Xenoblade Chronicles 3D Reviews
You can go home again after all.
A brilliant example of the RPG genre let down by indistinct graphics
Xenoblade Chronicles is a game that ticks all the right boxes
The first major reason to own a New 3DS
At its core, Xenoblade Chronicles 3D is just as good as the original release. Those that missed out on the chance to play through the Wii version will love the incredible world of Xenoblade, the masterfully told story, and the engaging combat system.
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.
You'll still really feel this game, but it's been visually diminished.
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.
A technically impressive port of a masterly RPG, though the small screen ultimately proves too restrictive for a game of this scope.
However, the only way to truly experience this breathtaking title is to experience it for yourself. And now with this New 3DS version, said experience has gotten a whole lot easier.
Xenoblade Chronicles 3D shrinks an epic RPG into a nifty portable form. Even though the New 3DS' speedier hardware can't make it look quite as good as it does on the Wii, its scope and scale still make it an impressive and deep game that's well suited for play on the go.
Lacking in much in the way of additions – there's not even any real touch-screen functionality – Xenoblade Chronicles 3D is about as straight a port as you could get on Nintendo's portable console, but as someone who often prefers his roleplaying games in a handheld format, I'm not complaining.
Xenoblade Chronicles 3D is translated well from its big brother. While there is a drop in visuals, the gameplay design and delivery that make this JRPG great is still very much intact. The added 3D visuals, superb story and voice acting will make this game worth your time and effort.
I wasn't sure if the transition would succeed, but this port is just as impressive and fun as the original Wii release, so anyone who decides to first experience Xenoblade here won't miss a beat.
This adaptation does a great job of importing that experience to the 3DS but does not do a lot to add to the original experience.
Xenoblade Chronicles is an above-average RPG hamstrung by a really bad port. From the muddy visuals to the barebones interface, it's hardly a visual showcase for the New 3DS. It has merit, and its best qualities still manage to shine through on the small screen, but it's definitely not the optimal way to enjoy one of the more celebrated RPGs of the last generation.
Xenoblade Chronicles was an incredible experience on Wii and it has transitioned beautifully onto New 3DS. Some compression concessions were made in the process, but the underlying quality of the narrative, setting and mechanics ultimately mean the cosmetic blemishes make little difference. Once again cementing its status as a JRPG masterpiece, Xenoblade Chronicles 3D is a game you owe it to yourself to experience.
It is, without a doubt, one of the largest and most spectacular RPG available now on the Nintendo 3DS.
Although muted, Xenoblade Chronicles 3D delivers mostly the same experience that playing the original Wii release would, with the small details suffering the most in transition. If you simply must play this version, it's a worthy port but playing the original release is the better option.
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.