The reviews for the Wii U's big holiday exclusive Xenoblade Chronicles X are in, pointing to a gorgeous adventure that unfortunately falls just short of its predecessor.

With Star Fox Zero delayed to 2016, Xenoblade Chronicles X is perhaps the most significant Wii U exclusive this holiday season. The game has been long anticipated by fans of the original as well as JRPG enthusiasts in general, and with a few days to go until the the title's launch on December 4th, reviews are starting to appear online.

The reviews are positive for the most part, with some that were not quite as engrossed by Xenoblade Chronicles X as others. However, it seems safe to say that anyone that enjoyed Xenoblade Chronicles on the Wii or New 3DS will likely be satisfied with Xenoblade Chronicles X.

Be sure to read our Xenoblade Chronicles X review, but in the meantime, check out what other critics are saying about Xenoblade Chronicles X from around the web:

Destructoid (Chris Carter)

"This is one of the more interesting reviews I've done as of late because I know Xenoblade Chronicles X will be divisive. But it truly feels like an MMO world I've been living in for several weeks now. The more grimdark theme isn't quite as charming as the original Xenoblade, but everything else makes up for it."

Score: 9/10

Game Informer (Matt Miller)

"I began Xenoblade Chronicles X filled with enthusiasm for its intriguing world and gorgeous visuals. But like the hackneyed songs that play ad nauseum throughout, the gameplay doesn’t have enough depth or entertainment to sustain such a prolonged experience. Players with great patience for grinding are rewarded with intriguing places to discover and creatures to fight, but for me, only a handful of the 100 hours I spent wandering Mira felt like a true adventure."

Score: 7.25/10

GameSpot (Peter Brown)

X is a grand adventure that satiates your appetite for exploration and combat in ways that few games ever do, but because getting started is half the battle, it’s an experience reserved for dedicated players who have the patience and energy to unearth its greatest treasures.

Score: 8/10

GamesRadar+ (David Roberts)

"Like Mira itself, trying to get a grasp of Xenoblade Chronicles X can be inscrutable and vexing at times. But in a way, that quest for knowledge often mimics the plight of the humans who find themselves stranded on the alien planet that becomes humanity's new home. Understanding Xenoblade's complexity isn't easy or always immediately obvious, but stick with it and you'll find a vast, untamed land where simply existing is its own reward."

Score: 3.5/5

Polygon (Phillip Kollar)

"Monolith Soft has once more created something special under the Xenoblade name; it just happens to have buried that something special under a mountain of annoyances."

Score: 7/10

The general consensus seems to indicate that Xenoblade Chronicles X is a gorgeous game, with a huge, detailed world that is fun to explore. However, critics are suggesting that the story isn't as engaging as the one from Xenoblade Chronicles, and that the pace of the game is bogged down by excessive grinding. The controversial Western censorship issue doesn't seem to be a major concern for reviewers, though, even if it may still irk some JRPG purists.

In any case, Xenoblade Chronicles X has received mostly positive reception from gaming critics, and despite some flaws, it's probably a safe bet for JRPG fans as well as those that enjoyed the first game. Whether or not one should spring for the Xenoblade Chronicles X Special Edition is debatable, but the hardcore Xenoblade fans will likely do so anyway.

Are you surprised by the critical reception of Xenoblade Chronicles X? Do you plan on picking the game up this Friday? What's your favorite Wii U exclusive that released this year so far? Let's talk about Xenoblade Chronicles X and the Wii U's library of exclusive titles in the comments below.

Xenoblade Chronicles X will be available on December 4th, exclusively for the Wii U.