Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age

 PlayStation 4
User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 971 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 822 out of 971
  2. Mixed: 70 out of 971
  3. Negative: 79 out of 971
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  1. 17_jrpg
    Sep 6, 2018
    10
    Last year the best JRPG on the PS4 was Persona 5, and this year is Dragon Quest XI! Persona 5 was a great success for Atlus because it kept its unique style - they used the same formula which they used in the predecessors. The same thing Square Enix has done with Dragon Quest XI. The story of this game is great, but I will not talk about the story because of spoilers. I will actually sayLast year the best JRPG on the PS4 was Persona 5, and this year is Dragon Quest XI! Persona 5 was a great success for Atlus because it kept its unique style - they used the same formula which they used in the predecessors. The same thing Square Enix has done with Dragon Quest XI. The story of this game is great, but I will not talk about the story because of spoilers. I will actually say something about gameplay. Dragon Quest XI is a turn-based RPG with a semi-open world. The semi-open world allows to player to explore the world through the story, so that you can explore a new region then you must first advance through the story. This way the player can enjoy the story and a gameplay at the same time (it's not like open world games where you can completely ignore the story and use only the mechanics of gameplay). There is no more random encounter. Now, the enemies are moving freely on the map and if the player make a contact with the enemies, the battle screen will open. The battle system is the same as the predecessor with a couple of new elements. Now, the player can choose between two styles in battle: classic style (characters are stationary on battlefield) and modern style (characters can be moved around battlefield). One of new element is a swapping system which allows players to change characters during battle with those who are outside the active team (this reminds me of battle system from FFX). This function can allow you to make a better strategy (tactic) in battle. When comparing gameplay of Dragon Quest XI with Dragon Quest VIII (the best Dragon Quest game), I can say that Dragon Quest XI is an upgraded version of Dragon Quest VIII (so for this reason would like to see the remake of Dragon Quest VIII for the PS4 with the same engine). Full 14 years, Dragon Quest VIII has kept the title of the best Dragon Quest game, and now it has been surpassed by Dragon Quest XI. As a conclusion I can say that Dragon Quest XI has a great story, gameplay, very beautiful graphics and great sound. This game is the best Dragon Quest game and is one of the best JRPGs ever. We need more such JRPGs on PlayStation, with turn-based battle system and semi-open world. Persona 5 and Dragon Quest XI prove that such games can be more successful than some action RPGs.… Expand
  2. DrChocolate
    Nov 26, 2018
    10
    If you enjoyed Dragon Quest 8 as much as I have over the years, this is the game you have been waiting for.

    DQ11 takes everything that was great from 8 and expands on it: new ability system, updated combat that works like the Gambit system from FF12, a horse mount that runs at blinding speed, platforming in towns, updated alchemy system, updated saving system-- in short, it's a    If you enjoyed Dragon Quest 8 as much as I have over the years, this is the game you have been waiting for.

    DQ11 takes everything that was great from 8 and expands on it: new ability system, updated combat that works like the Gambit system from FF12, a horse mount that runs at blinding speed, platforming in towns, updated alchemy system, updated saving system-- in short, it's a wonderful game, an old school JRPG with immense charm and many improved features. If you enjoy JRPGS, this must go on your shelf.    … Expand
  3. Meister_Zeigler
    Sep 8, 2018
    10
    Dragon Quest XI is one of the best video games I have ever played. I would rank it somewhere slightly beneath The Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time in terms of its greatness.
  4. rubenleo25
    Sep 9, 2018
    10
    at last the real rpg game whe deserve, dragon quest xi is the return of clasic rpg.
  5. darklords2009
    Sep 8, 2018
    10
    great and classic game I love it so much.this game have great graphic and animations.the story is great and also has lovely characters.
  6. NECKX
    Sep 9, 2018
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This game is amazing. The orchestral soundtrack is perfect integrated in everything what is happening. I also really enjoy the old battle system. Not every game needs to be a button smashing arpg.
    The story is well written and really huge l, atm I am at 52 hours and I am not close to the end yet. I also enjoy the evolution of the characters during the story, you learn more and more sides of everyone and no one is flat or a generic type. They have all their own unique character and is not filled with stereotypes.
    The ppl who complain about that the main character is not talking, don't get that they are the protagonist of the game and that they are doing the talking. There was a time in gaming history where it was normal to use your own fantasy instead of just consume everything.
    It is sad that this game gets so downrated just because it is a perfect traditional jrpg. I really wonder why ppl buy this game if they don't like the design. It is not that you can't inform yourself about a game and it's battle system. If you don't like it, just don't buy it.    … Expand
  7. NaotaChanel
    Sep 6, 2018
    10
    I was expecting a good JRPG, that would bring back the memories of the golden age of video games.
    What I got was that and much more.
    This is the best RPG of the past 10 years, and that's no exaggeration.
  8. GameHunter
    Sep 16, 2018
    9
    If you’re craving an old school turn based RPG; then look no further because no one does it better. JRPG’s have always lost me with their nonsensical stories. Even the legendary Final Fantasy games praised for their storytelling have never added up for me story-wise. I’d always get the basics of the story, but they’d lose me somewhere along the way. Not DQXI. This ability to keep meIf you’re craving an old school turn based RPG; then look no further because no one does it better. JRPG’s have always lost me with their nonsensical stories. Even the legendary Final Fantasy games praised for their storytelling have never added up for me story-wise. I’d always get the basics of the story, but they’d lose me somewhere along the way. Not DQXI. This ability to keep me interested, to keep me moving forward is what makes this one so special.
    The turn based battle system is full of strategy. Rarely can you coast on simple “attack attack attack” motions go get through an area. Thinking ahead, and learning the flow of each areas battles is essential and extremely satisfying once you’ve got it figured out.
    So we’ve got a great, easy to follow story, and great combat. The characters are all great and have their own personalities. Nothing seems tacked on.
    My only complaint is the crafting system. It’s too difficult to find recipes, and many of the items required are so rare that I never want to use them incase a find a better recipe down the road. To get around that I’ve just been level grinding so I can afford to buy most weapons and armour from the store. You can be a rare item hunter or a grinder. The choice is yours, but a strategy involving both techniques is recommended.
    I really could write so much more, but I think you get the idea. You probably already understand this is a turn based classic style RPG. And I’m just here to tell you all the elements that make that genre of game special are all here, and accounted for. And don’t worry the game will always give you hints on your next stop, rarely being vague in the process. It’s these modern sensibilities sprinkled through the games presentation and functionality that bring the old school into the new.    … Expand
  9. Dubeau
    Sep 14, 2018
    8
    Review: Review at 35 hours gameplay. This is not my first Dragon Quest. I play the first one, one on the PS3, I tried one on the PC. This one does carry all the classic game play but with a more dynamic combat then those old JRPG. The story is generic but there is some very emotional twists, that make you really appreciate it more. The combat is fun and sometimes very strategic. It isReview: Review at 35 hours gameplay. This is not my first Dragon Quest. I play the first one, one on the PS3, I tried one on the PC. This one does carry all the classic game play but with a more dynamic combat then those old JRPG. The story is generic but there is some very emotional twists, that make you really appreciate it more. The combat is fun and sometimes very strategic. It is base turned, but not too slow in terms of pace. The graphics are very good. The movies are a slide show and takes too much time to get going. The music is ok. The sounds are classic and nostalgic. The crafting is very fun and upgrading your character powers is very intuitive. I give it an 80%. There are some annoyance but as far as PC port goes, it is one of the best. And I recommend anyone that never played a Dragon Quest game to give it a go. It's a nice introduction to JRPG and one of the better console port out there.… Expand
  10. getsudera
    Sep 5, 2018
    10
    obra maestra uno de los mejores jrpg que jugado el nivel artistico del juego es simplemente espectacular
  11. Orichalcon
    Oct 10, 2018
    8
    A really fantastic experience all round, and tour de force of old school nostalgia sprinkled everywhere.

    If you (like me) are a fan of the golden age of JRPGS throughout the 90's, then you'll absolutely love this title. It's filled with classics JRPG nuance throughout, complete with fairytale storytelling and big on character development. If I had to give the game one negative, and    A really fantastic experience all round, and tour de force of old school nostalgia sprinkled everywhere.

    If you (like me) are a fan of the golden age of JRPGS throughout the 90's, then you'll absolutely love this title. It's filled with classics JRPG nuance throughout, complete with fairytale storytelling and big on character development.

    If I had to give the game one negative, and the reason this is not a 9, but rather an 8, is the music is awfully repetitive. They have the same music for towns, and the same music for outside town in a number of places, and it repeats throughout the game. If they'd been a little less lazy and created a slightly more varied soundtrack then this would have been a magical 9/10 (I don't believe in 10/10 as this means it's flawless, and I don't believe any game is without a least a few smattering of flaws).#

    Either way, the simple summary is this. If you like 90's JRPGs, and like strong, comical characters, with a fun loving, but also quite in depth fairytale storyline, then you'll absolutely love Dragon Questi XI.    … Expand
  12. Rockboss
    May 21, 2020
    9
    In the beginning a little slow but it grows and in the end I was just blown away.
  13. Antihater
    Jan 2, 2019
    10
    I Just recently picked this game Up and I love it, it's just like DQ8 and that's not a bad thing at all. Nice animated graphics, solid battle system with turn based game play, but the enemies are on screen as you travel no random thank god, having no random encounters is amazing you can choose who you want to fight. If you say you like random encounters take off the nostalgia glassesI Just recently picked this game Up and I love it, it's just like DQ8 and that's not a bad thing at all. Nice animated graphics, solid battle system with turn based game play, but the enemies are on screen as you travel no random thank god, having no random encounters is amazing you can choose who you want to fight. If you say you like random encounters take off the nostalgia glasses because it's glued on to your face. It's a classic JRPG style done well in a modern way, lots to do with interesting artwork and story. Plus if you like DBZ the hero looks like future trunks. A must buy for JRPG fans on the PS4. It always seems like the users and critics always disagree, these critics are not even gamers. Don't listen to the idiots complaining about the music it's typical JRPG music not the best by no means but not bad either.… Expand
  14. moncikoma
    Dec 17, 2018
    10
    Im Grateful to have played Dragon Quest, 11/10 JRPG of the decade for me... WoW

    My Top 3 JRPG definitely!
    After xenogears, suikoden2

    I just want to say . Please dont let JRPG like DQXI die.. the ending give me goosebumbs and insight on HOW JRPG should be made

    The essence of JRPG is precious and We have to pass it to our kids and grandson until the end of time..
  15. HellaSavageX
    Sep 9, 2018
    10
    This is one of the best RPG's in YEARS! As many RPG's seemingly are trying to leave turn based attacking and reinvent the wheel, DQ11 goes back to the roots of what made us all fall in love with RPG's in the first place! This game is great for beginners and DQ veterans alike, I feel this game will go down as the best DQ game in the series to date! 10 out of 10!!!
  16. Zurce
    Oct 12, 2018
    10
    El mejor RPG del año, un juego que aun llegando tarde a occidente nos demuestra que se pueden seguir haciendo grandes hazañas con el sistema por turnos. Un indispensable si eres fan del genero.
  17. treestand
    Sep 16, 2018
    10
    A masterwork of the Genre. This game is not revolutionary in any sense, but it accomplishes everything it wants to with amazing fidelity and obvious love and care. The storytelling, characters, design and gameplay are all just so well done. It's a beautiful thing, and really has me excited for the future of Dragon Quest games.
  18. NouZeM
    Nov 7, 2018
    8
    De los mejores RPG que tiene actualmente PS4. No puedes dejar escapar esta oportunidad.
    Las pegas son principalmente la banda sonora, se hace muy (EXTREMADAMENTE) monótona y se lleva mal al ser MIDI.
  19. Zypern
    Sep 12, 2018
    10
    It's a really great game overall. One of the best JRPG I have played in since psx era.
  20. RepentantSky
    Oct 5, 2018
    10
    The only real problem I can think of for this game is the town music you'll hear again and again, which prevents some of them from having a much needed identity, plus because it plays so often, it does become the most annoying track in the game, but also the only one that's ever really a problem. The rest of the music, the gameplay, the story, the characters, all of it is perfect.The only real problem I can think of for this game is the town music you'll hear again and again, which prevents some of them from having a much needed identity, plus because it plays so often, it does become the most annoying track in the game, but also the only one that's ever really a problem. The rest of the music, the gameplay, the story, the characters, all of it is perfect.

    Dragon Quest XI is also without a doubt the best game on the PS4 this year, and the best RPG of the year as well, especially after Ni No Kuni II failed to reach it's lofty expectations. But even without that comparison, DQXI is the best RPG we've had in years, and without a doubt the best Dragon Quest game we've had since DQVIII's original release on the PS2. Level 5 changed the way we view Dragon Quest back then, and Square has proudly and effectively, improved upon that formula since those days. Dragon Quest XI is not only the best RPG of the year, it is the best game in the Dragon Quest franchise, and proves that there's plenty of life in this series yet.    … Expand
  21. LeoChross
    Sep 12, 2018
    10
    Wow! This is love when it's the biggest! Square Enix flagship. Among the absolute best game I've experienced. So glad that it finally came to Sweden. I'm now dreaming about part 12 as a premiere title for PS5. :)
  22. TheFirm34
    Sep 11, 2018
    8
    30 hours in: The game is vibrant, the graphics are crisp and the animation is top notch. This game might remind people of Ni No Kuni in the look and feel of the combat. This is also my first Draggon Quest game, and so far I am liking it.
  23. Fibrizzo87
    Sep 15, 2018
    10
    This is what I’ve been waiting for. A classic-style turn-based JRPG fully optimized for the modern day. Beautiful: art-style, characters, music, cut scenes, UI, pacing, combat, and story. Vast towns and dungeons to explore. I feel like DQXI might be the best turn-based JRPG made in the last 15 years.

    .
  24. killshia12
    Oct 13, 2018
    8
    super mastapeece super mastapeecesuper mastapeecesuper mastapeecesuper mastapeece
  25. flappybantam
    Nov 3, 2018
    8
    If you're looking for a well crafted traditional jrpg, then this i the game you've been waiting for...

    PROs - AAA production values - art direction amongst the best i've seen in any game, or any entertainment medium for that matter - battle animations and character design look superb, especially later in the game - tons of side quests, final fantasy esque character builder -    If you're looking for a well crafted traditional jrpg, then this i the game you've been waiting for...

    PROs
    - AAA production values
    - art direction amongst the best i've seen in any game, or any entertainment medium for that matter
    - battle animations and character design look superb, especially later in the game
    - tons of side quests, final fantasy esque character builder
    - postgame quest after defeating final boss adds longevity
    - 70hrs + gameplay

    CONS
    - turn based combat not everyones cup of tea
    - not a true open world.
    - moving around the map can feel clunky. Invisible walls and barriers are a bit jarring
    - too easy on normal difficulty. Towns are a bit overkill and feel a little redundant considering the numerous campsites dotted around the world map. You only seem to visit them for story progression and side quests    … Expand
  26. DestanyZero
    Nov 5, 2018
    9
    I am new to the franchise. May i say what a privilege it was to be introduced to this series with this game. the game does not require you to know about the other Dragon Quests game. it does start off very slow but after you get down the basics and progress further into the story, it becomes something to behold. The graphics are beautiful,there will be many times where you will be in aweI am new to the franchise. May i say what a privilege it was to be introduced to this series with this game. the game does not require you to know about the other Dragon Quests game. it does start off very slow but after you get down the basics and progress further into the story, it becomes something to behold. The graphics are beautiful,there will be many times where you will be in awe from your surroundings,the combat is smooth, while having a leveling system similar to Final Fantasy X, it does suits it very well and is unique in its own way. i sunk in a good 120 hours or so before finishing the game,it is one of those games where you wish it kept going just because of how amazing the story and world is. If you love the Dragon Quest series or just love a good JRPG Dragon Quest 11 will not disappoint. the more hours you put into this game, the more attached to both the world and the characters you meet will get with just about every character being unique and memorable in their own way. JRPG fans you owe it to yourself to buy this game, although it does have some minor flaws, the positives far outweigh the negatives.… Expand
  27. Linx_13
    Nov 7, 2018
    10
    Dragon Quest XI is the perfect way to get into the popular Japanese series. Amazing presentation, likable characters, engaging story and fun, classic gameplay. Be prepared for over 100 hours of content. Certainly the best JRPG of this gen and one of the best of all time.
  28. xSelene89
    Sep 15, 2019
    9
    The best JRPG of the last years! Visuals are beautiful and the World feels alive. Its a bit too easy at the start but gets more challenging after the first half of the Story
  29. HeirOfErdrick
    Sep 30, 2019
    10
    It is an awesome simple but well done masterpiece of a rpg its characters,world,and story are all great it has so many details
  30. simopoz
    Mar 29, 2020
    9
    Un ottimo jrpg vecchio stile finalmente. Unica pecca la colonna sonora stucchevole, altrimenti meriterebbe il 10
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Awards & Rankings

18
#18 Best PS4 Game of 2018
19
#19 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2018
29
#29 Most Shared PS4 Game of 2018

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
86

Generally favorable reviews - based on 86 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 80 out of 86
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 86
  3. Negative: 0 out of 86
  1. PLAY! Zine
    Mar 11, 2019
    85
    Might not be the greatest game of all time, but it probably is the best game in the most quality maintaining JRPG series of all time. Is that even better? Could be! Do not miss this gorgeous yet pretty nostalgic game set in a well known universe of the Dragon Quest franchise.
    Read full review
  2. CD-Action
    Jan 9, 2019
    85
    Dragon Quest XI clings to tradition, but when you buy a DQ game, you don’t expect a revolution. You expect vibrant characters and thrilling adventures and that’s exactly what you get, amplified by the level of execution unparalleled not only in the series, but in the whole genre. [11/2018, p.66]
  3. GameGrin
    Jan 2, 2019
    100
    Dragon Quest XI: Echoes Of An Elusive Age is a perfect game, it sticks to with traditional JRPG roots while still bringing in a few new mechanics to freshen it up a bit.
    Read full review
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