It’s been a long time since we last explored Mira, the captivating planet where humanity strives to escape an alien menace in Xenoblade Chronicles X. We last played this gem shortly after it launched on the Wii U, and aside from its remarkable gameplay, we distinctly remember a need for it to break free from hardware limitations that hindered its full potential.

Although Xenoblade Chronicles X was far from problematic, running at a stable 30fps and presenting breathtaking visuals, it often felt unclear, muddled, and somewhat clumsy. A significant resolution upgrade was surely needed so players could fully appreciate its stunning environments.

Fast forward ten years since its initial release in 2015, and we’re anticipating the launch of Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition. While the announcement wasn’t a shock given the trend of popular remasters, we are thrilled to finally experience this beloved entry in the series again.

This preview focuses on the initial four chapters of the game, highlighting all the enhancements you’ve likely heard about: an impressive resolution upgrade to 1920×1080, refined UI, enhanced lighting, and improved character models, all coming together to create a refreshing and invigorating experience right from the start.

As expected from a Xenoblade title, the game takes its time to unfold. During the first four chapters, players familiarize themselves with the vast world and explore on-foot combat techniques that will eventually lead to piloting Skells, the remarkable mechs featured in the game.

The upgraded UI and menus greatly enhance the early gameplay experience, making it easier to choose abilities without straining your eyes.

While it may seem like a minor detail, veterans of the original will remember that the combat UI often presented challenges, particularly during intense battles. The menus sometimes felt cumbersome, which detracted from the overall gameplay experience.

The transition from the Wii U GamePad to the new interface is seamless; accessibility remains high, with cleaner, upscaled icons and spacious menus that enhance readability. The fonts have been redesigned for clarity, and a new Follow Ball feature expertly guides players to missions and side quests. An info panel in the bottom right corner can be activated with ‘R3,’ allowing you to see mission objectives and desired navigation directions instantly.

Overall, navigating Mira is now significantly more user-friendly. The improved resolution from 720p to 1080p becomes apparent almost immediately, providing clearer, more inviting visuals. We’re eager to hop into a Skell for an exhilarating ride as we continue through the game, and we’re pleased to note that loading times have drastically improved, making them virtually unnoticeable.

Returning to combat, besides the enhanced UI, Quick Cast has been integrated into gameplay, revolutionizing the flow of battles. Players can now accumulate charges while fighting to fill a new green gauge. Once filled, pressing ‘Y’ allows you to instantly reload a selected skill or power, ensuring seamless reuses depending on charge demands.

This ability significantly enhances team coordination during encounters. In the original game, players might miss opportunities to utilize critical skills; however, Quick Cast allows for timely responses, facilitating greater combos and consistent damage output against larger enemies, ultimately resulting in more dynamic and engaging battles.

All these gameplay adjustments join forces with a visually stunning world and an improved cast of characters, enhancing your overall experience. The makeover aligns with that of part one, maintaining familiar color palettes while elevating every detail—from characters to environments—to contemporary standards and tackling issues like pop-in graphics that plagued the 2015 version.

It’s worth mentioning that returning BLADES will no longer phase through vehicles and Skells in downtown New Los Angeles, thanks to the enhanced capabilities of the Switch.

Regarding character customization, players will find an expanded suite with more options for hairstyles and features, including the ability to sport large tattoos inspired by the iconic Monado sword. We advocate for more elaborate tattoos on characters’ faces!

Players can also select hairstyles and accessories reminiscent of beloved characters from the series. As you might notice in our screenshots, we’ve opted for a look that embodies a ‘very tired and disillusioned old man‘ vibe for our protagonist as we venture into 2025.

As we prepare to tackle the fifth chapter—where the real excitement begins—we’re completely captivated once more. Xenoblade Chronicles X is a truly exceptional game that we’ve longed to see on the Switch, and so far, the enhancements and adjustments have far exceeded our expectations.

The game now matches the quality of the latest franchise entries. The previous muddiness in the UI and visuals has been addressed, the new Quick Cast feature adds substantial fluidity to combat, and numerous other tweaks, like optional onscreen combo prompts, promise even greater enjoyment as we progress.

The narrative in Xenoblade Chronicles X immediately draws you in—it may take a bit of patience, but the quest to rescue vast vaults of cryogenically frozen humans hooks you emotionally from the get-go. Plus, this storyline stands independently within the universe, so newcomers can easily dive in without previous experience. That’s a relief!

Now, the real question is: how do you control that massive robot?