I’m not a fan of Japanese Role-playing games at all, having sworn off of them for years. Too much grinding, too many recycled tropes and random enemy encounters. I recently had the misfortune of playing one for review; Xenoblade Chronicles, an older Wii game rejigged for Nintendo’s newest handheld, the New 3DS. And dammit, it was good. It’s out today, and it’s really something you should consider getting, even if you’re not a fan of the genre.
One of the things that surprised me most – aside from the game not being rubbish, of course – is how well suited a 70 hour-long, sprawling JRPG epic is suited to handheld gaming. It’s actually great for jumping in to, running about for a couple of minutes, killing off some enemies and then putting away, which was not something I expected at all. Beyond that though, it’s just a really, really, good game.
Here’s what I said of the game in my review, scoring it an incontheivable 8.8.
It’s hard not to be impressed by Xenoblade Chronicles, not least because it’s rekindled my long-dormant love for a genre of games I thought I’d never be interested in again. It’s one of the best JRPGs in a generation, capable of inspiring wonder – and it fits in your hand. It may have been one of the Wii’s swansongs but it’s a great start for the New 3DS.
I’m not the only one who feels that way, as the New 3DS exclusive currently sits with a nice 87 on Metacritic, and other critics saying stuff like:
“ A sizeable and stunningly diverse world, full of wildlife and fantastical cultures, is admirably recreated for the small screens of the New Nintendo 3DS. Its natural home may be on the TV, but this release gives more gamers an opportunity to set off on a lengthy and dramatic adventure. A brilliant portable version of a true classic, fans of RPGs willing to commit themselves to the task of saving Bionis shouldn’t hesitate to pick this up – it is, quite simply, the biggest world we’ve experienced on such small screens.”
and stuff like this.
“Xenoblade Chronicles 3D is an excellent port of one of the best RPGs of the last generation. It features an emotive story, strong characterisation and an engaging battle system, which combine with an approach to the genre that still feels fresh and innovative. The fact that you can now experience the game whilst on the go is hugely alluring, and while it may not make a New 3DS an essential purchase, it certainly provides a compelling argument.”
And if you have a New 3DS…you really should play it. It’s out today.
Last Updated: April 2, 2015
Pariah
April 2, 2015 at 13:40
Slooooooow news day.
I’m blaming the long weekend.
Umar
April 2, 2015 at 13:41
Fucking ace game. For a Wii game, this totally blew my mind. Still listen to the soundtrack everyday.
Pariah
April 2, 2015 at 13:43
The problem we have in believing you is that you are to JRPGs as teenage girls are to One Direction.
Umar
April 2, 2015 at 13:47
Well, the game is rated very highly 🙂 It has quite the following. Also, I’m not a complete fanboi when it comes to JRPGs, I don’t automatically like every JRPG out there :O
Kensei Seraph
April 2, 2015 at 13:43
There are to many things I need to spend my money on.
Anyone know what the winning Lotto numbers are?
Pariah
April 2, 2015 at 13:44
Yep.
They’re mine.
Kensei Seraph
April 2, 2015 at 13:45
Well then I’ll take next weeks after you’ve emptied this ones a bit.
Should still be enough to cover most of the purchases I need to do.
Valshen
April 2, 2015 at 13:46
1.
Valshen
April 2, 2015 at 13:46
2.
Valshen
April 2, 2015 at 13:47
3.
Valshen
April 2, 2015 at 13:48
But now its
Umar
April 2, 2015 at 13:49
Do you know what time it is, mister?
Valshen
April 2, 2015 at 13:56
Indeed I do:
Umar
April 2, 2015 at 13:48
http://40.media.tumblr.com/e210c35dfe28fc96f525c6dab98ebd17/tumblr_ndm3kb4hN31stq8n7o1_500.png
Valshen
April 2, 2015 at 13:50
I’m really
Umar
April 2, 2015 at 13:54
This by far my fav quote of Riki
Riki: “Sidekicks try hard”
Reyn: “What, who do you think you’re calling sidekicks?”
Riki: “Don’t see anyone else, must be you.”
Pariah
April 2, 2015 at 14:00
I see you.
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l3Nlmz_q9lI/UxfZe84ZCJI/AAAAAAAAFzk/7a81i6CL_PY/s2560/slark-dota-2-wallpaper-1920×1200.jpg
Azure
April 2, 2015 at 14:40
Sticking with my Wii copy right now, prefer the big screen for Xenoblade. I may get it later when I get around to purchasing a New 3DS though.
Geoffrey Tim
April 2, 2015 at 15:41
it IS better on Wii – so no real need to pick up the N3ds version
Azure
April 2, 2015 at 15:44
I agree, wouldn’t mind having it portable though.