‘Xenoblade Chronicles 3D’ Review

Despite the New Nintendo 3DS offering a number of new features including improved 3D tracking, the addition of a C-Stick, and enhanced CPU, gamers haven’t had a large incentive to pick up the updated portable. Now, however, that may no longer be the case, as Xenoblade Chronicles 3D has arrived exclusively for the souped-up handheld device – making one of the best JRPGs of the previous generation into a mobile offering.

Despite a handful of new features, not much has changed since Game Rant originally reviewed Xenoblade Chronicles on its debut platform, the Nintendo Wii. The world is still massive, the unique mechanics are intact, and the game’s story will suck users into the world that developer Monolith Soft has worked so hard to create. Overall, the transition to the New Nintendo 3DS has been a successful one, but Monster Games (the studio responsible for porting the game) understandably had to cut corners to get the game running.

It should come at no surprise to see that the graphics have been downgraded in a bid to get the game running on a portable device. This may deter those looking to enjoy the gigantic and beautiful areas of Xenoblade at their peak state, but the world, enemies, and allies that fill the title have managed to transition wonderfully onto the handheld.

For those that only became acquainted with Shulk through his recent appearance in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U, getting familiar with the story in this title brings a lot more appreciation to the character and world that he inhabits. The mythos of Xenoblade Chronicles focuses on the battle between the humanoid Homs (of which Shulk is a part) and the diabolical, mechanized Mechon – as well as the mysterious sword known as the Monado.

What follows is a story filled with a number of twists and turns that will keep players engaged until the final moments of the campaign. Of course, completing the game is a monumental task in and of itself because of the sheer number of story-related and side quests in the game. That’s the level of depth that was on display in the Wii version and is dutifully duplicated in this New 3DS port.

Some enemies may have scale, but you have the Monado.

The New 3DS version is not without its bells and whistles as well, including Amiibo support. Utilizing the Shulk Amiibo figurine, for example, gamers can unlock 3D models and music. It also goes without saying that the 3Ds version adds a new layer to the visuals, but the fidelity is not enough to make it a major selling point.

Despite downgraded visuals, the core of what made the original game so appealing is still very much intact. Xenoblade Chronicles 3D offers gamers the chance to experience an engaging story, immense vistas, and action role-playing content that makes its mark on the genre. Those that missed this game on Wii should definitely check this version out as it’s the same great experience made portable. However, those that completed the game shortly after its debut won’t find much new content to sink their teeth into.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3D is available now exclusively on the New Nintendo 3DS.