《異度神劍2》是由Monolith Soft開發、任天堂發行，於 2017年12月1日在 Nintendo Switch平台上推出的大型角色扮演遊戲。是「異度神劍」系列的正統續作，但劇情設定上與《異度神劍1》、以及後來的《異度神劍3》並非直接延續，而是發生在另一個名為「阿爾斯特（Alrest）」的世界。儘管如此，系列之間存在隱約的聯繫與致敬要素，熟悉的玩家會在其中發現許多細節彩蛋與伏筆。

劇情的舞台設定在被雲海覆蓋的世界中，人類生活在巨大的生物「天之聖獸/巨神獸（Titan）」背上，因為陸地早已沉沒於雲海之下。傳說中，世界的中心有座名為「樂園（Elysium）」的神聖之地，是所有生靈的歸宿與希望。主角雷克斯（Rex）是在雲海中以打撈為生的少年，某日接下一個神秘委託，意外在遺跡中遇見封印於劍中的少女「焰（Pyra）」，並與她締結主從契約，成為能夠操控她力量的「Driver（天之使徒）」。自此，雷克斯與焰為尋找傳說中的樂園，踏上漫長而危險的旅途，並與形形色色的Driver與「異刃（Blade）」夥伴結識，一同面對潛藏於雲海之下的巨大陰謀與命運。

在角色設定上，異刃（Blade）是遊戲的一大特色。異刃是由特殊結晶體中誕生出來的擬人化生命體，擁有獨特個性、外貌與戰鬥技能，且與Driver透過契約連結生命與力量。焰便是異刃之一，而雷克斯作為Driver，可以裝備並指揮多名異刃共同作戰。除了焰之外，還能獲得來自主線劇情或轉蛋系統（Core Crystal）的稀有異刃，每個異刃都有專屬技能、必殺技與語音演出，增強角色互動與養成要素。

操作與戰鬥系統方面，延續系列作的半即時制戰鬥方式，並在此基礎上加入異刃連鎖攻擊與屬性連結系統。在野外與敵人接觸即進入戰鬥狀態，角色會自動進行普攻，玩家則負責指令技能（Art）與必殺技（Special），並透過時機與位置選擇發動攻擊特效，例如從側面或背後攻擊可獲得增益效果。與異刃的連結則賦予 Driver特殊技能，透過累積能量施放威力強大的必殺技。

戰鬥最大亮點是異刃必殺技的「屬性連結」與「連鎖攻擊（Chain Attack）」。當異刃發動必殺技時，會在敵人身上附加屬性標記，並根據屬性相剋與組合創造爆發性傷害或特殊效果。隨著戰鬥節奏進行，可指揮隊伍發動連鎖攻擊，依序切換異刃施放大招，若能成功打破敵人的護盾、擊倒、擊飛與浮空狀態，則可一口氣造成超高額傷害，體驗華麗且戰術豐富的連段快感。

探索與地圖設計方面，承襲系列傳統，採用開放式的區域大地圖，可自由在廣闊的天之聖獸背上移動與探險。場景充滿立體層次與隱藏路線，從峭壁、草原、洞窟到巨型遺跡，場景間透過時辰與天候系統變化，讓世界更加生動。任務系統結合主線、支線與異刃專屬事件，並搭配異刃擁有的「場地技能（Field Skill）」解鎖特定路徑與寶箱，增加探索與異刃培養的互動性。

在市場評價方面，於發售後獲得普遍正面評價。日本媒體《Famitsu》給予39/40高分，認為其世界觀龐大、戰鬥系統爽快、音樂優異，角色個性鮮明。歐美媒體如IGN與GameSpot也分別給出8.5分與7分的評價，稱讚劇情劇力萬鈞、戰鬥充滿策略性，尤其是異刃系統帶來的收集與養成樂趣，能讓玩家沉迷數十甚至上百小時。部分評論指出，遊戲初期系統教學繁瑣、UI複雜，加上戰鬥需要累積熟練度與理解屬性連結機制，對新手來說可能門檻較高，但當玩家逐漸上手後，會發現其戰鬥策略深度與系統魅力遠超一般RPG。

玩家社群普遍肯定是Switch期最佳RPG作品之一，劇情發展高潮迭起，情感刻劃深刻，搭配由光田康典、平松建治與ACE+團隊譜寫的動人配樂，更為冒險增添氣氛。此外，角色繪師齊聚日本多位人氣畫師，異刃設計風格多樣化，也成為討論焦點。

總結來說，這是集龐大世界觀、動人劇情、複雜戰鬥與異刃養成於一身的超大型 RPG。雖然學習曲線較高，但當玩家深入體驗其獨特戰鬥系統與角色關係，便能享受到令人難忘的冒險故事與爽快戰鬥快感。無論是系列粉絲，還是渴望Switch 上體驗大型劇情RPG的玩家，都絕對值得一試。

Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is a large-scale role-playing game developed by Monolith Soft and published by Nintendo, released for the Nintendo Switch on December 1, 2017. It serves as a direct successor in the Xenoblade Chronicles series, though its story is set in a different world called Alrest, and is not a direct continuation of Xenoblade Chronicles 1 or Xenoblade Chronicles 3. Nonetheless, subtle connections and references link these titles together, with veteran players able to spot clever nods and hidden foreshadowing across the games.

The story takes place in a world covered by a vast Cloud Sea, where humanity survives atop massive living beings called Titans, since the land beneath the clouds has long since sunk. According to legend, at the center of this world lies a holy place known as Elysium, the long-lost paradise and final resting place for all living things. The protagonist, Rex, is a young salvager who makes a living diving into the Cloud Sea. One day, he takes on a mysterious job and, deep within ancient ruins, meets a girl named Pyra, sealed within a sword. After forming a life bond with her, Rex becomes a Driver—someone capable of wielding a Blade’s power—and embarks on a perilous journey with Pyra to find the mythical Elysium. Along the way, they encounter a variety of fellow Drivers and Blades, while confronting the sinister conspiracies hidden beneath the Cloud Sea.

A defining feature of the game lies in its Blade system. Blades are humanoid lifeforms born from special Core Crystals, each with unique personalities, appearances, and combat abilities. These Blades form a bond with their Driver, sharing life force and strength through their connection. Pyra is one such Blade, and Rex, as a Driver, can equip and command multiple Blades in battle. Beyond Pyra, players can acquire rare Blades through the main story or the game’s Core Crystal summoning system. Every Blade boasts its own exclusive skills, special attacks, and voice acting, which adds depth to both combat strategy and character interaction.

The combat system builds on the semi-real-time style of previous entries in the series, enhanced here with Blade Chain Attacks and an Elemental Combo system. Battles begin when the player engages an enemy on the field, automatically triggering basic attacks. Players then issue commands for Arts (skills) and Special Attacks, choosing the right timing and positioning—for example, attacking from the side or rear for bonus effects. The connection between Driver and Blade grants unique abilities, and through accumulated energy, players can unleash powerful Specials.

The battle’s highlight lies in its Elemental Combo and Chain Attack systems. When a Blade performs a Special Attack, it marks the enemy with an elemental seal, and combining different elements in sequence results in explosive damage or unique debuffs. As battles progress, players can trigger Chain Attacks, rapidly switching Blades to unleash their most powerful moves in succession. Successfully breaking an enemy’s guard, toppling, launching, or smashing them in midair during these combos allows for massive damage output, delivering an exhilarating, tactical, and visually stunning combat experience.

In terms of exploration, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 inherits the series’ tradition of open, interconnected world maps, with the player free to roam the expansive Titans’ backs and environments. The terrain features layered, multi-dimensional areas, with cliffs, plains, caves, and enormous ruins to explore. A dynamic day-and-night cycle, along with shifting weather conditions, makes the world feel alive. The quest system intertwines main story missions, side quests, and Blade-specific events, with certain locations and treasure chests only accessible by using a Blade’s Field Skills, adding another layer of strategy and incentive to collect and train various Blades.

Upon release, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 received widespread acclaim. Japanese publication Famitsu awarded it a high score of 39/40, praising its grand worldbuilding, exhilarating combat, and outstanding soundtrack. Western media such as IGN and GameSpot rated it 8.5 and 7 out of 10, respectively, commending its emotionally driven story, strategic battles, and the addictive collection and growth systems tied to the Blades, capable of engaging players for dozens or even hundreds of hours. Some critics noted the initially overwhelming tutorial sequences, complex UI, and a relatively steep learning curve, particularly regarding the elemental combo system. However, once players grew accustomed to the mechanics, they discovered a combat system rich in tactical depth, far surpassing typical RPG standards.

Within the player community, it is often regarded as one of the Nintendo Switch’s finest RPG experiences. The game’s plot is filled with dramatic twists and well-crafted emotional moments, enhanced by a sweeping, evocative soundtrack composed by Yasunori Mitsuda, Kenji Hiramatsu, and the ACE+ team. In addition, the game’s unique Blade designs—created by numerous popular Japanese illustrators—added visual variety and became a popular topic of fan discussion.

In summary, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is an expansive RPG masterpiece, seamlessly blending an epic world, moving narrative, intricate combat, and engaging Blade bonding system. Although its systems may appear daunting at first, those who delve deeper will discover an unforgettable adventure, rich in strategy and storytelling. Whether you are a longtime series fan or a player seeking a deep, story-driven RPG experience on the Switch, this is an unmissable title.