Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition Review: Monolith Soft’s Sci-Fi Masterpiece Reborn on Nintendo Switch

Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition Review: Monolith Soft’s Sci-Fi Masterpiece Reborn on Nintendo Switch The long-awaited Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition has landed on the Nintendo Switch, offering JRPG fans and newcomers alike the definitive way to experience Monolith Soft’s ambitious open-world epic.

Originally released for the Wii U in 2015, Xenoblade Chronicles X charmed critics and players with its immense world, rich narrative, and a complex battle system, quickly becoming one of the genre’s modern classics.

Now, nearly a decade later, the game returns with a wealth of quality-of-life enhancements, additional content, and visual upgrades, aimed at delivering the ultimate version that fans have been clamoring for on modern Nintendo hardware. Set in July 2054, Xenoblade Chronicles X opens as Earth faces annihilation, caught in the crossfire between warring alien factions.

With the planet reduced to ashes by overwhelming firepower, humanity’s last hope lies in the Earthlife Colonization Project—codenamed Project Exodus.

Although most arks were lost in the chaos, a fortunate few escape Earth’s destruction, among them the White Whale.

After two years of searching for a new home, disaster strikes again as the White Whale is pursued and forced to crash-land on the mysterious planet Mira. Despite this grim premise, the title is celebrated for its sweeping sense of hope and exploration.

Monolith Soft’s tale of humanity’s perseverance in the face of extinction is underpinned by innovative gameplay.

The vast, seamless world of Mira—spanning verdant plains, dense jungles, amber deserts, crystalline landscapes, and erupting volcanoes—remains a technical marvel, now enhanced for the Nintendo Switch’s hybrid format.

The transition away from the Wii U’s GamePad second-screen interface allows for more intuitive controls and a clearer, more accessible world map system, breaking down objectives into a satisfying hex grid that rewards player curiosity. This Definitive Edition delivers substantial upgrades, living up to its name.

Players will notice improved character models, a more user-friendly UI, and thoughtfully adjusted gameplay systems—including the removal of the previous level cap and brand new story content.

New party members, such as Skell test pilot Liesel and Qlurian archaeologist Neilnail, join the roster, while a Samurai-inspired Skell design, the Hraesvelg, expands customization options.

These enhancements, coupled with streamlined mission tracking and menu navigation, make Mira’s challenges both approachable and gratifying. The game’s mission structure accommodates a variety of goals, ranging from main story quests and Affinity missions to quirky side stories and challenging Tyrant battles.

The joy of surprise discoveries and meaningful side content ensures that every hour spent has tangible purpose, aided by revamped menus and color-coordinated icons for easy mission management. Combat remains a highlight, with a flexible class system and a diverse arsenal of melee and ranged weaponry.

Strategic depth is delivered through synergetic party skills, Soul Voice mechanics, and powerful Overdrive states, with new additions like Quick Cooldown—granting more dynamic and responsive battles—positioning the game as a leader among Switch RPGs.

Unlocking and piloting Skells, customizable mechs, is as exhilarating as ever, giving players unparalleled freedom to traverse Mira’s awe-inspiring vistas. While Monolith Soft’s choice to offer a silent protagonist has divided opinion, the title still shines for its ensemble cast—Elma, in particular, remains a standout favorite among fans—and its rich world-building.

Although progression can feel deliberate, especially when leveling and preparing for late-game challenges, the pacing is well-suited to the high-stakes nature of Mira’s hostile wilderness. Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition gives this grand space opera the second chance it deserves, opening Mira’s wild expanse to a broader audience through the Nintendo Switch’s portable and home modes.

Monolith Soft’s technical and creative achievement remains clear, cementing the game’s legacy among the finest sci-fi RPG adventures. Version Tested: Nintendo Switch Release Date: [TBD or insert release date as appropriate] Developer: Monolith Soft Publisher: Nintendo

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