
Xenoblade Chronicles X, developed by Monolith Soft and published by Nintendo for the Wii U in 2015, isn’t your typical horror game. It’s a sprawling science fiction JRPG with an open world that dwarfs even Skyrim, filled with colossal mechs, alien landscapes, and… Lovecraftian horrors lurking beneath the surface.
The story takes place on Mira, a vibrant yet enigmatic planet inhabited by diverse alien species. Humanity has fled a dying Earth and arrived on Mira aboard massive arks. Players take on the role of a customizable protagonist who awakens with amnesia after their ark crashes onto the planet’s surface. You quickly join BLADE, a task force dedicated to exploring and understanding Mira while protecting humanity from its perils.
The game initially presents itself as a grand exploration adventure. You can customize your character’s appearance, choose from various classes with unique skills, and embark on quests across vast landscapes ranging from lush forests and scorching deserts to frozen tundra and underwater caverns. The sheer scale of the world is breathtaking, inviting hours of discovery and exploration.
But beneath Mira’s seemingly idyllic facade lurks an ancient and terrifying secret. Scattered across the planet are ruins whispering of a forgotten civilization that worshipped monstrous entities beyond human comprehension. These “Ancient Ones,” reminiscent of Lovecraftian gods like Cthulhu, possess unimaginable power and drive humanity to madness with their sheer otherworldly presence.
As you delve deeper into Mira’s history through exploration and side quests, unsettling whispers begin to emerge. You encounter cryptic messages etched onto ancient walls, artifacts pulsating with a dark energy, and bizarre creatures corrupted by the Ancient Ones’ influence. These encounters subtly build tension and dread, contrasting sharply with the game’s otherwise bright and hopeful tone.
The game excels at crafting suspense through environmental storytelling and its soundtrack. Exploration often takes place in eerie silence punctuated by unsettling sound effects like distant whispers or echoing groans. The music seamlessly transitions from soaring orchestral pieces during combat to haunting melodies that evoke a sense of cosmic dread when exploring ancient ruins.
Xenoblade Chronicles X’s Lovecraftian Elements
While not a pure horror game, Xenoblade Chronicles X cleverly incorporates Lovecraftian themes and motifs into its overarching narrative:
Theme | Examples in the Game |
---|---|
Cosmic Horror | The Ancient Ones are depicted as incomprehensible entities beyond human understanding, capable of driving people insane just by their presence. |
Forbidden Knowledge | Discovering ancient texts and artifacts often reveals disturbing truths about the Ancient Ones and their influence on Mira. |
Loss of Sanity | Characters can experience mental breakdowns when exposed to the power of the Ancient Ones. |
|
Beyond its intriguing plot and Lovecraftian elements, Xenoblade Chronicles X is a technical marvel. Its open world is incredibly detailed and immersive, populated by diverse environments, creatures, and characters. The game features a dynamic combat system that blends real-time action with strategic party management. Players can pilot giant mechs called Skells, adding another layer of depth and excitement to the gameplay experience.
The soundtrack composed by Yasunori Mitsuda (renowned for his work on Chrono Trigger and Xenogears) is epic and haunting, perfectly capturing the game’s tone and atmosphere.
Despite its numerous strengths, Xenoblade Chronicles X isn’t without its flaws. The story can feel convoluted at times due to its sprawling nature and abundance of lore. Some players might find the gameplay loop repetitive, especially during the early stages.
However, for fans of sci-fi RPGs with a dash of cosmic horror, Xenoblade Chronicles X offers a truly unique and unforgettable experience. Its vast world begs to be explored, its combat system is engaging and rewarding, and its Lovecraftian themes add a layer of unsettling depth rarely seen in the genre. If you’re looking for an adventure that will stay with you long after the credits roll, Xenoblade Chronicles X is well worth your time.