Round Up: The Critiques Are In For Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition

As we write this, we are just a few days away from the launch of Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition on Switch. Accordingly, stories about Monolith Soft’s updated port have begun to surface and, spoiler alert, it seems many of you may be ready for a fresh journey in Mira.

If you take a moment to glance at our own review, we mentioned that Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition is “among the all-time great sci-fi RPGs and an essential experience,” giving it an impressive score of 10/10. To be honest, it represents a substantial enhancement over the original Wii U version, with Monolith introducing brand-new content, refining essential mechanics, and enhancing the visual quality.

Be sure to check out our full impressions whenever you get a moment, but for now, let’s see what other outlets are saying about the game. As usual, we’ve gathered a selection of opinions from the internet, aiming to represent a wide range of perspectives, including the positive and – in the case of Xenoblade – the ever-so-slightly less favorable.

Without further delay, let’s dive in…

First up, TechRadar Gaming awarded the game a stellar rating of 5/5 stars, emphasizing the numerous enhancements to the experience, while also noting that object pop-in could be an issue:

“The launch of Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition ensures that the entire Xenoblade series is now accessible on Nintendo Switch. If this is your first time experiencing the enhanced Wii U title, you will almost certainly be amazed by its stunning open world and deeply intricate battle system. Long-time fans will also benefit from quality-of-life improvements such as a refined tutorial, improved navigation, as well as the overall more polished visuals whether you’re playing in docked or handheld mode.”

IGN also had positive feedback but stopped just short of a perfect score, giving it 9/10. Again, it highlights the upgrades and suggests that this is an excellent way for newcomers to jump in:

“Xenoblade Chronicles X was already one of the best games on the Wii U, and this Definitive Edition has successfully transitioned from its previous platform onto the Switch. The quality-of-life improvements here are more than enough to warrant a return to Mira for veterans, and it’s a fantastic opportunity for newcomers to experience its stunning environments first-hand. The combat systems are intricate and engaging, and the expansive open world is always a delight to explore. Though its main storyline may not fully meet the series’ high standards, the charming cast of characters and numerous engaging side missions ensure that Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition is still an adventure worth reminiscing about.

RPG Site similarly rated it a 9/10, praising just how impressive it is to navigate such an expansive and intricate open-world game on what is essentially a portable device:

“It’s quite remarkable to play such a vast and complex open-world title on a portable system. This feels like the Switch’s crowning achievement as Nintendo prepares to embark on its next chapter. While it would be nice to see a bit more new content, it’s fair to say that the base game is packed with activities. Despite some minor complaints, the Definitive Edition offers an excellent way to experience one of my newfound favorite open-world games. I’m eager to tackle all remaining side content and also experience the multiplayer when it becomes available. Truly, there is no other game like Xenoblade Chronicles X.”

VGC rated the game a solid 4/5 stars and acknowledged that while cutscenes and dialogue might occasionally leave something to be desired, the expansive, open world, engaging Skell gameplay, and captivating battles more than compensate for this:

“Although its narrative and performances sometimes left us a bit disengaged, there is no denying that Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition offers a remarkably expansive adventure that has clearly been crafted with the player’s comfort in mind. With quick exploration, an engaging combat system, and