Nearly seven years after its localized release, Aksys Games has brought Falcom-developed action RPG Tokyo Xanadu eX+ to the Nintendo Switch. This new portable version certainly nails the landing for what is one of Falcom’s most underrated games to date.
As the anticipation for the new Tokyo Xanadu title grows, the Nintendo Switch version of Tokyo Xanadu eX+ gives fans the best way to catch up on consoles currently. Tokyo Xanadu eX+ borrows elements from the Trails series to deliver a familiar but distinct experience, with strengths and weaknesses to take note of.
Enter the Eclipse in Tokyo Xanadu eX+
The story of Tokyo Xanadu eX+ begins with an ordinary night in Morimiya City, Tokyo, as high school student Kou Tokisaka finishes his work shift. He catches a glimpse of Asuka Hiiragi, a fellow classmate being followed by two delinquents. Although these delinquents appear to have the upper hand on Asuka, they’re in for a rude awakening as a door to the Eclipse (also known as the Otherworld) opens.
As the door sucks everyone into the Otherworld, Kou runs to seemingly rescue Asuka and enters the strange realm. Fortunately, there are no enemies in sight, and he reunites with Asuka without trouble. However, it’s clear that Asuka knows more than she lets on, and he puts Kou to sleep, erasing his memories of the encounter. This is not enough to kill Kou’s curiosity, though, as he soon awakens to his Soul Device when he’s forced back into the Eclipse in order to rescue his childhood friend, Shiori Kurashiki.
After Shiori’s rescue, Tokyo Xanadu eX+ begins to intertwine Kou’s student life with the dangers caused by the Eclipse. Fellow students and friends inadvertently get themselves involved, and they unlock the powers of their own Soul Devices to fight back against their own doubts and the enemies before them. The premise of Tokyo Xanadu eX+ isn’t entirely unique or remarkable, but the story still has its interesting twists and clever moments befitting of a Falcom-developed JRPG.
A Great Switch Experience
The Nintendo Switch version of Tokyo Xanadu eX+ is based on the PlayStation 4 version, which was localized by Aksys Games in 2017. For those unaware, Tokyo Xanadu eX+ is an enhanced version of the original Tokyo Xanadu for PlayStation Vita, with a lot of more content to explore. All versions of Tokyo Xanadu eX+ include additional playable characters, side stories that are told between chapters, new dungeons, more monsters and bosses, and even new modes like Time Attack and Boss Rush.
The amount of added content makes the eX+ version the best and definitive version to play, and the Vita version is one-upped immensely by what’s offered on Switch. Players can expect the game to run at 60 FPS on Switch, and it’s really smooth for most of the playthrough, with only small hitches to report in a few minor areas. The performance is here is certainly in line with my expectations, especially following last year’s release of The Legend of Nayuta: Boundless Trails.
Furthermore, Tokyo Xanadu eX+for Switch features a revamped localization, which I believe is a major selling point for this version. I will admit that it has been four years since I played through the entirety of Tokyo Xanadu eX+ on PC, but I did notice that the in-game dialogue and text are more focused and well-written while retaining some of the tropes and wit associated with Falcom games. Overall, the revised localization is great and brings the game more in line with recent Trails releases, which have equally lengthy scripts.
Ys-Like Combat With Trails Inspiration
Tokyo Xanadu eX+’s combat is similar to Ys, except it feels more rigid and not as intuitive. Kou starts out with very few skills in the first chapter, but he and his party gain access to EX Skills, the X-Drive mechanic, and other features that flesh out their arsenal. Essentially, the party gains various skills that are powerful against crowds of enemies, most of which are activated after filling the EX gauges. The game also feels experimental to an extent, as it has an altered version of the ARCUS system from Trails of Cold Steel.
Each character has a set of upgradable skills and a customizable Soul Device, which features a Master Core. Acting similarly to the Master Quartz from Trails, Master Cores give a range of stat bonuses and one of the main affinities: Wind, Steel, Spirit, Fire, and Shadow. Each Soul Device has a grid where players may place Elements, which are Tokyo Xanadu eX+’s equivalent to Quartz. These Quartz grant additional effects and bonuses, such as improved gem/item drops and increased elemental damage.
Altogether, these systems combine to create a fun but clunky gameplay experience. The clunkiness of Tokyo Xanadu eX+’s combat is mostly due to the stiff movement and at times, the camera positioning. Locking onto enemies alleviates these issues, but the game is certainly not as fluid as Ysand other action RPGs.
Trails into Tokyo
The story ofTokyo Xanadu eX+ follows a similar chapter-based structure, with plenty of side content and collectibles to consider in each chapter. Players can expect bonding moments between characters, books and recipes to collect, enemy entries to log, and optional side quests, all of which take up a bulk of the overall playtime if you’re a completionist. This shouldn’t be surprising to players who spent a lot of time in Falcom RPGs, but it still feels fulfilling all the same.
The NiAR app takes the place of the handbook from Trails, chronicling the story, Kou’s friends, side quests, recipes, books, and tutorials. It quickly becomes apparent from the start that Tokyo Xanadu eX+ borrows a lot of features and aspects from Trails, but the game manages to stand out thanks to its Tokyo setting and unique premise involving the Eclipse.
A complete playthrough, which includes the additional scenario, can take up to 50 hours or so. The story is not as compelling compared to other Falcom games, but those 50 hours will certainly fly by if you become invested. Tokyo Xanadu eX+ establishes a lot of interesting lore involving the Eclipse and various organizations working to keep the peace in Tokyo, leaving room for speculation and hype for the sequel.
Tokyo Xanadu eX+ is Another Solid Falcom RPG on Switch
Although the game didn’t push the standard for Falcom forward at the time, Tokyo Xanadu eX+ is still a really enjoyable action RPG. Without a doubt, the new Nintendo Switch version is a very welcomed addition, bolstering the already stellar lineup of RPGs on the platform. The revised localization, 60 FPS support, and crisp visuals of the Nintendo Switch version make this the best version of Tokyo Xanadu eX+ to play on consoles.
Tokyo Xanadu eX+ is available now for PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, and PC via Steam in the West, and the Nintendo Switch version launches on July 25.
Disclaimer: Aksys Games provided a Nintendo Switch copy of Tokyo Xanadu eX+ for review purposes.
