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Xenoblade Chronicles 2

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Xenoblade Chronicles 2
Item: Xenoblade Chronicles 2
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2017

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Open World, RPG, Anime and JRPG, Drama, Single Player

AvailableDec 1, 2017

PlatformNintendo Switch

DeveloperMonolith Soft

Overview

The next adventure is on the Nintendo Switch console set on the backs of colossal, living Titans. Discover each Titan's diverse regions, culture, wildlife, equipment, and hidden secrets. Find, bond with, and command weaponized life forms known as Blades to earn abilities and enhance them. Uncover the history of Alrest and the mystery of its endless ocean of clouds.

Elsewhere

8.5

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

74%

Mixed (50-79)

26%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Xenoblade Chronicles 2 are quite diverse. Many critics praised the story for its depth, complexity, and emotional impact. Attack of the Fanboy commends the game for holding a mirror to the world while crafting its own unique universe, with real-world themes and a wonderful tale to follow. Forbes highlights the intriguing and involved narrative that motivates players to persevere against difficult opponents. IGN Italia describes the story as emotionally impactful, with deep and evolving characters, and a sense of epicness. RPG Fan finds the plot intriguing, emotional, and ultimately satisfying, with a compelling world and mysteries surrounding it. These positive reviews indicate that the story of Xenoblade Chronicles 2 successfully engages players and immerses them in its narrative. However, there are also critics who found the story to be clichéd and filled with anime tropes. Gaming Nexus states that the plot is not anything special and follows familiar tropes of a plucky young hero on a journey to save mankind. Metro GameCentral criticizes the storytelling and dialogue for being weak and full of anime clichés. Telegraph describes the story as derivative and similar to other JRPGs, with mild caricatures of popular tropes from Japanese Anime. These negative reviews suggest that the story of Xenoblade Chronicles 2 may not offer much originality or innovation, relying instead on well-worn narrative elements. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed. While some critics appreciate the depth, emotional impact, and compelling nature of the story, others criticize it for being clichéd and derivative. The positive reviews highlight the engaging and complex narrative, likable characters, and the ability to evoke genuine moments of emotion. On the other hand, the negative reviews focus on the story's reliance on anime tropes, weak dialogue, and lack of originality. It is important to note that despite the criticisms, the majority of the critics still find the story of Xenoblade Chronicles 2 to be enjoyable and satisfying.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics are divided on Xenoblade Chronicles 2's story. Some praise its depth and emotional impact, while others criticize it as clichéd and filled with anime tropes. Positive reviews highlight engaging narrative and likable characters, while negative reviews focus on unoriginality and weak dialogue. Overall, opinions are mixed, with most critics finding the story enjoyable despite its flaws.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

46%

Mixed (50-79)

50%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Xenoblade Chronicles 2 are varied, but there are several positive aspects that stand out. Many critics praise the combat system for its depth and complexity, with mechanics that build upon each other and require strategic choices. Attack of the Fanboy, COGconnected, Forbes, and Gaming Nexus all highlight the engaging and layered combat system, with real-time action, special moves on cooldown, and the importance of timing and switching between Blades. The combat is described as satisfying and enjoyable, with deep progression systems and combo opportunities for the entire party, as mentioned by GamesBeat and MMORPG.com. The exploration aspect of the game is also highly praised, with critics like Attack of the Fanboy and Cheat Code Central commending the amazing art and design work in the world of Xenoblade Chronicles 2. However, there are some negative aspects mentioned by the critics. One common criticism is that battles can feel slow or drag on for too long, even in trivial encounters, as noted by Game Informer and Metro GameCentral. The battle dialogue is also mentioned as repetitive by Attack of the Fanboy. Some critics, such as Game Informer and RPG Fan, find the combat lacking tactically interesting options and the tutorial lacking in explaining the mechanics properly. Additionally, Washington Post criticizes the intricate and unfriendly controls, while Worth Playing mentions minor frustrations with auto-attacking while moving and slow movement speed in battle. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Xenoblade Chronicles 2 offers a complex and immersive combat system with deep progression systems and engaging gameplay. The positive aspects include the depth and complexity of the combat system, the strategic choices it offers, and the satisfaction of mastering its mechanics. The exploration aspect of the game is also highly praised. However, there are some criticisms regarding the slow pace of battles, repetitive dialogue, lack of tactically interesting options, and issues with controls and tutorials. Despite these negatives, the overall sentiment is that the gameplay of Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is enjoyable and offers a significant amount of content and depth for players to explore and engage with.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics praise Xenoblade Chronicles 2 for its engaging combat system with deep progression and combo opportunities, along with stunning world exploration. However, some criticize slow battles, repetitive dialogue, and lack of tactical options. Despite flaws, the game offers immersive gameplay and rich content for players to enjoy.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

52%

Mixed (50-79)

48%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Xenoblade Chronicles 2 are quite varied. Many critics praised the game's visuals, particularly the world design and art style. Attack of the Fanboy commends the "gorgeous vistas" and "amazing looking creatures, structures, and natural environments." Cheat Code Central also highlights the "big, open world that feels alive" with "impressive vistas and screenshot potential" mentioned by Gaming Nexus. The world of Alrest is described as "majestic and wondrous" by Wccftech. The environments are often described as sprawling, lush, and vibrant, showcasing a range of artistic influences and varied organic landscapes, as mentioned by The Sydney Morning Herald and Trusted Reviews. However, there are also criticisms regarding the game's graphics and visual design. Some critics mention technical issues, such as lower resolution and occasional framerate drops. IGN Italia mentions "aesthetic clichés" and Metro GameCentral states that there are no obvious improvements compared to Breath of the Wild. GamesBeat criticizes the character designs and animations, stating that they are "sloppy" and lack emotion. Vooks criticizes the character designs for being overdesigned and bizarre, reducing the impact of emotionally resonant moments in the game. The sexualization of some Blades is also mentioned as a troubling aspect by Game Rant. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Xenoblade Chronicles 2 has visually stunning moments and a beautiful world design. The game's art style, combining modern fairy tale elements and classic anime aesthetics, is praised by Forbes and IGN Italia. The unique and vibrant environments, along with the impressive scale and sense of exploration, are also highlighted by Nintendo Enthusiast and Pocket Gamer UK. However, there are concerns about technical issues, such as lower resolution and framerate drops, particularly in handheld mode. The character designs receive mixed opinions, with some critics praising the anime art style and emotional conveyance, while others criticize excessive sexualization and clunky animations. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment suggests that the game's visuals are captivating and contribute to an immersive experience.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics have mixed opinions on Xenoblade Chronicles 2's Graphics and Visual Design. While many praise its stunning world design and art style, some criticize technical issues like resolution and framerate drops. Character designs receive both praise for emotional conveyance and criticism for being overdesigned and sexualized. Overall, the game offers visually captivating moments and a beautiful world design, but with some drawbacks in technical performance and character aesthetics.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

68%

Mixed (50-79)

26%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The Sound Design and Music of Xenoblade Chronicles 2 has received a generally positive response from the critics. Many reviewers praised the game's soundtrack, with several describing it as phenomenal, fantastic, and perfectly crafted. They highlighted the variety of musical styles, the seamless integration with the gameplay, and the ability of the music to capture the feeling of each environment or purpose. Critics such as Attack of the Fanboy, RPG Fan, and TheSixthAxis specifically mentioned the exceptional quality of the soundtrack, with over one hundred separate pieces that shift from frenetic rock to ambient dance to melancholic piano. The Sydney Morning Herald also commended the game for its extremely impressive orchestral soundtrack. The positive reception towards the music indicates that it successfully enhances the overall experience and sets the tone for the story. However, there were some criticisms regarding the voice acting in Xenoblade Chronicles 2. While some reviewers, such as IGN and Nintendo Enthusiast, praised the English voice acting and considered it excellent, others found it to be hit or miss. Forbes and Trusted Reviews noted that the English dub was decent but mentioned the availability of a Japanese language option, suggesting that the English voiceovers might not have been universally satisfying. GamesBeat pointed out technical problems like sound glitches and crashes, which could potentially affect the overall sound design of the game. MMORPG.com and Worth Playing expressed concerns about repetitive combat voiceovers and uneven voice acting performances, respectively. These criticisms indicate that the voice acting in Xenoblade Chronicles 2 had its flaws and did not consistently meet the expectations of all players. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the Sound Design and Music of Xenoblade Chronicles 2 are well done, despite some shortcomings. The overwhelmingly positive reception towards the soundtrack highlights its exceptional quality and ability to enhance the gameplay experience. The negative aspects, such as the hit or miss nature of the voice acting and technical issues, do not overshadow the overall positive sentiment towards the sound design and music. While some critics had reservations about certain aspects, the majority of reviewers appreciated the efforts put into the game's sound design and music, resulting in a generally favorable assessment of these elements.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics loved the music in Xenoblade Chronicles 2, praising its variety and seamless integration with gameplay. However, opinions on the voice acting were mixed, with some finding it hit or miss. Despite some flaws like technical issues and repetitive combat voiceovers, the overall consensus is positive, with the music enhancing the gameplay experience significantly.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

27%

Mixed (50-79)

73%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The opinions of the critics regarding the voice acting in Xenoblade Chronicles 2 are quite varied. Some critics, such as IGN and The Sydney Morning Herald, praise the English voice acting, with IGN specifically mentioning the excellent performances of the main character and virtually every character in the game. These critics highlight the believable and genuine personalities portrayed by the voice actors, which adds depth to the characters and enhances the overall experience. Additionally, Gaming Nexus commends the handling of the voice acting by unfamiliar voice actors, suggesting that the performances are handled well. However, there are critics who express some negative aspects of the voice acting. Attack of the Fanboy and Pocket Gamer UK mention occasional flaws in the English voice actors, with Attack of the Fanboy specifically pointing out the presence of various accents. Metro GameCentral criticizes the use of badly-acted British regional accents, which they find incongruous with the visuals. Worth Playing and Wired UK also mention mixed performances, with some characters delivering awesome performances while others are half-hearted or cringe-worthy. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in Xenoblade Chronicles 2 has its ups and downs. While some characters are voiced exceptionally well and bring out distinct personalities, there are instances of clumsy delivery, lack of emotion, and occasional cringeworthy moments. The availability of a Japanese voice option, as mentioned by multiple critics including Destructoid and Forbes, provides an alternative for those who prefer the original Japanese dialogue. Despite the mixed opinions, it seems that the majority of critics appreciate the efforts put into the voice acting and recognize its positive impact on the story and characters.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics have mixed opinions on the voice acting in Xenoblade Chronicles 2. Some praise the English voice actors for bringing believable and genuine personalities to the characters, while others criticize occasional flaws and cringeworthy moments. The availability of a Japanese voice option offers an alternative for those who prefer the original dialogue. Overall, while the voice acting has its ups and downs, most critics recognize its positive impact on the story and characters.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

11%

Mixed (50-79)

84%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance on the Nintendo Switch, there are some positive aspects mentioned by the critics. Attack of the Fanboy highlights that while the game may not look as crisp or realistic as AAA titles on other systems, it still performs well considering the lower power nature of the platform. Gaming Nexus also praises the stability of the game, mentioning that there are no micro-transactions to get more Blades. Pocket Gamer UK adds that Xenoblade Chronicles 2 performs well, especially considering its size and scale. These positive comments indicate that despite some limitations, the game manages to deliver a satisfactory technical performance on the Nintendo Switch. On the other hand, there are several negative aspects mentioned by the critics regarding the technical performance on the Nintendo Switch. Forbes points out a noticeable hit in performance when playing in portable mode, which affects the visual experience and may limit enjoyment. Game Informer mentions technical problems such as sound glitches and crashes, as well as the absence of basic amenities like button mapping and multiple save slots. Metro GameCentral highlights issues in docked mode in larger open areas or busy battles, along with an overly complex interface and unhelpful tutorials. The Sydney Morning Herald also mentions a drop in graphical fidelity and resolution in handheld mode. These negative comments suggest that the technical performance on the Nintendo Switch is not without its flaws and can be a source of frustration for players. Overall, the consensus among the critics regarding the technical performance of Xenoblade Chronicles 2 on the Nintendo Switch is mixed. While there are positive aspects such as stable performance, fast loading times, and satisfactory performance considering the platform's limitations, there are also notable drawbacks such as performance issues in certain areas, graphical fidelity drops in handheld mode, and technical problems like sound glitches and crashes. Critics like Destructoid and RPG Fan mention that the technical issues are not major and are relatively infrequent, while others like TheSixthAxis and Telegraph highlight more significant problems with framerate drops and UI elements. It is clear that the technical performance of Xenoblade Chronicles 2 on the Nintendo Switch has its strengths and weaknesses, ultimately leading to a varied opinion among the critics.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics have mixed views on Xenoblade Chronicles 2's technical performance on the Nintendo Switch. Positive aspects include stable performance and no micro-transactions, but negatives like performance hits in portable mode, sound glitches, and graphical fidelity drops in handheld mode also stand out. While some consider the technical issues minor, others point to significant problems like framerate drops. Overall, opinions vary, showcasing both strengths and weaknesses in the game's technical performance on the Nintendo Switch.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

67%

Mixed (50-79)

33%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The majority of the critics agree that Xenoblade Chronicles 2 offers a high level of replay value. The game provides a long and engaging story, filled with adventure, charm, and whimsy, that keeps players engaged for dozens of hours. Attack of the Fanboy highlights the enjoyable side missions and the depth of the combat system, which keeps players learning and unlocking secrets even after ten or more hours into the game. RPG Fan also mentions the game's extensive content, including sidequests, undiscovered Blades, high-powered monsters, and new content on the way, which took the reviewer over 90 hours to complete the main story. Trusted Reviews adds that hardened JRPG fans will love finding every single Blade, indicating the game's appeal to completionists. However, there are some criticisms regarding the replay value of Xenoblade Chronicles 2. Wired UK mentions excessive tutorials, which may disrupt the flow of gameplay and potentially hinder the desire to replay the game. Worth Playing notes that while the game offers a ton of content, customization, and gameplay, it can feel exhausting due to the sheer amount of things to do. This exhaustion may impact the desire to replay the game extensively. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Xenoblade Chronicles 2 provides a strong replay value. The game offers a robust and lengthy experience, with loads of side quests, rare Blades to unlock, and additional paid DLC planned for the future, as mentioned by MMORPG.com. TheSixthAxis praises the ridiculous array of systems and elements to tinker with, providing hours of gameplay. Gaming Nexus highlights the flexibility in allowing different play styles and the massive adventure that appeals to both MMO and JRPG fans. Additionally, Video Chums mentions the abundance of content and optional activities, with over 80 hours to complete the main story. While there are some minor criticisms, the overall sentiment is that Xenoblade Chronicles 2 offers a highly replayable experience that will satisfy fans of the genre.

TL;DR

replay value

Xenoblade Chronicles 2 wows critics with its deep story, engaging gameplay, and extensive content, offering high replay value for JRPG fans. Despite minor criticisms like excessive tutorials and overwhelming content, the game's variety, customization, and upcoming DLC promise hours of immersive play.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

77%

Mixed (50-79)

22%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

Xenoblade Chronicles 2 has received a generally positive reception from critics, with many praising its engaging story, deep combat system, and immersive world. Attack of the Fanboy describes it as a "delightful and fantastic JRPG experience," cementing the Nintendo Switch as a top contender in the console market. Cheat Code Central also commends the game for its accessible gameplay, engaging story, and beautiful graphics, recommending it for both series fans and newcomers. Forbes highlights the game's enjoyable nature regardless of how it is played, although it acknowledges the unfortunate discrepancy in performance between docked and portable mode. These positive reviews emphasize the game's strong narrative, enjoyable gameplay, and immersive visuals. However, there are some criticisms regarding Xenoblade Chronicles 2. COGconnected mentions the game's complex combat systems and menu management, as well as uneven voice acting. Game Informer points out the bloated quests and repetitive combat as drawbacks that bring down the overall experience. Metro GameCentral criticizes the weak storytelling, hands-off combat, and overly complex interface. The Washington Post criticizes the cumbersome controls and interface, hindering the overall enjoyment of the game. These negative reviews highlight issues such as complex mechanics, repetitive gameplay, and technical limitations. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is a solid JRPG experience with a compelling story, deep combat systems, and stunning visuals. Despite some flaws, such as complex mechanics and repetitive quests, the game is highly recommended for fans of the genre and newcomers alike. Critics like RPG Fan and Switch Player consider it a grand adventure and a true successor to the original, while Game Rant praises its combination of the best elements of JRPGs and open-world games. However, it is important for players to consider their own preferences, as Stevivor advises, and be mindful of the game's complex nature and potential technical limitations. Overall, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is seen as a worthy addition to the Nintendo Switch lineup and a must-play for JRPG enthusiasts.

TL;DR

Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is a praised JRPG on the Nintendo Switch with engaging story and deep combat, though some critics mention issues like complex mechanics and repetitive gameplay. Despite flaws, it's recommended for fans of the genre and newcomers.

MONSTER

Reviews

137 reviews found

Cheat Code Central

Nintendo Switch

Jan 1, 1970

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is an accessible game that does a lot of things right. The story is engaging, the gameplay is enjoyable despite some drawbacks, and the graphics create a beautiful and immersive world. It is recommended for fans of the series and newcomers alike.

Video Chums

Nintendo Switch

Jan 1, 1970

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A memorable and impressively epic tale with some downsides

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TheSixthAxis

Nintendo Switch

Jan 1, 1970

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is a phenomenal RPG that builds and expands on the series' staples, while offering a unique and heartfelt adventure. Despite some technical limitations and character design issues, it is a truly incredible piece of work.

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Game Rant

Nintendo Switch

Jan 1, 1970

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is a highly recommended game that combines the best elements of JRPGs and open-world games. It is a must-play for both fans of the series and newcomers.

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Attack of the Fanboy

Nintendo Switch

Jan 1, 1970

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is a delightful and fantastic JRPG experience. Despite some small nitpicks, it is another amazing game for Nintendo Switch, cementing it as a true contender for best console on the market this year.

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IGN Italia

Nintendo Switch

Jan 1, 1970

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is highly recommended, with the reviewer stating that anyone who takes the leap will be satisfied. It is considered a gem in the Nintendo Switch lineup.

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Switch Player

Nintendo Switch

Jan 1, 1970

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is a true successor to the original, refining and improving elements of the series and the genre as a whole. It is one of the greatest RPGs ever made and highly recommended.

Trusted Reviews

Nintendo Switch

Jan 1, 1970

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is an excellent JRPG with a truly extravagant open world begging to be explored. Its in-depth battle system and impressively paced narrative help to deliver a smooth experience, despite its massive run-time.

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RPG Fan

Nintendo Switch

Jan 1, 1970

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is a grand adventure with a compelling story, complex gameplay, stunning visuals, and a phenomenal soundtrack. Despite some flaws in voice acting and technical performance, it is definitely a system seller for the Nintendo Switch.

The Sydney Morning Herald

Nintendo Switch

Jan 1, 1970

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is described as a charming and engrossing long-form adventure, with a satisfying battle system, interesting conflicts, great voice acting, and a positive message of love and harmony between cultures. However, the game's graphical fidelity takes a hit in handheld mode.

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