If you ask me, Xenoblade Chronicles was one of the better RPGs of the last generation of video game consoles. Unfortunately, not everyone had a chance to play it. After fans petitioned for a North American release of the critically acclaimed Wii game for years Nintendo finally gave in and brought it to the US. The catch is that it was sold exclusively through GameStop and only ever available in limited quantities.
Now Nintendo has brought the game portable, but with another wrinkle: It requires the New 3DS XL, which is a great system, but not one that every 3DS gamer will feel the need to upgrade to. As of right now, Xenoblade Chronicles 3D is the only retail game announced to require the newer, more expensive system.
If you do have the hardware, though, and you like RPGs, Xenoblade Chronicles is an easy recommendation.
It's the exact same game I raved about when I covered it two years ago, which is actually kind of impressive. Sure, there's nothing here that's really new to this version of the game (aside from viewable 3D models that you can earn through StreetPass or by scanning a Shulk amiibo), but the fact that they were able to cram a Wii game onto the New 3DS more or less unscathed is an admirable feat.
It's got the same great cast of characters, the same voice acting, the same addicting combat, the same lengthy adventure ... It's the same, but it's all worthwhile.
Graphically, it doesn't look quite as nice as the Wii original (and obviously it runs at a lower resolution), but it runs just as smoothly. The added C-stick and buttons of the New 3DS XL also help replicate the feel of playing the game on the Wii's Classic Controller, which is how I personally played the original. It's a comfortable way to play, which is good, because you will be playing for a very, very long time.
I'm a big fan of RPGs on handheld systems because I can take them with me and play them in short bursts when I have time, and Xenoblade accommodates this well. While many of the cutscenes can be lengthy, the game allows you to save anywhere you'd like (rather than pre-determined save points), making it easy to stop and pick up the game later if you want to play on a bus or between meetings. Yes, some of the epic nature of the story and scenery aren't isn't as impressive on the smaller screen, but this is a better format for the gamer who can't find the time to be in front of a TV for hours on end.
It's a shame that, once again, there's a sizable cost barrier between this fantastic game and some of the people who would like to play it. If you have to decide between paying about $60 for a used copy of the Wii game (provided you can find one) or shelling out the money for a New 3DS XL so you can buy the portable version for $40, that might be a tough call. The system is, in my opinion, fantastic and worth owning -- but not if this is the one and only game you'll play on it.
If you've already jumped on board with the New 3DS, though? Xenoblade Chronicles 3D is a great showcase for the hardware, and a great RPG that you'll be able to sink dozens upon dozens of hours into.
