{"id":1466,"date":"2016-01-28T19:47:00","date_gmt":"2016-01-28T18:47:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.senses.se\/en\/review-xenoblade-chronicles-x-wii-u\/"},"modified":"2025-06-16T19:19:22","modified_gmt":"2025-06-16T17:19:22","slug":"review-xenoblade-chronicles-x-wii-u","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.senses.se\/en\/review-xenoblade-chronicles-x-wii-u\/","title":{"rendered":"Review: Xenoblade Chronicles X (Wii U)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Monolith Software delivers an ambitious and visually stunning role-playing game of immense scale, which, at times, borders on overwhelming complexity.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

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The estimated playtime for Xenoblade Chronicles X<\/em><\/strong> easily exceeds 100 hours. Alongside The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt<\/em><\/strong><\/a> and Fallout 4<\/em><\/strong><\/a>, it stands as one of the titles we dedicated the most time to during 2015, contributing to the delay in this review. This Japanese role-playing game, succeeding Xenoblade Chronicles<\/em> on Wii and its 3D iteration on 3DS, is undeniably massive. To illustrate, the game world’s area surpasses the combined maps of all regions in The Witcher 3<\/em> threefold. The sheer scale is remarkable.<\/p>\n

Xenoblade Chronicles X<\/em> is set in a future where humanity, having lost Earth, searches for new habitable planets. These planets present a picturesque facade but are fraught with hostile entities. Players customize their characters, selecting appearance and name. A new feature introduces dialogue choices, though their impact on narrative outcomes appears limited. Xenoblade Chronicles X<\/em> embraces its Japanese RPG roots, incorporating familiar elements like sidekicks and extensive dialogue. Influences from classics such as Final Fantasy<\/em> are evident in its advanced, real-time combat system, as well as upgrade mechanics, inventories, and numerous side quests.<\/p>\n

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A defining characteristic of Xenoblade Chronicles X<\/em> is its demand for patient and considerable time investment. This contrasts with the typical “Nintendo-like” experience, where games are often intuitive and easily accessible. Approaching Xenoblade Chronicles X<\/em> with this mindset can lead to frustration. Players should consult the approximately 50-page e-manual to grasp the nuances of the battle system. Furthermore, dedicating the initial 4-5 hours to progressing the story and leveling characters is crucial to effectively confronting the game’s bosses. The rewards scale directly with the time invested. This title is not a casual experience; those seeking short, intermittent play sessions should consider alternatives.<\/p>\n

The introduction of Skells, or Mecha-Robots, marks a significant highlight. These mechanical units elevate the gameplay, enhancing both combat and traversal across the expansive environments. Xenoblade Chronicles X<\/em> showcases some of the most impressive visuals on the Wii U, with imaginative environments, flora, and fauna. The world features a diverse range, from neon-colored miniature dinosaurs to towering mountains, dense forests, and colossal fantasy creatures. Unfortunately, the sound design is less consistent. Well-composed pieces reminiscent of classical piano are interspersed with jarring, cacophonous tracks that loop continuously. The Wii U’s gamepad provides precise control, contributing to tight and responsive battles. With a stable 30 fps frame rate, immersing oneself in the story allows hours to pass unnoticed.<\/p>\n

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However, at times, Xenoblade Chronicles X<\/em> feels excessively large, challenging, and occasionally cumbersome in its mission design. The vast explorable area does not inherently equate to engaging gameplay. A more concise, well-crafted 20-hour experience might be preferable to an 80-100 hour playthrough dominated by grinding. While value for money is a consideration, many modern games exhibit a tendency toward unnecessarily sprawling worlds filled with “things to do,” which most players will realistically never complete. The Assassin’s Creed<\/em> series has followed a similar trend in recent years, populating cities with side quests that often become repetitive or vary significantly in quality. The allure of an “infinite” game may be appealing, but there is a point where the adage “less is more” rings true. Despite its numerous merits, Xenoblade Chronicles X<\/em> ultimately feels unnecessarily expansive and, at times, overly ambitious.<\/p>\n