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X Thoughts on the First Hours of Xenoblade Chronicles X

by Neal Ronaghan - November 13, 2015, 7:47 am EST
Total comments: 7

We are several hours into Nintendo and Monolith Soft's latest. How do we feel?

We’re less than a month away from Xenoblade Chronicles X, which thanks to delays, is the defacto major holiday release for the Wii U. The final version is now in our hands, and while you still have to wait a few more weeks (November 30 to be precise) for our review of the North American version (our import review, however, has been up for months), here are 10 (or “X”) thoughts and musings about the first 10 hours of Xenoblade Chronicles X.

  1. The first hour or two is a bit of a slog. It seems like a necessary slog, but especially when compared to the electric opening of the first game, X’s opening is slow as molasses. The overarching plot isn’t that gripping at the start, which is a stark change from the opening of the first one. In general, I’m not terribly encouraged by the main story, but I’m also not sure if that’s a bad thing. There is some promise and mystery in the early chapters, but the primary focus is on exploring the world and completing side quests. This does not seem to be the slow, building beautiful insanity of the previous game. Essentially, Xenoblade Chronicles is a story-based game with some side quests and exploration, whereas Xenoblade Chronicles X is an exploration game with some story.
  2. Graphically, the two Xenoblade games are like two peas in a pod. In spots, X looks muddy and dated, especially when you see any textures or characters up close. But if you just focus on that, you’ll miss the forest for the trees. To me, the way the graphics are seems deliberate; after all, who cares if things are detailed up close when you can just sit back and gaze at the vivid, jaw-dropping landscapes that make up the world of Mira. The first Xenoblade had gorgeous settings on the dated Wii and X takes that style and makes them even more gorgeous and expansive.
  3. The worst “bug” I ran into in close to 10 hours of play was the one time I clipped through a car in the hub world. Aside from longer load times (which should be mostly mitigated by the optional and free Data Packs you can download), the game runs flawlessly.
  4. Combat is familiar but different. Some of the same basic strategies from the first game work here, but X adds enough wrinkles to make it unique. You can switch between ranged weapons and melee weapons quickly, and healing is primarily done through “Soul Voice,” which requires you to time a button press sporadically throughout battles.
  5. The Class system introduced here makes combat more varied. Your created character can rank up in classes, each with their own Arts and abilities. Some of the Arts carry over to other classes, but each rank has a unique loadout and upgrade path that dramatically changes the way you have to play even if you’re using similar Arts. I’ve only messed around with three classes so far, but each one felt very distinct.
  6. While a direct comparison would break down quickly, Xenoblade Chronicles X captures the feeling and vibe of Pacific Rim. The fun butt-rock-like music. The emphasis on mechs (or Skells). The dystopian human society. Everyone might be craving Guillermo del Toro to finally work with Hideo Kojima, but man, if Monolith Soft and del Toro hooked up to make a big open-world Pacific Rim game, I’d die of happiness.
  7. Aside from the pair of Xenoblade games, developer Monolith Soft has also helped a lot with other Nintendo games, chiefly Skyward Sword and A Link Between Worlds. If they can bring any of the majesty of X into Zelda on Wii U, I...I... Like I can’t even string together competent thoughts because I’d be ecstatic if the next Zelda game had a world as gorgeous and expansive as Mira.
  8. Some of the big monsters are freaking terrifying. You can fast travel around the environment and every so often, you’ll wind up standing next to what you think is a tree or a rock. Then you’ll turn slightly and be like “HOLY CRAP IT’S A GIANT LEVEL 70 MONSTERS! AW HELL!” From there, you’ll pray to whatever you find holy, hope that monster isn’t aggro, and get the hell out of Dodge.
  9. The draw distance, dude. The draw distance.
  10. Is it December 4 yet? I was already hyped up for Xenoblade Chronicles X, but actually sitting down and playing it made my anticipation skyrocket off the charts. I had a taste of the sweet nectar for two days before I shipped NWR’s review copy to our reviewer Donald Theriault. It’s going to be a long few weeks before I can go back to Mira and explore.

Talkback

TOPHATANT123November 13, 2015

The clipping through cars is intentional is it not?

Evan_BNovember 13, 2015

It seems like you're pretty down on the game, Neal.

Triforce HermitNovember 13, 2015


I've accepted JRPGs slog in the beginning. If the game can make the intro exciting, then it is exceptional, but that doesn't mean XCX can't match up to the original. We will see. Narrative and Gameplay can sometimes be weighed differently and the product will still be amazing.

The draw distance comment made me laugh  :D

EnnerNovember 13, 2015

I think I'll be okay with the slow start. The premise is about refugees surviving on a new world, so it would a bit ridiculous if huge dramatic action is popping off at the start.


The lesser focus on an over-arching narrative is a bit sad since I really like Xenoblade Chronicles's story wholly and not ironically. However, I've seen more assessments of indifference or apathy to Xenoblade Chronicles's story than I have of appreciation online. Not trying to excuse Xenoblade Chronicles X's decisions, but it makes sense with the premise for the lesser focus on a main story and more focus on a myriad of side tales.

LemonadeNovember 14, 2015

I wish they could have made the faces look less weird in this game. The rest of the game looks amazing.

EnnerNovember 15, 2015

Quote from: Lemonade

I wish they could have made the faces look less weird in this game. The rest of the game looks amazing.

Consequence of the character designer the executive director chose paired with the modeling team. I believe it's the same character designer as the Xenosaga games. They haven't gotten the 3D models to look right from the initial designs.

ejamerNovember 15, 2015


The reason I bought a Wii U is close to arriving. Expectations are high - but everything I've read (limited due to avoiding spoilers) suggests expectations will be met.
;D

Quote from: Enner

...
The lesser focus on an over-arching narrative is a bit sad since I really like Xenoblade Chronicles's story wholly and not ironically. However, I've seen more assessments of indifference or apathy to Xenoblade Chronicles's story than I have of appreciation online. Not trying to excuse Xenoblade Chronicles X's decisions, but it makes sense with the premise for the lesser focus on a main story and more focus on a myriad of side tales.

I agree, even if we are in the minority.

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WiiU

Game Profile

Xenoblade Chronicles X Box Art

Genre RPG
Developer Monolith Software Inc.
Players1
Online1 - 4

Worldwide Releases

na: Xenoblade Chronicles X
Release Dec 04, 2015
PublisherNintendo
RatingTeen
jpn: Xenoblade X
Release Apr 29, 2015
PublisherNintendo
Rating15+
eu: Xenoblade Chronicles X
Release Dec 04, 2015
PublisherNintendo
Rating12+
aus: Xenoblade Chronicles X
Release Dec 05, 2015
PublisherNintendo
RatingMature
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