Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age - Definitive Edition

 Switch
User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 743 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 634 out of 743
  2. Mixed: 41 out of 743
  3. Negative: 68 out of 743
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  1. zdemigodx
    Sep 27, 2019
    10
    Amazing Jrpg, loved it. the classic style and the music and, its a great needed modern take on a classic legend
  2. HeirOfErdrick
    Sep 29, 2019
    10
    It simply put fixes all the issues with the original the gameplay is more refined, it fixes the ost giving alot of variety, it has speed up and various new things like new story content, audio dramas, it has a camera function thats fun, it has ingedsting abd likable cast of characters subtle details galore a great world and cast of npcs awesome twtwists and turns
  3. PanxiCosta
    Sep 28, 2019
    10
    Dragon Quest XI S: Ecos de un pasado perdido - Edición Definitiva
    "El mejor y más completo JRPG de la generación", en su mejor versión exclusiva de Nintendo Switch

    Gráficos: 10/10
    Duración: 10/10
    Banda Sonora: 10/10 (Esta versión incluye banda sonora orquestrada)
    Jugabilidad: 9/10
    SinglePlayer: 10/10
    História: 10/10

    Nota Final: 9,8 (10) - Obra Maestra
  4. Darksun
    Sep 28, 2019
    10
    La versión más completa,más largo,banda sonora orquestal,jugarlo en 2d es como tener 2 juegos en 1 ,gráficamente luce espectacular y jugarlo en portátil es una gozada,la mejor versión de todas sin duda alguna, más q un Port es un remake, el mejor Port de switch scondiferencia,y el
  5. VladLiszt
    Sep 27, 2019
    10
    Mejor que su versión de ps4, pc y n3ds. Sobre todo por el contenido extra en 2d de Dragon Quest anteriores.
  6. xotosfera
    Sep 27, 2019
    9
    Juego Increíble, personalmente mi favorito de la saga, encima portátil y con mas contenido que la versión clásica: musica encrestada, el modo 2D, etc.....
    Recomendado 100%, en esta versión para swich lo han optimizado muy bien, se nota el trabajo que hay detrás.
    Lo único negativo que he encontrado es el consumo de batería en modo portátil, que literalmente la absorbe. Espero que lo    Juego Increíble, personalmente mi favorito de la saga, encima portátil y con mas contenido que la versión clásica: musica encrestada, el modo 2D, etc.....
    Recomendado 100%, en esta versión para swich lo han optimizado muy bien, se nota el trabajo que hay detrás.
    Lo único negativo que he encontrado es el consumo de batería en modo portátil, que literalmente la absorbe.
    Espero que lo disfrute la gente que no haya podido probarlo, por la razón que sea y a los indecisos, o la gente que no conozca DQ les digo sinceramente que es un juego que merece la pena cada minuto invertido en el, una historia épica y al magia del mejor JRPG.    … Expand
  7. bigphil0006
    Sep 27, 2019
    10
    Don't listen to the ones that are rating this game a 0, they obviously never played this version. They are most likely ps4 people that are butthurt that they don't have the definitive version. We get extra quest, music that doesn't sound like crap, 2d mode and some quality of life improvements
  8. Kaerun
    Sep 27, 2019
    10
    Dragon Quest XI S: Echos of an elusive age - Definitive Edition is one of the best turn based JRPG's on the market.
    Of course the graphics aren't up to par with the PS4 and Steam version, with lower polygon counts on some models, lower texture resolutions and visible pop ins.
    But in my opinion it's technical achievement to even get this version on the Nintendo Switch, especially if you    Dragon Quest XI S: Echos of an elusive age - Definitive Edition is one of the best turn based JRPG's on the market.
    Of course the graphics aren't up to par with the PS4 and Steam version, with lower polygon counts on some models, lower texture resolutions and visible pop ins.
    But in my opinion it's technical achievement to even get this version on the Nintendo Switch, especially if you think about the Nintendo Switch's limited hardware specs.
    As for gameplay, you get the full experience that was on the PS4 and Steam versions but with more added content, life improving changes, a better orchestrated soundtrack and a 2D mode.
    Dragon Quest XI S is as traditional as a JRPG gets and it doesn't try to be something else.

    So should you buy this?
    Already played the Steam/PS4 versions? Maybe, I played the Steam version for over 120 hours and was left hungry for more.
    Haven't played this and love JRPG? Definitely
    Never played a JRPG before? Try the generous 5-10 hour demo first (and then buy it, demo savegames carry over to the full game)    … Expand
  9. Giboultou
    Sep 30, 2019
    10
    So first of all I'd like to get some things clear, since I'm late to the reviewing session and have been able to see what the others wrote. Whoever picked this up thinking they were going to get a modern JRPG FF or Persona-like experience or a BotW level open world was not well informed. Don't judge a game on what you want it to be, but review it based on how well it achieves what itSo first of all I'd like to get some things clear, since I'm late to the reviewing session and have been able to see what the others wrote. Whoever picked this up thinking they were going to get a modern JRPG FF or Persona-like experience or a BotW level open world was not well informed. Don't judge a game on what you want it to be, but review it based on how well it achieves what it CLAIMS to be.

    And Dragon Quest XI S delivers just right on that. It's all we love about the traditional JRPG genre that it created. Dragon Quest was never there to try to revolutionize the genre but rather to stay true to its roots as its creator, and it does just that. I am of course no professional reviewer, but having played at least 10 hours into all the previous games of the series (Except Dragon Quest X), I think I can give a pretty good overview of how it compares to the others.

    In terms of the gameplay, it sticks to the traditional but efficient turn-based system, but adds on some novelties with pep powers and skill trees that make you reflect more on the build of your character. This skill tree is a welcome addition in contrast to just waiting for the character to unlock the exact list of spells and abilities they were given from the start, tho more limited than a potential class changing system, which we understandably couldn't expect seeing how they put a lot of work into animating the character specific capacities. Overall, it's similar to before, but enjoyable and somewhat refreshing nonetheless, with those little additions. As for exploration, it's DQ-style treasure hunting at its best. The areas are not "open world" per say, but DQ games never were open worlds, yet it still manages to get you pumped to look for treasures in secret areas around the world, and loves teasing you by showing you more treasures you cannot access yet. There's enough of a hunt to keep you interested in each area, but not too much that it eats up the rest of your game time and becomes irritating. Only downside was the difficulty of the game overall, which can somewhat be surpassed by activating one of the many Draconian challenges, tho those may then make the game too difficult for some. These Draconian "Quests" along with the 2D mode, are still well worth mentioning as great means of diversifying gameplay and allow for multiple enjoyable playthroughs

    No questions need to be asked for the soundtrack, as long as you have the symphonic version on, you'll definitely be enjoying yourself a lot. A few themes reappear maybe too frequently, but they're well crafted and memorable. It gives off that Dragon Quest vibe now in HQ like we rarely got before in any DQ games (Thanks Sugiyama ^^')

    As for the length of the game, I haven't finished it to say, but I've reached 40hrs and walkthrough seem to be telling me I am barely not even halfway through the story. Even in a straight line, the game offers more than enough content as a JRPG, compared to a lot of modern games, and much more if you are a completionist, with lots of side content, like quests, special requests by the mysterious Tockles, some fun at the casino (I guess... I dunno, that was the one place I hated in all DQ games), completing the bestiary and achievements, and more! And there's some additional post-game content I of course haven't touched yet

    I cannot rate the story in its entirety as I have not finished the game, however I will say that as I have experienced for now, it's some DQ at it's finest, with tragic pasts, destinies to save the world, and darkness taking over. The 3D look really helps you dive into the story even more, the cutscenes are well animated and you truly feel like you're having a grand adventure full of ups and downs. Don't expect some sort of crazy depth to the story that makes you reflect on the meaning of life. But I'm sure some of the twists will surprise you, and some of the harsh moments will get to you (I mean, look at that silent protagonist, the poor thing always looks sad haha)

    As for the graphics, tho I never owned the PS4 version, I can definitely say that this is not the version to go for if you want the best visual quality. But if you only own a Switch or if you want a more complete game over graphics, this is the version to go. In fact, the game really make the most of what the console can achieve, even in portable mode, with fluid animations, a nearly constant fps, nice lighting effect, and more to keep the world truly feeling alive. The environments and panoramas are undeniably beautiful, and each city feels unique and truly alive. I'm just really disappointed in the water effects, which seeing what the Switch could do with other games, could've been better

    Overall, Dragon Quest XI S on Switch is the true culmination of 30 years of a beautiful franchise, with lively cities to discover, bizarre monsters as ever, and an epic quest to save the world. I would rate it a 9/10 but I'll give it 10/10 to combat the unnecessary hate    … Expand
  10. bcdserra
    Nov 4, 2019
    10
    Giving a zero because DQ battles are repetitive.....Congratulations, a new level of stupidity has been achieved ! Like being surprised and complaining about being black and blue after exiting an mma cage after being battered by a professional fighter.....YOU KIND OF SHOULD HAVE SEEN IT COMING.
    Don't listen to this garbage, DQXI is a legend !
  11. Pollux357
    Oct 10, 2019
    10
    Now is as good a time as any to get into dragon quest. Perfect way to begin. Loved more than I could name couldn't find anything to dislike.
  12. Mellow123
    Oct 14, 2019
    10
    The amount of content in this game is absolutely insane. Not only is it charming, but exceptionally well crafted and polished in every way. One of the best games in recent years no question. If you like JRPGs, then you’ll LOVE Dragon Quest XI S.
  13. Olit
    Sep 27, 2019
    10
    Awesome port of an amazing game, the addition of the 2D mode is amazing and even if there is a slight graphical downgrade, the game is still gorgeous on the switch
  14. UnionJack0714
    Sep 27, 2019
    10
    Quick review. Dragon Quest deserves praise from the west. Especially this game, the story is full of surprises, wonderful and interesting characters, and beautiful landscapes and cities accompanied by a masterfully composed orchestral soundtrack. The gameplay is pure classic JRPG turn based combat, charming as ever with each character being able to branch of into different approaches withQuick review. Dragon Quest deserves praise from the west. Especially this game, the story is full of surprises, wonderful and interesting characters, and beautiful landscapes and cities accompanied by a masterfully composed orchestral soundtrack. The gameplay is pure classic JRPG turn based combat, charming as ever with each character being able to branch of into different approaches with different skills and weapons depending on your own personal preference. The additional content isn't a lazy afterthought. 2D Mode especially is a wonderful addition. Please consider trying out this game… Expand
  15. Citizen71
    Sep 29, 2019
    9
    En mi opinión creo que la versión de este juego para switch es buena. Aunque, evidentemente, a nivel gráfico no está a la misma altura que las versiones de otros sistemas, Square ha hecho un excelente port, que exceptuando el tema gráfico, mejora algunos puntos no tan buenos de las versiones anteriores.

    Los añadidos a esta versión (banda sonora orquestada, historias de personajes, modo    En mi opinión creo que la versión de este juego para switch es buena. Aunque, evidentemente, a nivel gráfico no está a la misma altura que las versiones de otros sistemas, Square ha hecho un excelente port, que exceptuando el tema gráfico, mejora algunos puntos no tan buenos de las versiones anteriores.

    Los añadidos a esta versión (banda sonora orquestada, historias de personajes, modo 2d, etc.) hacen, junto a la portabilidad de esta versión, un producto redondo muy recomendable.

    Por lo demás, es un Dragon Quest, un RPG por turnos que gustará a los fans de los RPG clásicos.    … Expand
  16. POoRU
    Nov 16, 2019
    9
    story is very very very very very very very very very very very interesting
  17. webfubard
    Jun 19, 2020
    2
    This is my first JRPG and a first for Dragon Quest. I have been playing video games since the very first one was released many decades ago. The graphics are excellent & the story is good, but that's about it. The music is mind numbing and the ability to manipulate the characters is slim. During battle, you just basically stand there and do nothing. You can't use any items in your personalThis is my first JRPG and a first for Dragon Quest. I have been playing video games since the very first one was released many decades ago. The graphics are excellent & the story is good, but that's about it. The music is mind numbing and the ability to manipulate the characters is slim. During battle, you just basically stand there and do nothing. You can't use any items in your personal bag, you can't maneuver the characters other than moving, you just wait until you either win or lose, but what good is that? This is highly disappointing! Unless I am missing something, this is not a very Interactive game.… Expand
  18. oldhorse
    Jan 29, 2021
    4
    Not captivating in the least. Voice acting is comically bad, which isn't totally bad because at least it's funny. But the combat is dull and repetitive. And moving around in the world feels like a chore. Story is cliche and dull. Camera controls feel clumsy. It is charming I suppose which I why I didn't give it a zero but it truly is a game of such an easy difficulty, I felt moreNot captivating in the least. Voice acting is comically bad, which isn't totally bad because at least it's funny. But the combat is dull and repetitive. And moving around in the world feels like a chore. Story is cliche and dull. Camera controls feel clumsy. It is charming I suppose which I why I didn't give it a zero but it truly is a game of such an easy difficulty, I felt more accomplished for stomaching the god awful story and mechanics.

    Do yourself a favor and don't buy this game    … Expand
  19. skr1b
    Sep 27, 2019
    10
    Old school turn based combat. Love this game!! So happy it came to switch. If you like the old Final Fantasy games with great story and story progression with the ability to upgrade , find new items , level up etc. Make sure to try this game!
  20. Kth2491
    Sep 27, 2019
    10
    Excelente historia, me encantan los personajes y el jugarlo de forma portátil es un plus...excelente
  21. Justos91
    Sep 27, 2019
    10
    For me, a big fan of oldschool RPGs and a newer DQ fan, this is the best game on the switch. I cant gush about it enough.

    Dragon Quest has charmed me in a way games havent been able to since I was very young playing Pokemon on GBC. And for that, I cannot thank you guys enough. This game is perfection
  22. Gageblackw23
    Sep 27, 2019
    10
    The Best version of the Best Dragon Quest game.

    Seeing the same world in both 2D and 3D is incredible, the music are finally good with this version, and the additional contents are neat.
  23. Prevash
    Sep 27, 2019
    10
    Fantastic game! It runs amazing on the switch! The story is well put together and characters are well written.
  24. FlareRinX98
    Sep 27, 2019
    10
    One of the best JRPGs of all time and one of the best RPGs of this generation. This version is the best one and has a tons of features and added content like 2D mode and add backstories for the characters. Check it out, its a fantastic game and a masterpiece at that.
  25. Lokia987
    Sep 27, 2019
    10
    One of the best Jrpgs on Switch (Xenoblade 2 is the best) the graphics are amazing, gameplay. Addictive, and story is awesome. Must play for anyone that has Switch
  26. DAVID17511
    Sep 27, 2019
    10
    The Best versión of the game. NEW contento, 2d playstyle. NEW orchestal music. Get this game right now.
  27. Ludalexmar
    Sep 27, 2019
    10
    An amazing game, an amazing Dragon Quest, one of the best JRPG of the generation. If you're a fan of RPG, you must play this game... The plot, the OST, the protagonists are very good.
  28. Kilder004
    Sep 27, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Espere un año para poder comprar esta version y valio completamente la pena, Square Enix no decepciona con este juego. para cualquiera que no guste mucho de los RPG por turnos le recomiendo este para empezar. ¡y que puedo decir? ¡ES DRAGON QUEST! no los voy a hacer perder el tiempo leyendo mas, si tienen dudas bajen la demo… Expand
  29. MrBv
    Sep 27, 2019
    9
    Que ganas tengo por este juego
    Las docenas de horas que ofrece
    Un estilo de combate clasico por turnos y mejorado
    Una banda Sonora muy cuidada y reorquestada
    Una historia muy interesante Y una experiencia Classica en 2D Gráficamente inferior pero no deja de lucir muy bien en una portátil
    Nota final
    9/10
  30. sonicpulsar
    Sep 27, 2019
    10
    Best version of this game, with additional content and a superb 2D mode added. 11/10.
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Awards & Rankings

2
#2 Best Switch Game of 2019
9
#9 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2019

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
91

Universal acclaim - based on 50 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 49 out of 50
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 50
  3. Negative: 0 out of 50
  1. RPG Fan
    May 11, 2020
    96
    Overall, there are not many negative things I can say about Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age - Definitive Edition. This version took the foundation of an already truly excellent RPG experience and built upon it further, offering new features and quality of life improvements along the way. I poured over a hundred and twelve hours into Dragon Quest XI S, which is more than I've spent on any other RPG recently, and I never once looked back with regret as I wholeheartedly fell in love with the gameplay and story. Having only played Dragon Quest XI S, I can't say for certain if there is enough new content here to warrant an additional playthrough, but if you've yet to play Dragon Quest XI and have access to a Nintendo Switch, this version is truly the "Definitive Edition" that the title claims it is.
    Read full review
  2. Nintendo Force Magazine
    Apr 29, 2020
    95
    This game has become my favorite Dragon Quest ever, one of my favorite JRPGs ever and certainly one of the best games you can buy and play on the Switch. [Issue #43 – November/December 2019, p. 8SH]
  3. RPGamer
    Dec 5, 2019
    100
    Dragon Quest XI S is a game for both long-time fans and newcomers alike. There are many Easter eggs and references to past Dragon Quest games that will subtly reward fans, but at the same time, the charming world of Erdrea and its characters are appealing to newcomers of all ages. Even those who have played the previous versions of Dragon Quest XI may find the vast improvements of the Switch version compelling enough for another round, especially with the Tickington quests, new character content, and marriage options. This game is a masterpiece, and it sets a new high standard for not only the series, but console RPGs in general. Hopefully the series will continue outdoing itself with further instalments.
    Read full review
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