Xenoblade 2, flawed as it may be, is still an excellent experience. The tutorials are bad, the constant field skill checks never fail to piss me off, and some of the character designs can be kind of obnoxious, but the game's strengths are undeniable.

The worldbuilding is arguably better than the first game, which has a great payoff toward the end of the story. The party contrasts the hopelessness felt throughout the world very well, which made me want to see the game through to the end.

The combat is a HUGE improvement over the first game, at least, once I got to grips with it. When firing on all cylinders, it's one of the most liberating and enjoyable combat systems I've ever experienced in an RPG. Admittedly, it takes a while to get to that point. I still don't understand the decision to have the chain attack be unlocked in Chapter 3.

I loved my time With Xenoblade 2; I loved exploring each titan, listening to the soundtrack, fighting whatever enemies stood in my path, attempting to learn its many different systems. That being said, I still think the first Xenoblade slightly edges out 2, but that very well could change. I look forward to playing Torna, and eventually Xenoblade 3.