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Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Editionbrings the least-played entry in Monolith Soft’s four-games-and-counting series of beloved RPGs from the unpopular Wii U to the hyper-popular Switch. In doing so, it stands a very real chance of bringing in just as many new fans as old ones.
X has always been a black sheep for the series. In so many ways, it’s distinct from the numbered trilogy. Therefore, and given the likelihood that there will be plenty of potential first-time players with this much-needed port, we’re jotting down our thoughts on whether Xenoblade Chronicles X is worth the buy - either as a double-dip for Definitive Edition or an inaugural outing for the rest of you.
Review
When TheGamer publishes full reviews of games, we always link to them in this first section of a ‘Worth It’ guide. We don’t have one for Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition, but wedohave thoughts!
Our experience with Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition has beennothing short of superb. The original X was, frankly, a nigh-criminally overlooked JRPG that had the unfortunate fate tolaunch on a platform that did not sell well, therefore confining XCX’s own sales to a minimum.
The game ispacked with quests,its world is vibrant and lush, itscentral themes are satisfying, and it hassome of the finest world building in the medium.
It does come at the cost of asomewhat underwhelming main story, which is notably shorter than Xenoblades 1-3, but Xenoblade Chronicles X has always marched to its own beat. It excels inside content, and there is anunmistakable joy in exploring the alien planet of Mirathat just never gets old.
Specifically regarding Definitive Edition, we could hardly ask for more than what we’ve received here.Lingering plot threads have finally been resolved- it only took ten years and a next-gen port! - andquality-of-life upgrades enhance the experience across the board.
There’s abrand-new regionto explore, too, andfour new party membersto enjoy it with. Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition is a triumph.
Time Expenditure
It can be helpful to know what sort of play time you’re expecting heading into a big RPG like this one, and make no mistake,Xenoblade Chronicles Xisa big RPG.
Main Story Only
If you’re planning onbeelining the main story, don’t expect to do so especially quickly. You’ll still spendaround 60-70 hourson the original version’s narrative, andanother 10 or so for the post-game continuation. 70-80, then, feels like an appropriate estimate.
Main Story And Side Quests
Xenoblade Chronicles X doesn’t truly come alive without itsdozens upon dozens of side quests, including its more in-depthAffinity Quests. We recommend engaging in all of these, and if you come to agree,your clock will read closer to 100-110 hoursby the time you’re finished.
100 Percent
Should your goal prove loftier, and you wish to100 percent Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition, you can track your progress with distinct ease by not onlycompleting all the aforementioned side questsbut alsocommitting to a 100 percent survey of the game’s world, Mira.
This is a full-blown time sink, and you’re looking atapproximately 190 hoursby the time you’re finished.We’ve reduced this from the commonly-cited 200for Definitive Edition, mind you, asthe quality-of-life improvements in Definitive Edition can speed this process up somewhat.
Cost
If you’re in theUnited States, you’re looking at spending$59.99, whether physically or digitally. In fact,there is no Collector’s Editionfor this game, although at least inEurope, anEpic Editionis offered. In the UK, the Standard Edition is£49.99, while theEpic Editionis£57.99.
