Xenoblade Chronicles X: A Deep Dive Into One of the Best Open-World RPGs on the Wii U
If you are a fan of expansive open-world RPGs and have a soft spot for classic Nintendo titles, Xenoblade Chronicles Xis a game that should be on your radar. Released exclusively for the Wii U in December 2015 in North America, this game remains one of the most ambitious and visually stunning RPGs available on Nintendo’s console.
Xenoblade Chronicles X USA Release Overview
Developed by Monolith Soft and published by Nintendo, Xenoblade Chronicles X was positioned as a spiritual successor to Xenoblade Chronicles (2010). While it is not a direct sequel, it takes many gameplay elements and expands them into a brand-new sci-fi setting with a heavier focus on exploration and survival.
The USA release of Xenoblade Chronicles X was highly anticipated among RPG fans, especially those who enjoyed Xenoblade Chronicles on the Wii. Thanks to its gigantic open world and innovative gameplay mechanics, the game has garnered a cult following even years after its release.
Gameplay Features
1. A Vast, Seamless Open World
The planet Mira is the centerpiece of Xenoblade Chronicles X. Featuring five massive continents with diverse ecosystems—ranging from lush forests and towering mountains to harsh deserts—Mira feels alive and daunting. The open-world design allows for hours of exploration with minimal loading screens, creating a seamless experience.
2. Skell Mechs: The Ultimate Exploration Tool
One of the game’s standout features is the introduction of Skells, giant transformable mechs that allow players to fly, fight, and traverse rough terrain with ease. Unlocking a Skell feels rewarding and significantly changes how you interact with Mira’s environment.
3. Deep Combat System
The real-time combat blends auto-attacks with Arts, powerful abilities that add a strategic layer to each encounter. The MMO-style battle system lets you control your avatar while your AI teammates assist you in taking down some of the most challenging creatures on Mira.
4. Player Customization
Unlike its predecessor, Xenoblade Chronicles X allows players to create their own custom protagonist. You can modify appearance, gender, voice, and class, giving a personal touch to your journey.
5. Online Features
The game includes asynchronous multiplayer elements like the Squad Tasks system, where players worldwide contribute to large objectives. There’s also an online division where players can team up for certain missions, making it more than just a single-player RPG.
Storyline Highlights
Set in 2054, the game begins with Earth’s destruction during an alien war. Survivors from Earth escape in ark ships, with the ship White Whale crashing on Mira. As a member of the military organization BLADE, your mission is to explore this new planet, protect New Los Angeles, and retrieve critical components scattered across Mira to ensure humanity’s survival.
Xenoblade Chronicles X vs. Xenoblade Chronicles
While Xenoblade Chronicles X shares its name with the original game, the two are very different. X shifts its tone toward a more science fiction and survival-based narrative. The heavy emphasis on exploration, Skells, and multiplayer systems sets it apart from its predecessor, which leaned more into character-driven storytelling and fantasy elements.
Why Xenoblade Chronicles X Remains Relevant
Even years after its initial release, Xenoblade Chronicles X continues to attract attention from RPG fans and Nintendo collectors, particularly in the USA. Its huge open-world, dynamic weather systems, and mech-based gameplay make it stand out among other Wii U RPG games. Many fans are still hoping for a remaster or port to the Nintendo Switch.
If you are a fan of RPGs with enormous worlds to explore and deep combat systems, Xenoblade Chronicles X is still worth revisiting. Despite the Wii U’s limited lifespan, this game stands out as one of the best RPGs Nintendo has ever published. Whether you’re revisiting Mira or playing for the first time, prepare for an unforgettable adventure in one of the most ambitious Wii U RPGs ever made.
