"Review of 'Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition': Robots, Not Mechanoids"
Exploring the vast, open-world adventure that is Xenoblade Chronicles X on the Nintendo Switch feels like a long-awaited celebration for a game previously overlooked. Unlike its counterparts in the Xenoblade Chronicles series, Xenoblade Chronicles X shares more similarities with the epic Xenogears.
Mechanized mayhem takes center stage in this colossal game, set on the planet Mira. Initially, you'll find yourself on foot, gazing at a world teeming with towering geological structures and enormous creatures. The combat system is a thrilling blend of turn-based strategy and action gameplay, with both ranged and melee attacks at your disposal.
But what sets Xenoblade Chronicles X apart are the Auras - unique abilities with cooldowns. Timing their use strategically, according to your teammates' advice, can boost your team's health, stagger enemies, and more, adding an extra layer of depth to the real-time, chaos-filled battles.
The fundamental plot follows the remnants of humanity as they struggle to find their place on Mira after Earth's destruction. You're rescued and must aid in the search for other colonists. The game's scale is overwhelming in terms of the world's size and background management, filled with inventory work, equipment upgrades, and exploration.
However, the mecha, or "Skells," as they're referred to in the English localization, often take the limelight from the human aspects of the game. While this can be a common issue in mecha games, the issue here is that the human elements become somewhat irrelevant once you've mastered the Skells.
Developers Monolith Soft have crafted a unique mix of mecha designs from accomplished designers, such as Takayuki Yanase, Choco and Yasushi Suzuki, resulting in an intriguing and well-thought-out game world. Although some players miss the elegance of Junya Ishigaki's Xenogears designs, the Skells in Xenoblade Chronicles X fit seamlessly within their own setting.
Graphically speaking, the game looks spectacular on the Switch, defying claims that a port of this game to the platform was all but impossible. Complementing the stunning visuals is the brilliant score by Hiroyuki Sawano, who showcases his expertise for mecha action, demonstrating his talent in this genre through his work on various Gundam series.
Xenoblade Chronicles X delivers a thrilling, expansive role-playing experience that leans heavily on the mecha aspect. Initial on-foot sections can seem laborious, but once you've unlocked your Skell license, the vast world of Mira opens up, making the journey worth your while.
Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Developer: Monolith Soft
Publisher: Nintendo
Released: 20th March 2025
Price: $59.99
Score: 8/10
Disclosure: Nintendo sent me a copy of the game for the purposes of this review.
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- The Definitive Edition of Xenoblade Chronicles X on the Nintendo Switch offers a thrilling blend of mecha gameplay and open-world adventure, reminiscent of Xenogears and Xenoblade Chronicles series.
- Mechanized mayhem takes center stage in this colossal game, set on the planet Mira, featuring intriguing mecha designs by renowned designers like Takayuki Yanase, Choco, and Yasushi Suzuki.
- Despite the human elements becoming somewhat irrelevant once you've mastered the Skells, the Auras - unique abilities with cooldowns - add an extra layer of depth to the real-time, chaos-filled battles in Xenoblade Chronicles X.
