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. Boabus
    Sep 27, 2019
    10
    This game is at the peak of what a turn-based RPG can offer. Its story is expansive and engaging, the characters are vibrant, the Orchestral soundtrack is outstanding and nothing feels unpolished in the definitive edtion. This truly is a masterpiece. The Dragon Quest games have been flying the flag for the genre for decades and I really hope the effort that has been put into this gameThis game is at the peak of what a turn-based RPG can offer. Its story is expansive and engaging, the characters are vibrant, the Orchestral soundtrack is outstanding and nothing feels unpolished in the definitive edtion. This truly is a masterpiece. The Dragon Quest games have been flying the flag for the genre for decades and I really hope the effort that has been put into this game translates to sales.… Expand
  2. Tehemai
    Sep 28, 2019
    7
    Pretty disappointed. Game isn't bad by any means, but overall it just feels 10 years older than it looks. Moving around and jumping feel super awkward. And outside of the minimap, the game does a poor job clarifying which terrain is traversable. This gives that feeling old games had where invisible walls are around you all the time. They also tried to modernize the turn based battlePretty disappointed. Game isn't bad by any means, but overall it just feels 10 years older than it looks. Moving around and jumping feel super awkward. And outside of the minimap, the game does a poor job clarifying which terrain is traversable. This gives that feeling old games had where invisible walls are around you all the time. They also tried to modernize the turn based battle system, but frankly the poor integration of movement just made it weird.

    Dragon Quest XI S has potential but they clearly should have spent more time polishing both the games and their ideas.    … Expand
  3. Dog4life
    Sep 27, 2019
    2
    The port suffers from an evident technical downgrade, longer loading times and especially on big screen the resolution looks milky. Some performance dips , but rare
    The added quests are quite short and the 2D mode is just a gimmick.

    Barebone combat system which is inferior the other recent jrpg counterparts and uneven difficulty. Most time way too easy.
  4. e1ma
    Oct 8, 2019
    9
    I've already gone through the ps4 version, but the port of the switch version is absolutely great and probably the best version of the game. Technically, of course, a bit weaker, but mobile playable and with many extra features.
  5. mrme5
    Sep 28, 2019
    10
    I've played previous dragon-quest games but haven't in a while. I decided to pick this game up because they had the 7hr demo and your progress moved over to the real game. Let me tell you playing this game was the best time I've had playing my switch in a while. An awesome JRPG for the switch with 100+hrs of gameplay, turnbased fighting mechanics, awesome music, and beautiful graphics. II've played previous dragon-quest games but haven't in a while. I decided to pick this game up because they had the 7hr demo and your progress moved over to the real game. Let me tell you playing this game was the best time I've had playing my switch in a while. An awesome JRPG for the switch with 100+hrs of gameplay, turnbased fighting mechanics, awesome music, and beautiful graphics. I don't know how they did it but the graphics are so good compared to some bigger titles out there(looking at you fire emblem). All in all i think it's really fun, and worth the price.… Expand
  6. ianhsieh2008
    Oct 30, 2019
    9
    Amazing port from the PS version. The orchestrated soundtrack is awesome, and graphics is beautifully suited on the Switch's screen. The demo is even better than some of the full-price games, and it helped me quench the thirst of longing for the real game. One disappointing point is that the 2D version requires you to start from a certain point in a chapter, but the cutting off of aAmazing port from the PS version. The orchestrated soundtrack is awesome, and graphics is beautifully suited on the Switch's screen. The demo is even better than some of the full-price games, and it helped me quench the thirst of longing for the real game. One disappointing point is that the 2D version requires you to start from a certain point in a chapter, but the cutting off of a chapter is not obvious.
    The pacing is great that I feel like I haven't done anything, but the story has progressed so much. I didn't need to grind too much, usually it's grinding for the materials I need for forging, not for level. It is worthy for my wait for the NS version.    … Expand
  7. DatBoi27
    Oct 1, 2019
    10
    Amazing. MUST PLAY!!! Played the demo, very long by the way, and bought the game on day 1. One of my favourite RPGs, second to only Fire Emblem Awakening (a personal soft spot of mine). Just play the demo, M'KAY?
    V
  8. DigitalSchism
    Oct 20, 2019
    9
    Dragon Quest XI is an excellent game in its own right. The world is beautiful and full of places to explore even if it is "linear" for most of the game. The combat is deceptively simple at first glance, but as the game progresses you will see that there is a good deal of strategy involved in getting the most out of the characters. The story is pretty by the numbers but has a few twistsDragon Quest XI is an excellent game in its own right. The world is beautiful and full of places to explore even if it is "linear" for most of the game. The combat is deceptively simple at first glance, but as the game progresses you will see that there is a good deal of strategy involved in getting the most out of the characters. The story is pretty by the numbers but has a few twists here and there to remain interesting. The characters are also memorable. It runs just fine on the Switch and the portability is a big plus to this release. It just barely misses being a 10 because it overstays its welcome just a bit. I don't have a problem with longer games (this is a jrpg after all) but Dragon Quest XI could have ended sooner than it did and left me with a higher opinion of the story.… Expand
  9. Darkside24
    Sep 29, 2019
    10
    Buen juego me gusto mucho la jugabilidad, la experiancia de juego, me gusto mucho
  10. CalPaulE
    Oct 25, 2019
    9
    One of the best jrpgs I’ve played in a long time - great visuals and gameplay, fairly interesting story, decent music. Some of the quests felt like a chore (e.g. defeat this monster with this exact spell at this time of day etc) but most of the story and side content felt like it belonged and was engaging.
  11. Spadesaces
    Sep 29, 2019
    9
    This is what ni no kuni 2 shouldve been. Yes you can tell there is alot of restraint to the plot and character development due the game being released on a Nintendo console but the developers still managed to make an interesting journey. There are huuuge call backs to old jrpg tropes and there is a clear studio ghibli influence which theyve managed to execute properly. This version of theThis is what ni no kuni 2 shouldve been. Yes you can tell there is alot of restraint to the plot and character development due the game being released on a Nintendo console but the developers still managed to make an interesting journey. There are huuuge call backs to old jrpg tropes and there is a clear studio ghibli influence which theyve managed to execute properly. This version of the game offers anything you might need in a 2019 jrpg. I think the biggest positive is the attention to detail and the homages given to the previous games in the dragon quest series. Overall it was a lovely experience and well worth the 60$ oh! And for those that say its too easy there is an option to make things harder for you. Actually there are multiple options to make things harder. Buy and support please!! Its not often we get games like this.… Expand
  12. Gatoespania
    Sep 29, 2019
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Una forma nueva se jugar a un rpg 2 versiones en 1 fantastico...version 2d es como jugar una version nueva del mismo juego … Expand
  13. Breno92
    Oct 10, 2019
    9
    Absolutely stunning game! Haven’t finished the game yet but 100% worth a play through
  14. Foxenz
    Oct 17, 2019
    9
    One of the best things about this game is how vibrant and diverse most of the characters are. Different build options for each of them and interesting storyline that showcases their personality very well. I found it totally engaging. Gamewise, there is not a lot of difficulty during the gameplay, but besides this particular issue, each city and scenery are amazing and full of real lifeOne of the best things about this game is how vibrant and diverse most of the characters are. Different build options for each of them and interesting storyline that showcases their personality very well. I found it totally engaging. Gamewise, there is not a lot of difficulty during the gameplay, but besides this particular issue, each city and scenery are amazing and full of real life references. The comical touch it has sometimes is also on point. The improvements of this version in comparision to the PS4 edition are nice: 2D mode that brings you back to previous Dragon Quest worlds, several additions that make the game more fluid (when buying items to the forge, for instance), some new costumes and other small details that made a whole lot of difference. I totally recommend it to those who enjoy the JRPG genre.… Expand
  15. PewPewMcP
    Nov 15, 2019
    9
    Dragon Quest 11S has been one of the best JRPG experiences I've enjoyed so far. It's one of the most well-paced and well-written sagas with a wonderful cast of characters, beautiful locales and adorable monsters. I have yet to find a game that respects your time better than this: playing it one hour at a time gives an satisfying episodic vibe, yet binging it ten hours at a time is equallyDragon Quest 11S has been one of the best JRPG experiences I've enjoyed so far. It's one of the most well-paced and well-written sagas with a wonderful cast of characters, beautiful locales and adorable monsters. I have yet to find a game that respects your time better than this: playing it one hour at a time gives an satisfying episodic vibe, yet binging it ten hours at a time is equally enjoyable. The worldbuilding is stellar, with callouts and references to itself and it's own characters across its varied geography. DQ11S comes with three hours of extra campaign scenarios that add meat to an already hefty plot and these additions are very welcome. Dragon Quest has been a franchise that has accompanied me at many points of my life, but never have I fallen harder for a DQ entry, or even a JRPG game, than I have with DQ11. It's an excellent entry level JRPG, and an excellent JRPG for fans of the genre. Try it.… Expand
  16. MARUYAMA
    Oct 2, 2019
    8
    Great game, but it's missing the magic from the level-5 entries.
    Square enix removed a pepped up character change like they removed super high tension from dragon quest 8 3ds, it's like they don't understand cool stuff. So frustrating.
    The game itself is very good but a lot of their decisions just baffle me.
  17. peropify
    Oct 2, 2019
    10
    Might possibly be the best classic JRPG experience on the Nintendo Switch currently. There is a slight downgrade in the graphics department, but if you can look past that minor hiccup, this is a great game through and through.
  18. SuperRon
    Oct 14, 2019
    10
    I don't even know exactly what you could say about this game, beside the fact that good basics is all you need really.
    This game doesn't try, to fancy the JRPG genre, it just gives you exactly what you want without restriction or "twist" on it.
    Great simple battle system, Main story that just never ends, long post game and challenges, great cast of character, a lot of small character arc    I don't even know exactly what you could say about this game, beside the fact that good basics is all you need really.
    This game doesn't try, to fancy the JRPG genre, it just gives you exactly what you want without restriction or "twist" on it.
    Great simple battle system, Main story that just never ends, long post game and challenges, great cast of character, a lot of small character arc for a lot of NPC in the story that makes the world feel alive, a boat, something to fly on, a lot of bosses.

    This is the text book JRPG, play for comfort, adventure or just because you like it.
    RECOMMANDED: activate the draconian option when you start the game to activate stronger monster, the base game is too easy to really shine.    … Expand
  19. RevanDLS
    Oct 29, 2019
    9
    Me he esperado a esta versión para jugarlo (A pesar de que algunas otras versiones sean superiores gráficamente) y sinceramente, no me arrepiento para nada. Un diseño de personajes muy bueno, como siempre vamos… Una historia que sin ser la panacea es entretenida, sobre todo al final que es cuando más interesante se pone. Los añadidos de esta versión se agradecen muchísimo para hacer másMe he esperado a esta versión para jugarlo (A pesar de que algunas otras versiones sean superiores gráficamente) y sinceramente, no me arrepiento para nada. Un diseño de personajes muy bueno, como siempre vamos… Una historia que sin ser la panacea es entretenida, sobre todo al final que es cuando más interesante se pone. Los añadidos de esta versión se agradecen muchísimo para hacer más redondo el juego. Solo dos pegas, combates demasiado sencillos y misiones secundarias bastante repetitivas. Creo que este juego es lo que FFXV debería de haber sido y por donde Square Enix debería de tirar…… Expand
  20. SilverCorsel
    Oct 26, 2019
    10
    Dragon Quest XI S Es uno de esos juegos de verdad, cargado de historia, contenido y mecánicas sólidas que han trascendido desde el primer Dragon Quest. Es un juego perfecto para comenzar si no estás iniciado en la saga y se ha convertido rápidamente en uno de mis preferidos.

    Como amante de juegos RPG debo de decir que se siente fresco regresar al clásico, eficiente y encantador sistema    Dragon Quest XI S Es uno de esos juegos de verdad, cargado de historia, contenido y mecánicas sólidas que han trascendido desde el primer Dragon Quest. Es un juego perfecto para comenzar si no estás iniciado en la saga y se ha convertido rápidamente en uno de mis preferidos.

    Como amante de juegos RPG debo de decir que se siente fresco regresar al clásico, eficiente y encantador sistema de combate por turnos. El mundo aunque se sienta algo restrictivo al principio es inmenso y lleno de puntos a explorar.

    Un aspecto que no he visto en ninguna review es que este juego se disfruta bastante en sonido 5.1, es inversivo y los efectos, las batallas, los diálogos, ¡todo! tiene otro nivel de inmersión. Es un genial detalle que muchos no llegan a apreciar, pero si eres afortunado de tener teatro en casa, es un requisito usar el modo sobremesa de la Nintendo Switch.

    ¿Hay downgrade? Si
    ¿Importa? No

    Esta versión del Juego no le pide nada a sus versiones anteriores. Altamente recomendable.    … Expand
  21. BearPolar
    Oct 4, 2019
    10
    A must-play for any Switch owner. The game contains many likable characters, a story containing both funny and dramatic elements to it. Combat is extremely satisfying as characters are in some ways blank slates that the player is prompted to build the way they want.
  22. alexwk31
    Oct 20, 2019
    9
    Since this was my first Dragon Quest game ever, I cannot say how this compares to previous entries in the series. That said, I loved this game so much. The world, the characters, the combat. All of it was just so much fun and engaging. Dragon Quest XI S has easily become one of my favorite games. I’m definitely gonna play future games of the series now.
  23. YotomoKawama
    Nov 8, 2019
    10
    Un gran port, el Switch lo corre muy bien tanto en Dock como portátil, la historia es muy buena y el arte del juego es fantástico.
    Un gran acierto tenerlo en Switch
  24. OoT
    Nov 15, 2019
    9
    One of my favorite games on the Switch. The game looks and runs well. Obviously compromises had to be made from the PS4, but the gameplay is as fun as ever. This is a must own for RPG lovers
  25. splaynn
    Jan 31, 2020
    9
    I'm having a great time with this game! So many awesome locations and places to explore. If you're reading this, get it now!
  26. Cotelindsey
    Oct 27, 2020
    10
    To put it simply, this is the greatest JRPG of the modern era. It knows what it is/wants to be and had the time, money, passion, and experienced team to pull it off. If you like JRPGs, you must play this game immediately.
  27. lalahand
    Mar 6, 2021
    0
    Another jrpg with disappointing story. I fell asleep several times while playing this game
  28. HeavyMachineGon
    Jan 6, 2021
    9
    2019了还在做传统jprg的估计只有DQ了，玩试玩版玩了一会就喜欢上了（试玩版竟然有10小时内容，真的值），喜欢DQ的剧情，有阳光有黑暗，有那么一点中二热血，但又没有那么中二，时常会被感动到。里面还有一部分内容是致敬前作DQ的，直接做成了像素风，不影响主线，但非常好玩，整个DQ11最后打完差不多花了125小时，是我第一个破100小时的游戏。
    游戏的最终boss出来后目的性就有点太明确了：做支线，升级，打装备。会有那么一点无聊。    2019了还在做传统jprg的估计只有DQ了，玩试玩版玩了一会就喜欢上了（试玩版竟然有10小时内容，真的值），喜欢DQ的剧情，有阳光有黑暗，有那么一点中二热血，但又没有那么中二，时常会被感动到。里面还有一部分内容是致敬前作DQ的，直接做成了像素风，不影响主线，但非常好玩，整个DQ11最后打完差不多花了125小时，是我第一个破100小时的游戏。
    游戏的最终boss出来后目的性就有点太明确了：做支线，升级，打装备。会有那么一点无聊。
  29. Darkus00
    Sep 27, 2019
    10
    More content, more polish, more options, simply the best version of one of the best JRPGs of the decade.
  30. Testuser134
    Oct 4, 2019
    9
    This game is a perfect laid-back experience on your switch. Enjoyable story, characters, amazing world and really beautiful towns. It's also worth pointing out how well it plays in handheld mode. I never played it before, but it certainly stands out.
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Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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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