Xenoblade Chronicles 3D Reviews
A brilliant example of the RPG genre let down by indistinct graphics
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.
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 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.
You'll still really feel this game, but it's been visually diminished.
While the New 3DS can't always do justice to what Monolith Soft originally created for their beloved Wii RPG, Xenoblade Chronicles 3D retains almost everything that made the game's original release great—while also making it far more accessible to a wider group of players.
There's simply no other JRPG quite like it.
It's an essential purchase if you're new to the series and love role-playing games, but a harder sell if you've already explored every nook and cranny of the vast and beautiful game world on a bigger and more capable screen.
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.
For a game with so much content, it's at home on a portable screen, even if the 3D isn't anything to write home about. (And at the higher settings is actually pretty painful... like Virtual Boy painful.) Xenoblade Chronicles 3D is an impressive title to add to the 3DS library. Now if only we could get more noteworthy profile, non-port games to portable consoles in general (and the 3DS specifically) that would be greeeeaaaat.
Xenoblade Chronicles 3D is a valiant attempt at bringing an ambitious and expansive RPG to the handheld realm. For the most part it works, but the original undoubtedly shines brighter than this tweaked offering.
In portable form, Xenoblade Chronicles has more room to breathe
Still the best Japanese role-player of the last generation, even if squeezing it down onto the New 3DS does it few favours.
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.
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.
Melding some of the best elements of Japanese and Western RPGs, this is an epic adventure that genre fans would be ill-advised to skip
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.
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.
It's hard not to be impressed by Xenoblade Chronicles, not least because it's rekindled my long-dormant love for a genre of games I thought I'd never be interested in again. It's one of the best JRPGs in a generation, capable of inspiring wonder - and it fits in your hand. It may have been one of the Wii's swansongs but it's a great start for the New 3DS.
Xenoblade Chronicles is a game that ticks all the right boxes