I literally played 28 hours the first weekend and felt as if I hadn't even put a dent in the game. To say it's overwhelming would be an understatement.
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80 hours in. Currently at level 50 in an area where most enemies are level 43.
I think I'm in love.
It's one of those games where you could sit there and play it all day.
I did that once. Or twice. Or more.
I'm over 100 hours in... According to Xenoblade Wiki, I am just starting the 13th chapter (out of 20!). Definitely getting my money's worth here.
I'm only about thirteen hours in, but I've only played the game maybe six times. I've been playing rock hard fighting, strategy and action games almost exclusively for the past few years. I've forgotten how much fun hang-out games like this can be. It is a shame that even passively fulfilling quests will leave you grossly overleveled, but I still love this. A lot.
It evens out substantially later on. I did most side quests and found the later boss battles to be decent. But yeah, you will feel god-like for at least the first half of the game if do a lot of errand boy stuff.
Everyone's impressions are pretty damn favorable across the board.
Why was Nintendo refusing to release this again?
The same reason we get playing cards or posters for platinum Club Nintendo rewards.