Played this between chapters 7 and 8 of the main game, as the architect intended.

It's even better in NG+, the mandatory side quests just fly by and 100% completion becomes a comfortably attainable goal. I adored my time here, meeting everyone again, and battering every last giant golden monstrosity. Top stuff.

An essential companion piece, tweaked combat that's even more enjoyable than XC2, and an ending that made me well up. Xenoblade just keeps getting better.