Metascore
92

Universal acclaim - based on 59 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 58 out of 59
  2. Negative: 0 out of 59
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  1. Apr 19, 2012
    100
    There's a lot more to recommend Xenoblade Chronicles. The dialogue, the humor, the artwork, the prophecy system, the music, the variety of environments, the character progression, the crafting system, the crazy quest density, the quest quality, the memorable characters, the collectibles, the secrets, and so on. This is a landmark achievement in the genre. As of its release, you can no longer talk about great RPGs, or maybe even great games, without also talking about Xenoblade Chronicles.
  2. 100
    Xenoblade Chronicles is such a huge, complex, and epic game that I can't possibly cover everything it offers in a single review. All I can say is that it has earned the first 5.0 score I've given, and I've had the honor to play quite a few excellent games for review.
  3. Apr 6, 2012
    100
    Not only the best RPG this generation, but it's also my favorite game on the Nintendo Wii. If you like RPGs, then you own it to yourself to buy this limited time gem of a game. The world and story of Xenoblade Chronicles is one of the most profound gaming experiences in recent years.
  4. Apr 6, 2012
    100
    A charming cast of characters that interact constantly, a uniquely designed and fascinating setting, forward-thinking gameplay systems that combine the best of East and West, and the exhilarating feeling that comes from taking part in an adventure that feels truly epic.
  5. 100
    To say that Xenoblade Chronicles is a landmark that will lead the evolution of all JRPGs over the next few years is an exaggeration, but the game shows that there's still creative hope for the genre. With their massive adventure, Monolith Soft did what every JRPG developer should: they looked forward, instead of back to archaic concepts from another era.
  6. Sep 30, 2011
    100
    A unique experience, big free world, beautiful graphics and tons of content in one of the best rpg:s ever.
  7. Sep 14, 2011
    100
    Despite its length, Monolith Soft has managed the feat of keeping Xenoblade an incredibly enjoyable experience throughout. The top-notch story only furthers the fascination in the unique world that has been lovingly created, and it is a world that fans of the genre deserve to see.
  8. Sep 13, 2011
    100
    What makes Monolith's game such a stellar experience is the fact that everything it does dramatically improves and innovates the RPG genre. Xenoblade gives the player a whole world to interact with and explore, removing boundaries and convenient game design choices for the sake of fun and immersion.
  9. Aug 27, 2011
    100
    Tetsuya Takahashi and Monolith Soft finally manage to deliver on the promises and visions underlying the earlier games sharing the Xeno-name, and the result rivals even the team members earlier works at SquareSoft. This is the finest japanese roleplaying game crafted for a home console this generation and will become a measuring stick against which other games are held up and scrutinized again in the future.
  10. Aug 26, 2011
    100
    Xenoblade Chronicles doesn't reinvent the wheel, but it does add a stylish new body and a slick new engine.
  11. Aug 25, 2011
    100
    Another great thing about Xenoblade– it encourages experimentation. With most RPGs, falling in battle means a frustrating loss of progress and experience points if you haven't saved before a big boss battle. But with Xenoblade you return to the nearest landmark (or checkpoint) with all your experience points and new skills intact.
  12. Aug 19, 2011
    100
    Xenoblade Chronicles is like a collage of all the best elements taken from the JRPGs that came out in the 2000's. It has everything to become a cult RPG, including a release platform that doesn't really suit the genre. So, even though its not HD, its numerous qualities make it a must-have for all JRPG fans who didn't yet commit suicide because of all the disappointments of this generation.
  13. Aug 16, 2011
    100
    Monolith provides the biggest and most ambitious game on Wii by a long-shot. Xenoblade Chronicles reignites the JRPG and adventure genres in one classy swoop; that this grandiose spectacle is under the banner of Nintendo is the cherry on top.
  14. Aug 15, 2011
    100
    Now Monolith Soft's grand Xenoblade Chronicles has arrived, bringing with it an sterling soundtrack, a phenomenal visual impact, vast amount of customisation, intriguing story and massive value for money.
  15. Aug 23, 2011
    99
    A huge world that makes the most of the Wii with hundres of missions which provide tons of hours of play. Probably the best Japanese RPG in years, and hands down the best of this generation.
  16. Sep 14, 2011
    96
    A masterpiece which genuinely refreshes the JRPG genre without losing track of its tradition. Visuals are absolutely gorgeous and pushes the hardware to the point it's hard to believe we are playing on Nintendo Wii. Storytelling, art direction and soundtracks are definitely top notch. Fans of the genre and newcomers will definitely love it: must have.
  17. Mar 29, 2012
    95
    I fell in love with JRPGs in the 16-bit era because they constantly showed me things I'd never seen before. Somewhere in the last 15 years, most RPG developers in Japan have lost sight of that, instead rehashing the same fantasies and floating by on nostalgia. Xenoblade Chronicles is the first JRPG I've played this generation that has me excited for the future rather than simply reminding me of happy memories from my past. Monolith Soft deserves praise for creating it.
  18. Jan 9, 2012
    95
    Xenoblade Chronicles is an amazing RPG. In some ways, it's like a single-player MMO that effortlessly blends together advantages from both JRPGs and Western RPGs.
  19. 95
    Xenoblade Chronicles is considerable in the production value it took to make something of this scope; Xenoblade Chronicles is considerable for telling a story with more layers than one can count while retaining a level of accessibility for people of any walk of life; Xenoblade Chronicles is considerable for having an active combat system more engaging than anything I have seen in years. Although, with all things considered, Xenoblade Chronicles is really good, too.
  20. Sep 23, 2011
    95
    A Japanese RPG that is challenging and refreshing enough for players that have seen all the other examples in the genre, while being easy on newcomers. The fantastic, enormous gameworld makes this an absolute classic on Wii and one of the best RPG's of the last ten years.
  21. Sep 7, 2011
    95
    Xenoblade has found its right place in videogames' history. From now on, there will be a "before" and "after" Xenoblade, when talking about Japanese RPGs. It will surely find a way into your heart, because a true Masterpiece always know the way to reach it.
  22. Sep 5, 2011
    95
    With a rather easy learning curve, this game can be played by a variety of people and whether you're a newbie or veteran gamer, Xenoblade Chronicles provides an immersive world filled with action and story that easily allows you to play it again and again. Recommended!
  23. Aug 31, 2011
    95
    A deep breath of fresh air for an arguably stagnant genre, Xenoblade Chronicles is essential gaming for anybody with a flavour for role playing. It represents the absolute best of what traditional Japanese RPGs could be, and triumphantly what Japanese RPGs should be.
  24. Mar 27, 2012
    93
    There's been a lot of talk lately about how Japanese RPGs are fading into irrelevancy with their increasingly linear designs, but Xenoblade delivers a world where you're free to explore at your own pace that frequently entices you to indulge in its many extracurricular activities. This is easily one of the best games on the Wii.
  25. Pelit (Finland)
    Oct 19, 2011
    93
    Xenoblade Chronicles is simply the best japanese rpg in years. Xenoblade Chronicles offers a unigue world with breathtaking vistas, a great storyline and solid gameplay. [Sept 2011]
  26. Games Master UK
    Sep 25, 2011
    93
    A fantastic achievement in storytelling and gameplay. Truly unmissable. [Nov 2011, p.86]
  27. Nintendo Gamer
    Sep 6, 2011
    93
    That you won't find a better RPG this year goes without saying. From gameplay mechanics to storyline to visual flair, Xenoblade is an amazing piece of work. [Sept 2011, p.60]
  28. Sep 6, 2011
    92
    This game can get a little chaotic but that doesn't matter considering how developer Monolith Soft has executed everything nearly perfectly. Agreed, the voice acting isn't perfect at all but the deep and beautiful world and the great fighting system make up for that, creating a wonderful experience for fans of the better role-playing games.
  29. A genre-reviving blaze of wonder, immense scale and smart design. [Sept 2011, p.100]
  30. Sep 6, 2011
    91
    The best JRPG of this generation. A great new start for everyone looking for many entertaing hours of deep gameplay. Probably the Wii's swan song, don't miss it.
  31. Apr 12, 2012
    90
    Xenoblade Chronicles is the sort of precious jRPG that this recent console generation has sorely lacked. Despite some missteps and over-complication, the game stands out as one of the best in recent years. Xenoblade creates a world simply begging to be explored.
  32. Apr 9, 2012
    90
    It's one of the best games on the Wii, it's one of the best RPGs in this generation, and more than that, it's one of the better JRPGs ever made.
  33. Apr 6, 2012
    90
    You may find yourself occasionally frustrated with a design choice, but do yourself a favor and look past them, for the simple act of carefree exploration and discovery appears lost to most developers these days.
  34. Apr 3, 2012
    90
    The best Japanese RPG of this generation. The fact that it looks like it's from the last generation is its only drawback, but its technical limitations are offset by imaginative artistic direction, innovative and compelling combat, and thoughtful design. It's a throwback to the glory days of the genre.
  35. Mar 31, 2012
    90
    In the end Xenoblade Chronicles can be revealed through the elegance and simplicity of its title screen; a neatly wrapped present doesn't need an aggressive preamble to punch up the surprise inside. In the case of Xenoblade Chronicles, the quality of its contents speaks for itself.
  36. Nintendo Power
    Mar 28, 2012
    90
    It's thrilling to see a game attempt so many unconventional things and get so many of them right. [April 2012, p.84]
  37. Sep 9, 2011
    90
    Although its visuals aren't surely groundbreaking, Xenoblade Chronicles proves to be an excellent jRPG that demonstrates just how much this genre has still to offer to its loyal fans.
  38. 90
    If you are looking for the best JRPG of this generation, you've just found it.
  39. 90
    Generic story elements aside however, Xenoblade Chronicles is an outstanding game - without a doubt one of the best JRPGs available on the current generation of consoles. If you are a fan of JRPGs this game belongs on your shelf - here's hoping Nintendo Australia keep bringing such excellent titles to our shores.
  40. Sep 1, 2011
    90
    Here lies a game grounded within a genre that refuses to change despite decades of innovation in game design. However, this is far from a bad thing. Instead of trying to reinvent the wheel, Monolith Software has perfected it with subtle enhancements that only serve to streamline and improve the experience. Comfortable to tread on familiar ground and deliver excellence, Nintendo delivers one of the best JRPGs in recent memory with Xenoblade Chronicles.
  41. Aug 22, 2011
    90
    As outstading as it can be, Takahashi's latest work is yet his greatest. Xenoblade Chronicles is the best JRPG that we've seen this year, and we could also say in this so-called next-gen.
  42. Aug 19, 2011
    90
    Although the developers have done a terrific job of incorporating daunting detail with intuitive controls, this title is still best suited to gamers with the strength, diligence and passion to see it through. For them, this is an experience that must not be missed.
  43. Aug 19, 2011
    90
    Xenoblade Chronicles is a sublime, wonderfully paced game that both refines and modernises the Japanese role-playing game.
  44. Aug 18, 2011
    90
    It's a potent return to form for Takahashi, then, a glowing comeback for the Japanese RPG, and an injection of creativity for some tired hardware. Xenoblade Chronicles manages to impress, enrich and, best of all, inspire wonder.
  45. Aug 16, 2011
    90
    It's a game that invites us to reassess an entire genre, pointing to a bold future while nodding its respect towards the past. It's a towering triumph.
  46. Aug 15, 2011
    90
    Great character development and a lovely sense of freedom make this one of the Wii's best RPG offerings.
  47. Aug 15, 2011
    90
    The best Japanese RPG of this generation. The fact that it looks like it's from the last generation is its only drawback, but its technical limitations are offset by imaginative artistic direction, innovative and compelling combat, and thoughtful design.
  48. Aug 15, 2011
    90
    The best Japanese role-player of the current generation and a big step forwards for the genre in terms of accessibility and ambition.
  49. Aug 11, 2011
    90
    Beautiful, feature-packed and brimming with creative remedies for the ails of a stagnating genre, that NOA should overlook such a shining example of what a JRPG can be paints a very different company to the Nintendo that went out at E3 with a call to arms for the hardcore.
  50. Aug 19, 2011
    86
    Xenoblade Chronicles may be one of the most anticipated J-RPGs of the year, but isn't for everyone. Those who liked the freedom of Final Fantasy XII and can live with a less compelling story than that of Xenogears will have a lot of fun, though.
  51. Apr 2, 2012
    82
    Xenoblade Chronicles is genuinely fun to play. It's an RPG with an extra-capital G, a gameplay-driven game. That's a sign of real progress from Monolith Soft, and hopefully promise of even better games to come.
  52. May 24, 2012
    80
    Xenoblade may not be the greatest JRPG ever, but it's certainly one of the best games on the Nintendo Wii.
  53. Apr 4, 2012
    80
    There's no denying that Xenoblade has its low points, but those high points are some of the highest of the genre. If you own a Wii, there's very little room to question -- this is a must-have game for Nintendo's humble little system.
  54. Apr 3, 2012
    80
    While the lack of difficulty is a major bummer, it doesn't overshadow Xenoblade Chronicles' many other accomplishments. It offers a singularly beautiful world, streamlined, interesting gameplay, likeable characters, and a fantastic soundtrack - for these reasons alone it's probably the best RPG on the Wii.
  55. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Oct 31, 2011
    80
    Story is cliché the pace is slow and the controls could be better. Despite all this Xenoblade Chronicles offer a vast world and catchy battles which makes it great choice if you are looking for a somewhat worthy JRPG title. [Oct 2011]
  56. Oct 28, 2011
    80
    An epic japanese RPG that is great in everything it presents. In despite of its depth, the game is open to all players that have no experience with this type of gameplay.
  57. Aug 23, 2011
    80
    Xenoblade Chronicles is a technological achievement and a breath of fresh air in a decaying breed that desperately needs such efforts to keep it goin΄. Players need to invest dozens of hours roaming on the petrified body of Titan Bionis to reveal the secret and the true power of Monado. And they're going to be such great hours!
  58. Aug 19, 2011
    80
    Quotation forthcoming.
  59. Apr 7, 2012
    65
    Many are calling this the Japanese RPG of this console generation-if not of all time-but it's simply got too many glaring warts for me to embrace the experience on that level. Instead, I see it as a deeply flawed, tantalizing glimpse of what the Japanese RPG can potentially become in the coming generation.

Awards & Rankings

1
1
#1 Most Discussed Wii Game of 2012
1
#1 Most Shared Wii Game of 2012
User Score
9.1

Universal acclaim- based on 1470 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Oct 11, 2011
    10
    An amazing technical and creative achievement for the Wii. This game will blow your mind with its grand scale. Easily a candidate for one ofAn amazing technical and creative achievement for the Wii. This game will blow your mind with its grand scale. Easily a candidate for one of the best JRPGs of all time! This game deserves an award for the music alone. Huge levels, interesting characters, over 450 quests, and at least 60+ hours of main story gameplay packed in this sucker. Full Review »
  2. Nov 22, 2011
    9
    A fantastic game. The environments are stunning even though the graphics are pretty awful even for Wii. The gameplay is interesting and willA fantastic game. The environments are stunning even though the graphics are pretty awful even for Wii. The gameplay is interesting and will keep you occupied for a long time in its length. Full Review »
  3. Oct 24, 2011
    10
    Awesome game and I hope the US get this game. Have not finished it yet but I see that there are many hours ahead of me with this game!!! RPGAwesome game and I hope the US get this game. Have not finished it yet but I see that there are many hours ahead of me with this game!!! RPG mechanics are awesome and story is pretty good so far. Tons of sidequests as well. Full Review »