Xenoblade Chronicles Definitive Edition - Switch vs Wii vs 3DS - The Digital Foundry Tech Review

Поділитися
Вставка
  • Опубліковано 26 тра 2020
  • A classic Wii title gets ported across to Switch and remastered in the process! John Linneman assesses the quality of the new conversion, stacks it up against the original Wii and New 3DS versions and answers the question... is this really the definitive version of the game?
    Subscribe for more Digital Foundry: bit.ly/DFSubscribe
    Join the DF Patreon, support the team more directly in producing work like this, and get pristine quality video downloads of everything we do: www.digitalfoundry.net
  • Ігри

КОМЕНТАРІ • 1,6 тис.

  • @owmypinkytoe6907
    @owmypinkytoe6907 4 роки тому +1740

    I find it hilarious when people complain about Digital Foundry being nitpicky or whatever, even though the point of these videos is to analyze graphics and performance.

    • @VideoWatcher8888
      @VideoWatcher8888 4 роки тому +110

      theyre just being fanboys. DF are always known to have point out even little problems about performance. They're basically known for it. They do it on PS and XB as well but no one bats an eye.

    • @rubenestradavalencia3306
      @rubenestradavalencia3306 4 роки тому +31

      There isn’t that much subjectivity while doing technical reviews and this games isn’t great in that aspect. It’s such a shame for a game with a beautiful art direction like this one

    • @bigmorris80able
      @bigmorris80able 4 роки тому +3

      Factz my brother 💪🏿

    • @damnyousalazar
      @damnyousalazar 4 роки тому +53

      I've noticed that Xenoblade fans are particularly zealous and don't take constructive criticism well, regardless of whether its on the technical or gameplay side.

    • @respox2191
      @respox2191 4 роки тому +67

      @@damnyousalazar It's not just Xenoblade fans, it's Nintendo fans in general. The mere suggestion that a first-party Nintendo game could be anything other than a flawless masterpiece sends them frothing at the mouth.

  • @Luxin_Xeno
    @Luxin_Xeno 4 роки тому +868

    Really minor clarification: the environmental shadows not moving with in-game time might not be an oversight or concession for performance due to how the game's world works: the "planet" is actually a flat plane and the sun doesn't actually move, it just turns on and off, so the shadows probably shouldn't be moving in the first place.

    • @TheBandoBandito
      @TheBandoBandito 4 роки тому +47

      Nice to hear from you Luxin. Can't wait to see your videos regarding this game.

    • @laughinelf
      @laughinelf 4 роки тому +2

      @@TheBandoBandito ikr same here.

    • @danielr.7062
      @danielr.7062 4 роки тому +80

      Huh, that's very interesting. Maybe the writer actually took into account the shadows not moving in the original and wrote that into the story?

    • @UltimateAlgorithm
      @UltimateAlgorithm 4 роки тому +6

      Flat earth?

    • @Nuvendil
      @Nuvendil 4 роки тому +129

      @@UltimateAlgorithm Flat universe. There are no other planets or stars in Xenoblade. At least, that's the implication anyway.

  • @mitsurugi999
    @mitsurugi999 4 роки тому +369

    OMG The Last Story and Pandora's Tower for Switch... GIMME!

    • @JeremyB381
      @JeremyB381 4 роки тому +10

      I'm right with ya there, especially the last story

    • @critterwyatt
      @critterwyatt 4 роки тому +15

      The Last Story was my favorite out of the 3, hell, The Last Story was one of my favorite games from Wii. It was so great, a lot of fun, and not overbearing. Battle System was on point!

    • @extraman1071
      @extraman1071 4 роки тому +2

      The last story was pretty good up until the princess showed up in it became a love story

    • @jammieweston2566
      @jammieweston2566 4 роки тому

      Yeah, they should rerelease the creator of “final fantasy” last console game.

    • @Link200767
      @Link200767 4 роки тому

      I kinda hope because I will double dip.

  • @Matthew_Murray
    @Matthew_Murray 3 роки тому +261

    Out of the three, I think the 3DS version is still the most impressive, the fact they got Xenoblade to run on a 3DS is a huge feat.

    • @gehtdinichtsan309
      @gehtdinichtsan309 2 роки тому +44

      out of the three i have only played and finished the 3ds version and despite its limitations i think it offers a very immersive experience. now i'm really looking forward to occasionally drop a few hours into the definitive edition.
      also it baffles me that a lot of devs resort to cloud-versions on the switch, when monster games were able to port xc to the n3ds.

    • @Fulgore2005
      @Fulgore2005 Рік тому +16

      The 3DS version also has a jukebox and model viewer as well. A pity SC2 and XC:DE didn't have them.

    • @shadowlugia0011
      @shadowlugia0011 10 місяців тому +1

      @@gehtdinichtsan309 the reason devs love to resort to cloud releases is laziness

    • @charlieni645
      @charlieni645 8 місяців тому +2

      ​@@shadowlugia0011There are no lazy devs, only greedy publishers

    • @Moxzot
      @Moxzot 2 місяці тому

      ​@@Fulgore2005 in a way xb:de has it, it has a cosmetic section that remembers all acquired armors

  • @ocarina6908
    @ocarina6908 4 роки тому +552

    The only performance analysis I was waiting for on this game.

    • @Moravia90s
      @Moravia90s 4 роки тому +15

      I know, right!? I've reach a point where only DF reviews are my go to for information.

    • @HermesderWetterbote
      @HermesderWetterbote 4 роки тому +1

      They should take another look at this game because it's a WAY bigger improvement than what saint's row the third delivers.

  • @nickblomgren
    @nickblomgren 4 роки тому +319

    "Xenoblade is a decade old."
    Stop the video, when did that happen? Holy crap I hate time. Wasn't operation Rainfall and me hacking my Wii to play an European import something that happened just a couple years ago? Holy crap.

    • @kenton6804
      @kenton6804 4 роки тому +11

      Keep in mind that it didn't release in America until 2012, but that still doesn't change that it feels like the time disappeared somewhere...

    • @planetary-rendez-vous
      @planetary-rendez-vous 4 роки тому +11

      Yeah this doesn't sound like 10 years but more like 5. Wow.

    • @DesertRainReads
      @DesertRainReads 4 роки тому +6

      Amazing how time flies, eh?

    • @nickblomgren
      @nickblomgren 4 роки тому +6

      Moogle Midgar Sir this is an Arby’s and I’m 33.

    • @gimmibox
      @gimmibox 4 роки тому

      Damn, I remember hearing the word "operation Rainfall"

  • @stealthriot
    @stealthriot 4 роки тому +227

    "the original characters have an almost Vagrant Story-like aesthetic" -- I absolutely agree there! That was something I felt back when I originally played it on Wii and I do enjoy that appearance for the characters.

    • @franciscobutte
      @franciscobutte 4 роки тому +16

      This. Now they have Kardashian's face and trees doesn't move. WTF Nintendo?

    • @feiwong3634
      @feiwong3634 4 роки тому +36

      I still prefer the original faces, they went too far with the anime style this time, like XC2.

    • @tobiasarevalo9929
      @tobiasarevalo9929 4 роки тому +36

      @@franciscobutte "boo anime bad" grow up

    • @Fuggettabouttitt
      @Fuggettabouttitt 4 роки тому +40

      @@tobiasarevalo9929 that's a genuine critique, I play a lot of JRPGS, a lot of them look similar, also the switch has way too many cell shaded games, it's obvious a cope for the lower end hardware. I like cell shaded games but when almost first party game is celshaded it's kind of visually boring. Edit: I can see almost all the stuff on your account is anime related, so really who's the one who is buttblasted?

    • @cocobos
      @cocobos 4 роки тому +8

      Yeah, at least save some polys and create something like ff12 instead

  • @LeeroyJanky
    @LeeroyJanky 4 роки тому +448

    My worries are eased. DF is pretty much the only place I can get a thorough performance analysis.
    Other places will just say, "There are FPS drops."
    DF actually shows an example and highlights that it's not a big deal, just that it's present.
    Both sources probably agree, but only one is informational enough.

    • @DarkReturns1
      @DarkReturns1 4 роки тому +11

      Only trust DF!

    • @bes5164
      @bes5164 4 роки тому +9

      actually, this video was pretty weak by John's standards

    • @LeeroyJanky
      @LeeroyJanky 4 роки тому +2

      Seemed fine to me

    • @Kennykazey
      @Kennykazey 4 роки тому +1

      VG Tech is another good resource for performance.

    • @alinepiroutek8932
      @alinepiroutek8932 4 роки тому +13

      @MultiTarded So play the game again to see those ultra frequently unplayable framedrops on 0,1% of the game

  • @Edmundostudios
    @Edmundostudios 4 роки тому +355

    Last story desperately needs a remaster. Pandora’s tower would be nice as well but definitely last story.

    • @WiiSage
      @WiiSage 4 роки тому +3

      yeah especially with does framerate drops and when it drops it REALLY drops

    • @Joaaaaaaaaaaa
      @Joaaaaaaaaaaa 4 роки тому +6

      A remaster only on a Pro switch please . I dont want a remaster that looks like this one

    • @HermesderWetterbote
      @HermesderWetterbote 4 роки тому +10

      @@Joaaaaaaaaaaa they could have left the game like it was just upscaled ^^ then it could run @ 1080p 60fps docked 😅

    • @Joaaaaaaaaaaa
      @Joaaaaaaaaaaa 4 роки тому

      @@HermesderWetterbote Yeah but it would have run sure at 720p 60 , maybe 900p too but not full 1080p/60 😁

    • @Joaaaaaaaaaaa
      @Joaaaaaaaaaaa 4 роки тому

      @@HermesderWetterbote 1080p/30 could have been really good

  • @servancastillo986
    @servancastillo986 4 роки тому +29

    the Xenoblade Chronicles intro always gives me the chills, when the camera pulls out on Dunban and shows the Mechonis and Bionis

  • @TranscendentPhoenix
    @TranscendentPhoenix 4 роки тому +207

    4:28 Wii expected huge improvements

    • @HonestToCritic
      @HonestToCritic 4 роки тому +19

      4:54 Missed opportunity to say. “Wii-Worked entirely”. 😢

    • @greninja9520
      @greninja9520 2 роки тому

      I didn't remember the wii being portable back in 2010 though

  • @punkpop101
    @punkpop101 4 роки тому +206

    Wait I read a review from PCMag that said the game had the same graphics as the Wii just with a higher resolution what are all those changes you mention here? Reviewers have lost it. Keep up the great work DF. Digital Foundry is more credible than most pro reviewers these days.

    • @briannawong9034
      @briannawong9034 4 роки тому +52

      PCMag are biased wankers

    • @PopCultureFan_
      @PopCultureFan_ 4 роки тому +4

      @@briannawong9034 Definitely with that name..

    • @RaDinokun
      @RaDinokun 4 роки тому +32

      It's PCMag, clearly they reviewed the original version on Dolphin, duh!

    • @Unregistered007
      @Unregistered007 4 роки тому

      @@briannawong9034 bigger wankers are morons paying full price for this.

    • @Diamoondust
      @Diamoondust 4 роки тому +4

      @@Unregistered007 it's worth it though

  • @cambienvenu
    @cambienvenu 4 роки тому +28

    My morning brain thought you were actually placing those cases in a puddle and it truly stresses me out for a second.

  • @ThoughTMusic
    @ThoughTMusic 4 роки тому +204

    I am actually really bummed by the lack of animated trees. I don’t know why it bothers me so much but it really does.

    • @kekchanbiggestfan
      @kekchanbiggestfan 4 роки тому +42

      lol even the 3ds has them

    • @FinalFan3
      @FinalFan3 4 роки тому +8

      Hope it might be patched in?

    • @iriyap
      @iriyap 4 роки тому +32

      It's probably because of the shadow maps. Wouldn't make sense for the tree branches to move when the shadows are going to be static.

    • @mariotriforce
      @mariotriforce 4 роки тому +2

      Ya it seems alot more subtle

    • @0okaze
      @0okaze 4 роки тому +9

      I wonder if they don’t move or if it’s just them being clueless about the game. In Xenoblade, there are different weathers, and different wind speeds, which are random in this cutscene. So perhaps it’s just a case of no wind in this capture on Switch, and mild wind on Wii. I’ll check it when I get the game, but I doubt they removed the wind mechanic.

  • @GuyLogen
    @GuyLogen 2 роки тому +7

    These videos are almost therapeutic. I may not play many of the games covered here, but still enjoy watching their graphical breakdown and comparisons.

  • @jaritsu
    @jaritsu 4 роки тому +186

    Man you mentioned Pandora’s Tower and now I’m craving a switch port of that.

    • @TybudX
      @TybudX 4 роки тому +20

      Operation: Rainfall for Switch now. The Last Story was great, too.

    • @filippolee6112
      @filippolee6112 4 роки тому +2

      I'd probably cry my heart out if they do that.
      Not even a remake, just a remastered with improved controls.

    • @SaturnTubes
      @SaturnTubes 4 роки тому +2

      _t-d_ FF7 Remake’s combat difficulty settings basically stole from The Last Story(ironic considered both were sakaguchi) so I wouldn’t mind that, but I feel that game might be too outdated by comparison. A better frame rate for it would be nice though

    • @omarreyes7626
      @omarreyes7626 4 роки тому

      sadly those are not up to nintendo to port, xenoblade was able come out because it was published by nintendo, in order for the other 2 "operation rainfall" to make a come back on the switch you need:
      1.- the publishers wanting to release the game on the switch at all, not just in america, but in japan
      2.- nintendo wanting to relaese the titles on the switch
      3.- nintendo wanting to release the titles in america.
      so as you can see it's a somewhat complicated issue, and sadly the odds of that happening are fairly low, but who knows, maybe someday.

    • @tommy2129
      @tommy2129 4 роки тому

      Preordered XC DefEdit. I am craving a Switch port of The Last Story. Can’t wait to see it and play it in HD and in handheld mode.

  • @ChaseWSanders
    @ChaseWSanders 4 роки тому +111

    Moving trees!

    • @nikkoa.3639
      @nikkoa.3639 3 роки тому

      @@Coldsilfur4 Isn't that because of the lighting that moves?

  • @andrews4731
    @andrews4731 4 роки тому +66

    A fantastic analisys as always, was looking forward to it almost as much as the game itself!

  • @Exoand
    @Exoand 4 роки тому +2

    Great video! Really appreciate someone going in on the tech specs of a game and explaining things. Keep it up.

  • @RadDudeTeamate
    @RadDudeTeamate 4 роки тому +104

    Xenoblade 2 level performance is about what I expected, not really disappointed since I already thought the original game looked great

    • @somethin7020
      @somethin7020 4 роки тому +13

      Well the performance is certainly better than Xenoblade 2, just not a huge improvement.

    • @HermesderWetterbote
      @HermesderWetterbote 4 роки тому +21

      @@yzois It does not. I played it for around 15 hours now and the resolution stays @ 540p almost all the time. Also there still is a big overhaul in vegetation, polygons, lightning etc.

    • @dextersbeard3472
      @dextersbeard3472 4 роки тому +1

      @@yzois dude you are so far beyond wrong. I played the original until I got the Definitive Edition and I was playing it on my Wii U while running it through an mClassic, even when enhanced with all the post processing of the Mclassic it doesn't look close to as good as it does on the Switch in hand held and that's a fact.

    • @dextersbeard3472
      @dextersbeard3472 4 роки тому +8

      No doubt about it Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is the much prettier game over all and doesn't have the painfully obvious short draw distance problem which is by far my biggest issue with the Definitive Edition. That being said I like it alot and I am thankful to have it, it's just really distracting. Although it can't fix the draw distance an mClassic makes the game look a good bit better an renders it in 1440p and fixes any aliasing which makes the image look much cleaner overall, it also enhances the color and image depth as well which is another plus. Overall I think the best we are ever gonna get out of this game at least for many years is running it in 720p mode docked on the Switch and running it through the mClassic to clean it up and render it in a high resolution, that is to say on a console anyways.

    • @benjaminmartin2922
      @benjaminmartin2922 4 роки тому +4

      it stays at 540p handheld only the first hours. once u arrive to the valley it gets much uglier.
      xb2 looks better handheld than this remake
      I also played on tv the same areas and it doesnt look any better at all. More colors but textures are also more foggy and it has the exact same resolution drops at the exact same time. It is just not a good job from monolith both on tv and handheld. Xenoblade 2 looks almost twice better.

  • @PogueSquadron
    @PogueSquadron 4 роки тому +16

    One thing to consider though is that this could still look dramatically better than the Wii version for most TVs out there. Most TVs kind of make 480p a mess IMO.

  • @jaredkhan8743
    @jaredkhan8743 4 роки тому +19

    I played through the 3DS version so I'm happy with it 😂 XCX is still my favorite looking xenoblade game. I hope to God that XCX gets either a sequel or a port/remaster to switch cuz its phenomenal

  • @TechMetalRules
    @TechMetalRules 4 роки тому +1

    Incredible work as always, John!

  • @jedoled
    @jedoled 4 роки тому +62

    Only ten years to wait until playing Xenoblade Chronicles, Definitive Remaster in glorious 1080/60 HD.

    • @DaGlitchMaster
      @DaGlitchMaster 4 роки тому +8

      You can already do it on Dolphin Emulator.

    • @RallyLeAce
      @RallyLeAce 4 роки тому +10

      @@DaGlitchMaster yeah but thats the original game though, graphics dont look as good as DE

    • @MrUtherellus
      @MrUtherellus 4 роки тому +4

      @@RallyLeAce Switch emulator -Yuzu is already in good shape. Check it out.

    • @RallyLeAce
      @RallyLeAce 4 роки тому +2

      @@MrUtherellus i saw someone emulate DE and it looked very broken so i think its gonna be a while

    • @MrUtherellus
      @MrUtherellus 4 роки тому +1

      @@RallyLeAce Yup it's broken, yet. But maybe 1-2 months till devs get it playable given how unbelievably fast emulator is progressing.

  • @Nuvendil
    @Nuvendil 4 роки тому +52

    Ok, I have to ask at this point cause it's bugging me after two straight analyses missing this: is there a reason why you don't point out the shift from billboards to meshes in grass and leaf planes? Billboards being single plane meshes that always face the player. I should think that's a pretty significant leap as it doubles or even tripples the geometric detail of each tuft of grass. Taken in conjunction with greater density of grass meshes in this version (and in 2), that's 4 or 5 times greater geometric density vs 1 or even X (which used the same technique). Similarly, trees in 1 use (actually rather large) billboards a la Oblivion while DE uses a pretty large number of proper leaf planes per tree. I would think taken together these constitute a pretty big upgrade both visually and technically.
    Also, was hoping you would discuss the frequency of resolution adjustment. In 2 you said that the game never slipped from 720p in docked in your testing so is that also true here? Was that incorrect before? Also, you said it maintains a higher resolution than 2 in handheld most often. How much more often? Does it hit that low end frequently? Almost never? There's not much detail given here.
    And all this also makes me wish you had done a detailed analysis of Torna since that would be imo the point of comparison with regards to Monolith's best technical work.
    Edit: Also, I feel the geometric improvements to environments are undersold in general. There's actually quite a lot, it just adheres to the overall forms of the original so it's not a dramatically different looking game, just a lot smoother.

    • @HermesderWetterbote
      @HermesderWetterbote 4 роки тому +10

      you are absolutely right. also I don't understand how saints row is a bigger effort ? it doesn't add any content, nor where the models or the geometry redone/imcreased... they just added lightning and post processing effects, enhanced the textures and foliage and added a framerate cap.

    • @bravebiird
      @bravebiird 4 роки тому

      unfortunately they always just one-and-done games unless they REALLY care, so none of this will ever be addressed and they're gonna drop all talk of this game from here on

    • @LuizFelipeEstrellaAlvares
      @LuizFelipeEstrellaAlvares 4 роки тому +3

      @@HermesderWetterbote Man I was so annoyed he said that saint row was a bigger effort, so much models remade in the definitive edition and that takes a lot of effort in a game this big, I think the work monolith soft did is tremendous.

    • @zblurth855
      @zblurth855 4 роки тому

      clearly they also miss the font change
      more seriously sometime DF really miss some thing, or just BS other, special mention for minecraft RTX where they mention it was instantaneous when at the same time showing light was "lagging" (adujusting to the change) 2s+ after the block was mine ...
      yeah i know they are enthusiast about big daddy nvidia but sometime that quite a lot to take seriously

    • @HermesderWetterbote
      @HermesderWetterbote 4 роки тому

      @@zblurth855 that's also not logic because the switch and thereby Xenoblade runs on a nvidia gpu... 😅

  • @dimitriskotsis9254
    @dimitriskotsis9254 4 роки тому +3

    The best analysis as usual, bravo guys

  • @colinmx.
    @colinmx. 4 роки тому +1

    I was waiting all day for this

  • @corey2232
    @corey2232 4 роки тому

    The video everyone has been waiting for. On point as always!

  • @duhsasjekirom555
    @duhsasjekirom555 4 роки тому +86

    I don't care if it's not improved much, since I never played the original, this works for me perfectly.

    • @servancastillo986
      @servancastillo986 4 роки тому +12

      and honestly, it doesn't take away from how awesome this game is.

    • @uniqhnd23
      @uniqhnd23 4 роки тому +16

      And others DO CARE so this is a great video.

    • @vulken9243
      @vulken9243 3 роки тому +4

      @@uniqhnd23 Nobody Said something else here :D

    • @pinguman13
      @pinguman13 2 роки тому

      Same here!

  • @ThePolistiren
    @ThePolistiren 4 роки тому +42

    8:10 Look at the trees on the Wii. They're clearly sprite-based, hence their animation was just some flat textures moving about. In the remaster, we have a full model, hence requiring a different technique.

    • @melxb
      @melxb 4 роки тому +8

      no the leafs are also flat on the new version and what u are pointing out is zoomed in resolution pixels not sprites, esp 3ds too smh

    • @vgnvideogameninja2930
      @vgnvideogameninja2930 4 роки тому +12

      Still, it looks better animated than it does flat.

    • @misamiko0503
      @misamiko0503 4 роки тому +26

      Is calling someone a dummy and moron really required here?

    • @ThePolistiren
      @ThePolistiren 4 роки тому +3

      @@melxb My bad for not being clear enough. They're flat, but not sprites. There's a difference.
      A sprite is a flat texture that always faces the camera; you can never see it from the side; they have a position in the 3d space, but are still rendered as 2d objects, incapable of rotating like a normal model.
      In the remaster, the flat textures are fully rendered; they're basically invisible polygons, each with "leaves.png" attached as their textures; you do that a few times and you have a tree.
      So the former is less resource-intensive since you don't have to render the polygons, just the textures.

    • @benr8071
      @benr8071 4 роки тому +2

      @@melxb wow. Someone is a little upset about them calling it the wrong thing

  • @darinherrick2503
    @darinherrick2503 4 роки тому +1

    Thanks for making this video. I just started the game on Wii. It's nice to know that I'm not really missing out and there's no reason to upgrade.

  • @plastikman7788
    @plastikman7788 4 роки тому +76

    You know what time it is.... "It's Reyn Time"

    • @theinsfrijonds
      @theinsfrijonds 4 роки тому +2

      All right baby you know what time it is Put your hands up yeah, put your hands up
      Limp bizkit

    • @mi2-c035
      @mi2-c035 4 роки тому +4

      "It's Rain time" - IGN

    • @itsaxel8088
      @itsaxel8088 4 роки тому +4

      @@mi2-c035 "you can't have a rainbow without rain" - IGN

  • @dainobu10
    @dainobu10 4 роки тому +4

    I really liked Jhon's take (Sorry if I wrote wrong the name), he showed the flaws and improvements of the game but at the same time he encourages the viewer to give it a chance and enjoy of this amazing for the Switch. Great job!

  • @Samination
    @Samination 4 роки тому +78

    No matter what I'm getting this as it's my favorite game ever. I can't believe it's actually coming to Switch. My only wish now is Mario 64 and Skyward Sword (as it could work on Switch). I'm pretty sure a resolution update will come as they did for Breath of the Wild... that is if it sells well of course.

    • @ReineDeLaSeine14
      @ReineDeLaSeine14 4 роки тому +1

      Samination I would love to see Skyward Sword.

    • @RippingBones
      @RippingBones 4 роки тому

      I need videos like your dbd parodies!

    • @MrAshar101
      @MrAshar101 3 роки тому +5

      Well you got 64 all right...now lets hope for skyward.

    • @nickmorrow7737
      @nickmorrow7737 3 роки тому

      Happy knowing you probably went nuts when they brought Mario 64 to the Switch like I did lolol

    • @NGScoob
      @NGScoob 3 роки тому

      @@MrAshar101 I bought Skyward Sword on the Wii and didn’t know you needed a Wii motion plus to play it. Hope it comes to the Switch so you don’t need something stupid like that that prevents you from playing if you don’t have one.

  • @WillowEpp
    @WillowEpp 4 роки тому

    What are your thoughts on the colour grading changes? I noticed in a lot of the side-by-side shots, there's a blue or yellow cast to the definitive edition that I'm not sure how to feel about.

  • @ITMeCE
    @ITMeCE 4 роки тому +81

    It makes me sad that the other two didn’t get the same respect... they were also great.

    • @Edmundostudios
      @Edmundostudios 4 роки тому +4

      ITMeCE maybe one day.

    • @acebreaker7
      @acebreaker7 4 роки тому +9

      not as great

    • @mistressbayonetta9829
      @mistressbayonetta9829 4 роки тому +16

      There are so many good Wii games that will need to be ported to Switch and get the same treatment as Xenoblade Chrincles Definitive Edition
      some examples: Pandora's Tower, The Last Story, MadWorld, Fragile Dreams, Arc Rise Fantasia ..
      without mentioning Mario and Zelda

    • @pikachu896
      @pikachu896 4 роки тому +1

      I wasn't a big fan of XCX, and while XC2 is great too, it can't hold a candle to the original.

    • @martincardenas5196
      @martincardenas5196 4 роки тому +3

      @@mistressbayonetta9829 no more heroes 1, 2 and sin and punishment 2 also need switch releases

  • @PupGuti
    @PupGuti 4 роки тому +133

    I'm waiting for Chronicles X now!

    • @alexmo9299
      @alexmo9299 4 роки тому +28

      To get ported or an analysis? They did the analysis years ago and honesty it's more impressive on a technical level than two and definitive edition.

    • @CommanderShepard341
      @CommanderShepard341 4 роки тому +21

      ... I need a bigger guuuuun

    • @Drilbit
      @Drilbit 4 роки тому +1

      @@alexmo9299 Didnt it need like a 10gb patch in order to avoid having load times and pop in?

    • @HermesderWetterbote
      @HermesderWetterbote 4 роки тому +6

      @@Drilbit it was to shorten load times/ faster reloading textures.

    • @versaleyang
      @versaleyang 4 роки тому +12

      @@Drilbit It's not a patch per se, it's just a copy of the most used files from the optical disc onto the harddrive to reduce the load time / pop in. Something that a lot of Xbox360 games did as well.

  • @jlag191
    @jlag191 4 роки тому +21

    I was really hoping for a comparison of the infamous Makna Forest pop-in between all the versions

  • @TadukliWorld
    @TadukliWorld 4 роки тому

    can you compare switch version vs wii version on dolphin emu with hd texture pack ? :-D

  • @ShadyFurball1
    @ShadyFurball1 4 роки тому

    Another great video John. This version or the Wii version running on Dolphin?

  • @rumotu
    @rumotu 4 роки тому +15

    I played this game for the first time on new 3ds. In 3d. I loved it. I believe I'm going to enjoy the switch version.

  • @Kingler03
    @Kingler03 Рік тому +5

    Played through all the xeno games and didn't realize 1 and 2 were 720p

  • @edponpon
    @edponpon 4 роки тому +7

    Since I've never experienced the original, I won't be surprised nor upset - just looking forward to playing this.

  • @marctech1996
    @marctech1996 4 роки тому +8

    I really wish they would wait for a more powerful machine for those remasters. Seems like a waste to design them for a device limited to running around 720p and with such a small geometry count. My hope is that they will scale well to the Switch 2. And well beyond the docked version as well since even the docked version just isn’t excusable for modern audiences. Maybe they have versions of the games scaling well both in resolution and LoD (maybe even framerate) but knowing Nintendo I somehow doubt that.

    • @benr8071
      @benr8071 4 роки тому +3

      I mean it isnt a terrible looking game. It's a little blurry but it ain't a pixelated mess.Just look at some games on the Switch.

    • @marctech1996
      @marctech1996 4 роки тому +14

      ben r I didn’t say it looks terrible. But the definition of a generational jump seems to have been lost on Nintendo. I am all for better haptics, new controls, a portable form factor and all. But their philosophy on skimping out on the processors they use doesn’t do them any favors. The Wii U was somewhat of an upgrade over the Wii but missed any chance to offer AAA games because it was both still underpowered AND unsuccessful in sales. Look at how much the Switch has sold. There would be a gigantic market for so many developers, yet the number of current gen AAA games is basically limited to whatever Bathesda is doing. Don’t you think Nintendo would profit from real AAA third party games (from which they could collect money) in the store and being able to design their own exclusives with better visuals. I am aware of the limitations of a mobile form factor, especially for a portable that costs about as much as an entry level iPad. But by this point I wouldn’t recommend the current switch to anybody but hardcore Nintendo fans (who have already bought theirs) and people who appreciate the type of indie games that are exclusive to switch.

    • @HermesderWetterbote
      @HermesderWetterbote 4 роки тому +2

      the polygon count in the definitive edition has increased dramatically. also the textures, post processing etc. are on the same level as Xenoblade 2. so since it's the same engine it makes sense that it runs about the same...

    • @joshuaijaola2145
      @joshuaijaola2145 4 роки тому +1

      switch pro anyone?

    • @INFERN0FIRE
      @INFERN0FIRE 4 роки тому +5

      You can buy Xenoblade on Wii, WiiU, 3ds and Switch, so it's basically on every nintendo platform since Wii. They can just remake it again at some point, if they want to.

  • @IcyDragonRB
    @IcyDragonRB 4 роки тому +14

    Actually the trees do move, they just do it more subtly. Seemingly as if they reduced the wind that blows around colony 9. It would seem a bit hard to believe much wind would be blowing around a cup taped to your calf now.

    • @Reynsoon
      @Reynsoon 2 роки тому +1

      But it blows harder in December

  • @ordohereticus3427
    @ordohereticus3427 Рік тому +8

    Visually, the definitive edition is far superior. Yet it's clear that the core graphical design and structure are exactly the same throughout all three versions. It's somewhat like one of those Unreal Engine games with a wide set of graphical settings options, where the Switch version is like the experience with all the graphical settings set to high and very high -- all the particle effects, shader show boating, high resolution assets, etc. -- while the 3DS version is with everything at very low, and many of the particles and post-processing magic completely turned off, and the Wii version is a mixture of low and very low with some of the assets being a step above the 3DS. The disparity here between the Switch and the Wii/3DS is that of a high end computer versus a very old system being made to run things on a super low custom configuration, so it looks generations apart, yet it's essentially the same structure.
    The Definitive Edition sits in another league, but given that the game is still the full experience across all three, getting it running and looking the way it did on the 3DS is a feat in its own regard.

  • @SNMG7664
    @SNMG7664 4 роки тому +2

    I think that this is impressive if only just for the so many things that were static and baked in to textures in the original now being dynamic in this remake, really makes the world look so much more cohesive. So cool to see a home console game from less than a decade ago running at a higher resolution and with around-the-board graphical improvements on a portable console now. The massive improvements to foliage can't be ignored either, I am so happy to see them leaving behind the 2d images in favour of actual 3d models

  • @bboyalanleung123
    @bboyalanleung123 4 роки тому

    How do you check the framerste in game like that? Which software may i ask? I am on CFW by the way

  • @tetsuoshima2314
    @tetsuoshima2314 4 роки тому +11

    Great analysis of course but man that scene at 8:13 makes me sad. It's little touches like the gently swaying foliage and light beams that make all the difference in vibe and immersion. I have to wonder if all the trees everywhere are completely stiff all the time or if there's any sort of dynamically changing weather and hence wind system... one can only hope? I swear it's made even more obvious with extra grass that's constantly in motion and with all the extra graphical sharpness, it's like the grass and the trees exist in different realities, lol.

    • @robertwallen1582
      @robertwallen1582 4 роки тому +1

      The trees move, videos online show it, they just dont move to the exagerated degree they did in the wii and 3ds does.

  • @dominicdhaag
    @dominicdhaag 4 роки тому +6

    Thanks for this great tech review! Even if it's not perfect, it's still a pretty good remaster. I 've been playing the game for about 4 hours now and I haven't experienced any major issues yet.
    Seems like they simply forgot to bring a little movement to the trees ^^'

  • @KarlOsuchowski
    @KarlOsuchowski 4 роки тому

    Excellent video, insightful comparisons. You messed up some of the comparison shots, where the docked version is under “portable” and vice versa. Otherwise, awesome stuff, subbed!

  • @dcashley303
    @dcashley303 4 роки тому

    Can we please talk about how noisy those textures are as you pan at 2:00? Something to do with bad motion blur?

  • @Mr.GameCrazy
    @Mr.GameCrazy 4 роки тому +54

    This will be the first time I play this game. Can't wait!!

  • @WH40KHero
    @WH40KHero 4 роки тому +13

    As far as i know, when the game was created the looks and designs of the art were chosen to work great within the limitations of the console hardware. And as far as i can see it worked incredibly well and still looks stylish and great to this day on either of the three platforms.

  • @laneminor6240
    @laneminor6240 4 роки тому +1

    Thank you for this video. As someone who never played the original Xenoblade, and as someone who loves using the original tech when available, I had reservations about purchasing it for the switch. Now though, I am much more excited to buy the Definitive Edition, as all it seems I'll miss out on is moving trees.

  • @julianjuez
    @julianjuez Рік тому

    I am playing it for the first time now, and even though the battle system took some time to learn / enjoy, I am having a blast. I never expect too much of any game as I don't play on other, more powerful platforms so for me, this DE is awesome. Great video, by the way.

  • @AllUsernamesTaken
    @AllUsernamesTaken 4 роки тому +34

    I’m about 10 hours into the game and have played an equal amount in Handheld, Docked on a TV, and Docked on a monitor. I honestly have no issues with the resolution, and it’s probably thanks to the improved anti aliasing. Sure, if I look closely the flaws become visible, but the end result of the image is a clear improvement over Xenoblade 2, and I don’t have any issues with it.

  • @andrewbrooks2001
    @andrewbrooks2001 4 роки тому +109

    I've only played the 3DS version, and thought it looked great for a big 3D RPG on the platform....

    • @WednesdayMan
      @WednesdayMan 4 роки тому +20

      well yeah it's a Wii game brought to a handheld the fact it runs as well as it does is amazing.

    • @Mantenner
      @Mantenner 4 роки тому +16

      It does! And the open environments are insanely impressive on the 3DS.

    • @braddl9442
      @braddl9442 4 роки тому +10

      The 3ds version is actually a amazing, its one of those games that will be looked at as a game that pushed the hardware to its limits.

    • @RayfanXL
      @RayfanXL 4 роки тому +3

      I too have only played the 3DS version. While it's true that the textures are very smudgy there, on big plus is that the game even runs in stereoscopical 3D throughout the board with very little perceivable impact on performance. IMO just the addition of visual depth makes every 3DS game look much better on the system than on a 2D video of the game (As long as the game supports it... I'm looking at you, Pokémon Sun/Moon).

    • @RayfanXL
      @RayfanXL 4 роки тому +1

      @referral madness If you factor in 3D, almost every 3DS game looks much better on the 3DS than on video.

  • @zhonestguy
    @zhonestguy 4 роки тому

    I'm extremely happy coming from XC2. That game on docked and handheld mode had the most horrendous frame drops. What you mentioned around the 11 minute mark was what I encountered throughout the vast majority of XC2. It was so bad, I couldn't finish the game. I'm definitely more a fps guy myself. PC is my native platform and there I'm running 1080p resolution in order to achieve 100+ fps on all my titles. So when I come to switch Im ok sacrificing resolution as long my fps is constant. Overall, I'm truly enjoying the game. Thank you so much for a more analytical review of the game. This is the kind of stuff I like knowing before I play a game, not it's 1-10 vague reviewer score. You got a sub from me.

  • @tollyboyer3707
    @tollyboyer3707 2 роки тому +1

    Could you make a Tech Review for the dlc Future Connected? It's pretty interesting in terms of technical aspect

  • @EonHSD
    @EonHSD 4 роки тому +30

    I need a port of The Last Story so much... such a masterpiece

    • @mistressbayonetta9829
      @mistressbayonetta9829 4 роки тому +7

      There are so many good Wii games that will need to be ported to Switch and get the same treatment as Xenoblade Chrincles Definitive Edition
      some examples: Pandora's Tower, The Last Story, MadWorld, Fragile Dreams, Arc Rise Fantasia ..
      without mentioning Mario and Zelda

    • @Joostinonline
      @Joostinonline 4 роки тому +4

      I love Xenoblade Chronicles but The Last Story is my favorite of the three

    • @FrancisYorkMorganFBI
      @FrancisYorkMorganFBI 4 роки тому

      Mistwalker only works on mobile gacha games now. So don't get your hopes up

  • @CaptViewtiful98
    @CaptViewtiful98 4 роки тому +4

    After playing the game myself I can say that the lower resolution wasn't as bad as people were making it out to be when the raw resolution numbers were announced.

  • @deecee7073
    @deecee7073 Рік тому

    Thank you for this video, I'm a big JRPG fan but mostly play on my pc, I've been wanting to play xenoblade and finally decided to buy a switch over the weekend and bought the trilogy, I was genuinely surprised about the game's graphics, I was ready for 720p and 30 FPS but I never expected the game to be blurry. Its hard coming from playing PC games to my switch now, still love the game but sometimes its just frustrating to think what they could have done with a much better hardware.

  • @themriron2391
    @themriron2391 4 роки тому

    Any chance of an analysis on Last Story? Perhaps as a DF Retro video. Fantastic game and did some really cool technical stuff for the Wii, particularly in the real time cutscenes.

  • @coomb
    @coomb 4 роки тому +71

    Hey John, do you think we can expect a direct comparison with Xenoblade 2, however brief it may be? I think a lot of people would be interested in seeing one.

  • @Mantenner
    @Mantenner 4 роки тому +3

    The only problem imo with the original release and the 3DS release was the insanely short texturing filtering range. Everything except the ground directly in front of your character is blurry, and it almost looks like the ground is changing beneath your feet. That's massively improved in this new release and really ties together the visuals, far less jarring.

  • @allanmhanson
    @allanmhanson 4 роки тому +1

    I bow down to you 🙌🏼
    Thank you for making this gorgeous video telling our story with Xenoblade and give deserved justice to the game.
    I hoe this will make people appreciate the game even more. As I hope to get a The Last Story sequel one day 😭 hahah

  • @neon-tv9ie
    @neon-tv9ie 4 роки тому

    The only place where I noticed frame rate drops was Makna Forest, but those lost frames were present in the Wii version as well.

  • @last5902
    @last5902 2 роки тому +3

    Recently tried it on switch, and it doesnt look bad at all. Infact it looks great at night where the ligthing really shines. Highly reccomed to pick it up. Fps isnt bad either had slowdown twice in few hours. Graphics wise in portable oddly looks much better than in docked maybe cause its on a small screen

  • @CoffeeCode3D
    @CoffeeCode3D 4 роки тому +9

    I hear that they are using the lowest possible frequency for graphics which is mind boggling since even one above that would make the resolution stay higher and wouldn't drain to much mattery

    • @collette3428
      @collette3428 4 роки тому +2

      Probably a battery life issue?

  • @RAMBOJVR
    @RAMBOJVR 4 роки тому +1

    awwwww.. incredible moment to be a part of operation rainfall. Out of all the three, pandoras tower was an amazing experience.
    I hope itll get a remaster on the switch using motion controls.

  • @zchiske
    @zchiske 4 роки тому

    If anything this is the best possible time to pick up this game for newcomers like me, excellent review guys

  • @Brandon999LFC
    @Brandon999LFC 4 роки тому +3

    What makes DE truly the DE is that the game tells you what to do a lot more clearer and they fixed the shitty menus somewhat. I was so confused figuring everything out on Wii but it's been a breeze so far on DE and I'm half way through.

  • @sakon10
    @sakon10 4 роки тому +4

    Time for Operation Rainfall part 2 so that we can get the Famicom Detective Club Remakes localized.

  • @averyhonestnintendofanboy7624
    @averyhonestnintendofanboy7624 4 роки тому

    Very excited to play this tonight

  • @flamehazechris
    @flamehazechris 4 роки тому

    Great analysis and thanks for the video! I will be buying the digital version of this game.

  • @moonraven6145
    @moonraven6145 4 роки тому +14

    Honestly Im still amazed they managed to make a game this scale for the original Wii without the Wii bursting into flames, and pretty much seamless as well per large area.

    • @eiszapfenderwutendenwinde3233
      @eiszapfenderwutendenwinde3233 4 роки тому +6

      Don't forget really short loading times and only one DVD. The game has over 10 hours fully voiced cutscenes.

  • @superluismigueL100
    @superluismigueL100 4 роки тому +10

    THE TREES!

  • @ZhangMaza
    @ZhangMaza 4 роки тому

    nice video john as always :)

  • @onyxosprey
    @onyxosprey 4 роки тому +1

    I hope we can see a DF video for the new 2k Switch ports!

  • @danielevans7439
    @danielevans7439 4 роки тому +3

    It looks pretty cool, but I already have the 3DS version, so I'll continue playing through it there. Besides, I'm a sucker for stereoscopic 3D when you get a big world like this or a few places in Kingdom Hearts 3D.

  • @negroider
    @negroider 3 роки тому +4

    i get that it's only 720p, and that it can oftentimes go lower than that, but i'm coming from the 3DS version. anything is an improvement over 240p.

  • @Darksider087
    @Darksider087 Місяць тому

    Currently playing the definitive edition, did they fix the resolution? Im playing on a 4k tv and looks really good, id swear it was at 1080p.

  • @kevinlopez555
    @kevinlopez555 4 роки тому +1

    I got a question for you guys. Can a eye test differentiate 1440p 60fps of 2160p 60fps? Is it noticeable?

  • @samuraivader3814
    @samuraivader3814 4 роки тому +59

    I think they should disable that Anti-aliasing for portable mode, I think it just makes low resolution images a lot worse. With a screen as small as the switch, it does not need it.
    Note: disabling the Sharpening from XC:DE breaks the visuals unlike XC2, it makes the game look more worse than the Wii version.

    • @melxb
      @melxb 4 роки тому +1

      yet they also add sharpening, weird

    • @HermesderWetterbote
      @HermesderWetterbote 4 роки тому +14

      also disabling anti aliasing would increase the resolution because it's quite a taxing feature. even docked i would prefer 810p or something than 720p with anti aliasing. But probably it would have been too much work to change the engine for a port.

    • @hadokenexe
      @hadokenexe 4 роки тому +4

      @@michaelgallagher9534 I prefer pixelation vs anti aliasing, so a toggle to turn that off would be amazing

    • @benr8071
      @benr8071 4 роки тому +1

      I think a toned down AA but not completely removed would do the trick. It would also run at a slightly higher resolution because of it

    • @FDestroy3r
      @FDestroy3r 4 роки тому +7

      Absolutely. The Witcher 3 looks 10 times better without AA, that should be a standard, I dont understand how they always go for blurry image vs some aliasing but clear...

  • @TheCookieRager
    @TheCookieRager 4 роки тому +12

    I wish the Switch was more powerful

    • @georgezhang9032
      @georgezhang9032 4 роки тому +1

      I'm waiting for the switch 2

    • @flameshana9
      @flameshana9 4 роки тому +1

      The Switch is good as is, but this game kind of needs a more powerful system to do it justice. Portability seems to have created a few too many sacrifices.

    • @sandrogutierrez5320
      @sandrogutierrez5320 4 роки тому

      @@flameshana9 a game from 2 generations and 10 years ago needs a more powerful system, really?? After the work that has been made with games as the witcher 3 and doom on switch this one needs a more powerful system???

    • @TheRelen222
      @TheRelen222 3 роки тому

      Me too, botw also drops frames in a lot of areas.

  • @dashrando7892
    @dashrando7892 4 роки тому

    Any difference in install size between physical and digital?

  • @abysmal660
    @abysmal660 4 роки тому

    I have been waiting for this daily. Thank you!

  • @Ayeato
    @Ayeato 2 роки тому +3

    I’ve never heard anyone call Xenoblade x Xenoblade cross

  • @silvskill5358
    @silvskill5358 4 роки тому +9

    I can’t complain about Xenoblade DE. I’m just happy they fixed the character models and UI. Not to mention the fact that it’s on switch which is just really nice to have.

  • @kambocommando6009
    @kambocommando6009 4 роки тому

    Awesome! Can’t wait to play it

  • @Soldano999
    @Soldano999 4 роки тому +2

    Aouch. I bought this game on the wii Day 1 edition, but i never beat it.
    But i haven't given up on it either i play it for 5-10 hours once in a while, and i now have a 70+ hours save file.
    Now i don't know whether i should start all over again or try to finally get through once and for all. This new edition seems really worth it and improved on almost every level but that sees like a lot of work !

  • @samuraivader3814
    @samuraivader3814 4 роки тому +25

    Speaking of Pandora’s Tower, I just bought a copy on the Wii U eshop.

    • @Link200767
      @Link200767 4 роки тому +1

      If you haven't gotten The Last Story buy it. I don't remember if it's on the Wii U eShop. I happen to own all Operation Rainfall games in physical form.

    • @samuraivader3814
      @samuraivader3814 4 роки тому

      Link200767 Last Story is not there. It’s the only one of the three that’s not on the eshop.

    • @Protector1rk
      @Protector1rk 4 роки тому +1

      It's only one game which have problems with Wii U backwards compatible. One which know to me overall. Better play on original wii or dolphin.

  • @Galespark234
    @Galespark234 4 роки тому +6

    Hopefully this puts those discussions about whether it's a remaster or a remake to rest.
    I'm a little bit confused as to why animation quality is actually a bit worse than the original though, I wish they would've updated at least something like the jump animation which I always felt was kinda awkward and was fixed in the sequels.
    Still hyped tho, one of my favorite Nintendo games for sure.

  • @StrangeDad
    @StrangeDad 4 роки тому

    Will you do the Bioshock collection?

  • @khululyp
    @khululyp 4 роки тому

    Is the reduced quality in portable mode done to improve battery duration? One would think that a game rendered on the same hardware in lower resolutions would perform the same or even better? Does the switch run on lower speeds and rates in portable mode for this reason?

    • @HermesderWetterbote
      @HermesderWetterbote 4 роки тому

      Yeah, the game lasts roughly 30% longer than Zelda, Mario or Witcher3 on Battery.

  • @Hymmerbot
    @Hymmerbot 4 роки тому +13

    Yeah, I'm one of the people that kind of dislike the new "anime" models. But it's not a deal breaker. I'm still excited to play this again on the switch.

  • @WaltDisneyMC91
    @WaltDisneyMC91 4 роки тому +25

    Actually shadows don't move cause the sun doesn't, it's a lore thing.

    • @drwang4884
      @drwang4884 4 роки тому +5

      Our sun doesn’t either

    • @OtsoCafe
      @OtsoCafe 4 роки тому +5

      Stephen Ryan if we’re being pedantic, yes it does.

    • @originalulix
      @originalulix 4 роки тому

      @@OtsoCafe
      If we're being pedantic, yes it does. It only doesn't move if your frame of reference is our solar system.

    • @MarinLeaf
      @MarinLeaf 4 роки тому

      @@drwang4884 The world doesn't move, the sun doesn't move, the shadows don't move.

    • @tollyboyer3707
      @tollyboyer3707 4 роки тому

      lol, in X and 2 it's a lore thing too?

  • @Guardian-of-Light137
    @Guardian-of-Light137 2 роки тому +1

    There's definitely things to love and miss about both versions. The textures are better but it feels like it came at the cost of some of the best aspects of what made the world feel alive. At least to me. I'm not one to care about graphics both look fine to me. (Though I do immensely prefer the new character models.) But there's lots of things I noticed since I saw chuggaaconroy's LP of the original (Well part of it I still need to finish it) and I very distinctly remembered things from the LP but when I saw how different it looked in definitive version. I just couldn't get it off my mind. And this was by far the best video i've seen talking about it.

  • @FDestroy3r
    @FDestroy3r 4 роки тому

    My collector with vinyl record is on its way... I cannot wait to play it!!