Xenoblade Chronicles 2 - REVIEW (Spoiler Free!)

Can Xenoblade Chronicles 2 on Nintendo Switch stand with the legacy of the Wii classic? Or is it a titanic failure? Find out in our in-depth review!
---------------------------------
Follow GameXplain!
---------------------------------
➤ PATREON: / gamexplain
➤ FACEBOOK:: / gamexplain
➤ TWITTER: / gamexplain
➤ INSTAGRAM: / gamexplain_official
➤ GOOGLE+: plus.google.com/1080043484356...
⮞ Support us by shopping @ Play-Asia- www.play-asia.com/?tagid=1351441 & @ AMAZON- geni.us/wq8
⮞ Get our Real Talk Podcast early for $1/month at / gamexplain

[@ntdosplat3130]

Xenoblade, Odyssey, and Breath of the Wild...what a year

[@1JAM229]

Darth TS Splatoon 2 and Metroid: Samus Returns

[@VperVendetta1992]

And Pokemon

[@kylervanderpol-lim206]

Botw sucks (just putting that out there)

[@70fu]

BOTW is awesome

[@Nightswipe1]

Nier Automata, Nioh, Assassins Creed Origins, Horizon Zero Dawn, Hellblade: Senuas Sacrifice, Uncharted : The Lost Legacy, (Wolfenstein 2 The New Colossus, The Evil Within 2) The ones you mention + Splatoon 2 & continued support for Overwatch. Best year ever.

[@sloanelliott8929]

WAIT so the game completely fixes overleveling by making the experience recieved during the story paced perfectly but the experience earned from sidequests is optional to use? Because thats actually a genius fix to grindy rpgs and overleveling problem holy shit

[@xboxakis360]

This closes the best year I have ever seen by any developer. Nintendo deserves every bit of success its having.

[@iraidius3343]

Now I reeeeaaally want the game thanks to a couple of reviews

[@desolationrow8079]

Agree. Who the fuck are Sony/Microsoft?! Fucking Amateurs.

[@charliemarinello9250]

Navi Ovarb nah Sony had a hot year too

[@ajae311]

Navi Ovarb Don't try to turn this into that.

[@tehvenom]

Sony did good too. Honestly this year was amazing, I still haven't had time to buy and play half of the great games that came out. Next up for me are P5 and SMOdyssey.

[@taylormaddox5198]

I won't buy this game till after finals week, I won't buy this game till after finals week, I won't buy this game till after finals week. Edit: it's preloading, I'm weak.

[@AznPandaFTW]

Taylor Maddox Good luck on hanging in there, as well as your finals

[@taylormaddox5198]

ItsBigPanda thanks man :]

[@taylormaddox5198]

President C4 well as long as someone is making the decision for me I guess I can

[@declinefan]

Too late for me. Goodbye CS degree.

[@phxrebirth]

President C4 Aren't you the same person who said the game's bad on the IGN review vid?

[@alexandervolgzangief6759]

Xenoblade 2 is the last major AAA game for the Switch in 2017, closing the "Triforce" with Breath of the Wild and Super Mario Odyssey. What a year, lads.

[@QuanNguyen-yw3ft]

Char Aznable yeah it's on an another level

[@ReaperSigma]

Shame I never cared about either Mario or Zelda then.

[@alexstewart9592]

Splatoon 2 is definitely a major game (particularly in Japan), and it almost certainly counts as AAA as well. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe may also count, as it's definitely technically AAA, but may or may not count as major. Poken Tournament DX probably don't count, but it is notable for throwing everyone off and into a loop for about 10-20 seconds if watching the Pokemon Direct live.

[@alexstewart9592]

Splatoon is huge in Japan, and is responsible for a large chunk of the console's sales in Japan, making it major. Also, Mario Kart 8 deluxe has over 4 million sales (and that's from September, which is before Christmas shopping and sales), and is the best-selling Wii U game ever with all the paid DLC thrown in for free and additional extra content added as well.

[@brabb555]

Knightmayor Uhh. Splatoon is pretty big.

[@bashful_michael]

Wow really good review and you can tell you took a lot of care in writing this review to inform us what you like and don't like but also not spoiling the game. Thank you!

[@takemetoyonk]

Simon James I hope that music is from the game and not the predecessors!

[@sandman8993]

Simon James he always does. Same with chronicles x

[@Maveroik]

The same work like gamestop... oh... wait....

[@ProtoPropski]

Simon James Also he couldn't have played much to really spoil after all its an open world game, and they usually send out review copies a week in advance... I don't see anyone blindly playing everything the open world has to offer in just a week, but it's still a good review, I pre-purchased the game personally, but then again I was already going to buy it simply because it's Xenoblade Chronicles

[@ProtoPropski]

Bunnsie Oh, I guess they sent out Review copies a little earlier then usual still 2 weeks isn't a lot of time for a open world game, but is enough to warrant a respectful review of most of it... I was going to buy this game regardless, and I'm currently waiting till the night of release to play my pre-purchased download ;)

[@therayleviathan]

The fact this didn't delayed is amazing

[@smeepUCA]

Dont let Nintendo fool you.. its 100% not releasing tomorrow. delayed 2018

[@JediWilli]

Prince Dream Nom Gaming Its been in development since 2014!

[@Eagleye-ws1lk]

It probably started as a Wii u game then became a switch game later

[@mic7948]

Ikr

[@GamingF0rge]

They seemed to have rushed through optimization, frame rate isnt very stable in docked, and combine that with low res and VERY inconsistent frame rate, hand held mode is pretty bad at the moment.

[@samantharaqueldiaz4617]

Mario Oddisey Zelda Breath of the Wild Xenoblade Chronicles 2 The ones that begin the Switch Era

[@ethendorreviews975]

How dare you spoil that there is a final boss

[@Shady_Fungus]

Curses you're right! That's probably the name of the first boss!... Wait what if the first boss is named "final boss" and the final boss is named "first boss?"

[@youtubeminute4388]

Shady Fungus when ever I make a video game, I have to do that.

[@samt3412]

@@Shady_Fungus You do fight the final boss as the first boss, though in the final boss fight he's piloting a Gundam.

[@magmadude_]

Sam T megalo aligo in an artifice, what a beautiful image

[@METR0lD]

Excitement levels. Rising. *head explodes*

[@MegaHOLAAAAAA]

METR0lD I literally yelled “yes” when he said he absolutely loved it. Can not wait until tomorrow

[@chrisw491]

Grow! Expand! Explode!

[@Wonder7771]

LeudyV. 266 Same. Sad that Gamespot gave it a 7

[@MegaHOLAAAAAA]

Nadeem Motala gamespot and Polygon are the devils of game journalism so people don’t pay attention to them anyway lol IGN gave it an 8.5

[@theinsfrijonds]

Which head?

[@unknownuser3000]

Just woke up and saw the ign review for this and they seemed to like it but had 0 enthusiasm for it. Your excitement makes me completely change gears and now I'm looking to pick this up and try It! Love your reviews

[@rayminishi689]

Unknown User ign is loaded with mainstream people.

[@shanesteinhauser9680]

IGN has like 30 different reviewers. It's a total crapshoot, and even though they mostly score high, you can tell a lot of their writers only have a passing interest in video games.

[@matt70269]

IGN has no integrity nor do they have credibility when it comes to reviews.

[@majorjohnny7517]

Dude IGN doesn't give a fuck about anything,and the reviewers feel so fucking dead inside

[@theinsfrijonds]

Change Gears... eh? How bout to Blades?

[@winstongray196]

I've fallen in love with GameXplain over the past few weeks. Just quality and passionate content that is a joy to watch.

[@PMSJordans]

This game looks sooo good. I love the art design.

[@jessea9744]

I love your art design. :)

[@artoriasoftheabyss1575]

Jesse Amos Holy cringe balls

[@Fe_Mikey2015]

Fuck the haters, it's a good art style that resembles an anime but NOT an actual anime, really brings out the expressions.

[@professorizzy1235]

Michael the Legendary Super Human. Eh, I think it would've looked better if they stuck with the original style...

[@Fe_Mikey2015]

Professor Brandon Don't get me wrong I like the original design too, but a few moments the expressions don't look expressive. X did a terrible job on that.

[@Galespark234]

Thanks for this review, I was disappointed that other major reviewers are complaining about stuff that are like staples of the series, but this reassures me that they're actually improved from 1. Good stuff.

[@Joverlordify]

I know right this is the one review where the guy loved the game and knew the series

[@lapsedilationdrive3943]

" i dont like hearing other people's opinions about the game so i will just watch a review that will satisfy my tastes and opinions" yeah and you're no different

[@Galespark234]

Lurima Lasiaf Thats definitely not what I said. There were reviewers that don't even like JRPGs making the game sound bad for doing stuff thats either normal in the genre, or carried over from the first game and improved upon. As a fan of XC1 and JRPGs in general, I want to know the value of the game for what it is, not for what someone who doesn't even likes them want it to be.

[@7dayspking]

@@Galespark234 Something being common or a 'staple' doesn't make good or above criticism. Reviewing platforms review a wide variety of games, which means they're always comparing. So even if these games always do these things, there's games out there that do not.

[@knightshifter2201]

The Switch is really bringing the gaming industry back.

[@Brianofdoom]

He's not saying that the gaming industry went anywhere, he's saying nintendo is bringing gaming back to an age where having fun is what mattered, not graphics.

[@knightshifter2201]

I couldn’t have said it better^

[@chillhour6155]

President C4 to greedy pieces of sheit

[@pinkworm5348]

all this without lootboxes!

[@Serg24046]

Lazym00se Yeah and they could have easily put them in to unlock rare blades and equipment, glad Nintendo doesn't think like EA.

[@Verte7]

I really love this review you can tell how much effort you put in. I was just watching the review from another outlet and it was obvious they didn't really understand what they were talking about, I'm so glad you made this review amazing.

[@Joverlordify]

was it switch force where he clear was iffy about the game and what you said

[@Verte7]

Joverlord yeah it just really felt like he didn't understand the game at all

[@sirknightjcb9310]

Listening to the background music while hearing Derrick’s review is too beautiful

[@UltimateNightslash]

Waiting to hear the complete OST, every song I’ve heard until now have been so beautifull

[@Chase64Cubed]

I keep saying to myself, "Don't buy this...you already have a huge Switch backlog." It's super tough though! HELP

[@jordansheppard2874]

Chase 64 Cubed buy it

[@JMB_Smash]

Chase 64 Cubed Buy it

[@artoriasoftheabyss1575]

What is your game collection looking like for the switch? I'm currently at 32 and this will be my 33rd. Fuck me.

[@Chase64Cubed]

Artorias Of The Abyss I'm actually at 34 games. Only beaten about half of them. Currently addicted to Fire Emblem Warriors. Also the guys above are NOT helping haha

[@endir24]

Chase 64 Cubed Make it 35 games

[@blue5had0w]

I hope we get Pyra as an amiibo and playable smash character! XD

[@FreakinSweet1987]

I'd smash!

[@Over9000Turtles]

Pyra, lemme smash.

[@NaschAzure]

😏👌💦

[@horseeatsdogfood5721]

Oh hey! Three years late but on this very day about 3 hours ago your wish finally came true!

[@blue5had0w]

@@horseeatsdogfood5721 Well this aged like wine :D

[@Oryon7]

Thanks, that was a very comprehensive review. These type of games - due to their length and content - don't normally do well in cases where its clear the reviewer only logged the bare minimum of playtime to finish the game, or - worse yet - barely scratched the surface before writing a review. I'm not a big openworld RPG fan, but would consider picking this game up down the line.

[@SapphicSara]

Imagine if this was published by a company that wasn't Nintendo, this blade system would have so many micro transactions.

[@deandrewatson730]

Sergyanime Then that would suck.

[@aneonfoxtribute]

I was just saying that the other day. If it was anybody BUT Nintendo, cores would have microtransactions out the ass.

[@akaimizu1]

Sergyanime I normally wouldn’t think much of it, but the blades do seem exactly like the things that would be put in a costly loot-box system, but this game snubs that market completely. It’s sad that this seems like a feature Simply doing what Games used to do before lootbox markets tried to take over.

[@sLasHeRxXx07]

Sergyanime this, along with the previous Xenoblade games would have been Xenosaga Episodes 4-6

[@Otaku_Sama]

Imagine if rockstar was part of the game devolopment "shivers" yeah let's not think about that

[@HylianHero69]

This is one of those games where my apartment falls apart around me and my friends and family think I'm dead but you bet your ass my towns development levels are at 5!

[@Palidor]

Better review than Gamespot's incompetence/ignorance.

[@staticshock4239]

Palidor The guy that did GameSpot's review of this game reviewed the Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy and didn't even finish the games. He gave it a 6. He also isn't even a fan of JRPG's.

[@juliansalazar7097]

Palidor Peter Brown is a douchebag and isn’t a fan of typical RPGs.,

[@faidou9954]

And gave P5 a better score.

[@jacksonlovesnintendo]

Your favorite game of the year? Wow, that's a pretty bold statement considering both The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Super Mario Odyssey were released too. Regardless, it's undeniable that Nintendo's 2017 is one for the books, not only for the fact of Switch being a HUGE success (both conceptually and economically), but that they (Nintendo) have released some of the BEST games of ALL TIME. Seriously, the Nintendo Switch has the greatest launch year of any system ever.

[@Bololorg]

A 20 minute review? I expect a 3 day review discussion by midnight.

[@VivioSaf]

He needed to cut the Spoilery part.

[@akaimizu1]

Char Aznable actually. He’s spoken up about it, but he actually said he is cooperating with Derrick on this because Derrick is doing the review. So that may have an affect. For me, I also go quiet when I really get involved with a game because I’m busy with it. Chugga is usually very thorough with it and is trying very hard not to spoil things. Given, I also know the series, and it is a major crime to spoil a Xenoblade game because they are known for their incredible reveals which often set this series apart from other JRPGs of its ilk.

[@asryndragon5654]

I'm so glad that I picked this up! I saw it a day after release date and I just thought... "Never played the first one but this one looks pretty..." And an hour of "Should I or shouldn't I" later, I found the one game that I eventually fell in love with.

[@Shadycicada]

Amazingly detailed and informative review! Can't wait to pick this sucker up tomorrow

[@missgrinch5940]

I’m 70 hours in and hopelessly addicted to this masterpiece of a game...if you love jrpgs do yourself a favor and buy this game!

[@luisdabest5396]

Bruh why tf does this comment only have 18 likes

[@CrossfacePanda]

It sounds like they could’ve REALLY easily have done the Blades as microtransaction lootboxes. And I’m SOOOO glad that they didn’t! Because the thing is, yes, having randomized loot drops in RPGs is a big part of the appeal, because it gets you excited when you get that rare drop (or when you’ve saved up enough money for one at a store, or cleared an extra hard chain of side quests that rewards you with it}. This is the same reason microtransaction lootboxes earn companies money. But more importantly, it’s why microtransactions are a scummy practice that should never exist in a full priced game! (or anything but a free to play game, really) Good on Monolith (and Nintendo as the publisher) for not introducing something so scummy and predatory into the game. Just make a good old fashioned RPG that feels rewarding to play as is, without the need to pay more than you already did when you bought the game (or have a monetization model baked in that encourages you to do so, and messes with the progression balance of the game in the process). WHAT A FUCKING CONCEPT!

[@anayos6726]

CrossfacePanda Monolith Soft is nothing like EA.

[@stickfigure8416]

People would've rioted for days

[@fuckyshityfuckshit]

Yea I feel like they could have expanded on the salvaging mechanic and turned it into loot boxy nightmare . Fucking glad they didn’t though

[@7dayspking]

2 years old I know. 'randomized loot drops is a big part of the appeal' for some but a big turn off for others. I don't necessarily consider Xenoblade an RPG but about the only RPG I've heard of with lootboxes and this is with the advantage of being 2 years in the future here is Assassin's creed Odyssey, but even Odyssey didn't use this to sell the unique 'legendary gear', all of that being baked into the main story or finishing of certain side quests.

[@7dayspking]

@@anayos6726 EA don't make RPGs though and haven't published an RPG since Bioware used to make rpgs.

[@thelightningbrony4745]

20:30 Omg! I'm dying! xD I can already tell I'm gonna love the comedic parts of this game. That little "fast walk" was hilarious XD

[@l1ghtofruin]

Great review! I like how this review actually had some coherent logic put into it (unlike SOME reviews). A lot of the glitches you mentioned could probably be fixed by a software update (at least I hope)

[@fuckyshityfuckshit]

I’d never played a JRPG before this and I’m fucking stunned , this game is amazing and the art style as phenomenal. FUCKING CLOUD SEA ??!!!??!? dang homie that’s cool

[@Thundah_Dome]

The first moments of this game had a profound effect on me. I remember when I was a kid, back when the PlayStation was the hottest thing and Microsoft stuck with computers. Back when the only TV was in my mom's room, and I got a game one summer called Final Fantasy IX. That game changed my outlook on what games could be. This is the only game since that has taken me to that point in my life where I feel like I'm seeing something amazing.

[@gerrion25]

18:40 - "...with no need to grind." That sentence alone is important. It means that they're aware of pacing issues and transformed the unlikable leveling sessions (known as "grinding") unto optional content, rewarding exploration of the game's content. Even if it costs 70 euros at launch day, this review gave me an assurance that the increased price is justified with relevant and engaging content.

[@ironpro7217]

Nintendo:we made GOTY with BOTW sony:hold my beer *pulls out persona 5 Nintendo:*shoots sony,throws xenoblade 2 on corpse

[@Paranoida]

Iron Pro Sony didn't make Persona 5

[@ironpro7217]

Bipolar Bear I know,but it's a playstation exclusive

[@djinnhoopa7599]

Sega x Atlas VS Nintendo x Monolith

[@internetuser5646]

you cant lie persona is heat and so is the new monster hunter

[@darkraiking680]

Nintendo: *comes back later to steal Persona 5 off the corpse and add it into Smash*

[@Metty96]

I literally didn't need to hear anymore after a minute into this video, I cannot wait for this game!!

[@theantispectrum3301]

weebs unite

[@kevinramirez3134]

Xenoblade Chronicles 2 Review Scores: RPGamer- Perfect 5 Exceptional Famitsu- 35/40 NintendoLife- 9 out of 10 DualShockers- 9.5 out of 10 GameXplain- Loves it! MyNintendoNews- 8.5 out of 10 SA Gamer- 8.5 out of 10 OpenCritic- 86% Mighty! RPG Site- 9 out of 10 TheSixthAxis- 9 out of 10 Trusted Reviews- 4.5 Stars out of 5 Eurogamer- Recommended! Digitally Downloaded- 4 Stars out of 5 Metacritic- 85% NintendoWorldReport- 9.5 out of 10 WeGotThisCovered- 4 Stars out of 5 USgamer- 4.5 out of 5 EPNdotTV (KZbin)- 9 out of 10 GameRevolution- 4.5 out of 5 Attack of the Fanboy- 4.5 out of 5 Loves it! GamingBoulevard- 9 out of 10 Nintendo Insider- 9 out of 10 WCCFtech- 8.8 out of 10 Gaming Nexus- 8.8 out of 10

[@mandoloriansoju3841]

Kevin Ramirez gamespot gave it a 7 😕

[@AdamTheGameBoy]

Most GX reviews are like 3 minutes for a 40 hour game, so this game must be like 350 hours.

[@Ferrante69]

And it is!

[@mlfan5986]

CHugga LP incoming! watch out! Well, you know... watch out in, like, 5 years. But in 5 years, it'll be the year of xenoblade 2...

[@holo1560]

Ikr?

[@PikminAnd]

Your estimation was off by roughly 3 years, unfortunately.

[@mlfan5986]

@@PikminAnd Man, people still be coming back to this comment, huh? Well, after all these years, I am still so HYYYYYPPPPPEEEEEE! LP has been so incredible so far, I can't wait to watch today's episode, and the one after that, and so on! Also, 2 years and 2ish months off, get your facts straight!

[@PikminAnd]

@@mlfan5986 me sorry 🥺 me big dum dum But yeah, I'm really excited too.

[@Phoenix-Wright]

#GloriousSwitchMasterrace

[@jabbweede995]

Is it okay to be part of 2 master races at once? I think it is. A lot of people have a PC for most games and a Switch for on the go.

[@markellhawthorne2921]

Glorious wallet abuse.

[@watainiac627]

Do you do anything else in life besides stealing PC's slogan, swapping it with Nintendo consoles, and running it into the ground by saying it over and over again?

[@cokercolacat5062]

Jim sterling had a video about it recently. Having good indies and spacing out the big games is making switch have a killer first year.

[@malibu2174]

Phoenix Wright - #NintendoSwitchMasterrace Ok, don’t get me wrong, I love the switch. But can you please stop commenting this on nearly every video on the switch?

[@deandrewatson730]

This is one the biggest review I have ever seen since xenoblade X review.

[@raihanhakim9870]

#JoyConBoyz

[@MsSoulBlader]

"She can be whatever you want" - Gamexplain

[@MazNator]

this is a true gamers opinion on display here, great review guys

[@PIXELPUNCH04]

3:32 tora trying to catch up on the bottom right

[@jayvalor21]

Nintendo deserves a cookie for having the release dates for their games to be the true day instead of delaying it.

[@xoreign]

DukeStone Zelda...

[@jayvalor21]

Xoreign minus 1 release date

[@9000And1Fails]

Metroid Prime 4... That said at least they were very open about it with us.

[@supermariofan53]

Bro development is a challenging and arduous process, it’s totally fine for games to be delayed. Nintendo does it all the time

[@action_jack88]

Now this is how you do a review! Everyone else has been short with no detail and complaining about what little time they had. Great job guys!

[@nanisuryani657]

Is still my favorite game on Nintendo switch

[@zipzzo]

Look carefully at the bottom right corner at 3:32 That kind of minor detail (harmless wildlife going about their business) is the kind of detail that makes Monolithsoft so great.

[@Typi]

This game is 10000x better than the first How? *Blade Waifus*

[@jojonta2119]

I hope you're joking lol

[@y05077]

The one thing I was honestly quite surprised at with this game was when mentioning about the blade cores and things like that because as it was being described I thought "Oh god here come the microtransactions" but then there were none. Really glad to see that, it's becoming increasingly rare.

[@xamorus]

Derrick, that was a FANTASTIC review! So heartfelt, so passionate. I'll probably hear your voice at points throughout the game! I won't lie, I never finished Chronicles or X, mainly due to schedule and time, but I'm still a huge fan and was quick to pre-order the special edition. I'm absolutely dying to dig in as, unlike my 3DS, my Switch is ALWAYS on my person. you guys have stood by Nintendo through thick and thin, how great it is to finally be overwhelmed by all of the amazing games being thrown our way. Good times indeed!

[@mlfan5986]

Welp. 3 game of the century in one year from Nintendo. Um... Nintendo? SHTAP. MY WALLET CAN'T TAKE IT.

[@pinkworm5348]

MLfan Deer Nitendo, please calm the f**k down or I'll need to go at soup kitchen for the next 6months...

[@ygsr]

MLfan tbh this looks like the best Switch game so far. And I’m a MASSIVE Zelda fan.

[@valekstormhowl4999]

I know how you feel. I'm a ps4 player and I broke down and got a switch. So now I have to juggle between persona 5, gravity rush 2, horizon zero dawn, super Mario oddysey, splatoon 2, legend of Zelda botw, and now xenoblade. Damn this has been a good year.

[@mlfan5986]

This year just might go down in history as one of the best in history for video games. Like, seriously, even if you only own a switch and ignore everything else, that would still be the case! Then there's a hat in time, all the ones you mentioned... this year rocked when it came to gaming.

[@josephcampbell7172]

BotW was only good.

[@durkadur27]

Why are people who don't like RPGs in the first place reviewing Xenoblade only to say they don't like it and give it a 65?

[@blue_thingys8813]

65/10 is pretty good

[@smashster1787]

Dylan Oehler. Isn't that like a D grade?

[@Indomavel2112]

@@smashster1787 Nah, it's more of a C+.

[@smashster1787]

Indomavel2112. Really? Wouldn’t a C+ be around 70 to 79?

[@Indomavel2112]

@@smashster1787 I think that would be more of a B- to B? I don't really have a refined criteria for this, haha

[@SlimShady1130]

MILD SPOILERS IN THIS I am currently playing Xenoblade 1 (DE) and LOVING it... but I agree that having to get positioning for the arts is quite annoying, and it’s REALLY hard to build affinity with anyone besides Shulk, Reyn and Sharla because as you said, you kinda need an attacker (Shulk) a tank (Reyn) and a healer (Sharla) and it’s dosent seems like there’s much use for Dunban, Melia and Riki who I Love as characters... I tend to use them for side quests but I can’t view most of the heart to hearts since I usually use the 3 people I mentioned when trying to advance in the story... adding customization to turn some of the side characters more powerful would be great! I know Melia can heal but she’s nothing compared to Sharla when it comes to that... I know Dunban is a strong attacker but he’s nothing compared to the Monado Arts Shulk has... like I said I use others for side quests but still can’t build enough affinity to view heart to hearts :( and PS forget about getting affinity for Fiora since they randomly added her back (which was a GREAT story element) I honestly think the story itself and the cutscenes are the most enjoyable part of the game

[@CrimsonCassius]

Very good review as always guys! Xenoblade Chronicles 1 was and is my favorite game of all time and when X did not meet my expectations compared I was sceptical when Chronicles 2 were announced mostly out of worry about if the story would be as engaging and tearjerking as the prequel, but to what ive seen and heard from people who have played it, it makes me very happy to hear the story is as good if not a little better than Chronicles 1, Im now waiting for it to finish downloading, but Im on the edge and I can't decide if I will stream it blind or not. But since the sidequests and affinity systems are revamped maybe it will be good enough for Twitchstreams. Thanks for the review Gamexplain!

[@Quix0tic707]

Really wish I hadn't asked for this for christmas now...holding out that extra 24 days is going to be tough.

[@guusthomassen9945]

You think this is better than BOTW? That's such a hot take... and I totally agree. This is my favorite game of all time

[@IseeHospitals]

I loveeeee that you guys do reviews this long. It’s a 100+ hour game, how will a 5 minute review do it justice?! Thanks for this!

[@rayminishi689]

My biggest concern was the plot and combat. Safe to say this review convinced me enough. As someone playing the first Xenoblade, I hope some improvements to the overall game came to fruition.

[@TechNMusic]

Good to finally land on a good review. Gamespot epically failed their review of this game by not gauging it based on other recent jrpgs. Great review!!

[@marklaw7777]

What an incredibly honest, passionate & excited review this was. As always Game Xplain delivers. You just sold me on it. Thank You! 💜

[@Mercenary1993]

This was such a good review. The reviewer was so passionate and honest. I wish every review could be like this, positive or negative. Great job, GameXplain.

[@BoBennings]

Really awesome review I always appreciate how you guys go above and beyond and give the game review the time necessary to really give us a sense of your thoughts! And it means more coming from someone who loved the first XC so I’m looking forward to it!

[@akaimizu1]

Now if a Xenoblade game could just release before December once, in order to make the game awards. Still, it’s amazing we get a Xenoblade game of this caliber within the same year of announcement and that Monolithsoft devs May just be responsible for two GOTY contenders in the same year. I absolutely loved the first two games, and their major plot twists that often change how you completely look upon the world and its characters; I look forward to how they plan to do the same in a new unique way. I’m ready to be shocked, multiple times, once again.

[@akaimizu1]

Jorge Meza maybe not. The first two ended up being my personal RPGs of the year they released. I still wonder if this one will be my RPG of the year, like the others.

[@Itzsfo0]

its not a goty = your opinion

[@nicolle2126]

Oh god it's a micromanager's dream

[@Ferrante69]

Hahaha, totally

[@stickfigure8416]

I'd say there was more micromanaging in the first game, with the gems and all the different equipment pieces

[@tollyboyer3707]

The best review. Not that crap like Slant Magazine. Xenoblade 2 is a great game and definitely the best game of 2017, despite NieR and Persona5.

[@lieronthesofa6220]

So true.

[@heropontorchic1979]

Xenoblade 2 is my favorite game, Majora's Mask is second.

[@TyetheMonadoBoy]

I'm sure Rex would agree if I said that the chance to go off on this adventure to Elysium is something to die for. :)

[@MonadoBoyFlameRock]

Tye the Monado Boy well said Monando Boy.

[@bscarl88]

You gained my trust when you suggested Ys 8 in that review. So I'm expecting great things from this Xenoblade! Excited to jump in!

[@bscarl88]

@Mitari Mango spoiler alert - I do love it 😁. 50 hours in

[@ShallBePurified]

I am now watching this review after beating the game since I wanted to know as little as possible going in. Oh my god, I wasn't sure if it would beat Breath of the Wild, but that ending just made it edge past it for my game of the year.

[@BlackInChinaChristsSon]

I love playing this game and have watched a ton of content about it. Hands down this is the best Xenoblade Chronicles 2 review I have ever seen. You are extremely detailed, helpful, and show a great understanding of the game. Keep up the great work!

[@MtMarshi]

Building on what was said at the beginning of the review. I think everyone has those very rare games, that upon release just bowls them over and makes then completely smitten with its world, its story (if there is one) and its gameplay. Just every single facet of the game resonates with you and make you feel like you have never played a better game, and quickly becoming a top five game you have ever played. Again, Im not talking about games you love. Im talking those 5 or 6 games that you experience in your life that truly changes or enhances your passion for gaming. An easy example is Final Fantasy VII. For many, that game is a true game changer and is on many peoples best game ever list. Well as if it wasnt obvious, Im adding Xenoblade Chronicles 2 to this list of super rare games. Its astounding. The gameplay, the story, the art style, the music, oh man the MUSIC! Just everything in this game shines. If you have even a passing interest in JRPG's, you MUST own this game.

[@connorabramsbutiidentifyas8773]

I thought about getting this when I unlocked the Xenoblade scavenger armor in botw and found this review I now plan on getting it after I get a pro controller/charger I saw (I shift from docked to handheld because my family just decides to go places on the spot) can't wait to start playing it

[@associazioneotaku]

one question, ( sorry for my eng ) are the sidequest confusing like the olds xenoblade ? because in xeno 1 and x a lot of mission are " find this object " and it is RANDOM in the openworld witouth any clue of the location, and the objects ae always ugly crystals.... is different the situation there, thenx ! :)

[@n64central]

AssociazioneOtaku good question

[@demit189]

I wonder that as well

[@fastica]

18:00

[@Excalibur5k]

i thought the problem was fixed in X tbh

[@rosiekat6592]

in numerous other reviews, they said that the sidequests are much less confusing.

[@zeppa8817]

Wow! Super in-depth review! I've never played a game in the series, but I might have to try this one. Good job!

[@Loansome_]

Since I first heard about Xenoblade a few years ago, I was pretty interested. I didn't really know anything about it but something just seemed to catch my attention. With Xenoblade 2, when I first saw it, it looked beautiful and I wanted to buy the game whenever I could, but after recently seeing the gameplay I thought it was going to be slow and tedious, so it kinda put me off. Though everyone I've seen online that's played Xenoblade is so passionate about the series, excited for this entry, and I've never heard anyone talk bad about it, so I stayed to see what it was I was missing that was so wonderful. I still haven't played a single Xenoblade game yet, but everything you explained in this video opened my eyes to what Xenoblade is like and the exciting features that's in X2: the brilliance of it's deep but simple-to-learn mechanics and sheer variety of masterful content, with characters that have their own personality, development, and relevance to the very investable story that will leave you crying by the end that will have you sinking valuable hours into the game. Ah I can't wait. It looks so good.

[@thencsmaster4343]

Add another first party masterpiece to the Switch

[@mynameisaegis]

Although this is my 2nd favorite game of all time, I wouldn't call this a masterpiece. The later parts of the game are extremely bullshit due to a huge difficulty spike and bullshit enemy placements.

[@mynameisaegis]

My problem is, it seems like the devs knew that getting ganged up on by enemies in this game is akin to instant death, so they tried to abuse the fuck out of that near the end. It was too frustrating. Spoilers: Especially during the final boss when he spawns the NOTSkells. I got lucky and had three elemental bursts on Malos, so I was able to destroy him with true Pyra. But it was ridiculous getting to him.

[@mechashadow]

If it's your favorite game of the year, how come it doesn't get a Mindblown?

[@insertusernamehere51]

It doesn't need to have blown his mind for it be his favourite game of the year. Loving the game is good enough

[@Mark_Thyme]

Mindblown was a made up tier due to some bias

[@VNReader]

Mindblown was a pre-existing tier that was just never used until recently.

[@livid8821]

Different reviewers. This was Derrick while odyssey was Andre. I believe Andre is slightly more lenient with reviews than Derrick although I'm not too sure.

[@mechashadow]

Knuck Chilada André? Lenient? You should ask Derrick about that. Or listen to the ir podcast

[@CANC3ROUS]

Thanks for what has to be the best review I've seen and heard to this game. You clearly have spent a lot of time with this and you can hear this within how thoughtfully crafted this review was not skipping over things and explaining in-depth what you loved and didn't like about this game. This is how all reviews should be done and I for one am now looking forward to playing this game even more so now than I was before top job!

[@juliansalazar7097]

Been playing for the last couple of hours and I have to say this game is incredible so far.. The story, soundtrack, combat all seem amazing. The English VO’s aren’t too bad either, they’re pretty damn good. Also loving the art style, this game is gorgeous. Already have the song from Goldmouth stuck in my head.. haha The tutorial sections are very well done and they ease you into the game. So for anyone not familiar with RPG’s or on the fence, definitely give this a shot! Probably going to end up being one of my favorite RPG’s ever if it keeps up at this pace. Can’t wait to explore some of the massive lands/area I’ve seen in trailers and screenshots!

[@VinnyAdventures]

This game really is incredible! I'm doing a Let's Play of it on my channel and I've gotten goosebumps so many times! You can tell a lot of love and hard work went into making it!

[@KajiKingStarzky]

Kosmos rare blade thank fucking GOD! It’s also good to see them building the Xeno series. I personally love Xenosaga, and Kosmos and Talos are the best. However I am greatly going to enjoy this game.

[@manuelalbertoromero9528]

Wait...Kosmos is in this game?

[@JimBarnetts1]

This is the first GameXplain vid I've watched and within the first four minutes the reviewer talks about being brought to tears twice. Wouldn't it be better to say it really pulls at the heart strings or even the game hit me emotionally? Maybe I'll try some other GameXplain reviews done by other reviewers because I had to stop at the four minute mark.

[@guguig9746]

I mean, if it truly brought him to tears, there's no harm in saying it, is it? (Also yeah, Derrick, Ash and André have slightly different wording when reviewing games, I tend to prefer reviews done by Derrick, but maybe you'll prefer another POV)

[@lonelygoner2012]

the little machiche that could. devs are getting impressive looking games out of that system. this will be my first xenoblade and im hyped and btw, this is one of the best reviews of any game ive seen in a while. you can tell the reviewer put a lot of hrs in this game (the way it should be) Good Job!

[@Yokizeshi]

You managed to tell us how amazing the game is in the first minute of this video. My hype is endless.

[@marcoaraujo88]

This video perfectly shows why I love Monolith Soft

[@manuelalbertoromero9528]

Those madmen. No wonder Nintendo asked for their help when making Breath of the Wild.

[@Gadgetmawombo]

Been playing this game for about 8 hours and it's amazing, I'm super invested in it so far! But I can easily see how this game is NOT for everyone. This game is complex, almost needlessly so. There's a ton of different systems that work in tandem, layers of menu's, quests, minigames, areas to explore, ways to customize drivers/blades, blade collection, etc, it's overwhelming in a way very, VERY few games can be (even among open world games) and I'm ONLY 8 hours in! Honestly the only other time I've been this overwhelmed with systems and menu's is when I played an MMORPG. The tutorials are pretty well done but even so it's alot to wrap your head around. I think alot of the lower review scores are because of this, it's too much to handle for some people, especially if you're trying to rush this game to meet a review deadline...

[@TheNinjaDC]

Only about halfway through, but this honestly is my favorite Switch game so far (though at times, the most frustrating). When the game is in its grove, the story, combat, and world is super engrossing, to the point you really do get used to the terrible lip sync. However, some negative JRPG tropes do show up here(many side quests are stupidly tedious), but worst of all is the map. The multilayered titans are awesome, but annoying as hell when your map compass can't compute with them(and the map/mini map is pretty bad too).

[@sol-qe2lw]

Nin10doUltra is dead when this game is out

[@mythguard6865]

It’s so sad that I won’t be able to play this at launch

[@janidoe4561]

Mythguard Whatever else I'll try to do. Same

[@adamhale2315]

Mythguard Whatever else I'll try to do. This wait is going to be painful

[@naransolongoboldbayer8030]

I won"t be getting this till christmas. Sad days

[@fresquecito]

Derrick, after following your weekly streams of your blind walkthrough of Xenoblade Chronicles 1, I was happy to see you were the one reviewing this game. Very insightful review, even more well done than other critical websites like IGN and Gamespot

[@topiasky2149]

Excellent review, I just finished the game yesterday and agree with nearly everything you said!

[@josephacosta7882]

Should I buy this game? Gimme a “YES” guys.. I really love RPG...

[@tollyboyer3707]

Easily the best single player game on switch and one of the best arpg in recent years.

[@heropontorchic1979]

Its the best game on the Switch and my favorite game in general, the story is also great

[@tollyboyer3707]

Joseph Acosta Portable scontent-arn2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/37897180_1630372587090041_5532436881096048640_o.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=8c9204a9849301ec8a338e806229f48d&oe=5BD79B48 Docked scontent-arn2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/37962553_1630372313756735_3656649428267171840_o.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=cae3dc7437e6a427496f9ae65aaaac91&oe=5BC641DA 90% of the game looks and plays good. Only in one of the first locations the resoultion in portable can drops to something like this scontent-arn2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/37931422_1630452167082083_6995622992055107584_o.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=6ee863b5d19f42eebbbec60d26a87f08&oe=5BCBE8BC

[@josephacosta7882]

Dream Eagle ohhh. Thanks for the screenshots dude is that from your save file?

[@tollyboyer3707]

Joseph Acosta did it right now.

[@whitefata104]

Xenoblade2 is the best jrpg i ever play in 15years, even technical isue, and weird lips sync, and some cutscene voice to low

[@robertwahlstrom]

Great review, and this actually captures what this game is all about. Think so many reviewers have tried to rush through the game and then leave a bad review that don't really mirror the game very well.

[@TheNathanNAPALM]

This is a great review of this game, it’s perfectly articulated and accurate! I’ve enjoyed your content for some time and it’s always great, but this one is perfect! Great job!

[@jepicondyle]

I JUST finished this game.... and oh my damn..... please play this game everyone! 🤗

[@Outragous82]

Never played this game or any in the series...it looks fun but confusing 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@marwane2850]

Jason Weaver Yes it does because you can’t get everything from a 20 minutes review but when playing i never did find myself lost or confused. Get the game and you’re sure not to regret it

[@Outragous82]

@@marwane2850 I'm going to get it. I'm not a hardcore gamer, I do play Zelda, Mario etc. But this game looks amazing and graphics look good, definitely will give it a try.

[@Littleton3513]

@@Outragous82 how’d it go?

[@fluidwolf]

Wonder how long till they post a vid for the final boss? lol

[@astrofallz]

UnbreakableJames just don't watch it. That's what I always do. If you read the title first then you won't even be spoiled by the thumbnail

[@nickando1734]

astrofallz no one looks at the title first

[@astrofallz]

Nick Ando welp better learn to like I did.

[@nart216]

Your so right, thats like the new trend. First to show the ending

[@fluidwolf]

I don't have any actual issue with it. Just it's been happening a bit recently and thought it was kind of funny. Put out a spoiler free review then not too long after that they tend to have the final boss or some endgame quest up in another vid. It's like one part of them is like "don't want to spoil anyone" while the other is "welp here's the ending" all in the same day. :p

[@ScottManwell]

Great review. Really enjoyed your detail. My body is Reggie

[@eindridi1770]

Awesome review! Wish I could give two thumbs up!! Can’t wait to play later today.