Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition Review: Gameplay Impressions and Features

The epic Xenoblade Chronicles series is finally complete on the Nintendo Switch with the release of Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition.

Originally released for the Wii U in 2015, it's been a long time coming for Xenoblade Chronicles fans to finally experience this gem on the Switch in the best way possible. Compared to the original Wii U version, Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition offers enhanced graphics, improved interface, better control scheme and more quality of life features. 

For fans returning after nearly a decade, they will immediately notice major differences and will be more than pleased with the additional content. For gamers who have never played XCX, or those who want to jump into this amazing sci-fi series for the first time, Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition is a must-play experience. 

Gameplay Impressions

The Xenoblade Chronicles series is known for having one of the most rewarding combat systems and Xenoblade Chronicles X absolutely lives up to the reputation. At the surface, gameplay can appear to be overwhelming due to the amount of options, inputs and data on the screen. However, Xenoblade Chronicles X, like other games in the series, eases the player into each distinct combat system over the course of several hours and offers fantastic tutorials. 

Developer Monolith Soft wisely layers systems on top of each other through the opening chapters to prevent players from feeling overwhelmed or bombarded with systems that may turn away players. Their approach to give gameplay elements time to breathe is essential to allowing the player to feel comfortable over time to where they'll ultimately feel like they've been able to master the combat by the time they're deep into the 60-100 hour experience.

The combat system is extremely active as the gamer rotates between up to eight different Arts, which is each character's moveset across battles against humanoids, mechs and various creatures. This is all happening while characters auto-battle in an MMO-style setup of a party of up to four characters. It's a unique blend of active and turn-based combat. The positioning of the characters is also important for certain techniques, so it's another aspect of gameplay that the player must pay attention to compared to more traditional turn-based games.

As players build up their Arts and Tension Points (TP) over time with auto-battling, they can unleash massive damage on enemies that feel rewarding and exciting. Perhaps the most fun is when the player eventually unlocks the Overdrive mechanic, which speeds up the use of Arts in a short time frame so gamers can create combos to deal immense damage. Overall, it's a brilliant system that keeps gamers on their toes as there's a lot to pay attention to, especially when certain Arts trigger specific button prompts to deal even more damage. Although there's a ton happening on screen, it will become second nature after the opening chapters of the game.

As exceptional as the combat system is, the open-world design of Xenoblade Chronicles X may be even better. It's simply a remarkable achievement how impressive the scale and scope is of Mira. It's grand beyond belief and maintains a sense of awe for dozens of hours. The sheer size and detail of the massive world is jaw-dropping. There's a day and night cycle with dynamic weather changes, such as lightning storms that damage the party. Some enemies only appear at certain times in the day, which makes the world feel lived in and unique. Thankfully, one of the best quality-of-life features in the game is the option to change the time of day from the settings whenever the player feels like outside of combat.

There's several separate biomes that are home to unique creatures, landscapes and music that make them all feel wildly distinct from one another. While there is some pop-in with enemies, players can traverse the world without load times unless they enter specific areas. It's truly astonishing how Monolith Soft was able to create such a grand world without needing to use barriers in place to load in the different biomes.

The verticality of the world is unbelievable, which really opens up when players finally unlock their mechs, Skells. The Skells represent the most unique aspect of Xenoblade Chronicles X compared to the other games in the series. Piloting these Transformer-like mechs for exploration and battle is a phenomenal experience not often seen in other games. It's impressive how well Skells control compared to other mech games and how modern it feels given it originally released in 2015. While Xenoblade Chronicles X doesn't offer the emotional story beats as the other games in the series, finally unlocking a Skell is definitely up there with one of the most fulfilling moments in the entire series. The Skells completely transform exploration and combat to make it a special experience.

Xenoblade Chronicles X features hundreds of quests and one of the biggest open-world games available on Switch. Gamers will easily spend dozens of hours to complete the story missions and can easily spend over 100 hours if they want to complete every mission available. Beyond the story missions, there's affinity missions to learn more about characters and the world. Many quests involve players venturing into the world to find specific items, many of which are obtained by defeating specific appendages of an enemy. It's very much similar to the Monster Hunter series and a brilliant way to expand the gameplay systems so that gamers need to pay attention to different parts of the enemy to achieve their goal. 

A major highlight in XCX is the immense customization options available for the party members' equipment and Skells. There's tons of unique weapons across several different class types to experiment. The different classes also have their own specialized Arts and Skills, which the player can then mix and match to their liking for their preferred playstyle. 

There's loads of outfits for each character, plus customizable options for the Skells to make them feel unique compared to other players. The player can also unlock or craft augments to add to their gear to best fit their playstyle. For example, a player can equip an augment that increases experience gained or increases their health, among dozens of other potential augments. It's a streamlined system that really puts control in the gamer's hands to customize their characters to their liking, while giving the player a reason to go into the open world to explore and hunt enemies. Considering there's enemies that range anywhere from level four to level 99, it's a fun process to level up stats and craft different gear in order to take on some of the most jaw-dropping monsters in gaming.

Beyond customizing characters' appearances and equipment, Definitive Edition offers a host of customizable options available to the player to make for an experience better suited to their needs. For example, gamers can adjust field of vision and other UI elements. 

The fast travel system is fantastic as players can travel to specific points at almost any time while outside of combat. One major bonus is that there's no fall damage when jumping off massive cliffs to reach a destination quicker. For speedrunners or returning players, there's an option to skip cutscenes should they choose to do so. 

XCX boasts a diverse soundtrack that may range depending on each person but offers some epic scores and songs throughout the adventure. Although gamers may be looking ahead to Switch 2, Xenoblade Chronicles X runs exceptionally well whether in docked or handheld mode on the Switch OLED.

Conclusion

Each Xenoblade Chronicles game feels like a major feat in gaming. Although it isn't part of the numbered trilogy, Xenoblade Chronicles X is a special experience that any fan of JRPGs, sci-fi or open-world games should experience. Few games offer the sense of awe and wonder that Xenoblade Chronicles X can offer. 

With one of the most rewarding and customizable combat systems, players can spend dozens of hours exploring the immense open world and battling massive enemies. Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition is a complete package and one of the best values in gaming given how much content is available. 

A fantastic remaster that is a great starting point for those interested in Xenoblade Chronicles, plus offering additional content for returning players, XCX Defintivie Edition is a game players need to experience. No longer just a gem from the Wii U era, Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition is the perfect send off for the Switch.