Technically, Xenoblade Chronicles X is a multiplayer game. You can connect to the Internet, be part of an ephemeral squad and see other players in your game. Yet, it’s a superficial sense of community. They people who are there? They aren’t really there. And honestly? I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Achievements and trophies are great. They tell the world that we’re important. We accomplished something! We matter, so take that third grade bully who put a “Kick me” sign on my back! We take pride in the things that make us who we are and so do Xenoblade Chronicles X‘s tyrants. These special monsters are all a little different than their compatriots in-game and make sure we know it.

When was the last time you found yourself genuinely and truly lost in a game? You had the maps available,perhaps even some overheard arrow, pointing you in the right direction. Despite these features, you had no idea where you were or what you were doing wrong. For me, Xenoblade Chronicles X is the only game that has ever stumped me in such a way and, rather than being frustrated, I appreciated the experience.

Games with character creators are great. If it’s a good one, you easily spend at least 15 minutes putting together a special someone and maybe over a half an hour if it lets you alter all of the details. Xenoblade Chronicles X may not have the most elaborate creation options, but it does reign triumphant in one area. The characters look the same in the creator as they do in the game.