What parents need to know
Note: The text you’re about to read is a review of the Switch 2 upgrade to Xenoblade Chronicles 2 released for the original Switch in 2017. This is not an exhaustive review of the base game, but a criticism of this upgrade.
Once again, Nintendo is offering a paid update to one of its Switch games for Switch 2 owners who want to benefit from the greater power of Nintendo’s new console. This update is available for $14.99 CAD, or $99.99 CAD for the version including the base game and upgrade.
Aside from the performance and visual upgrades (more on that later), this new version for the Switch 2 also features a few pieces of additional content: a new blade, Momo, new costumes for Pyra and Mythra as well as a new game mode, Mercenary Assault.
Mercenary Assault is an alternative to the mercenary missions already found in Xenoblade Chronicles 2. This time, instead of just sending our blades to complete quests for us, we can control them directly in a confrontation that is a little more action than the usual fights. Instead of attacking automatically, our blades respond to our commands. In addition, you can switch from one blade to another instantly, and chain attacks in order to cause maximum damage.
But obviously, the main attraction of this update comes from the graphics update. Released very early in the life of the Switch 1, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 was an impressive title, with its huge open and detailed environments. But the price to pay was a low image resolution, especially in handheld mode, where the resolution was well below a high-definition resolution, giving that “Vaseline” effect to the screen.
Now, thanks to the more powerful components of the Switch 2, you can enjoy a 1080p (Full HD) resolution in handheld mode and 4K in console mode. In addition, the frame rate increases to 60, which also makes the action smoother and more pleasing to the eye.
Details
Level of experience required
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Evaluation
There is violence: we face enemies, monsters and humans, and they can die under our blows. On the other hand, the game does not show blood or graphic violence.
There is no sexual relations or nudity as such. However, several characters have very suggestive outfits, and an emphasis is placed on the physics of the female characters’ breasts.
You have to read a lot to progress, and the game has its own and sometimes complex vocabulary.
Our characters are heroes who want to save the world and help the most vulnerable. On the other hand, we can see characters insulting each other, smoking and consuming alcohol.
The manipulations of Xenoblade Chronicles 2 are not excessively complex. On the other hand, there are a lot of game systems and mechanics to get familiar with.
This Switch 2 version is expensive, but unfortunately, $100 CAD plus taxes seems to have become the base price for the games offered by Nintendo. On the other hand, the content is rich and will keep you busy for tens or even hundreds of hours.
Local game modes
Story mode is available, single-player only.
Online Game Modes
None.
Expansions/Add-ons (DLC)
The expansion pass includes new blades, costumes, items and most importantly, the Xenoblade Chronicles 2: Torna ~ The Golden Country game (duration from 20h to 40h) which can also be purchased separately. This add-on game gets the same upgrades as the base game. The pass retails for $39.99 CAD.
Our opinion
Is this upgrade worth it? The answer depends on your situation.
If you’ve already completed Xenoblade Chronicles 2, probably not. The title performs much better on Switch 2, that’s for sure, but the additional content offered certainly doesn’t justify starting this very long adventure again. Mercenary Assault mode is a nice little distraction, but that’s all it is; a distraction. After a few times, you’ll probably go back to the traditional mercenary missions without thinking too much about the assaults, which are completely optional.
The new costumes and the addition of Momo to the blades is also welcome, but these additions don’t justify the purchase of this new version alone.
However, if you’ve been looking for an excuse to relive Rex’s adventures, on the other hand, here it is: this Switch 2 update makes Xenoblade Chronicles 2 better than ever.
And if you’re one of the people who have never played this episode of the Xenoblade Chronicles saga (or if it’s your first episode, you don’t need to have played the first one to understand the story of Xenoblade Chronicles 2!), then this new version for the Switch 2 is worth a look.
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is a peculiar, sometimes hermetic role-playing game, but those who give it the time to explain its many mechanics and present its rich universe will be rewarded with an exceptional game, this time more beautiful than ever with a much improved performance.
Nintendo will never be blamed for being overly generous. $99.99 for a game that will soon blow out its 10 candles, that’s a lot to pay. But at least Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is a beefy and charming game worth checking out.
Note: A key was given to us by the publisher for review purposes, but this does not affect our rating.
