One of the most anticipated RPGs for the Nintendo Switch this year came in the form of a Xenoblade Chronicles remaster. Yes, the original game on Wii was just that memorable and epic. With its wondrous settings, charming characters, and uniquely fun combat, this quickly became one of the most renowned RPGs of the last decade. Still, the game wasn’t without its blemishes and limitations; not surprising given that the original release is now a decade old. But Monolith Soft has truly outdone themselves with this impressively polished and beefed-up remaster for Switch.
Not only are there a number of enhancements and QoL refinements, but there’s also additional content for longtime fans to enjoy. This list will highlight the 10 significant changes and additions that can be found in Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition.
10 Remastered And Remixed Soundtrack
One of the most memorable attributes of Xenoblade Chronicles is its soundtrack, composed by Manami Kiyota, Yoko Shimomura, and musical production group ACE+. While there was no shortage of serenading melodies in the original game, Wii’s relative limitations didn’t allow some of these tracks to shine as much as they could have.
Not so in this new-and-improved version, which offers remixed and remastered versions of the same recognizable tunes from the original game. With the improved hardware and leap from 32 KHz to 48KHz, the music sounds clearer, fuller, and more dynamic than ever.
9 Improved Resolution And Visual Overhaul
As one might expect with a remaster of a decade-old title, Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition really stands out with its visual improvements. The majestic worlds of the Bionis and Mechonis really pop here, thanks to the Switch’s ability to display a crisp 1080p when docked, and 720p in handheld mode. The frame rate is also reportedly more stable and the game opts for frame skipping instead of slowing things down completely.
The art style is also tweaked somewhat to fall more in line with the vibrant, cartoony visuals of Xenoblade Chronicles 2. This allows for a more stylized and less muddled look as a whole.
8 Auto-Run
Fans are likely to remember the vast, expansive landscapes that comprise much of the Bionis and Mechonis environments. Often times, the simple act of getting from one locale to another could prove to be quite an endeavor.
This time, Monolith Soft has streamlined this process and made it simpler by including an easy-to-use auto-run mechanic. This allows Shulk to trek across these large environments automatically, without breaking a sweat.
7 Time Attack Mode
The appeals of this revamped version of Xenoblade Chronicles extend beyond mere QoL refinements. In fact, Monolith Soft has also included some additional content and varients on the gameplay.
One of the most interesting examples on this front is the new Time Attack Mode. This feature - accessible after the events of Colony 9 - allows players to partake in time trials. These consist of various set waves of foes and are rated based on overall performance in battle. Successful completion of these yields a unique currency called Noponstone, which can be traded for unique armor items and gems.
6 Battle System Refinements
They say “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” and there’s certainly little that’s broken when it comes to the exciting battle system of Xenoblade. Thankfully, Monolith Soft doesn’t mess with things too much on this front, though they do implement a few subtle, but useful, changes.
The general layout and interface are cleaned up and elements like status effects/buffs are made more clear. The ever-critical player positioning is now communicated visually, so you’ll know when a move like Back Slash is initiated.
5 Clearer Map Markers And Guides
One of Xenoblade’s (few) criticisms came in the form of navigation - namely the ambiguity and convoluted nature of locating targets and items for quests. This is now alleviated with the addition of waypoints for selected side quests, and clear map markers for most significant items.
Finding a particular objective or seeking out a slew of materials no longer has to be a wild goose chase of wandering around for minutes and coming up empty.
4 Colony 6 Reconstruction
The cleaner, more streamlined UI extends to the Colony 6 portion, which is a degree less convoluted and complex. Now, players are shown exactly what materials and money is needed directly from the menu, rather than being forced to chat with people within the settlement.
Given the wealth of information needed for these tasks, it’s certainly useful to have them all neatly logged and able to be accessed at a moment’s notice.
3 Fashion Gear System
As it happens, Xenoblade actually borrows a nifty feature from the Wii U’s lesser-known Xenoblade Chronicles X, as well. Specifically, it’s the ability to change one’s appearance without being forced to change the effects of the gear being used. This is achieved via the Fashion Gear system.
Now, Shulk and company can be made to look as stylish as you want without sacrificing strength or ability from other gear in battle.
2 New Difficulty Modes
Xenoblade now provides more versatility in terms of difficulty. This means that newbies and veterans alike can maximize their enjoyment of this epic RPG. Not only is there a new “Casual Mode” for newcomers on Switch, but those who have already burned through the Wii game can really test their skills with the new Expert Mode.
This mode cranks up the difficulty and allows players to stockpile XP. Moreover, XP is limited to battles, and players can choose to change their character’s level within the range of experience they’ve earned. This can be flipped on or off with ease during the game.
1 Extra Content Via Future Connected
One of the most appealing additions to this enhanced version of Xenoblade is a brand new epilogue chapter known as Future Connected. This post-game adventure pits Shulk and company on the Bionis’ Shoulder, as they look to reclaim the city of Alcamoth.
This new chapter, which is actually comprised of cut content from the original game, allows fans to get a deeper look into the worldbuilding and events of the game. And despite being tagged as an “epilogue,” this content is rich in its own right, taking roughly a dozen hours to complete in full. This addition makes the already lengthy game even more packed full of content.
NEXT: 10 Things That Make No Sense In Xenoblade Chronicles Definitive Edition
