Even if it didn't have an extra chapter to conquer, Xenoblade Chronicles Definitive Edition deserves a third release. The Switch version has united this modern classic with the TV mode of the Wii original and the fully portable nature of the New 3DS edition. It's truly definitive.

Simply put, there’s almost nothing one can reasonably complain about with Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition. What we have here is an already excellent JRPG that has been improved in nearly every conceivable way, short of a complete reimagining. On top of the fantastic story, enjoyable combat, and incredible world design, Monolith Soft has included an entirely new epilogue story arc while somehow improving upon and polishing up nearly everything in the base game, from progression systems to visuals to UI design. Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition is easily one of the greatest RPGs available on the Switch to date, and will no doubt stand the test of time. It goes without saying that if you were ever a fan of the original or of RPGs in general you absolutely must get this game for your collection as soon as you reasonably can. Even if you wouldn’t consider yourself a fan, we would still strongly encourage you to think about adding this one to your collection, as this is the standard against which most RPGs should be judged.

Une décennie plus tard, Xenoblade Chronicles revient transfiguré en Édition Définitive, suite à un travail aussi minutieux que respectueux de l'oeuvre originale. Certaines décisions esthétiques, scénaristiques, voire conceptuelles peuvent néanmoins diviser, notamment à travers son chapitre additionnel, Un Avenir Commun. Qu'on la considère nécessaire ou pas, cette conclusion étendue se révèle intéressante à plus d'un égard, ne serait-ce que son sens profond. Après l'éparpillement narratif de l'opus X et l'empilage de mécaniques du second volet, l'épisode fondateur rappelle ainsi ce que la saga de Tetsuya Takahashi a de plus pur, en somme l'accomplissement absolu de l'entreprise Monolith Software.

Like so many of Takahashi and Monolith Soft's games, there are signs of compromise, but conversely there's so much more besides. The original Xenoblade Chronicles, with its scope, size and superlative world, still stands as the best in the series yet, and there's been no better way to play it yet. Rest assured if you love the original as much as I do, there are plenty of reasons to return. And if this is your first time playing Xenoblade Chronicles? I envy you, because this truly is one of the greats.

Although not every aspect of Xenoblade Chronicles has aged as well as others, Definitive Edition proves that Xenoblade Chronicles is still a fantastic JRPG with an immense amount of strategic depth that's still impressive in 2020. Its bevy of improvements and additions, as well as its fantastic epilogue, make this an adventure worth embarking on a decade later.

Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition is the best way to experience a true classic. Many elements have been changed for the better, allowing for a smooth journey through and through. I found myself more entertained by the quest system and adored the set-up of the menus, and the mechanical tweaks make it a joy to play. Xenoblade Chronicles on Nintendo Switch is enjoyable for much longer, which made me fly through the adventure this time around. Sure, there were likely some expecting a grander visual overhaul, but that doesn't take away from the care put into the package. There is even an additional dozen-hour epilogue if you're in the mood for more Xenoblade. All in all, I am just happy that the game still grips me as much as before. Definitive Edition makes me remember why I love Shulk, his world, and all the wonders that come along for the ride.

Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition is the remaster that this respected JRPG deserves, even when it feels like it doesn’t go far enough in places. Eight years later, some of its customization systems and an overly grindy structure certainly haven’t aged well, but it’s story and combat are just as great as ever. The new Future Connected story chapter isn’t particularly inspired, but the impressive graphical overhaul and welcome (if small) quality-of-life improvements make this the best version of Xenoblade Chronicles we’ve ever had.

Il ne fait aucun doute que cette Definitive Edition porte bien son nom. Alors qu’une simple mise à jour graphique et le retour des doublages japonais suffisaient à parachever cette merveille vidéoludique, Monolith a fait des efforts à tous les étages pour que son bijou semble le plus actuel possible. Quelques éléments viennent tout de même trahir les dix ans du jeu, principalement les animations lors des cinématiques et le level design qui impressionne moins qu’en 2010. Pour autant l’expérience proposée est toujours aussi rafraîchissante et addictive. Le jeu brille toujours par le dynamisme de ses combats, la liberté qu’offre l’exploration, la finesse de ses rouages, la qualité de sa bande son, l’originalité de son scénario ou encore le charme de ses environnements, le tout avec une fluidité et des temps de chargement exemplaires. Une expérience à ne pas rater. Et si vous avez déjà terminé le jeu sur un autre support, on ne saurait vous dire s’il faut à nouveau répondre à l’appel de Monado. Pour notre part, nous l’avons fait avec énormément de plaisir, et nos prémonitions présagent que nous ne serons pas les seuls.