Xenoblade Chronicles 3D Reviews
Xenoblade Chronicles is a game that ticks all the right boxes
Xenoblade Chronicles belongs to one of three titles that gamers have fought to bring over to the US, and feels like a crowning achievement to have actually succeeded. When it debuted on the Wii on 2012, it surprised a lot of gamers with its forward thinking mechanics, a relatively fun combat system, some extremely deep gameplay systems, and its sense of scale. This was easily one of the biggest JRPGs on a console that was an entire generation behind, and it delivered on nearly all fronts. Fast forward to 2015, with the release of an updated 3DS model which adds some extra processing power and Xenoblade Chronicles 3D being the system's first exclusive game, utilizing that power, and you have the perfect reason to either dive back into this fantastic game, or perhaps experience for the first time.
As a game, Xenoblade is still one of the best JRPGs available in years, and on that front, any fan of the genre who's never played it should buy it immediately if there's a new 3DS in the house. As a port, however, it's a less than stellar job, and people spoiled on improved remasters of old games are in for an unpleasant surprise.
Xenoblade Chronicles earned its cult status on the Wii, and the New 3DS version makes it much more widely available. Aside from a visual downgrade, the handheld port is worth your time.
Very strong title to add to the Nintendo 3DS's library. Lots to do, pleasing gameplay, and decent visuals. Battle system is more than just an average RPG, has more complex elements that makes for some truly unique scenarios. Definitely deserves a purchase at some point but will require dedication and time to truly enjoy.
But everything is something you might want to do in this game, as it is all so much fun to discover. Combat manages to stay fresh over the 50-60 minimum hours required to finish the story, and the story is great at carrying you through any lulls. Xenoblade Chronicles 3D might not be the best version of this modern-day classic, but it's a satisfactory way to play one of the boldest, biggest games in recent memory.
Xenoblade Chronicles 3D doesn't really belong on the Nintendo 3DS. In fact, Nintendo would have been better off going the other way and doing a "HD" version for the Wii U in the lead up to the next Monolith Software release on that console. But, that aside, this is a classic game, and having that experience on the go is not a bad bonus reason to purchase the New Nintendo 3DS.
Tetsuya Takahashi and his team at Monolith Soft put a lot of passion and care into Xenoblade Chronicles and Monster Games has done a phenomenal job porting it to the New Nintendo 3DS platform. The journey that Shulk takes is a very well-told classic tale of a hero's journey and it's filled with a cast of memorable and likeable characters. Xenoblade Chronicles 3D is a complete package from beginning to end, wrapped around a very deep and intricate combat system that has a lot of potential for those who like a bit of thinking in their fights. For such a huge and long game, there is very little fat or filler since the adventure has all kinds of conveniences to never waste time. It is loaded with detail and heart for every character, while introducing some original ideas of its own. Is Xenoblade Chronicles 3D perfect? Almost - it's held back by a few lacking visual flourishes and some examples of goofy animation, and for a port it could have had some other substantial additions, as well as flaccid use of 3D. One of the most engrossing titles of the eighth generation is back and is now the most engrossing game on a portable platform.
Xenoblade Chronicles 3D makes the promise of the New 3DS' power a reality. It's marvelous to play such a huge game on a handheld, although it could have been a bit sharper. Nonetheless, this game is the same blockbuster as it was years before.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
"Wii masterpiece looks almost as good on New 3DS,"
Review in Finnish | Read full review