Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age - Definitive Edition Reviews
Old school to a fault, but fans of the series – and anyone else that appreciates its honest charms – will find much to love in this simplistic but heart-warming role-player.
Dragon Quest XI is a game of 10, without discussion. But with Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of a Lost Past - Definitive Edition, Square Enix has gotten itself into a bind of laziness when it comes to generating a definitive title of truth. An unexplainable graphic cut-out that weighs down what should be one of the games of the generation.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
If you go to JRPGs for grand, cinematic stories à la modern Final Fantasy games, Dragon Quest XI isn't that. It doesn't do much new, but what it does it does to perfection. The towns are interesting to visit, the turn-based combat is as involved as you want it to be, and the world — as basic as it is — is welcoming and fun to play in. It feels less like an epic adventure so much as a fantasy vacation. If you're a Switch owner yearning for a modern, AAA spin on classic JRPG gameplay, you're likely to find Dragon Quest XI to be a journey worth embarking on.
Dragon Quest XI S is not only a great JRPG, but is the perfect entry point for hesitant veteran RPGamers and newcomers alike.
If you haven’t invested in the original game before, Dragon Quest XI S can easily provide you with countless hours of JRPG fun. It plays it safe in many areas and doesn’t necessarily revolutionize the genre; but it does a mighty fine job solidifying it.
Dragon Quest XI remains one of the best entries in the series, and thanks to this Definitive Edition - which boasts all the new content originally included in the Switch port - it manages to feel more polished, more streamlined and more enjoyable. The fact that this is an incredible experience is only marginally diminished by some controversial graphics alterations and a less than savoury removal of previous versions from virtual storefronts in favour of this edition. Still, the content that is on offer here is superior to the original version of the game and more than justifies a re-entry into this endearing, fantastical tale.
Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition is a dying breed of turn-based JRPG. One day it may follow Final Fantasy and become another action game series. Commanding a party in this manner means strategically directing them at your own pace. Refusing to change is one of the last and great freedoms we can enjoy as a species and this is what Dragon Quest XI aspires for.
The arrival of Dragon Quest XI on Switch is quite Ultimate indeed : combining a 2D and a 3D approach, this port also adds a good amount of new features, such japanese voices, symphonic orchestrations, and new quests. Sadly, if you already bought the PS4 version, you will have to spend some more money for this truly Ultimate Edition.
Review in French | Read full review
Dragon Quest XI is already an incredible JRPG, but this massively updated Switch release makes it almost mandatory. With new outfits, new quests, an entirely new 2D mode and a huge range of quality of life improvements, it's easy to consider this the best version of the game to play. The only thing holding it back from earning that title are some unfortunate visual and performance issues. A handy patch can fix the latter, but really the only reason not to prefer this version is if pristine graphics are your highest priority.
A brilliant JRPG, with a striking visual style, lots of extras and a compelling plot, even if it feels a bit too easy. Dragon Quest has finally arrived on Xbox, and it's definitely a worthwhile experience.
Review in Italian | Read full review
While it's a shame the game is just a port of the Switch version from last year, there is no denying this is one of the best JRPG's in recent memory. The game is excellent in almost every way. If you can't get the Switch version, this is the way to go.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
Dragon Quest XI S: Tales of an Elusive Age - Definitive Edition is a must play JRPG. The story, characters, music, and gameplay are truly brilliant. Get out there and explore Erdrea for yourself and bask in its greatness.
The quality of life changes, the return of an orchestral soundtrack, the new side stories and Tockington challenges all add up to make Dragon Quest XI S the best way to play this JRPG classic (as long as you mind the graphical downgrades), but with no new content that wasn't already added to last year's Nintendo Switch release, it's a tough sell for players that have already enjoyed the Luminary's adventure once or twice already.
Surprisingly, Dragon Quest XI S, turned out to be a conversion to which, the months of waiting compared to the other versions, have benefited in a really positive way.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Dragon Quest XI S: Definitive Edition is true to its title in terms of new content and features. If you can deal with a slight visual downgrade, the improved performance certainly makes it a better experience overall.
Dragon Quest XI S is an excellent version of an excellent game and, if you have the time to spare, an enjoyable JRPG for the whole family.
Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age - Definitive Edition takes an already amazing JRPG and gives it just enough to make it even better. Noticeable performance drops aside, this is one title everyone should experience.
The reality is that at this point Dragon Quest XI is an older release, and Dragon Quest XI S: Definitive Edition is itself not really that new. I have no idea what percentage of prospective Dragon Quest fans have somehow avoided playing this yet, but I imagine it's a now a very small number. With that being said, that "8-bit" mode really is a breath of fresh air to the original 3D game, so if you don't own a Switch and haven't had the opportunity to play this game that way yet, then it's actually worth the upgrade and replay even if you own the original.
It’s a testament to the robust qualities of the traditional JRPG genre, which arguably started with the original title in this franchise, that these mechanics are still so captivating and compelling 33 years later. Long live Dragon Quest!
The "definitive" adjective in Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age - Definitive Edition is not just for show. The amount of extra work that went into making this the most refined version of the original available is staggering and worthy of praise.