When the Wii U first came out, I, like many people, didn't actually understand what the hell it was. The system had literally been out for well over a year before I realized it WAS a new gaming system and not just a Wii peripheral. Unfortunately, this seems to have been a fairly common situation because only now as the Wii U reaches the end of its lifespan are we finally getting games that should have been there right at launch to showcase what this system is and why you want it. Xenoblade Chronicles X is exactly the kind of game that could have carried the Wii U to a broader market and showed developers what they needed to do to really take advantage of the system.
In many games, the second screen inset into the primary Wii U controller is distracting, unnecessary, poorly utilized, or some combination of the three. If you've played Pokken Tournament, you may have even noticed that it can serve as a deliberate handicap when playing local multiplayer. Xenoblade Chronicles X, on the other hand, shows exactly why and how that screen can be utilized to elevate a game to a whole new level. As a sci-fi action game that includes planetary exploration, flying robosuits, and robust combat against foes that range from house cat sized to giant creatures that might snack on Godzilla, there's consistently a lot going on on screen and a relatively limited window through which to view it. By outsourcing the HUD, fast travel functions, and mapping functions to the Wii U controller, Xenoblade Chronicles X frees up as much screen space as possible so you can enjoy the stunning vistas and intense combat free of visual encumbrance.
Xenoblade Chronicles X doesn't just innovate within the medium of the hardware you play it on either, it also has a truly fun and inspired in-game interface as well. Xenoblade Chronicles X both is and is not, an MMO, or perhaps it's more accurate to say that it's as much of an MMO as you want it to be. Want to participate with large groups of players in sprawling and epic public event battles? It does that. Want to play a quiet MMO by yourself without worrying about D4rth_d0ucheb4g running across your screen and spoiling your immersion with his stupid screen name? Xenoblade Chronicles X has you covered there too. As someone who frequently plays RPGs to quietly enjoy the story and loves every Final Fantasy except the MMOs, I appreciate the level of fine control that XBC:X puts in the player's hands when determining how they experience the game.
Speaking of, there is A LOT to experience in this game. As one of the survivors of a crashed colony ship that escaped Earth's destruction at the hands of alien forces, you get to explore a massive world populated by myriad alien creatures, some hostile, some friendly, and some waiting for you to decide what the nature of humanity's relationship with them will be. XBC:X gives you a huge degree of customization in your characters as well; while NPC classes are preset, you still have full control over their gear and can heavily influence their development, and your primary PC can be customized in appearance, development, equipment, party role, etc. The cast of characters who can join your team are so deep, and so expansive, my biggest dilemma with the game was that I would get too involved in relationship development and sidequests and would forget that I should be advancing the main story until I hit relationship events that were gated to later chapters!
To sum up: Xenoblade Chronicles X is a massive, immersive, beautiful game that shows exactly why the hardware it's presented on should exist. It's a sci-fi space opera with mechs, tech, and a deep cast of alien friends and foes, and is possibly one of the best RPGs I've ever played, up there with Xenosaga and Final Fantasy X (maybe not quite an FF7 or ChronoTrigger, but what is?). I cannot recommend this game enough to fans of RPGs, sci-fi, MMOs or the Xeno franchise. Pick it up, you won't be disappointed.
More to consider from our brands
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
Customers who viewed this item also viewed
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
From the manufacturer
Explore an Exotic World and Save Humanity
Fight for survival while exploring the vast expanses of an unknown planet where anything you see is reachable in your weaponized mech, called a Skell. Customize a lethal skill set of combat and defensive skills, called Arts, to strengthen your strategies and defeat enemies efficiently. Attack your enemies from multiple directions using melee weapons, guns, and your greatest asset—your tactical mind.
|
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|---|
ExploreExplore a seamless open world filled with unknown creatures of all sizes. |
RideRide and control a giant mech, called a Skell, to fight against aliens and unknown creatures. |
RecruitRecruit other player’s avatars and use them in the single player story. |
JoinJoin an online squad with other players to battle powerful World Bosses and share information about items, quests and enemies. |
Customer Questions & Answers
Customer reviews
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Reviewed in the United States on November 1, 2016
Platform: Nintendo Wii UVerified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on October 27, 2016
Platform: Nintendo Wii UVerified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on July 19, 2021
Platform: Nintendo Wii UVerified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on April 4, 2018
Platform: Nintendo Wii UVerified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on September 24, 2021
Even if it does work, this is really irritating for someone that could have paid less for the digital version, but bought the physical copy specifically for collecting and value purposes and didn't get what they paid for.
Platform: Nintendo Wii UVerified Purchase
What you get is a gamble.
By Jared N on September 24, 2021
Received the game and it is the UAE version, not the US version as was pictured on the product page. From what I've read this version should still work in a US Wii U, but I haven't tried it yet. If it plays without issue I don't really want to go through the hassle of returning it, so I guess the seller wins on this one.By Jared N on September 24, 2021
Even if it does work, this is really irritating for someone that could have paid less for the digital version, but bought the physical copy specifically for collecting and value purposes and didn't get what they paid for.
Images in this review
Reviewed in the United States on March 31, 2016
Platform: Nintendo Wii UVerified Purchase
Top reviews from other countries
Luis Manuel Ojeda Sanchez
Muy bueno, pero tardado encariñarte con el
Reviewed in Mexico on February 20, 2019Platform: Nintendo Wii UVerified Purchase
Mozart Daniel
Una Experiencia Irrepetible en un Mundo Alterno
Reviewed in Mexico on December 11, 2016Platform: Nintendo Wii UVerified Purchase
Patrick
Best game I've played for years
Reviewed in Canada on March 15, 2016Platform: Nintendo Wii UVerified Purchase
Amazon Customer
A real gem for the Wii U!
Reviewed in Canada on July 22, 2016Platform: Nintendo Wii UVerified Purchase
Arafinwe Ingalaure
A must have on WII U
Reviewed in Canada on January 18, 2016Platform: Nintendo Wii UVerified Purchase
