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
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. tbouniverse
    Mar 17, 2019
    10
    If you loved Persona 5, be prepared to be equally awestruck. Dragon Quest XI is another 100+ hour experience with AWESOME characters, robust RPG/JRPG mechanics, unique Toriyama (DBZ) artwork, phenomenal innocent-yet-mature environment, full of customization options and a memorable soundtrack to boot.

    If you can push past the first couple of hours, you've got a winner because this game    If you loved Persona 5, be prepared to be equally awestruck. Dragon Quest XI is another 100+ hour experience with AWESOME characters, robust RPG/JRPG mechanics, unique Toriyama (DBZ) artwork, phenomenal innocent-yet-mature environment, full of customization options and a memorable soundtrack to boot.

    If you can push past the first couple of hours, you've got a winner because this game is the real deal. The story was around three times larger than regular games with resonating storytelling. When you include another 30+ hours of adorable and immersive side-quests, you will realize the depth this game has, if you haven't already gotten lost exploring vast dungeons and settlements, on land and sea.

    Must-play for anyone who enjoys RPGs and even if you think "this isn't my cup of tea", I would strongly recommend it because there is definitely something in to for you. A well deserved 10/10.    … 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. Risax
    Sep 19, 2018
    10
    I am going to start this review off by saying I might be a bit biased, considering how I really enjoy the Dragon Quest games.

    Dragon Quest XI starts off like most Dragon Quest games. You are a village boy of sixteen years old who goes to meet the king and eventually you have to fight a demonic overlord. It does throw some curve balls, of course. But the big storypoints mostly stay the    I am going to start this review off by saying I might be a bit biased, considering how I really enjoy the Dragon Quest games.

    Dragon Quest XI starts off like most Dragon Quest games. You are a village boy of sixteen years old who goes to meet the king and eventually you have to fight a demonic overlord. It does throw some curve balls, of course. But the big storypoints mostly stay the same.

    Now, first of all, the game looks beautiful. It's so colourful and the music is fantastic. Again the character designs are done by Akira Toriyama and your protagonist resembles Android 17 quite a bit. Combat is much unchanged. You can walk around, but your position on the field doesn't really seem to matter.

    Overall, the game always kept me entertained and it never felt like a chore playing. Well, almost never. There is some content after the main game that requirers you to go through some Trials that puts you through areas you've already visited. It mainly seems to be used as a fun way to grind to defeat the True Final Boss and it gives you the chance to get better equipment and recipes, so I didn't mind it THAT much. Another thing I disliked was the voice acting, but you can turn that off if you prefer.

    In any case, I'd recommend this game to anyone who is a fan of JRPGs. You need no knowledge of the other Dragon Quest games.    … Expand
  4. 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.
  5. PaulSeralt
    Jan 12, 2019
    10
    Good old school jrpg. If you liked old Final Fantasy games, Chrono Trigger and so on and find that other modern jrpg just don't scratch that itch as good as old jrpg, this is the game for you.
    To me, this game is a 10/10: good story, lovable characters with growth during the story and their personal story arcs, tactial gameplay and character building that is not vestigial.
    But beware, if    Good old school jrpg. If you liked old Final Fantasy games, Chrono Trigger and so on and find that other modern jrpg just don't scratch that itch as good as old jrpg, this is the game for you.
    To me, this game is a 10/10: good story, lovable characters with growth during the story and their personal story arcs, tactial gameplay and character building that is not vestigial.
    But beware, if you don't like jrpg this game won't convert you, this game is intended for people who like this kind of games, and being truthful to them (insted of going all action like FF did) is it's strong point for jrpg lovers as it is why people who don't like the genre should think a moment before buying it and complain about it later.

    PRO
    - very long (doing the whole storyline and sidequest take around 80 - 100 hours if you are not a completionist);
    - nice story;
    - good characters;
    - the world is beautiful;
    - some improvments to the traditionals jrpg mechanics, this game avoid frustration in any way possible without dumbing down on anything;

    CONS
    - the music is good in my opinion, but some people found it not great;
    - may not be for you if you are not a jrpg fan;
    - is a little too easy if you play vanilla, but that can be solved by the game itself: when you start a new game you can add in some draconiac quests that will make this game one of the hardest jrpg out there;

    Tl,dr: if you like jrpg this is a must buy; if you want to try jrpg, this is a great well done modern take on the classical formula; if you don't like jrpg this game may not be for you    … Expand
  6. rubenleo25
    Sep 9, 2018
    10
    at last the real rpg game whe deserve, dragon quest xi is the return of clasic rpg.
  7. Usercool
    Sep 18, 2019
    10
    Dragon Quest XI is everything what you'd expect and love about a classic JRPG. And I really have to emphasize 'classic JRPG formula' here. Don't expect innovative gameplay but an enthralling story, solid game mechanics and everything that makes you return over and over to this genre. The voice acting seems to be less well produced than DQ VIII but this is a game that will easily take 100+Dragon Quest XI is everything what you'd expect and love about a classic JRPG. And I really have to emphasize 'classic JRPG formula' here. Don't expect innovative gameplay but an enthralling story, solid game mechanics and everything that makes you return over and over to this genre. The voice acting seems to be less well produced than DQ VIII but this is a game that will easily take 100+ hours of your time to complete and you won't regret it for a second.… Expand
  8. Nican
    Sep 30, 2018
    10
    Dragon quest games never disappoint , and this one is particularly good. Definetly best classic jrpg of the year so far.
  9. Spazilton
    Jul 27, 2019
    10
    Almost perfect in every way. The best Dragon Quest game to date. Every bit the masterpiece 8 was and more. If Turn Based RPGs are your thing, this is the game to get. Absolutely classic JRPG, and one of the top 5 games for the PS4, and the best Dragon Quest to date.
  10. Kai82
    Oct 3, 2020
    10
    One of the best RPGs in years. They transferred a classic turn based RPG from the nineties in our times keeping all that is / was great while avoiding the parts that would not work well today. It is the kind of RPG what fans wanted for years from Square Enix. While I must admit that they use tropes or staples of the genre they also made twists, challenge your expectations in a good way andOne of the best RPGs in years. They transferred a classic turn based RPG from the nineties in our times keeping all that is / was great while avoiding the parts that would not work well today. It is the kind of RPG what fans wanted for years from Square Enix. While I must admit that they use tropes or staples of the genre they also made twists, challenge your expectations in a good way and have some unique ideas. The story is really good. Your hero / protagonist did survive an attack that destroyed his hometown as infant and was adopted and raised in a small village. He bears the mark of the chosen one and after participating in the coming of age ritual the truth is revealed to him. Like I said it sounds pretty generic but you will soon get the first surprising twist. As the story progresses you get new party members, explore a fascinating world full of good characters and with enjoyable stories. The twists are good and I was always engaged in the story. What impressed me the most is what comes after you thought you finished the story. Be careful this is considered by many as spoilers! “Spoiler starts here”: You get a chance do undo the past. While you won the world suffered heavily. Basically you return to the half-point of the game and experience a new scenario, story and events. It felt like a second game for free. “End of spoilers”. Then there are the team members. One of the best cast in years because I struggled to pick my favorite team. All have their own stories, baggage and goals. Be it Erik the thief with a troubled hearth of gold, the twins Veronica and Serena, Sylvando the all should follow their hearths and everyone should be happy guy, Jade the female martial artist with depth and character and Rab the old man who is more than meets the eye. There is a character that I cant name because of spoilers. Then there is the graphic. As recommended by Dragon Quest standard the artworks are from Akira Toriyama who is most famous for Dragonball. The characters, monsters and world look gorgeous. They go for the anime look and I think it is fitting. The soundtrack however is a mixed back. They did not made an orchestral soundtrack and sometimes the music does not fit. However I will still say it is good but less than expected or what could be. There is a system to develop your characters. As you level up you get skill points that can be used to learn new abilities on an ability grid. You have often multiple approaches per character and you should not mix except for synergies or you have learned everything in your current role. For example Jade can use spears that are really strong weapons or claws that are weaker but have two attacks per action. Both variants have unique abilities and effects. Mostly it depends on preferences but there are of cause abilities that are more useful and if you are lucky you get some bonus skill points for unlocking abilities on the grid. Side note: Some abilities are locked on the grid until you acquired enough skills around them. There are a lot of side quest and some optional mini games. You can participate in horse races, collect medals for the academy, find weather cows, play casino games and more. I like the humor and some quirks for the characters. There is a robust crafting system in the game where you can make new equipment and / or improve your current once. What I felt is a missed opportunity are the pep powers. Your characters power up Super Saiyan style from time to time. However it is too unpredictable to use except you switch them out immediately and stop using them until you need them (Even this is not that usable). There are pep powered team combos with some good effect. I think the most useful is a combo from the protagonist, Jade and Sylvando. You can summon metal slimes for immense amounts of experience points from defeat (Erik has one attack that instant kills one because it has a guaranteed critical hit). Overall this was a surprisingly good game with lots of nostalgia and a world I liked to explored filled with good content / stories. Bonus: The Switch version is even better.… Expand
  11. TomasLacerda
    Jun 28, 2020
    10
    This game is visually stunning, it's really polished on everything! There is a lot of content, the characters are interesting and have unique personalities, the story gets more interesting as you go, it isn't as bland as initially seems. Really good voice acting, the quests types are really varied, it is an amazing RPG. I was skeptic in the beginning but fell in love for it.
  12. jewel5
    Mar 17, 2019
    10
    This game is fantastic!! I haven't enjoyed a game this much since Witcher 3. I'm about 60 hours in and the pllot has just turned on it's head. If you love a good story, buy this game, even if you've never tried a jrpg before. I don't see how anyone could not LOVE this game.
  13. Serenityinaz12
    Sep 4, 2018
    10
    Absolutely amazing - after a decade of the gaming media trying to force action battles down our throats telling everyone no one likes turn based anymore, here we have a game that tops all of them.
  14. ElektroDragon
    Sep 24, 2018
    10
    I have been waiting 14 years for another single player console Dragon Quest game! I am not in the least disappointed, this game is EVERYTHING I was hoping it would be and more. Infinitely more playable and more fun than FFXV. Please fellow gamers, buy this masterpiece so Squeenix localizes future installments! They say that if it does not sell well the localization is in jeopardy.I have been waiting 14 years for another single player console Dragon Quest game! I am not in the least disappointed, this game is EVERYTHING I was hoping it would be and more. Infinitely more playable and more fun than FFXV. Please fellow gamers, buy this masterpiece so Squeenix localizes future installments! They say that if it does not sell well the localization is in jeopardy. Although if they are concerned about sales I am not sure why they'd make it a PlayStation exclusive, but regardless, this is a MUST PLAY game!… Expand
  15. gq_foine
    Jan 12, 2019
    10
    After 100hrs+ and clearing the game with the "TRUE ENDING" I felt that I can give a proper review. Seeing others playing 10hrs and saying they had enough.. They are missing the entire game because the story doesn't even get good till 40-50hrs.. Anyone giving a less than a 8 after 10hrs of playing is just a dumb review! They are not even DRAGON Quest fans.. I have played theAfter 100hrs+ and clearing the game with the "TRUE ENDING" I felt that I can give a proper review. Seeing others playing 10hrs and saying they had enough.. They are missing the entire game because the story doesn't even get good till 40-50hrs.. Anyone giving a less than a 8 after 10hrs of playing is just a dumb review! They are not even DRAGON Quest fans.. I have played the original NES when I was a child and evolution of this series is just awesome!

    Right now I am doing all the "post game" stuff which is actually fun! The story doesn't get really great till you start playing the "Post Game" stuff to find out what is really going on! This is my 2018 RPG game of the year with Octopath Travelers running very close. This was a very tough choice to pick between the two, but I really loved Dragon Quest slightly more probably because of the game series.

    This is the BEST Dragon Quest game in the entire series with number 8 closely behind it!!

    The Dragon Quest formula has not changed since the beginning and i really liked that. Having played the original Dragon Warriors (Quest) back in the 80s with the turn base battle mechanics formula, which hasn't changed too much. The music is also very similar from the original and I very much liked that.

    The graphics are absolutely stunning and some of the best Anime background and art style I have seen - 10! I love the backgrounds, cut scenes and characters.

    The Music is an 8 for me. While they kept the similar music I felt they could have added real melodies to rather than the old retro sounds to give it a more a crisp sound and background. They only used their main song from the Orchestra and you can tell the difference and wished they used more of that style and music choices all throughout the game to give it a more polished feel.

    Gameplay battle mechanics 9 - This is your standard turnbase game and love the fact they added a couple of new elements to it - "PEP". I would like for them to have better menu choices so it doesn't get in the way of the gameplay or a more cleaner approach. I didn't like the fact you can move your characters around to different positions, but made absolutely no difference. But overall its very smooth gameplay and I loved they haven't changed the formula too much on this.

    Story - This was 10. The reason why is because the game doesn't heat up till you get to the POST game when you find out more about what is going on - Don't want to spoil so don't miss the "POST" game story! Its very good!! The character development is also awesome with some really fun group of people to travel and fight!

    Overall - I would give this a 9.5 rounded it off to a 10 since this is the BEST Dragon Quest game in the series!! I would give this the RPG game of the year with Octopath Travelers running closely behind it. I will buy the Switch version when it comes out so I can play it on the go!    … Expand
  16. minuano2k
    Feb 1, 2019
    10
    정통 턴제 rpg의 미래.
    점점 시대에서 밀려나고 있는 현실이지만, 분명 턴제만이 줄수 있는 매력이 있다.
    그 매력을 얼마나 현대적 관점에서도 살려낼수 있느냐가 쉽지 않은 일이지만,
    드퀘11은 굉장히 멋지게 턴제의 매력을 보여주는데 성공했다.
  17. gusman
    Sep 25, 2018
    10
    Best game in years. DQ XI whipes the floor with BotW, that crap doesn't deserves a 10, this game does.
  18. 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
  19. iSMeDz
    Apr 13, 2020
    10
    Finally the return Of the King ...a real j-rpg with a timless turn based gameplay
  20. suutto
    Sep 10, 2018
    10
    totemo ii game. totemo iiyo... korezo old school na rpg de music mo graphics mo iine.
  21. TackyTitan
    Dec 30, 2018
    10
    The most fun I've had playing a game this year. It made me feel like a kid playing a JRPG for the first time again. I'm not a fan of turn-based combat systems or JRPGs in general but this game definitely made me appreciate the genre more and made me interested in playing other entries. Can I get a Dragon Quest 8 remake for PS4 please?
  22. 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..
  23. 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!!!
  24. BuyThisSheet
    Sep 5, 2018
    10
    This is one of the best JRPG's of the year, adding to the PS4's great library of JRPG's.
  25. 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.
  26. 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.
  27. rhamade19
    Sep 4, 2018
    10
    I've never played a dragon quest game, but this game looks incredibly intriguing and I'm willing to give it a shot. Everything that I've seen so far makes this game a must have in my opinion
  28. manusax
    Nov 13, 2021
    10
    A masterpiece. Story a little bit for children, but the game is a 10.

    More than a hundred hours. This was my game during pandemic.
  29. Benniphx
    Sep 5, 2018
    10
    Absolutely amazing - I feel like a kid again playing the first time final fantasy. now so many years later it great to have nice old school jrpgs again.
  30. 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
prev
Page:

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

All reviews »
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
See all critic reviews »