Is Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition Worth It?

Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition brings the least-played entry in Monolith Soft’s four-games-and-counting series of beloved RPGs from the unpopular Wii U to the hyper-popular Switch. In doing so, it stands a very real chance of bringing in just as many new fans as old ones.

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X has always been a black sheep for the series. In so many ways, it’s distinct from the numbered trilogy. Therefore, and given the likelihood that there will be plenty of potential first-time players with this much-needed port, we’re jotting down our thoughts on whether Xenoblade Chronicles X is worth the buy – either as a double-dip for Definitive Edition or an inaugural outing for the rest of you.

Review

Our experience with Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition has been nothing short of superb. The original X was, frankly, a nigh-criminally overlooked JRPG that had the unfortunate fate to launch on a platform that did not sell well, therefore confining XCX’s own sales to a minimum.

The game is packed with quests, its world is vibrant and lush, its central themes are satisfying, and it has some of the finest world building in the medium.

It does come at the cost of a somewhat underwhelming main story, which is notably shorter than Xenoblades 1-3, but Xenoblade Chronicles X has always marched to its own beat. It excels in side content, and there is an unmistakable joy in exploring the alien planet of Mira that just never gets old.

Specifically regarding Definitive Edition, we could hardly ask for more than what we’ve received here. Lingering plot threads have finally been resolved – it only took ten years and a next-gen port! – and quality-of-life upgrades enhance the experience across the board.

There’s a brand-new region to explore, too, and four new party members to enjoy it with. Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition is a triumph.

Time Expenditure

It can be helpful to know what sort of play time you’re expecting heading into a big RPG like this one, and make no mistake, Xenoblade Chronicles X is a big RPG.

Main Story Only

If you’re planning on beelining the main story, don’t expect to do so especially quickly. You’ll still spend around 60-70 hours on the original version’s narrative, and another 10 or so for the post-game continuation. 70-80, then, feels like an appropriate estimate.

Main Story And Side Quests

Xenoblade Chronicles X doesn’t truly come alive without its dozens upon dozens of side quests, including its more in-depth Affinity Quests. We recommend engaging in all of these, and if you come to agree, your clock will read closer to 100-110 hours by the time you’re finished.

100 Percent

Should your goal prove loftier, and you wish to 100 percent Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition, you can track your progress with distinct ease by not only completing all the aforementioned side quests but also committing to a 100 percent survey of the game’s world, Mira.

This is a full-blown time sink, and you’re looking at approximately 190 hours by the time you’re finished. We’ve reduced this from the commonly-cited 200 for Definitive Edition, mind you, as the quality-of-life improvements in Definitive Edition can speed this process up somewhat.

Cost

If you’re in the United States, you’re looking at spending $59.99, whether physically or digitally. In fact, there is no Collector’s Edition for this game, although at least in Europe, an Epic Edition is offered. In the UK, the Standard Edition is £49.99, while the Epic Edition is £57.99.

The Epic Edition includes the following:

• The game
• A polyester desk mat featuring blueprints of a Skell
• Five holographic stickers, each representing a particular Skell

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