Back in September of 2019, Nintendo ended one of their Direct showcases with a big reveal of Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition for the Nintendo Switch. This is a remake of the amazing role-playing game that released on the Nintendo Wii ten years ago. The company did not say much about the game at the time, so all fans had to take away from its short trailer were appearances. That alone was enough to show some clear differences between the original Xenoblade Chronicles and this revamped version. Not only were environments given a significant graphical boost, but the quality of the character models was noticeably changed. Not everyone is happy with the updates to the characters’ overall appearance, and it can be assumed that much of the outcry comes from fans of the original.
Shulk, Fiora, and Reyn with their old and new designs.
Dunban, Sharla, and Melia with their old and new designs.
My first impressions of the new character designs were extremely positive, and I maintain that since many other designs have been unveiled. Personally, I believe they are a clear upgrade over the old designs. However, there is a bit of a divide in the Xenoblade community over whether or not the character designs are truly improved. While many will agree that characters look better in terms of the graphics, the argument against the new models is the change in style. The new character designs are very clean and more anime-inspired, and they do not stray too far from the originals. The old designs had a stylistic, somewhat painterly look to them in the official art, and the proportions of the characters approached realism while still keeping a cartoonish quality.
I am sure if some had their way, the character designs would look something akin to Shulk’s appearance in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U/3DS and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
So what makes the old Xenoblade‘s style better according to some in the community? I have read the new style described as “generic anime”. I mention this point because it has been the most repeated criticism regarding the new designs. There are those who would have preferred an upscaling of the old style, and I agree that would have looked fine. On the other hand, I would say that calling something generic for having an anime-inspired appearance is not much of a critique considering anime is where Xenoblade’s original art direction is rooted. It is also an insult to the legitimacy of other games that share a similar aesthetic. Art styles that are reminiscent of anime are not inherently bad by any means, and I believe that they serve a purpose.
As someone who knows the context of this scene, I can say the updated design better shows what Melia ought to express.
Cartoonish designs usually convey more expressiveness, and that comes through in the new art style of the Definitive Edition. The emotions on a person’s face are clearly outlined, displaying the tension of Xenoblade Chronicles’ more dramatic moments. The original Xenoblade certainly tried to show emotion on its low resolution, blocky mugs, and it certainly could have achieved it with a visual design that better reflected the style of the old promotional art using the Switch’s technology. I do not believe that it could have done so on the same level as the new character designs. Their unrealistic qualities help them fit into the surreal setting of Xenoblade. Not to mention, they do not look as out-of-place next to the round, fuzzy mascot species known as the Nopon, one of which is a party member.
Riki’s design has definitely changed the least among all the party members, and his appearance jives better with the new aesthetic.
I have also heard that the new character designs were “too clean”. Yes, the original game’s graphics are a bit dated, and again, Monolithsoft could have attempted to bring the aesthetic of the old official art to life, but if the company is going to go through the trouble of updating them, it should push toward a timeless art style rather than something that will look muddier as the years go by. For example, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker’s cartoony graphics aged much better than the push for realism that its successor The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess was going for. The cleanliness of the new models also helps them pop off the screen. It works in tandem with the expressiveness mentioned earlier. It is not just about showing emotions; it is about having the cast members feel more animated when they are the focus of a scene. This is important because while the plot of Xenoblade is on a grand scale, it has a character-driven narrative at its core. It also has a tendency toward super-imposed reaction shots.
Fear.
Desperation.
Grief.
I believe that the criticism of the new art style of Xenoblade stems from the fact that something has changed. Many people feel uncomfortable when something they cherish has been altered in some way. If they are at all open to change, it has to be done in a way that meets expectations or stays true to the original. I have heard similar criticisms every time a remake comes around. Another RPG remake called Radiant Historia: Perfect Chronology changed its character designs In a similar fashion to Definitive Edition. It did upset fans of the original, but the new portraits were more vibrant and expressive. I do believe that there is such a thing as changing too much, but I do not think that Definitive Edition crosses that line. To me, the changes I have seen so far are improvements over what has already been done, and I trust Monolithsoft to create the best version of their masterpiece.
I understand where the distaste for the character designs for Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition may be coming from, even if I feel differently. Every time a remaster or sequel comes about, there is always an urge to compare the past to the present. At first, I thought that the art direction of Xenoblade Chronicles 2 was too different from the first game and X, but I ended up loving it in the end. There have been times when I have been less impressed with remakes and remasters and the attempts to update things that ought to have been left alone. Most recently, I was not entirely pleased with Final Fantasy VII Remake, which I believe took far too many liberties in recreating the original game. I have plenty of friends who disagree with me on that issue. It is not as if either side is right or wrong regarding Xenoblade, either. It just so happens that Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition has left me satisfied so far. I am excited about the new story elements, remastered music, streamline UI, and of course the refreshed character designs. There is no doubt in my mind that this truly is the definitive edition.
What are your opinions on the changes made to Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition? Are they mostly positive, or do you have some criticisms of your own?
If you would like to see more direct comparisons of Xenoblade screenshots and other assets, you can view them on @rage38682512’s Twitter page.
Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edtion is set to release on the Nintendo Switch on May 29.
