Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition Reviews

Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition is ranked in the 98th percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
M3
Top Critic
Jun 11, 2020

Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition is an improved version of a 10-year-old role-playing game, originally launched for the Nintendo Wii. It is possible to discuss whether the upgrade is sufficient on all fronts, but at least we get a bit finer environments, new music, improved character models and more thoughtful menus – and not least a whole new chapter. But above all, we get a role-playing game that, if you can forgive some outdated details, even today is one of the best the genre has to offer.

Review in Swedish | Read full review

Drew Leachman
Top Critic
9.5 / 10.0
Jun 24, 2020

Xenoblade Chronicles is a fantastic game. It has some feelings of Final Fantasy XII, but at the same time, feels unlike any other game. The combat is complex and challenging, exploration is both fun and rewarding, and the story and world is something to be seen. Fans of the original game can still have a blast here and people who never tried it before on Wii or 3DS should most certainly pick this one up. This is one of those RPG that will be on top 10 lists for years.

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GameMAG
Top Critic
9 / 10
May 27, 2020

Xenoblade Chronicles is still one of the best games of the genre, which 10 years later continues to delight and surprise with a unique world, luxurious epic landscapes, an incredible sense of freedom, beautiful music and a really interesting story. Of course, it is a pity that the Definitive Edition has a technical limitation in terms of resolution, which does not allow the image to really shine in 2020, but otherwise it is a chic project that every fan of the genre of adventure and Japanese role-playing games should play.

Review in Russian | Read full review

90 / 100
May 27, 2020

Xenoblade Chronicles is, unquestionably, a game that every JRPG fan needs to play. The combat is thrilling and thoughtful, and even though certain regions feel too large and empty, the world is gorgeous and delightful to explore. There is so much to do and see, and so long as you can hold your own in battle, you can advance at any pace you like. Shulk and his friends are unwavering in their optimism and integrity, and they make for a charming and endearing cast with a story that never fails to move and grow. Certain mechanics are a bit confusing and overwhelming to learn, but overall, Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition hits the nail on the head in almost every way and adds up to a beautiful adventure that thoroughly deserves your time.

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May 29, 2020

While Xenoblade Chronicles wasn't perfect and neither is Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition, they are two versions of one great JRPG. Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition lives up to its billing as the de facto best way to experience one of the most criminally underplayed titles of the last decade. With a slew of subtle ease-of-life additions and content that will keep fans hungry for even more, Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition proves that the great ones always find a way to stand up to the test of time.

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9.2 / 10.0
May 27, 2020

Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition is the best version of a masterpiece that has lost none of its charm even after ten years, recommended to both newcomers and veterans.

Review in Italian | Read full review

Dave Aubrey
Top Critic
9 / 10.0
May 27, 2020

While Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition doesn't entirely look like a new game, with remnants of Wii design clear to see, everything else about it stands shoulder-to-shoulder with modern JRPGs. Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition has an explosive story, mesmerizing worlds, dramatic cutscenes, and a lot of heart. If you're a JRPG fan and you haven't played Xenoblade Chronicles yet, you owe it to yourself to give this game a try.

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9 / 10.0
May 27, 2020

I think that, despite showing its age, Xenoblade Chronicles Definitive Edition lives up to being one of the greatest JRPGs in the last couple decades. Its story and gameplay are timeless and, although I was personally overwhelmed by its inventory system, the amount of customizability and freedom that comes with the plethora of gear available makes it highly replay-able to boot. The additional content, including the new Casual and Expert modes, the Time Attack Challenges, and the extra story Future Connected epilogue, makes this the best version of Xenoblade Chronicles available to date, as well as cements it as one of the best values in gaming on the Nintendo Switch.

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GameCrate
Top Critic
9 / 10.0
Jun 29, 2020

Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition brings one of the best Nintendo RPGs to the Switch in grand fashion. The updates are great, and everything that made the original release an outstanding game is still present here.

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Jun 22, 2020

The most impressive thing about the game is still the strength and specificity of its vision.

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Jun 11, 2020

Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition revisits the classic RPG with updated graphics, music, and a brand new chapter. The newly polished experience is an absolute joy for fans old and new.

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93 / 100
May 27, 2020

Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition is a great remastered of one of the bests JRPGs of all time. Future Connected is a must play to all the fans.

Review in Spanish | Read full review

Will Greenwald
Top Critic
May 27, 2020

Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition is a faithful port of the original Wii JRPG, but with a higher resolution and a big, extra campaign.

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9.5 / 10.0
May 27, 2020

Xenoblade Chronicles Definitive Edition is definitely one of the most solid and convincing RPG experiences of the entire Nintendo Switch line-up, as well as a must-have for lovers of the genre.

Review in Italian | Read full review

9.5 / 10.0
May 27, 2020

Xenoblade Chronicles Definitive Edition proves that it is still one of the best examples this genre has to offer. A new coat of paint and smart gameplay changes brings this classic up to date for a new generation of gamers.

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3.5 / 5.0
May 27, 2020

Fans will love everything that Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition has to offer; Future Connected is a solid epilogue, and the quality-of-life improvements in the main game help make it a more palatable experience. But for the newer players, unless a good, solid combat system is all you need for your JRPG experience, this might be a tough one to recommend.

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May 27, 2020

Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition is a triumphant return for a JRPG classic. It doesn't change enough to attract previous doubters, yet enhances the foundations in a number of tremendous ways. It's never looked, sounded or played as good before, meaning it's the perfect time for eager newcomers and familiar adventurers to jump in.

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9 / 10
May 27, 2020

This Definitive Edition transfigures Xenoblade Chronicles through a work both meticulous and respectful to the original. Some aesthetic, tone or even conceptual decisions may divide though, particularly along the additional chapter. Whether necessary or not, this extended conclusion proves interesting in many ways, above all for its deep sense. After the narrative dispersal and mechanics piles from the other episodes, this founding opus recalls the purest expression of Tetsuya Takahashi's saga, hence Monolith Software absolute accomplishment.

Review in French | Read full review

9 / 10.0
May 27, 2020

Ultimately, Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition takes a Wii RPG that was years ahead of its time and gives it new life and the visuals it deserved a decade ago. This is a must-play JRPG full of iconic characters, immersive environments, and addictive combat. There may be some minor technical and visual issues with this re-release, but they're outweighed by the brilliance of the new content and the inarguable timelessness of Xenoblade Chronicles.

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93%
Jun 11, 2020

Even if you've played Xenoblade Chronicles before, the Definitive Edition makes so many meaningful improvements that it's a must play for all fans of JRPGs.

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