Xenoblade Chronicles 2 for the Nintendo Switch is a massive JRPG you can play at home or on the go, but if you aren't already familiar with the Xenoblade series, its design and scope can be bewildering.

Huge game world, with lots to do; Sprawling, eye-catching landscapes; Deep combat system

Mechanics feel overly complicated at times; Character design is very generically anime; Annoying texture and object pop-in bugs

Xenoblade Chronicles 2 was an absolute joy to review. There's a lot of Switch titles that have come out so far this year that have really grabbed my attention. Breath of the Wild and Super Mario Odyssey were two of the most ambitious games of the year, and they actually delivered, which is more than...

Huge world to explore; Combat is complex but still approachable; Plot is paced well and doesn't lean too heavily on JRPG tropes

The game suffers from slowdown at times; Tags

Despite its many issues, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 stands out with a deep combat system, compelling storyline, and an endearing cast of characters. Just try not to get overwhelmed and give up in those first hours.

If you still needed a reason to buy a Switch, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is it.

Fascinating setting with a rich backstory; complex and deeply satisfying combat system; Poppi

Lack of a tutorial menu; voice acting is uneven; steep learning curve

is a standout RPG that manages to keep its story, combat, and exploration interesting over the course of at least 70 hours of adventure through an impressively varied and rich world.

Available exclusively on Nintendo Switch on December 1 The has had a fantastic opening year. In less than 12 months we've seen several potential masterpieces grace the system, including and . This streak is almost unimaginable, showing a company that's back on form and ready to make gaming history.

Huge and beautiful world; Deep yet accessible combat; Plenty of stuff to do; Nia is bloody lush; Amazing soundtrack

Easy to be overwhelmed in the opening hours; Inconsistent localisation; Performance problems in certain areas

Xenoblade Chronicles 2 goes back to its roots and builds on the 2011 Wii original. It may not be perfect but it's a great game that will see you through Christmas, the New Year and well into 2018.

Massive game; ‎Deep RPG system; Lovely anime style to main characters; Incredible musical score

Some terrible voice acting; Might be initially off putting to some; Undocked mode takes quite a hit

It's time to depart in search of Elysium. It's a journey, a new (capless) odyssey, and it's one that you simply shouldn't miss on your Nintendo Switch. After receiving universal acclaim with the series' last adventure on planet Mira, Monolith Soft.

In marked contrast to its predecessor, the Wii U, Nintendo's Switch has had a storming first year on sale, characterised by a string of incredibly good games. You could almost argue that it doesn't really need another game of the year contender – but that's exactly what Xenoblade Chronicles 2 turns...

The true sequel to the best-loved contemporary JRPG is unrestrained in its ambition, and the result is a chaotic kind of brilliance.