ReviewPaul RobertsApril 25, 2025Maxi Geek Review, Switch, Xenoblade Chronicles X, NintendoComment

Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition - Review

ReviewPaul RobertsApril 25, 2025Maxi Geek Review, Switch, Xenoblade Chronicles X, NintendoComment

Just as Xenoblade Chronicles X starts with the end of the Earth, the shiny new Definitive Edition has arrived as the Nintendo Switch is about to be overshadowed by the Nintendo Switch 2. It is great to have another game free of its Wii U prison, but even better to have all of the Xenoblade Chronicle games available on one console.

Two warring alien races battle near the Earth, causing mass destruction and ultimately destroying the planet. Fortunately, the humans were prepared for this event and fled on massive space arks to save civilization, although very few made it past the alien battle. New Los Angeles crashed on a planet named Mira, with many passengers still lost, unknown if they can be rescued. The story begins with your created character being woken/rescued from a pod from the ark that crashed, introduced to the wonderful and very dangerous world the humans now find themselves stuck on. As the humans try to adapt and thrive in their new home, not only do you need to contend with the deadly creatures, but the humans aren’t the only interlopers.

Up front I definitely did not spend much time with the original Xenoblade Chronicles X on the Wii U, although I did sink in some hours. At the time I was yet to really fall down the Xenoblade rabbit hole as far as I have in the years since. Upon starting up Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition I was immediately reminded why I bounced off the original version. To start with you play as a voiceless character, without any real personality in a series that is very much built on character and narrative. In Chronicles X the personality comes from the rest of your team; while you do get to make a fair few decisions on how to respond along the way, your character still feels like they’re just along for the ride.

Returning to the series and returning to Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition, I also got to experience the game in a way I missed out last time. Being much more familiar with the combat mechanics went a long way, but also getting to enjoy the lighter moments and character development when they arise.

The voiceless main character is a big change for the Xenoblade games, although in a way given this was the second released game, it could be said following this they just returned to a main character/s akin to the original XBC. It still retains plenty of that Xenoblade vibe, while also having a very distinct voice of its own. One thing I had forgotten about was that Chronicles X had more British/European accents, with the cast sounding less unique than the other games in the series. Although that said, the setting is on New Los Angeles, and a more American sounding cast makes sense too. One of the voices you can choose for the battle quips and grunts and sounds is that of Adam Howden, otherwise known as Shulk.

It’s not just that the voice work that the series became even more known for feels off here. The charm that the other 3 titles are known for feels very much toned down. Again, it would be unfair to judge this title against the other games in the series, when this was the second game made. If anything it would suggest the following Xenoblade Chronicles 2 & 3 were made how they were in response to feedback from Chronicles X, which is how any series evolves and grows.

Overall the story and characters of Chronicles X grew on me. It didn't take long to get on board with this grand adventure. While it isn’t quite the same as the main numbered games, it feels like a ‘What If’ game where the series took a bigger shift in theme.

One of the big draws to Chronicles X is the mechs called Skells, so It’s unfortunate that it takes around 20-25 hours to get to use them. The Skell are large mechs the humans packed away for the interstellar trip. These large mechs really change up how you can navigate around Mira, getting to previously out of reach spots and just being able to zoom through the world in a speedier bike form. They also make dealing with your average creatures much quicker, while making you more formidable against the bigger beasts. Although you are far from invincible, you really need to keep an eye on your fuel and health otherwise you can wind up falling down a deep financial and resource hole. Some of the quality of life improvements help make dealing with Skells more streamlined, although there is still lots of clunkiness to the mechs implementation. The main issue that plagues the introduction of the Skells is an issue that runs throughout other parts of the games too, and even the series as a whole: information. The Xenoblade games weak point is around introducing game mechanics and information in a timely manner. It can be hours into the game before some useful information is shared, well after it would have been helpful. Then there is also how the information is shared and how much of it is given. The game often errs on the side of giving too little and only in text, which doesn’t always do the information justice.

The Definitive Edition comes with new game content later on. As I hadn't played to the end previously, I can't speak as to how different some of the content is other than there is more around the ending, expanding on the original. The more impactful changes all come down to the quality of life improvements, such as being able to swap out party members or change the time of day in the menu.

The changes I am really thankful for is the ability to change party members by your handy dandy menu. Along with your entire party receiving EXP and levelling up during your adventures, any current day RPG should have this and it helps reduce some of the frustration around the ol’ RPG grind. One last addition I want to shout out is the Quick Cooldown; this feature makes combat move a little faster. While you have your usual Xenoblade cooldown times with your Arts (Special attacks), the QC meter builds and allows you to use Arts before they are ready. I found the meter was generous enough to get in a few extra attacks, allowing me to make the most of buffs to get big damage sooner.

There’s an online component too, although you’ll need Nintendo Switch Online to use it. If you want to get extra rewards and squeeze the most out of this game, then Online will do that. You can either join a random squad or form on with people on your friends list. It’s another part of the game that’s not explained well, but it’s something extra there for those who are keen to take their team online.

Even though Wii U visuals weren’t amazing (still not bad at all), the alien world of Mira was striking. It helped that the game received an optional HD download, although the Switch version goes beyond that. As with the Xenoblade Chronicles 1 remaster/definitive edition, there’s been some visual upgrades including the character models. Mira remains a visual delight as the humans explore this world filled with visually distinct environments. The frame rate is smoother than ever, although not without some hitches. In short this is another pretty looking Xenoblade game.

Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition most importantly gives this formerly Wii U exclusive some time to shine, with some extra polish on top. The quality of life improvements go a long way to sanding down the (really) rough edges, while still leaving enough to not remove what makes this game stand on its own, apart from the other main titles. If you missed out on this the first time round, now’s the best time to change that.