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How this score was computed
The VGC Score is a weighted blend on a press-comparable 0-100 quality scale. Steam approval rates are first calibrated (95% positive on Steam ≈ 89.5 quality, since Steam approval skews high). Press and tracked creator reviews each count ~2x a player review and share one cap against player evidence (creator buy/skip calls pool into an approval rate, calibrated like Steam approval); all-time sentiment is capped and halved (it's context, not verdict); reviews of the current build carry the most weight when a fresh patch anchors the window; and a 'typical game' prior keeps small samples from pegging the scale. Because press reviews and Metacritic user aggregates describe the launch build, their weight decays as the game ages (3-year half-life after a 1-year grace). That's how a game that launched rough can outgrow its old reception once updates win players over. Reviews under 2h playtime (the refund window), non-Steam activations, and free copies are downweighted.
| Component | Positive | Quality (0-100) | Weight (pseudo-reviews) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Press reviews (Metacritic) | – | 83 | 20 |
| Creator reviews (2 tracked) | – | 90 | 2 |
| All-time Steam reviews | – | – | 0 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | 90 | 750 |
| Backloggd ratings | – | 86 | 750 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | – | – | 0 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Scoring window: last 30 days (no significant patch detected) · 0 reviews sampled · 0 total reviews in window · weighted 0 up / 0 down · computed 1h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (90)
Individual verdicts from outlets we track: scored reviews first, most trusted outlets first among them. The small badge is each outlet's trust score: how well its scoring history aligns with players.
- 40
“The highly anticipated sequel to one of the Wii's biggest sleeper hits is one of the most overindulgent games of the year.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Xenoblade Chronicles 2 on the Switch won't disappoint series fans, especially those that love the Wii original (or even experienced it on New 3DS). It's a new cast and world, with some fresh mechanics and ideas, but much is still familiar. The story has high points, the world and its varied Titan lands is intriguing, and it draws you in for many dozens of hours. It's Monolith Soft doing what it does best, albeit without shaking off the occasional flaws of the series. It's ultimately an important part of an incredible launch year for the Switch - a reminder that while system concepts change some things are constant. This is another Xenoblade gem, and a must-have for the most dedicated of adventurers. ”
read full review ↗ - 100
“The overall depth of Xenoblade Chronicles 2 and how well it all ties together is astounding. Though higher expectations mean it is less of a stunning revelation than the first game, Monolith Soft has risen up tall to meet those expectations and delivered spectacularly in every area. 2017 has been one of the greatest years in RPG history; Xenoblade Chronicles 2 caps that off in mesmerising fashion by being one of the finest titles of the year.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“Xenoblade Chronicles 2 tries its hardest to match the grandest of grand RPGs out there on the market, attempting to become Nintendo's own Final Fantasy. In doing so, though, whilst still wonderfully vast in its scale, and gripping in how things play out for the most part, it has lost its way slightly, becoming bogged down by an overly complex pre-battle system, marred by fights that mostly feel too hands-off/automated, and some terrible character visuals and voice work. There is indeed a lot to love about this, yet so much that makes you yearn for something more.”
read full review ↗ - 88
“Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is an unforgettable delight for the JRPG lover, but only once you master its demanding and deep combat system. With huge maps to explore, exceptional soundtrack and a rich story, Monolith Soft latest production its an unforgettable journey, worthy of every hour you spend in this epic new world.”
read full review ↗ - 95
“Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is one of the finest JRPGs of the generation and perhaps of all time.”
read full review ↗ - 85
“It’s been an extremely long time since I’ve played an RPG that’s scratched an adventure itch in a classic sense. Even the other two Chronicles games didn’t capture me the same way this one does. It could be the setup, the character, the world, or some odd combination of a world in the clouds, but regardless it works for me. Xenoblade Chronicles 2 feels like a classic RPG from days past, when the original PlayStation seemed to spew one out every other week, and that’s a good thing.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Xenoblade Chronicles 2 won't be for everyone. Its very nature means it's nowhere near as accessible as the likes of Super Mario Odyssey, or even The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, a very different sort of RPG. For fans of the genre though, it's a belter, and for anyone willing to give it a shot, it's an excellent introduction to the form.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is a solidly enjoyable JRPG that is hurt by not having the style of the original or the ambition of its spin-off. Genre fans will find a lot to like here, and those who enjoyed Xenoblade 1 for its exploration and gameplay will find Xenoblade 2 to be a worthy follow-up. Comparisons to the original are unavoidable, and Xenoblade 2 takes longer to warm up than the original, and it never reaches the same heights. Taken on its own merits, Xenoblade 2 is a fun JRPG with a ton of content, customization and gameplay that any genre fan will enjoy.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is a rough diamond that is both demanding and delightful, but one that raises the bar for portable RPGs higher than ever before.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Another bull's-eye shot for the Nintendo Switch. Xenoblade Chronicles 2 closes the nearly-perfect year for Nintendo's hybrid console with a bunch of gorgeous fireworks.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“It's equal parts pleasing and frustrating, but the struggle to keep up with everything thrown your way is more of a hurdle than a roadblock. It will be a tough pill to swallow for people who aren't accustomed to the typical cliches found in many Japanese RPGs, and its often clumsy nature keeps it from being the next groundbreaking Switch game. But Xenoblade 2 is worth pursuing if you've got enough patience to let it blossom. ”
read full review ↗
Slant Magazine
Nintendo Life
RPGamer
Cubed3
LevelUp
NintendoWorldReport
ZTGD
Worth Playing
Eurogamer
GameSpot…and 78 more tracked reviews.