The Xenoblade series has been a staple of the JRPG genre for over a decade, with each installment offering a unique and immersive experience for players. From the expansive open worlds to the complex battle systems, the Xenoblade games have consistently pushed the boundaries of what a JRPG can be. But which one is the best? In this article, we'll be ranking the Xenoblade games from worst to best, taking into account their stories, gameplay, and overall impact on the series.
A Brief History of Xenoblade
Before we dive into the rankings, let's take a brief look at the history of the Xenoblade series. The first Xenoblade game was released in 2010 for the Wii, developed by Monolith Soft and published by Nintendo. The game was a massive hit in Japan, but its release was initially limited to the region. However, thanks to the efforts of fans and critics, the game was eventually released in the West in 2012.
The success of the first Xenoblade led to the development of a sequel, Xenoblade Chronicles X, which was released in 2014 for the Wii U. This game took the series in a new direction, introducing a massive open world and a complex battle system.
The third installment in the series, Xenoblade Chronicles 2, was released in 2017 for the Nintendo Switch, and it marked a return to the series' roots. The game's story and characters were widely praised, and it is often considered one of the best games in the series.
In 2020, Monolith Soft released Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition, an updated version of the first game that included new content and improved graphics.
Ranking the Xenoblade Games
Now that we've taken a brief look at the history of the Xenoblade series, it's time to rank the games from worst to best.
4. Xenoblade Chronicles X
Xenoblade Chronicles X is often considered the black sheep of the Xenoblade family. While it introduced a massive open world and a complex battle system, the game's story and characters were not as well-received as those in the other games. The game's protagonist, Cross, is often criticized for being too generic, and the game's story is marred by poor pacing and underdeveloped characters.
3. Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition
Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition is an updated version of the first Xenoblade game, and while it offers improved graphics and new content, it is still a relatively old game. The game's story and characters are still excellent, but the gameplay and graphics are starting to show their age.
2. Xenoblade Chronicles
The original Xenoblade game is still an excellent experience, even years after its release. The game's story and characters are well-developed, and the gameplay is engaging and addictive. However, the game's graphics and sound design are not as polished as those in the more recent games.
1. Xenoblade Chronicles 2
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is widely considered the best game in the series. The game's story and characters are excellent, with a complex and engaging narrative that explores themes of identity, community, and the power of friendship. The gameplay is also top-notch, with a complex battle system and a massive open world to explore.
The Verdict
So, which Xenoblade game is the best? In our opinion, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is the clear winner. The game's story, characters, and gameplay all come together to create an experience that is unmatched in the series.
But what do you think? Do you agree with our ranking, or do you think one of the other games is the best? Let us know in the comments!
FAQ
What is the Xenoblade series?
+The Xenoblade series is a series of JRPGs developed by Monolith Soft and published by Nintendo. The series is known for its complex battle systems and expansive open worlds.
Which Xenoblade game is the best?
+In our opinion, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is the best game in the series. However, opinions may vary, and some people may prefer one of the other games.
What is the difference between Xenoblade Chronicles and Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition?
+Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition is an updated version of the original Xenoblade game, with improved graphics and new content.