Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition Unveils New Story Details in Latest Trailer
A newly released trailer for Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition offers deeper insights into the game's narrative and characters. The "The Year is 2054" trailer, narrated by protagonist Elma, details the events leading to humanity's arrival on the planet Mira following an intergalactic war and the destruction of Earth. Gameplay footage showcases the updated Switch version, highlighting adjustments made to accommodate the absence of the Wii U's GamePad functionality.
The Xenoblade Chronicles series, a JRPG franchise from Monolith Soft's Tetsuya Takahashi, boasts a dedicated following. Initially, the first Xenoblade Chronicles had a limited release, but a fan-driven campaign, Operation Rainfall, secured its Western release. The series' success spawned three additional titles: Xenoblade Chronicles 2, Xenoblade Chronicles 3, and the original Xenoblade Chronicles X. The Definitive Edition brings the entire series to the Nintendo Switch.
The trailer reveals that in 2054, Earth fell victim to a conflict between warring alien factions. A group of survivors escaped aboard the White Whale ark, seeking refuge on Mira. However, the Lifehold, a crucial piece of technology keeping most passengers in stasis, was lost during the crash landing. The player's primary objective is to locate the Lifehold before its power source depletes.
Expanded Narrative in the Definitive Edition
The original Xenoblade Chronicles X concluded with a cliffhanger, but the Definitive Edition promises to expand upon the story with new content, potentially resolving the unresolved ending. The game's vast scope is evident; beyond the main BLADE mission of finding the Lifehold, players explore Mira, deploy probes, and engage in battles against both native and alien lifeforms to secure a new home for humanity.
The Wii U version heavily utilized the GamePad, serving as a dynamic map and interaction tool. The trailer showcases the streamlined Switch adaptation, with the GamePad's functions integrated into a dedicated menu. A mini-map now resides in the upper-right corner, aligning with other Xenoblade titles. Other UI elements have been seamlessly relocated to the main screen, maintaining a clean interface. While this adaptation might subtly alter the gameplay dynamics, the overall experience appears polished and improved.