Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition brings significant enhancements to the original Wii U title, featuring avatar customization, improved graphics, and reduced loading times. Although it retains some frustrating limitations regarding audio settings, character design has seen notable upgrades, including detailed facial features and inspired hairstyles. While the remaster offers a fresh experience for both new players and veterans, some technical quirks remain, leaving fans eagerly anticipating its full release on March 20.
The Evolution of Xenoblade Chronicles X
The Xenoblade franchise has firmly established itself within the Nintendo ecosystem, especially known among Switch enthusiasts for its stellar trilogy and standalone adventures that create a unified narrative. However, the scenario was quite different back in 2015 when Xenoblade Chronicles X launched on the Wii U. This sequel ventured into uncharted territory, emphasizing exploration in a vast open world through a player-customized avatar, infused with strong science fiction elements, while stepping away from the philosophical themes of its predecessor and introducing a multiplayer aspect. Despite all entries being available on the hybrid console, this title remained a notable exclusion, being one of the last significant games confined to a less successful platform. Thus, the announcement of its Definitive Edition for the Switch was met with enthusiasm, especially with hints of new narrative content. With its release set for March 20, we had the chance to experience version 1.0.1 firsthand, allowing us to share our initial impressions.
Avatar Customization and Technical Enhancements
As mentioned during the announcement, the Switch version is based on the Western release. While it retains the Japanese voice acting, there’s a minor but frustrating detail for fans. Upon launch, the title screen greets players, prompting an immediate visit to the Settings to switch audio options. Unfortunately, this change can only be made after starting the game, meaning the introductory cinematic and Elma‘s initial dialogue are only available in English. Once players can navigate, changing the audio setting is possible, but it also requires re-selecting the character’s voice. This limitation may frustrate players, especially since there’s no dedicated section to replay cinematics, unlike previous entries in the series.
Next, we dive into the avatar creation process, which can be quite time-consuming due to the focus on facial customization. The interface has been streamlined for easier navigation, yet some odd design choices leave users puzzled, such as the lack of close-ups during certain customization stages. The only adjustable feature is height, with no sliders for body parts, which might disappoint players hoping for a more detailed customization experience. Fourteen presets are available for each gender, but certain hairstyles are still tied to these presets, potentially alienating new players. It would have been beneficial to have a more intuitive editor from the start.
Despite the initial challenges, players can appreciate the enhancements made to character design. The redesign of faces is notable, with improved details that align more closely with the trilogy’s aesthetics. Shading techniques highlight facial features better, and hairstyles now exhibit a higher level of detail with various color combinations. Players can even access hairstyles inspired by popular characters like Pyra and Nia, adding an exciting layer to character customization. New face paint options, including the Monado logo, present even more personalization opportunities. Moreover, NPCs and allies like Elma shine with enhanced visuals.
From a technical standpoint, Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition boasts significantly reduced loading times and improved graphics. The difference is immediately apparent, especially on a 4K display, making exploration of New Los Angeles and the stunning landscapes of Mira a visual delight. In Portable mode, the game’s beauty is equally impressive, complemented by a clear interface. Although the systems may seem overwhelming at first, additional tutorials and improvements to the mini-map make navigation easier. However, some persistent issues, like motion blur during camera movement, may require players to adjust their playstyle. The game also retains some quirks, such as passing through enemies in the environment.
In summary, while Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition brings many enhancements and a fresh experience to both new and returning players, certain aspects may still evoke mixed feelings. As fans eagerly await its full release, the excitement for this remaster continues to grow.