Xenoblade Chronicles 2010

Is it still worth playing?

Monolith Soft's 2010 action role playing game for the Wii. Set on the frozen bodies of two titans, Bionis and Mechonis, it follows Shulk, who wields the Monado after an attack on his colony. You control one of three party members across open zones with a day night cycle. Battles are real time, with auto attacks, Arts limited by cooldowns and chain attacks through the Party Gauge, and Shulk's Vision shows enemy attacks in advance. Each character learns only certain skills so the AI understands its role, and attacking from the flank or behind adds effects. Affinity between characters drives side quests, you can save anywhere, and hidden caves and relics reward leaving the main path. It led to a spiritual successor, Xenoblade Chronicles X, and to sequels. Clear roles for the AI party and rewards for exploring still make both fights and wandering worth the time today.