UI elements, making battles less chaotic and more readable than on the Wii U. Small but meaningful tweaks, such as the ability to swap party members quickly in menus and improved AI, help streamline the experience too, ensuring that combat is more intuitive than it was before. On paper, they might seem like small changes, but they do go a long way in ensuring that Xenoblade Chronicles X’s combat feels better than ever here.

The move to the Switch also brings with it significant visual improvements, with character models more refined and the world itself sharper, richer in detail, and more vibrant than ever before. Performance is also a lot smoother, though not perfect. The game runs at a stable 30fps for the most part, with occasional dips when things get hectic. It’s probably something that’s to be expected given that the hardware is coming to the end of its lifespan now, but with a 60fps mode already found in the game’s code, it’ll be exciting to see what sort of upgrade it might get when played on the upcoming Switch 2… fingers crossed.

Beyond visual upgrades, the Definitive Edition introduces several quality-of-life changes that make a big difference. The user interface has been refined, making menus and combat information more accessible, whilst the ability to share experience points across party members makes levelling up more enjoyable with less of a need for grinding. There’s also the inclusion of additional quests, gear, and characters to add further depth to the experience, which is something returning players are sure to appreciate.

While Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition is a fantastic RPG experience, it’s not without its shortcomings. The silent protagonist remains an underwhelming aspect of the narrative, making it harder to feel personally invested in the story’s emotional beats – especially when compared to other titles in the Xenoblade series, where the protagonist-driven storytelling makes it easier to engage with the world. The slow start of the game can feel a little tiresome too, especially since you’ll be aching to get your hands on one of the Skells. Combat can also be INCREDIBLY manic at times, and whilst its clear than an effort has been made to try and make it easier on the eye, it can still be tough to keep track of everything that’s going on (particularly when playing on the Switch’s handheld mode).

Developer: Monolith Soft
Publisher: Nintendo
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch (Reviewed)
Website: https://www.nintendo.com/en-gb/Games/Nintendo-Switch-games/Xenoblade-Chronicles-X-Definitive-Edition-2687393.html