Xenoblade Chronicles 3D has now arrived in North America, completing its roll-out across all territories. The first exclusive on the New Nintendo 3DS XL, it sees Monster Games succeed in porting one of the most sizeable Wii U experiences onto a portable.
In our Xenoblade Chronicles 3D review (where we awarded 9/10) we were full of praise, albeit acknowledging that - at times - the adventure feels best suited to play on a TV.
Xenoblade Chronicles 3D is a high-quality port of one of the Wii's most demanding yet brilliant experiences. A sizeable and stunningly diverse world, full of wildlife and fantastical cultures, is admirably recreated for the small screens of the New Nintendo 3DS. Its natural home may be on the TV, but this release gives more gamers an opportunity to set off on a lengthy and dramatic adventure. A brilliant portable version of a true classic, fans of RPGs willing to commit themselves to the task of saving Bionis shouldn't hesitate to pick this up - it is, quite simply, the biggest world we've experienced on such small screens.
It's an interesting title not only for being such a surprising candidate for a portable release, but also as an exclusive on the New Nintendo 3DS systems. That double whammy perhaps led to an underwhelming chart début in the UK, while in Japan it fared reasonably but nevertheless didn't storm the charts; will it do better in North America?
Let us know if you're jumping into this huge adventure on the New Nintendo 3DS / XL, or why - perhaps - you're not tempted by it.
Comments 97
Yep, and dl'ed it last night! Played it till I got to colony 9 then switched back to MH4U. Looks good in my book! Other then the colors that is.
No reason for me to pick this up. I have the disc!
"...it sees Monster Games succeed in porting one of the most sizeable Wii U experiences onto a portable."
Don't you mean "Wii" experiences?
Maybe when they decide to bring the standard sized N3DS over here...
DLed it but Pokemon Brawl has me addicted lol. Will play over the weekend!
Will go physical once I find a used copy at gamestop.
UPS tracking number says mine will be delivered TODAY. Hopefully before I get home from work so that I can pop it in right away!
@KnightRider666 good luck with that. Who in their right mind would ever sell this game?
I downloaded this last night. I know I'm going to be getting my money's worth out of this one, and I'll probably revisit it often. I already have the Wii Disc, so this will help to preserve that. Now perhaps maybe I will finally finish this adventure.
Now it's Reyn time!
So many spoilers in that video. I have no intention on getting this anytime soon because I don't have a New 3DS, and I've already played the Wii version. Might eventually buy this game digitally when I get a New 3DS if I want to replay it.
I'm going to go play my Wii version right now and save me the money and get better looking visuals.
So I got a physical copy of this game. I never do that. I also got a burgundy N3DS I would never pick that color. I still haven't opened my game yet because of stupid practicum. My time is limited the only thing I'm feeling is a final in one week.
That's nice and all, but what about small New 3DS units for North America?
I'm definitely gonna get this once I get a New 3DS since finding copies of the Wii version is like trying to find a rare amiibo but tougher. Also I love how they changed the eshop music to the Gaur Plains theme, it makes the waiting time for a demo/game to download worth it.
@ikki5 You mean very, very, very slightly better graphics. Saying Xenoblade 3D graphics is worse than the original is liking saying this turd is better than this slightly sticking turd that's you can take on the go.
so i just played the first 20 minutes or so... does it get more in depth than just running in circles tapping the d-pad or the a button every so often? is there a basic element of gameplay i have yet to unlock?
Let's not lose our heads, though.
@Chaoz The only reason the graphics don't look that bad is because it is on a tiny screen. Put it just on a youtube screen and you'll see they are not that great.
I've had it since release in the UK, and I must say I love it... although the tutorials are a little vague. 2nd boss in and I've just started to understand how the telegraphing mechanism thing works- that Monado power button in the middle toggles up and down which wasn't explained very well. But once you understand how combat works it really is fun- it's a multitasking real time RPG.
@leo13: Somebody who doesn't need/appreciate it, or somebody who stole it.
I'm actually playing wii version now. Been playing since august and I think im close to the end. loooong game. So far im at 167 hrs! This is an epic game and I am so looking forward to XCX. I gotta say, the game wouldn't be the same without those accents. Its awfully cloudy in the tristate area.....I think is almost Reyn Time!
Can't be feeling it since I need a New 3DS. Maybe in the future... or if I'm lucky enough to find a Wii version that doesn't require me to sell my organs.
@ikki5 That's the point, it going to look just like the Wii Version on a small screen. Of course it going to look like crap on something it not made for, if you put Xenoblade Wii on a small screen it'll probably look like crap because it made for the big screen.
Man, this is one of those games... if you haven't played this or the wii version, do yourself a huge favor and do so!
@SirQuincealot
Have you never played a JRPG before? Not being smart I'm genuinely curious.
If you have, then I don't quite understand the question- if you haven't, then you really need to play for a dozen hours or so before you realize the game has sucked you in unlike any force the world has ever known. It's like a Final Fantasy- you level up by fighting increasingly harder enemies, collect rare equipment and upgrades, follow the story, and enjoy the ride. Once you're past the training wheel hours (usually the first 5 or so) you have to start thinking critically about how to win battles, particularly boss battles. You'll need to learn when to attack, which arts to use in which order to combo, enemy weaknesses, whether to level up before taking on a tough boss or winging it based on your top-notch strategy...
Ya, just play the game. By the time you finish it you'll be bragging about how you just got done playing one of the best games in your life.
Downloading it to BOTH of my =NEW= 3DS XL's right now!
Not feeling it yet, as my local Walmart got THREE copies. So I'll be feeling it in a few hours when my download finishes.
Not getting it until the 20th. I won't have a New 3DS until sometime next week since I am getting one with my tax return. I am just not sure if I should get a warranty or not. I know it comes with one but I want an extra warranty just in case.
If you are careful with it and use a carry case and top and bottom screen protectors, you shouldn't need a warranty.
Got this in the mail today. Incredibly excited to start it up!
@New_3DaSh_XL We musn't be careless.
Never played Xenoblade but I love JRPGs. Should I pick this up?
@JubilifeRival You should definitely play Xenoblade. This was one of the best games on the Wii, and it's one of the best JRPGs in recent years.
3 hours in on my Wii U and all I keep thinking is - why not port this to Wii U instead? It would probably be worth it even if they kept the graphics but fixed the sound - all I can get is 2 channel stereo over my HDMI cable into my audio receiver. This game is too good for stereo.
Oh, and map on the Gamepad controller w/ touch for instant transport, how cool would that be? Did they make use of the bottom screen on the new 3DS, maybe Wii U can get a port of that version?
@Samuel-Flutter Let's stay focused.
I am absolutely loving the game so far! The only disappointment is those character models. I guess I am just too spoiled w/ PC/PS4 graphics nowadays.
Been keeping my hype to a minimum cause I just can't drop the cash for the N3DS yet. I'm hoping if I hold out long enough we may end up with the small model, by the time I make the buy. Either way, I'm normally an early adopter for all things Nintendo, so I really feel like I'm missing out right now. I need a JRPG in my life right now.
@SirQuincealot Yes, you surely don't have the time mechanic yet that has to do with seeing the future in battles. In general, you will find that battles get a lot more interesting once you're a bit further into the game. That said, though, I never finished this on Wii because I was getting bogged down with sidequests. My fault, though, and I'll eventually complete it on Wii U.
Don't have a New 3DS (holding out hope we'll get the non XL...), but made sure to buy it. In my book Xenoblade is one of the finest RPGs ever made and I wanted to make sure to support it on release.
When I get a new 3ds (with a capture card installed) this is going to be the first thing I pick up. Mostly because I haven't played xenoblade yet, and from what I saw it seems pretty decent.. although I don't know if I'll get bored of it quickly, the combat seems pretty slow pace and turn based.. for what should be something with more free combat. Plus I don't like large landscapes.. I hated elder scrolls as all I did was walk on mountains and spend an hour to reach this or that location. It's hard to tell if xenoblade is like that.
As far as enhancements from the original, like others pointed out the graphics isn't improved in the slightest.. the resolution looks better because it's 3d and on a small screen where our eyes aren't as focused, but it's certainly a joke of a graphical remake in comparison to majora's mask.
Dolphin can run this game at full HD resolution, better than Wii or N3DS. Why would anyone buy this? Nintendo is too slow to catch up with the home brew people
Why didn't we get a LE console?! I was waiting for it Oh well, it seems I'll wait a bit more
Sold my Nvidia shield portable and original 3DSXl to finance a new 3DSXL with Xenoblade, hope it doesn't disappoint. System transfer though....phew...
@Ninty4thewin I would definitely be up for more Wii games on 3DS - Skyward Sword?
@JubilifeRival
Yes you should.
I always planned to play just few hours and ended up playing 6. Finished with 167h, tho didn't finish everything that could have been done. OST is also one of the best - ever.
I am not going to buy copy of this, but I do have Monado covers on my N3DS - oh so pretty (okay, basicly that has my hubby's NNID and it is "his" and he got really excited about the colours and changed those right away)
Skyward Sword can use the Gyroscope and/or Touch Screen.
how do you unlock more models and tunes in the gallery? so far I've unlocked 6/6 and 8/8 and there doesn't seem to be anything else appearing in there and I'm just at the Bionis Leg.
"...it sees Monster Games succeed in porting one of the most sizeable Wii U experiences onto a portable."
Um?
Anyways, I got it yesterday, and it. is. amazing!
@SirQuincealot this game seems more or less like ff xii for what I've played. So yes that's a big part of what it is. Otherwise I'm quite impressed to see this runs on such a limited hardware The new 3ds is surely capable of great things.
im really NOT feeling it!
@zeldagaymer93
yes, this is why i am afraid to get it
I'm considering buying it just to put my n3ds though its paces. I have the wii version though (day 1 purchase) so I'm in no hurry. Plus that download will take forever.
@Nintendian Can I take it on the go? Can I not be more of a pirate than I'm already am? Do I need a really pricy computer to run it? No, no, and yes. Not that it even looks better on Dolphin useless you're talking about that HD hack, it just look slightly less muddy but still muddy and the HD hack is a mod and not official. I'll rather buy something as big as Xenoblade on a handheld rather than sitting in a desk and play it with slightly better graphics.
"I'm really feelin' it"
@Chaoz
Xenoblade is better on a home console. No one is pirating, you can dumped the game from the original Wii discs. No, you don't need a powerful computer to run the emulator, I got a 3 years old laptop that runs all the games in HD with no problem. I connect my laptop to my HDTV with hdmi, it looks better than on Wii. There's no HD hack, all Wii games run in full HD with Dolphin. Mario Galaxy 2 looks phenomenal in 1080 res!
@Chaoz It doesn't look just like the Wii version, you can notice it quite a bit. More than what I was expecting. Also, if you took Xenoblade Wii for the big screen and put it on a small screen, it would look more sharp, not bad. It would just be harder to see stuff because it is small but the image would be more sharp simply because of the resolution.
Bought it before GameStop closed last night and noticed that there were at least 50 more copies on the shelf. This game is going to be a shelf warmer, I think. I don't even think that this particular GameStop sold 50 N3DS's in the past. Maybe Nintendo's strategy was to get people to buy the N3DS with it(?).
Got the physical copy and I'm about 5hrs in now. I didn't play the original so this is a truly new experience for me. I'm really 'feeling it' so far but do have some issues with navigating the menus especially during combat. Its so weird playing a Japanese game inspired by Western RPGs instead of the other way around.
Just got my N3DS XL and I feel it's the right time to pick up this gem. Never finushed on Wii because lack of GC controller support. Wii Remotes drain money by using batteries...
First time playing this game, and I'm enjoying it so far, and really excited for the game to open up a bit more. I think I'm going to like all of the deep systems in the game, such as affinity. It kind of gives me a bit of a Skies of Arcadia vibe in that sense, and you can't go wrong with that. My only problem is balancing this with G-Rank hunts in MH4u (finally at G3!).
I'm really feeling it. It hit me in the feels like an hour or so into the story.
Currently playing this on my OG 3DS XL via a hack GOML Nintendo /s
I really want this game, but I don't want to shell out the cash for a N3ds. I've been trying without fail to find a reasonable price for the Wii version, but it seems nobody is willing to name a price that isn't a complete ripoff.
@crzysortagamer Please don't let that turn you away from the game. Like I said, even the first hour of the game was incredible and I am about 5 hours in and I think everything about the story, gameplay, universe is great. While the character models are horrendous and are a little distracting sometimes, I still think it's worth the play through.
brace yourselves for all the uninformed customers who don't know the difference between 'their' new 3DS and 'the' New 3DS as they complain that the game doesn't work.
@zeldagaymer93 Thanks, that is really encouraging !
Of course I have to get this The stupid Wii version is almost 100 bucks on online retailers and i never got the chance to play this so yes!
We should have more Wii ports if done right like: The Last Story and Pandora's Tower.
@ikki5
Yeah, here's the thing. I play my copy on my 3ds not on YouTube. That's kind of a silly argument and doesn't even make sense.
@farore311
No doubt. I have been reading about this constantly and how impressions were saying the same thing but I am still amazed seeing and playing it myself how good it is. Monster did an incredible job and I'm excited to see the right developer build a game from the ground up.
Just finishing up MM then it's on. I can't wait. Don't have the wii version and miss good jrpgs.
@shredmeister Better 50 copies than none. Missed my chance with the wii version, so picked it up day one. The availability and necessity of the n3dsxl is probably the cause for excess copies. Glad I picked it up.
@Ninty4thewin I concur. Love to see a flagship game, even if it is a port.
@MegaBeedrill From what I've played (about 3 hours worth), Xenoblade involves a lot of walking. Both it and Elder Scrolls have fast travel, but handle it in different ways. XB does not slow down after fast travel due to processing, unlike ES. In fact, XB seems far more stable than most ES games (no crashing, slowdown, lag whatsoever). Some ES games to enable fast travel to certain locations or means to get to important areas quickly (via medieval taxi). Xenoblade forces you to go to areas before fast travel is provided, so it is worse than ES in a way. Difference between a linear JRPG with a big world and an open ended WRPG with an open world, I guess.
@JaxonH I had the same experience with Personas 3 and 4, Final Fantasy X, Skyrim, and The World Ends With You. It is an RPG experience, through and through.
I thought about getting this, but it's a moot point since NOA hasn't released the New 3DS yet, and still no sign that they plan to...
Thought about trying to import one and region unlock it, but knowing my luck, NOA would release it in the US immediately afterwards >_<
@DM666 shouldn't have sold the shield. those things are rare.
@Asaki get the xl.
I downloaded it right before taking a long airplane trip. Played six hours until my red battery light starting flashing. I love the story, soundtrack, and characters. The graphics are rough but the art design overcomes the low resolution.
This is definitely the type of game I like on a handheld, especially since it allows me to save almost anywhere (or just close the lid). I love the way quests and combat are streamlined to keep you playing. The repetition of useless random battles in "classic" JRPGs is a turn off. It's early but I think this might be one of the rare games I actually finish.
Other old people: do you remember Panzer Dragoon Saga on the Sega Saturn? Beautiful design on a technically limited device still results in a great looking game.
@SirQuincealot Are you talking about the battle system? The further you get the more strategy you have to use and yes more abilities open up constantly
@Chaoz >slightly better graphics.
Have you even seen the HD mod?
Saying its slightly better looking than the wii version is a huge understatement.
@JaxonH Hey, I know you're kind of a Monster Hunter aficionado, and I was wondering something. Since I might like to get some other big games besides this for my New 3DS in the future, would you recommend MH3U or MH4U? What are the big differences and pros and cons of both, and is it worth getting both?
@Giygas_95
Definitely go with MH4U first. Don't get me wrong- MH3U is fantastic, but, it's a lot less noob-friendly, and it's a hard game to get into if it's your first MH game. And, MH4U is just a better game anyways. It looks better, there's all kinds of improvements like verticality and mounting, 2 new weapon types, less rare materials requires for crafting armor/weapons during low and high rank, there's a storyline and really good cinematics, more skills, more armor sets, and, the game does a really good job of explaining things if you're new.
I say go with MH4U, and when you're all done playing the game (which might be a while- you won't wanna stop playing the game even hundreds of hours in) THEN you can go back and play MH3U. Then you'll know what you're doing. But I really would recommend playing MH3U on Wii U rather than 3DS- it looks SO good in HD, and there's no online for the 3DS version. And MH is a game where you want to play online with a group. The Wii U version also has voice chat if you prefer using it.
So MH3U is worth getting on 3DS if you already have the Wii U version. Because then you can use the transfer tool to swap your save data back and forth. Great for playing while on the go, then sending data back to Wii U when you get home. And, I guess it's still worth getting without owning the Wii U version, it's just that you'll be missing out on hunting in a group which is half the fun. AND, G rank is really tough to solo unless you have G rank armor and weapons (which is hard to get without a group helping you!). G rank was meant to be played in a group.
So ya, I really feel MH4U is the way to go. And once you've learned the game and play it and finally put it down one day, you'll have MH3U waiting for you (I would even buy a Wii U just to play MH3U). But MH is all about the community so if you get the game, come on over to the MH forum thread and- that's where we organize hunts online together. You can also play with randoms, which is what a lot of us do when no one is available to hunt with us online.
@JaxonH Okay, then after I've exhausted this game I might just try MH4 then. If I ever got MH3U I'd have a tough time choosing between the Wii U or 3DS version though because, while you said the Wii U version has online multiplayer and is better overall, I've always been kind of a solo player, and I prefer portability to better graphics and features. Though getting both would be awesome what with that save data transfer feature. I could play on the road and then pick back up at home on the big screen! One last thing, would you recommend downloading the games or just getting the cartridge? My 32 GB card has about 6 GB left on it so how big are the games (pretty huge I imagine)?
@Giygas_95
Not sure how big it is, but I know it came pre installed on my MH4U new3DS, so it has to be less than 4 GB. I'm a physical cart guy myself, but, this is one game it would be good to have digital so that you have access to it wherever you go at all times.
I'm also not a huge online guy either- in fact I never really play online. I'm a single player gamer through and through. EXCEPT for Monster Hunter. This game really will change a lot of your preconceived notions and preferences. You'll go into it saying "I'll just play the single player" but by the time you're done you'll be a group hunter. It's a very unique game in that way. Besides, when you're crafting a full armor set and need a bunch of materials (and that one rare drop that every armor set requires) you're not gonna want to go hunt the monster solo half a dozen (or more) times. Its so much faster with a group for one, and for two it never gets boring hunting as a team.
But, you'll see for yourself. It's one thing for me to say you'll love hunting online, it's another for you to play the game yourself and see the appeal. And what makes it so great is not just how much faster you can rack up monster parts for armor sets and weapons, or how incredibly fun it is to hunt with a team where everyone specializes in their one weapon. It's the cinergy playing with the best community in all of gaming. Never have I met more caring, selfless people than in the MH community. Everyone is willing to help new players, it's great.
@TripleGamer3K No thanks. I already have an old 3DS XL, and I don't like it. The screens are just too big, and the console itself is too heavy and bulky.
If you ever decide to bench shulk as I did frequently because I loved Dunban's skillset, make sure to take shulks pants off (I know, sounds perverted). Nothing funnier than the game cutting to a dramatic scene of our hero discussing the fate of existence in his underwear.
@JaxonH That sounds awesome! I can definitely see the appeal in group hunting. As a matter of fact, I think I'd rather try that before even hunting solo although I'm sure you want to go solo first to learn the game before hunting with other people.
I'd like to download this game maybe, but with only about 6 GB left I'm hesitant. I just don't want to have too many cartridges to keep track of, but I don't want to run out of space either. Maybe I'll just start deleting stuff I don't play very much.
@Blastcorp64 Hahaha! I'm tempted to try that!
@Giygas_95
2.7gb is the official size. Plus DLC so I'd estimate 3gb just to be safe. I'd download it personally because you'll be eating access to the game 24/7, not only that but you won't really be playing much else for the next YEAR anyways lol, so that gives you plenty time to upgrade your SD card. If you don't own a new 3DS, I highly, highly, HIGHLY recommend securing a Circle Pad Pro, you can use the Digital D Pad but trust me it is not ideal. The CPP is so comfortable, and works great for this game. Best option of course is a new 3DS but, a CPP is a much cheaper alternative
@Gridatttack I wasn't talking about the HD mod, the HD mod looks like a huge upgrade. I was talking about how the Dolphin can emualate it with the right settings. It doesn't look that much better.
@JaxonH Actually, I got a New 3DS today. I thought the system only supported up to 32 GB cards though?
Got it @ midnight on the 10th and so far sooooo good. It actually made be wanna use my Amiibo everytime i play, which is a weird feeling for a 30 year old to have, but hey its all good !! I know this ones a keeper 4 life (with N.N. ID# system) so i went with digital ! The music /background sounds SUPER plugged into a room full of speakers by the way !!!
@Giygas_95 nope you can go up as big as you want with 32FAT formatted microsdcard...is super easy here's a link to help you when your ready !!! The MiniTool Partition Wizard is CLEAN/bug free aswell by the way so go for it lad and expand your systems capabilities !!!
http://lofi-gaming.org.uk/blog/2013/10/25/updated-how-to-upgrade-your-3ds-sd-card-to-64gb-and-beyond/
@Mii-bot2015 What if I already have all my data on a 32 GB Micro SD? Would I just copy it all over to the 64 GB card using a computer after formatting the 64 GB to 32FAT?
Thanks by the way. I just bought this 32 GB micro SD so I'll stick with it for a while, but I may get a 64 GB at some point. My birthday's in a couple months so maybe then.
@Giygas_95
It is super easy just as Miibot says. And yes you can just copy and paste folders when you eventually get one. Honestly 32 will last a while. I just recently went under 300k blocks and I have most Atlus titles, Xenoblade, Animal Crossing, Fire Emblem, STEAM, Alpha Sapphire plus some more I can't remember and a slew of 3dsware and Virtual Console games.
@sweetiepiejonus True, but with about 6 GB left and since I'm planning to maybe download MH4U and probably FE14, I don't want to run out of space if other good software comes. I could just delete some stuff I don't play much though.
@Giygas_95 yes, copy data over to REFORMATTED [³²FAT]
64+microsdcard....just remember to BACKUP YOUR ORIGINAL DATA to a temp. folder on your desktop/pc BEFORE ANYTHING ELSE☆. its always a good idea
to do this monthly when you go digital aswell. "back it up , back it up'' lol
This mecha series have been put through hell and back. Why torture people with this stuff anymore. I mean the PS2 games was horrible and the entire new series is riding off the PSX original. To make things worst 99% of the time you don't know what is going on, even if the gameplay is in english.
How do people play this game I do not know at all. I mean wow, just wow. I have played tons of Mecha RPG games but this is like wow. What keeps me or anybody going is the story and switching into the mechs.
Never played the original before, bought this one 2 days ago going to start it now, I hear verry good things about it so I can't wait =)
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