Release Date: December 1, 2017
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is the third entry in the Xenoblade series. The previous entries were Xenoblade Chronicles for Wii and Xenoblade Chronicles X for Wii U. The new entry isn’t directly related to its predecessors, but similarly to Final Fantasy series it shares some common elements with them, including enemies, available items, attacks and character skills. During the adventure the player assumes the role of a boy named Rex.
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is another entry in the popular series of RPG games developed by Monolith Software. The title was published by Nintendo as a SWITCH exclusive. Similarly to previous entries in the series, the title was directed by Tetsuya Takahashi.
The story told in Xenoblade Chronicles 2 for SWITCH isn’t related in any way to the plot of the first entry in the series. The game takes place in Alrest – a fantasy world covered with a “sea of clouds”. Above these clouds there are Titans, creatures so big that there are whole settlements and vast realms placed on their backs. The whole world is centered on the World Tree – a powerful tree with the mythical Elysium at its top. Since the Elysium is considered a paradise, many factions are fighting each other in order to reach the mythical place before others do it.
Suddenly, Rex, the main protagonist of the game, s the race to Elysium. He was living on the back of one of the lesser Titans when a girl named Pyra asked him for help in reaching Elysium. He decided to help her and started a long and dangerous journey. His actions will place him in the middle of a greater scheme and in the end he will decide the future of the citizens of Alrest.
The events in Xenoblade Chronicles for SWITCH are presented by using a third-person perspective. During the game the player is exploring various locations (on foot and on the back of friendly creatures), completing various quests received from non-playable characters, and fighting enemies by using a vast variety of regular hits and special attacks. The latter require filling a special bar before they can be used. The game also features an expanded character development system that enables the player to increase combat potential of the characters.
In addition to the previously mentioned Rex, during the game the player also controls other characters known as Drivers. Each of them has unique character traits, look and combat skills. They are accompanied by Blades (one of them is Pyra) who can be summoned to the battlefield with “Core Crystals”. These creatures can be considered “living weapons”. Although the player can’t control them directly, their role on the battlefield is important – they the warriors with Blade Arts, powerful abilities that can change the outcome of the battle. They can specialize in offence, defense and healing the allies.
High quality three-dimensional graphics are a strong advantage of Xenoblade Chronicles 2 for SWITCH. The game features unique style and rich colors. A dedicated soundtrack that creates the atmosphere of a great adventure is worth mentioning as well.
Platforms:
Nintendo Switch
Developer: Monolith Soft
Publisher: Nintendo
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List of Game Expansions for Video Game:
Expansion
September 14, 2018
RPG
A stand-alone story expansion to the 2017 jRPG Xenoblade Chronicles 2. The expansion takes place 500 years before the events depicted in the base game and its main character is the antagonist of the previous game.
OpenCritic
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Game Ratings for Xenoblade Chronicles 2 Video Game.
Game is Recomended by 89% of Critics. There are 106 Critic Reviews.
Nintendo Life: 9 / 10 by Thomas Whitehead
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 on the Switch won't disappoint series fans, especially those that love the Wii original (or even experienced it on New 3DS). It's a new cast and world, with some fresh mechanics and ideas, but much is still familiar. The story has high points, the world and its varied Titan lands is intriguing, and it draws you in for many dozens of hours.It's Monolith Soft doing what it does best, albeit without shaking off the occasional flaws of the series. It's ultimately an important part of an incredible launch year for the Switch - a reminder that while system concepts change some things are constant. This is another Xenoblade gem, and a must-have for the most dedicated of adventurers.
God is a Geek: 8.5 / 10 by Mikhail Madnani
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 gives you a massive world to explore with a lovely cast of characters that come together brilliantly, but it suffers on the technical side of things.
GamesBeat: 82 / 100 by Mike Minotti
It's not a technical masterpiece, but Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is a deep and fulfilling JRPG. It's a great game to show just how well this genre works with Nintendo's newest system.
Average score from votes.