Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition Reviews

Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition is ranked in the 98th percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
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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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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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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9 / 10.0
Jun 5, 2020
Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition - Easy Allies Review video thumbnail
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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May 27, 2020

Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition is the best sort of remaster: its improvements may seem minimal, but it overhauls most of the tedium that once plagued the Wii RPG classic. While some things it can't fix with polish—the too-big environments, the boring side quests, its messy battle system—for fans or curious new players, Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition is easily the best Xenoblade Chronicles out there, even with its annoyances.

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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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92 / 100
May 27, 2020

As the name says, Xenoblade Chronicles Definitive Edition is the best way to play and enjoy this terrific JRPG. But beyond all the welcome changes and QOL improvements, it's impressive how a lot of the original elements (like the story or the combat) are as enjoyable in 2020 as they were in 2011. Monolith Soft truly saw the future.

Review in Spanish | Read full review

9 / 10.0
May 27, 2020

The same work of art of yesteryear, but with an adaptation that sins of being in no man's land: it is more than a remastering, but not enough to be a remake.

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9 / 10
May 27, 2020

Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition is a generous and inspiring remaster, finally bringing the game's visuals in line with its outstanding narrative. It truly feels like this is now the game Monolith Soft always intended it to be, cementing its position as one of the greatest RPGs of all time.

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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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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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IGN Spain
Top Critic
8.8 / 10.0
May 27, 2020

A classic RPG, better and prettier than ever, but with many limitations of its old engine.

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9 / 10.0
May 27, 2020

While I wanted a few more quality of life improvements and would've liked more visual improvements or consistency, what Monolith Soft have put out in Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition is nothing short of spectacular.

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Jun 3, 2020

Coming eight years after the original finally released in the US, Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition truly lives up to its new name as the ultimate version of the game thanks to updated visuals, quality of life enhancements, and even a brand new must play epilogue.

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100 / 100
Jun 7, 2020

Xenoblade Chronicles Definitive Edition is the best version of Monolithsoft's masterpiece. Its additions serve to streamline the experience and make an already great game that much better. Its expansion Future Connected gives some much needed closure on one of the story's best and most complex characters while spicing up the exploration and combat in a fun, new way. If you're not already a fan, this version might just hook you like it has so many others.

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TheGamer
Top Critic
May 31, 2020

The gamers who missed out on a chance to play Xenoblade Chronicles in the past owe it to themselves to try out Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition, which is one of the best action RPGs on the Nintendo Switch. The game has a few niggling design flaws that will annoy people who love jumping straight into the action, but Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition makes up for its slower moments with an engaging combat system and a huge world that begs to be explored.

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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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9.2 / 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

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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