'Xenoblade Chronicles 3D' Reviews, Gameplay News: Low Resolution Nintendo 3DS Screen Hampers Enjoyment

The launch of "Xenoblade Chronicles 3D" for the Nintendo 3DS has met mixed reviews, some praising it for its complex combat system and great story while others complain about fuzzy images on the low-resolution screen on the 3DS.

Some reviewers say the small screen on the 3DS just does not work for "Xenoblade Chronicles 3D." In its review, Gamespot explains how the game has an incredible "buffet of imagery that fills the screen." It notes that the icons pointing towards a brand-new quest or people like shopkeepers are not distinct and can easily be missed. This can become exasperating at times as players need to refer to the map repeatedly to see if they have overlooked anything. This gives the game a "cramped" feeling as visual clues that can be understood with one glance have to be delved into.

The positive elements in the game are its real-time combat system and rules which are easy at first but then quickly become complicated and complex as the story progresses and players move up the levels in characters, Gamespot says.

Eurogamer says while the world on the bodies of the frozen Bionis is lovely, the game is unsuited for 3DS. Moreover, it only plays on one screen. Again the review mentions that players have to squint their eyes at icons as they are too small.

In its review, Hardcore Gamer points out that the world of the game is the real star. It says the "enormous halls, vast landscapes and incredible variety" in the game will hold players in awe. As for its story, the review mentions that it has a number of frequently used tropes such as the orphan Shulk finding and using the all-powerful Monado sword. Otherwise, the narrative in the game is quite fresh. Again mention is made of how the 3DS manages to mute colors and drown textures in fuzziness.

The review notes though that the game is well suited for hand-held consoles.