Much like a conscript, the game introduces you to a new reality: you are a survivor from a crashed Generation ship (the USS White Whale) in an unknown alien planet, rescued by Elma (more on her later) and brought back to New Los Angeles. Monolith - halfway into the game's production - decided to revoke the playable character from being an established character (much like Shulk was in 'Xenoblade Chronicles') within the human population of New Los Angeles, making them an 'avatar' instead. The very notion of a 'conscript' defines the individual lack of choice in the matter. Some will even be conscripted to serve their country in any number of roles (military, public service and others). A very few people are indeed special in that sense of the word, yet most will just live out their lives peacefully and unremarked by history. But as you keep growing up sources like television, books and yes, even video games, will lead you to believe you are destined for greatness. In the eyes of your parents, you truly are. It is all right to believe you are special. The following are a few reflections from my experience with the game (a period of 680+ hours from December 3rd, 2015 to March 16th 2016). There was even a main plot to follow that within its twelve chapters gently (even if every so often mischievously) guided your path along the entire planet's main attractions.

But those who persisted and began to venture further and further away from the relative safety of New Los Angeles were treated to a whole new world to explore, filled with both dangers and rewards, secrets, unique vistas and extensive underground caverns to get oneself lost into. Those who somehow did get the game were challenged by its unprecedented micromanagement it was harder than ever to take proper care of everyone in your team, let alone a complete four Skell squad. Meanwhile the previous Xenoblade Chronicles epic adventure even got itself an exclusive New 3DS portable version.

But Xenoblade Chronicles X faced even more difficult odds to capture its targeted audience the Wii U was not a runaway success like its predecessor, and as such despite stellar reviews and a good marketing effort in showing off the game's uniqueness, less people played this game to completion. In this article Gonçalo 'Shiryu' Lopes shares his personal reflections on Xenoblade Chronicles X, the enthralling Wii U title.Įxactly one year ago Wii U owners were given a unique opportunity to escape reality by embarking on the extremely difficult assignment: to beat extinction against all odds on Planet Mira.

Xenoblade chronicles x my dream