Xenoblade Chronicles 3D
Role-play with some fantasy violence demands much time.
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Xenoblade Chronicles 3D
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this game.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Xenoblade Chronicles 3D is a Nintendo 3DS re-release of a Nintendo Wii game originally released in 2012. The content is nearly identical to the older console game. Players engage in frequent sword and gun battles against monsters and machines. There's no gore and only minimal blood, but some story sequences depict humans being eaten or crushed by large metal creatures. Characters of both genders are depicted wearing skimpy outfits, and in one case a man's buttocks are almost completely exposed. Infrequent profanity includes the word "damn," and one side quest includes what appears to be a drunken man.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What’s It About?
XENOBLADE CHRONICLES 3D is a re-released version of the similarly named game available for Nintendo Wii, with only minor adjustments to graphics and the interface. It tells the story of a group of humans and machines who live on the enormous bodies of a pair of fallen godlike titans. So huge are these now-still beings that their body parts take on the appearance of sprawling fields and valleys that stretch almost as far as the eye can see. The humans and machines are at odds with each other, the latter frequently attacking the former and eating them. Players take control of a young man named Shulk who has the ability to wield a mysterious sword with the power to destroy the machines. Journeying through open worlds with old friends and new acquaintances, Shulk has the goal to eliminate the machine menace once and for all, taking time to help nonplayer characters with errands and side quests along the way. Note that this game is made specifically for the New Nintendo 3DS, which launched in early 2015 and is identifiable by the second analog control stick just to the right of the lower screen. It will not work with earlier 3DS consoles.
Is It Any Good?
Xenoblade Chronicles is one of the very best Wii RPGs ever made, and this port to the New Nintendo 3DS manages to capture much of its magic. The massive, imaginative world has made the transition in all its scope and grandeur, suffering only a little loss of detail along the way. And combat -- a deeply complex real-time system that involves indirectly commanding companions, chaining attacks, and working to achieve advantageous positioning on the battlefield -- is as rewarding as ever. It takes a long time to learn and master, but once you have a proper feel the frenetic battles begin to feel less chaotic and more choreographed. Strategy is paramount, especially in epic boss fights against towering mechs.
But a few things have been lost in the hardware translation. The 3DS's low-resolution screen means it's sometimes harder to distinguish monsters and objects in the environment. Plus, tiny text is slightly blurred and more difficult to read. And the 3DS's greatest asset -- its second screen -- has been put to poor use, serving only as a place for character stats and a small, circular mini-map, which really should have been stretched across the whole screen. Xenoblade Chronicles 3D is brilliant, beautiful, and fun, but the game is still better experienced via the Wii and viewed on a big TV.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about friendship. What does friendship mean to you? What limits should friends -- even best friends -- set on what they'll do for each other?
Families also can discuss screen time, because a big game such as this takes dozens of hours to complete and encourages long play sessions. How can you fully experience such games without being consumed by them?
Game Details
- Platform: Nintendo 3DS
- Subjects: Language & Reading: reading comprehension, Hobbies: collecting
- Skills: Thinking & Reasoning: applying information, collecting data, strategy
- Pricing structure: Paid
- Available online?: Not available online
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Release date: April 10, 2015
- Genre: Role-Playing
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Adventures
- ESRB rating: T for Blood, Mild Language, Partial Nudity, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco, Violence
- Last updated: October 22, 2021
Our Editors Recommend
-
Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon
Terrific tactical RPG isn't suitable for younger gamers.
-
The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks
Daring adventure with inventive puzzles, trains, heroism.
-
Golden Sun: Dark Dawn
Outstanding RPG offers fine role models, great puzzles.
For kids who love role-playing
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate