Xenoblade Chronicles 2, released in December 2017, is a massive open-world action role-playing game (RPG) developed by Monolith Soft and published by Nintendo. Available exclusively for the Nintendo Switch, the game takes players on an epic journey through the vast world of Alrest, filled with strange creatures, hidden treasures, and powerful enemies.

Story:

The plot of Xenoblade Chronicles 2 revolves around Rex, a young Salvager who dreams of exploring the Cloud Sea and its mystical landmasses called Titans. Throughout his journey, Rex forms bonds with various “Blades,” powerful beings that assist him in battle. The game’s main storyline focuses primarily on Rex and his quest to reach the World Tree with his newfound Blade partner Pyra. Along the way, players encounter a diverse cast of characters with their unique storylines and intriguing personalities that enrich the overall narrative experience.

Gameplay:

Xenoblade Chronicles 2’s gameplay features a mix of exploration, puzzle-solving, and intense combat. Players are tasked with navigating large Titans that houses different landscapes, from lush forests to barren deserts. During exploration segments, players can find hidden paths leading to secret areas or rare items used to upgrade their characters and Blades.

Combat in Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is complex yet rewarding. It uses a real-time battle system where players control one character while their other party members fight alongside them. Players can strategically use Arts (special abilities) based on weapon types and elemental affinities during battle to gain an edge against opponents.

The Blade system adds an extra layer to battles as each Blade provides distinct stat boosts, elemental attributes, and Arts for their partnered Driver (playable character). The game encourages players to experiment with various Blade combinations for maximum efficiency in both battling foes and traversing the ever-changing landscapes.

Graphics and Music:

Visually, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 boasts a colorful and beautifully rendered world with diverse environments that elicit awe and wonder. While the game suffers from occasional frame rate drops and visual pop-ins, these minor issues do not significantly impact the overall experience.

The soundtrack of Xenoblade Chronicles 2 deserves special mention, as it features an emotionally captivating orchestral score by Yasunori Mitsuda, ACE, Kenji Hiramatsu, and Manami Kiyota. Each Titan’s unique theme perfectly encapsulates its environment, adding depth to exploration, while the rousing battle themes complement the intensity of combat.

Conclusion:

Xenoblade Chronicles 2 offers an unforgettable adventure for both newcomers and fans of the series. With its sprawling world to explore, engaging combat system, and a poignant story that keeps players invested throughout the lengthy campaign, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is a must-play title for RPG enthusiasts seeking an epic journey on their Nintendo Switch.