Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition Reviews

Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition is ranked in the 98th percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
8.5 / 10.0
May 27, 2020

Xenoblade Chronicles was a gem on the Wii and a good add to RPG collections even on the New Nintendo 3DS. We praised the 3DS re-release for its ability to be enjoyed on the go — something that’s great for any long-running RPG, to be honest — and the Switch version’s able to do that while adding a new coat of paint and content at the same time. The end result makes it an easy recommendation to Switch players and RPG fans alike.

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IGN Italy
Top Critic
9 / 10.0
May 27, 2020

Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition is a great JRPG, with a well told story, elemental gameplay and a dazzling world to explore. The massive epilogue, the excellent graphic upgrade and the lightening of some mechanics, make it a highly recommended game even for those who have already explored the original. If you know how to go beyond some hesitation in the pace and a video resolution not always up to date, you'll have in your hands a great JRPG.

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May 27, 2020

While certain elements haven’t aged as gracefully such as it’s bland quest design and sparse open world, quality of life improvements set to make the adventure as fluid and accessible as possible. If you’ve ever been interested in the series, this is the perfect entry point for a sweet and engaging adventure. Veteran players will no doubt find much to love in the expanded story with Future Connected.

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Alex Donaldson
Top Critic
May 27, 2020

It’s true that some of the original game design frustrations remain untouched and performance is solid but sadly not perfect. These things barely matter, though; Xenoblade Chronicles Definitive Edition is easily a must-own for any RPG fan with a Switch.

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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

Travis Northup
Top Critic
8 / 10.0
May 27, 2020

The new Future Connected story chapter isn’t particularly inspired, but the impressive graphical overhaul and welcome (if small) quality-of-life improvements make this the best version of Xenoblade Chronicles we’ve ever had.

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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

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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9 / 10.0
May 27, 2020

Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition is without a doubt, the best way to experience Shulk's story and manages to earn a place as a standout title in the Switch's overall library

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May 27, 2020

It's a little disappointing that the developers didn't take this opportunity to tackle some of the superfluous stuff that is at odds with the better elements, and I've yet to be won over by the new narrative arc and whether it does anything to actually build on what was already a perfectly dense work. However, the core of the game is that powerful that the main reason to buy into this - that visual re-working - is more than enough to be worthwhile in itself.

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9 / 10
May 27, 2020

Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition's appearance on the Switch has been a long time coming, but it couldn't have come at a better moment. It's the sort of immersive, feel-good experience that gels well with a modern quarantined life. It begs to be lost in, and boasts a phenomenal story, memorable characters, and a beautiful world to explore. Not even the periodically clunky combat can get in the way of that.

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Recommended
May 27, 2020

More an expanded re-release than a remaster, the quality of the original Xenoblade Chronicles shines out in this generous package.

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9.5 / 10.0
May 27, 2020

A gorgeous, dense JRPG classic made richer and more beautiful with a seriously impressive makeover and a suite of new features. This is how you do a remaster.

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9 / 10
May 27, 2020

A modern classic reborn on Nintendo Switch, this is the best version of the best game from Monolith Soft.

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9 / 10
May 27, 2020

Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition makes smart updates to the original game while adding a fantastic new epilogue that makes the journey well worth taking a decade later.

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Metro GameCentral
Top Critic
9 / 10
May 27, 2020

One of the best Japanese role-players of last generation is still one of the best on current formats, with an excellent remaster that includes a generous amount of new content.

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8 / 10.0
May 27, 2020

After bouncing so hard off Xenoblade Chronicles 2, I really hoped that the Definitive Edition of this first game in the series might show me why the franchise has such a dedicated fan base. While it took a while to warm up to, by the end of the story I was absolutely invested in the ridiculous story of Shulk and his friends as they fight for the future of their world.

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9.5 / 10.0
May 27, 2020

Even if it didn't have an extra chapter to conquer, Xenoblade Chronicles Definitive Edition deserves a third release. The Switch version has united this modern classic with the TV mode of the Wii original and the fully portable nature of the New 3DS edition. It's truly definitive.

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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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9.5 / 10.0
May 27, 2020

Sure, there were likely some expecting a grander visual overhaul, but that doesn't take away from the care put into the package. There is even an additional dozen-hour epilogue if you're in the mood for more Xenoblade. All in all, I am just happy that the game still grips me as much as before. Definitive Edition makes me remember why I love Shulk, his world, and all the wonders that come along for the ride.

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