Reflecting on my experience with Xenoblade Chronicles 2, which I first started in June of 2021, is beyond difficult. Despite everything that's changed in my life since then, Xenoblade has remained one of the few constants, even through periods of inactivity and (sometimes lengthy) breaks.

I think about the first time I witnessed the Kingdom of Uraya in its full glory, swept away by the incredible score, lighting effects, and sheer wonder. I think about the futile attempts at explaining the combat system to family members, and why every piece of the cluttered UI is integral to all of the intricacies at play. I think about the constant attempts at "Tiger! Tiger!", surprised by how much time I could sink into a relatively small mini game, still entertained and eager to earn crystals for Poppi. I think about the late nights in handheld, plugging away at random affinity charts, as I kill yet another Perplexed Stoyan in Leftheria so I can earn a trivial boost in power to Mythra's Specials.

Throughout all of my individual memories, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 constantly left me in awe by its incredibly grand scale, seen in every aspect of the game. Every new Titan was a visual treat, and a gateway to a plethora of new exploration options for me to tackle, all while slowly picking away at an endless amount of microtasks and fighting as many unique monsters as I could find. This loop was only so effective because of the masterful combat system at its center (something that only experience can properly do justice), with the central blade mechanic forcing me to constantly adapt and improve my technique. While the story itself is far from perfect, I grew to feel connected to the cast and the Aegis' journey to Elysium, with the elusive locale propelling the philosophical pondering on what it means to live past your physical presence in such a cruel but realistic world (which truly shines in the very end).

Once I came upon the last few chapters of the game, I quickly scurried to re-explore all of the Titans that needed more of my attention, and began grinding out affinity charts I deemed important. After a certain point though, I came to a scary realization that, even though I didn't quite complete as much as I had hoped, I was contempt with the progress I had made and began to shift my focus entirely on the last few story missions. Rolling credits, it felt like a weight had been lifted off of my shoulders, left with nothing but appreciation for the magical experience that Xenoblade Chronicles 2 (which happened to be my 200th game completed, woo-hoo) was for me.