Xenoblade Chronicles 2 stands as a monumental entry in the role-playing genre, available exclusively on the Nintendo Switch. Released on November 30, 2017, this sprawling open-world adventure invites players into a world where life exists on the backs of colossal, living Titans. Directed by Tetsuya Takahashi, the game is part of the loosely connected "Xeno" lineage of RPGs, offering a massive narrative experience that demands time and immersion.

Story and Setting: A World on the Brink

The world of Alrest is an endless ocean of clouds where humanity survives by riding the backs of giant beasts known as Titans. Each Titan hosts distinct cultures, diverse wildlife, and unique regions waiting to be explored. The narrative follows Rex, a scavenger and the last hope for his people, who forms a bond with Pyra, a living weapon known as a Blade. Together, they embark on a perilous journey to find the fabled paradise Elysium, the home Pyra calls hers. Rex's motivation is deeply personal; driven by a positive outlook and a desire to repay Pyra for saving his life, the 15-year-old protagonist presses forward despite being in over his head.

As Rex and his eclectic cast of allies traverse Gormott Province and beyond, players will uncover the history of Alrest and demystify its cloudy past. The game features a large cast of characters, including weaponized life forms called Blades, who join the party and contribute to the unfolding mystery of the world's impending doom.

Gameplay Mechanics and Combat

Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is defined by its expansive exploration and strategic combat system. Players navigate vast open areas and labyrinthine corridors to discover treasure, secret paths, and creatures to battle and index. A core pillar of the gameplay is the "Blade" system. Rex can find, bond with, and command these allies to enhance his power and access their special abilities.

  • Bonding and Fusion: Strengthen relationships with Blades to increase their capabilities. Advanced interactions allow for fusion combos, adding depth to character development.
  • Driver Combos: The battle system relies on timing and strategy. Players utilize Driver combos and specials to coordinate attacks with their party.
  • ARTS System: Each Blade possesses special ARTS that players can equip. These powerful abilities are crucial for devastating enemies and managing combat flow.

While the navigation in areas like Gormott Province can sometimes be challenging, the sense of scale is undeniable. The environment reveals, combined with composer Yasunori Mitsuda's swelling score, create moments of immense wonder as cramped corridors open into rolling veldts filled with a menagerie of monsters.

Notable Features

  • Sprawling Open World: Explore diverse regions across the backs of Titans, each offering unique environments and challenges.
  • Massive Cast of Blades: Collect and customize a wide array of weaponized life forms, each with distinct personalities and combat styles.
  • Side Content: The game offers numerous side quests and peripheral systems. Unlike its spiritual ancestors, side quests are not strictly mandatory for leveling, allowing for a more flexible playstyle.
  • Cinematic Presentation: The game features perfectly timed music and environmental storytelling that emphasize the sheer immensity of the world.

Who Should Play Xenoblade Chronicles 2?

With a Metacritic score of 83.00 and a reputation for being an ambitious, big-hearted experience, this title appeals to fans of deep RPGs and epic narratives. It is ideal for players who enjoy getting lost in massive worlds, investing time in character relationships, and engaging in strategic combat. While the game is a mess in a lot of ways, its design encourages a leisurely pace, rewarding those willing to soak in the world and its intricate lore. Fans of the broader Xeno series and newcomers alike will find a compelling adventure in the search for Elysium.