Ten years after its initial release on Wii U, Xenoblade Chronicles X returns to the spotlight with a Definitive Edition for the Nintendo Switch. This unusual entry in the series represents a genuine manifesto of open-world gaming, designed as a Japanese response to Western blockbusters. Despite challenging development circumstances, Monolith Soft’s visionary game has largely maintained its splendor.
From the outset conceived as a spin-off, Xenoblade Chronicles X is the result of Tetsuya Takahashi and Monolith Soft’s bold initiative: to create an expansive open world at a time when Western dominance in this genre was prevalent. With fewer resources than games like Grand Theft Auto or Skyrim, the Japanese studio managed to push the technical boundaries of the Wii U in 2015, delivering a monumental and pioneering work. The title does not aim to replicate traditional JRPG recipes but instead embraces a narrative shift by relegating the main story to the background to emphasize exploration freedom. This design choice marks a significant turning point, deeply inspiring Nintendo, such that Monolith Soft would be directly involved in creating Breath of the Wild’s open world.
THEN LOOK, LOOK A TIRE…
Mira. In Spanish, it means to look or watch, but it is also a name that suggests an invitation to travel. On this planet, Mira, things begin slowly, perhaps too gradually for some tastes, yet Xenoblade Chronicles X does not rush and from the first moments, one can sense that it stands apart from other RPGs. It does not guide you; instead, it releases you into a vast, open world, simply stating: figure it out. Each game zone is like a living postcard. You transition from lush jungles to endless deserts, from sun-drenched coastlines to breathtaking nighttime landscapes. The world’s architecture is meticulously planned and structured, not haphazard or procedural; everything seems carefully thought out with rare verticality and environmental logic that commands respect. Mira, the planet where humanity’s last survivors have landed, embodies this promise of complete escape. Every corner of this foreign world is designed to stimulate the player’s curiosity. There are no zone transitions, no invisible walls, just a wild nature as sublime as it is daunting, spread across five diverse biomes. The creatures that inhabit Mira impress with their varied designs and dynamic behaviors. Some coexist peacefully with New Los Angeles colonists, while others pose constant threats, leaving the player to read the terrain, observe, avoid, or engage in combat. This naturalistic approach further enhances immersion.
Before delving into battles, it is essential to highlight the core of the game: exploration. Xenoblade Chronicles X is a walking, running, climbing, and jumping RPG. The level design encourages players to seek shortcuts, scale mountains, and master the terrain. This approach offers an almost Zen-like progression, far from the frenetic action typical of traditional J-RPGs. Installing probes on the map is also a crucial aspect of gameplay, allowing for resource gathering, map monitoring, and optimization of travel routes. This subtle management adds a strategic and survivalist element that becomes evident over time. The game places players in the skin of a fully customizable avatar, recruited by the BLADE division to secure human colonization. Unfortunately, this silent character serves as the lens through which players project their own adventure. It is not so much a story being told to us but an experience lived through our choices. Xenoblade X thus offers completely non-linear progression, where discovering alien artifacts, encountering unknown species, or freeing hostile zones can occur in any order. This freedom comes with risks: superior level monsters are present, and a wrong step can lead to sudden death. However, it is this tension that drives players to equip, train, and progress.
SKILL + SEL = SKELL
If the first half of the game emphasizes ground exploration, the introduction of Skells—giant mechanical armors—significantly shifts the gameplay dynamics. Flight, aerial combat, and rapid movements then provide access to a new level of the world that was previously inaccessible. Each Skell can be customized, armed, painted, and piloted similarly to how one would with a Gundam. Their inclusion is a major event, extending the game’s longevity and broadening tactical strategies. As in the rest of Xenoblade X, nothing comes easily: players must earn their Skells through effort, learn to control them effectively, and maintain them diligently.
In combat, Xenoblade X draws inspiration from massively multiplayer online games (MMOs). Unlike frenetic combo chains, this game emphasizes placement, the timing of Arts, coordinated attacks, and chaining combos. The pace begins slowly but increases as players progress through levels. The Definitive Edition includes subtle yet welcome adjustments to the combat system: rapid Art recharge, improved visibility for priority targets, and a general balancing of mechanics to enhance encounters. Additionally, the Japanese dub, which was not available in the Wii U version, is now included, enriching the experience for those who prefer original voices. However, it should be noted that the interface remains dense at times and can be cluttered, with some users finding its readability still lacking compared to current standards, particularly during encounters involving multiple Skells.
A WORTHY REMASTER BY THIS NAME? CRITICAL: Translation only – A worthy remaster by this name?
Monolith Soft’s work on this Switch version is far from lazy. Visually, the game gains sharpness and readability. The interface has been revamped, particularly for handheld mode. Texts are more legible, menus better thought out, and overall ergonomics surpass that of the Wii U. The game runs at a constant 30fps, even in large areas or during battles with Skells. Praise should be given here for optimization, as Mira is far from an easy environment to run smoothly. Some limitations remain — certain textures are dated, and not all cutscenes have received the same level of attention. However, the core aspect remains: Xenoblade Chronicles X has never been more enjoyable to play. The significant addition to this edition is a bonus chapter, a long-awaited narrative conclusion. Although Nintendo keeps the content intentionally secretive, initial hours suggest a welcome narrative escalation addressing questions left unanswered in 2015. This new ending extends the adventure by around twelve hours and is accessible after completing the main storyline. Regardless, with activities like probe deployment, side missions, NPC relationships to build, secrets to uncover, tyrants to defeat, class level progression, and equipment management, boredom is impossible on Mira. The content overflows from every corner of the game, easily surpassing 120 hours for those eager to explore Xenoblade Chronicles X thoroughly.
The soundtrack, composed by Hiroyuki Sawano—known for his work on “Attack on Titan”—continues to spark debate today. Featuring an unusual mix of hip-hop, symphonic rock, and orchestral elements, it gives the game a unique auditory identity. Some themes, such as that of New L.A., may be irritating, while others, especially those related to tyrants, evoke genuine excitement. The Xenoblade X score never fails to elicit a reaction—and perhaps this is its greatest strength. Nonetheless, one must accept Xenoblade Chronicles X for what it is: an RPG that does not aim to please everyone. It can be rough around the edges, often challenging, and somewhat obscure in terms of tutorial or mechanics management. Yet, it is also incredibly generous, rich, daring, and expansive.
