Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Hits Hype Zenith

The time has come. How good, or not, is the latest title in the Xenoblade franchise? Does it meet or exceed expectations? I’m avoiding details and spoilers, but review embargoes for Xenoblade Chronicles 3 have lifted. The initial scores and praise overall are great – fueling hype – as the JRPG could be in the running for game of the year. I’ve not played it yet, but of course it’s on my wish list.

Here are several sites – with links to reviews – and their scores. While the scoring systems vary and are subjective, the point they all drive home together is that XC3 is anywhere from good to excellent.

• Nintendo Life 10 / 10, Outstanding 
• RPG Site 10 / 10 
• Gamespot 8 / 10, Great 
• IGN 8 / 10, Great 
• PC Mag 3.5 / 5, Good 
• The Gamer 5 / 5 
• Screen Rant 5 / 5, Masterpiece 
• Game Informer 7.25 / 10 
• Polygon Recommended 
• Digital Trends Recommended 

The overall ratings give a very positive general impression of the game as one well worth the money to buy and the time to play. I can’t wait.

There seems to be a consensus that Xenoblade Chronicles 3excels with its grand story. Its weakest point may be the ambitious graphics pushing the dated Switch hardware to its limits (queue the “Switch Pro”). Besides story and presentation, its gameplay sounds great.

As if there wasn’t enough hype already, here are some choice quotes from reviewers:

“We could go on and on about the combat here but what Monolith Soft has come up with is one of the very best battle systems we’ve ever had the joy of getting to grips with…”

“Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is a genuine masterpiece and the highlight of Monolith Soft’s superb series thus far.”

PJ O’Reilly – Nintendo Life

“I strongly believe that Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is a modern JRPG masterpiece.”

Josh Torres / Adam Vitale – RPG Site

“Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is another heartfelt adventure paired with some of the best combat in the series.”

Jake Dekker – Gamespot

“Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is another excellent JRPG with great characters, a unique world, and addictive tactical combat that remains entertaining even after the over 150 hours it took to complete it.”

Travis Northup – IGN

“Monolith Soft has crafted a JRPG that is so colossal yet also intricately focused. It delivers an experience that iterates upon everything its predecessors managed to achieve, resulting in a masterpiece that I am utterly enraptured by.”

Jade King – The Gamer

“Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is a culmination of lessons learned from developer Monolith Soft’s past projects, and a best-in-class JRPG that’s a must-play.”

Cody Gavelle – Screen Rant

“… it delivers a story its creators have been building toward for years…”

Autumn Wright – Polygon

”It’s a highly cinematic, mindfully crafted JRPG with a story that hasn’t let me down.”

Jess Reyes – Digital Trends

That’s a good sampling of the most positive reviews I found online. They help me get a taste of what to expect from XC3. Maybe I should go in more blindly; I already expected greatness. The reviews simply confirm that Nintendo and Monolith Soft have released an RPG that’s a must-play title. Hand me the controller, please.

Will you be picking up Xenoblade Chronicles 3 on release day, June 29th? What other game(s) are you looking forward to?