Xenoblade Chronicles

The original iteration of Xenoblade Chronicles was victim to one of Nintendo's most unfortunate marketing blunders. Produced in small numbers as a GameStop exclusive, this absolutely massive JRPG quickly sold out of stores and its rarity and the price for an aftermarket copy made it unobtainable for many disappointed gamers.

However, Nintendo has made up for its past marketing sins by bringing us Xenoblade Chronicles 3D. This title is compatible only with the New Nintendo 3DS and you can really see that extra processing power at work. This game came out only three years ago for the Wii, and the fact that Nintendo was able to adapt it to a mobile format is nothing short of astounding.

The Good

• This game is absolutely massive. There is well over 60 hours of enthralling content here, and the open-world demands to have every nook and cranny explored.
• The myriad of optional systems, such as crafting or the “Affinity” system that tracks relationships between the characters, allows the game to be enjoyed by those who want to plow straight through, or those that want to spend 100+ hours accomplishing everything there is to accomplish.
• The real-time combat and checkpoint system, along with the lack of emphasis on grinding, avoids one pitfall many JRPG titles have: the divide between the enjoyment of story and exploration and frustration with combat.

The Bad

• The game's textures have been downgraded for the New Nintendo 3DS. Although it's not an ugly game by any means, there are a few rough spots in graphical fidelity.
• The features that make the New Nintendo 3DS unique among its peers are sparingly used. The touchscreen isn't utilized to its fullest, and the 3D, while welcome, is not anything new.
• Ironically, early supply problems with the New Nintendo 3DS may have prevented some fans from playing the game at launch. Also, the fact that the game is exclusively for the New Nintendo 3DS, means that those who planned on keeping their older Nintendo 3DS won't get to play. Seeing as Nintendo waited till after the Christmas holidays to announce the release date of the New Nintendo 3DS, many people may be stuck with a shiny brand-new Nintendo 3DS XL and not be able to justify the purchase of a new model just for this title.

The Verdict

This is the premiere role-playing game for the 3DS platform right now. To fit this much content on a handheld platform with the type of play style this game offers would have been unheard of even five years ago. This game is not only an absolute pleasure to play, and a must have for anyone with a New Nintendo 3DS, it is a technical marvel for Nintendo. Xenoblade Chronicles 3D is a system-seller, and if you've had a 3DS for a couple of years and are thanking of moving up to the new model, this title is a huge motivator.