Teen Review: Xenoblade Chronicles 2

Xenoblade Chronicles 2: Torna the Golden Country is a JRPG title released in 2018. Developed by Monolith Soft and published by Nintendo, this is a video game operated on the Nintendo Switch system. The main directors for this game are Koh Kojima and Genki Yokota, who both worked on other titles in the Xenoblade series. 

In the world of Xenoblade Chronicles,  Leviathan creatures known as titans drift through the skies, forming the terra for creatures to reside on and flourish. In this world, those who are qualified to become Drivers can manifest Blades, humanoid companions, from artifacts known as Core Crystals. In this game, you explore the world through the eyes of Lora, a young village girl who became a driver, and Jin, the trustworthy Blade and companion of Lora, as they set out to investigate the sudden destruction cast upon peaceful villages. 

Gameplay wise, you explore the vast world Xenoblade Chronicles has to offer, recruit members as part of your squad as you travel, and get closer to reveal the secrets the kingdoms have beneath their surfaces. 

This game excels in the narrative of the journey of the protagonists. Besides that it houses an intricate combat system that will put your skills to the test. You can also explore the diverse environments each Titan has to offer. Although this game excels in multiple ways, certain shortcomings still exist. Players who are unfamiliar with typical role-playing games may struggle to understand certain mechanics of the game. The combat prioritizes tactics and synergies over action-packed combos. 

Personally, I quite like the worldbuilding and the character designs of this game. I would become immersed with the environment it strove to create and resonate myself with the vivid characters. However I slightly dislike the combat due to its slow pacing. 

I would recommend this game to players who enjoy in-depth lore and worldbuilding. For players who enjoy exploration, this is the perfect place for experiencing various terrains and landforms. If you prefer team building and strategic combat, you are also welcomed! You can explore different synergies, unlock skills to aid you in combat, and formulate the perfect plan to take down mighty foes.  

Playing Xenoblade Chronicles 2: Torna the Golden Country was certainly an exciting experience. Even with some minor shortcomings I would still give it a 5 out of 5.