Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition Review
Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Square Enix
Genre:
PEGI: T
Comments:
Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age Definitive Edition has finally arrived on the Nintendo Switch! The Playstation 4 version came out last year. I figured we’d have to wait much longer for the Switch take, thankfully I was wrong. Was Dragon Quest 11 S worth the wait? Here is my review of Dragon Quest 11 for the Nintendo Switch!
Note: For even more information on the 3D mode: check out Adam Roffel’s review-in-progress articles of the Playstation 4 verison of DQ11: the visuals, the voices, the battles, and the music. Also you should check out his full review too!
Dragon Quest 11 on the Nintendo Switch is absolutely the Definitive Edition of this game. If you played the game on the PS4 and loved it there, then you should get it on Switch too. The game is worth the double dip. However, if you’ve never played the PS4 version, skip that one and go right to the Definitive Edition. What makes this version so special? I’m glad you asked!
There is not one, but two versions of Dragon Quest 11 on the small Nintendo Switch cart. How did Square Enix do this? I have no idea. But both of them play great. That said, if I had to pick which was my favorite, I’d go with the 2D mode. For Dragon Quest fans, 2D mode is a love letter to the series past.
In 2D mode, the player will feel like they are playing a 16-bit style rpg for the most part. There are occasional 3D segments that feel a little out of place in the 2D mode, but they don’t ruin the experience. The story is the same as the original, though its presented in a unique new way that fans who played DQ11 previously will especially appreciate. Dragon Quest 11 has a great story and its still great in 2D.
If you’re a long time Dragon Quest fan, you’ll feel like you are playing an previously undiscovered retro DQ game. And you will also love it when you get to Tickington, a place where you can visit areas from previous Dragon Quest games! The 2D mode is a real treat for old school Dragon Quest fans, though I think retro jrpg fans of all shapes and sizes will enjoy it.
Then, there’s the 3D mode which works the same as it did on the Playstation 4, from the story to traveling to the battle system. There are some new harder settings that you can put in place for 3D and 2D mode at the start of the game though. If you haven’t played Dragon Quest 11 before, you may want to start with 3D mode, especially if you don’t like retro jrpgs.
There are some new additions to 3D mode, such as new creatures to ride on, extra story moments, and some cool quality of life stuff like being able to use the forge anywhere or calling a horse whenever you want!
Whether playing the game in 2D or 3D you’ll find that Dragon Quest 11 is better than ever on Nintendo Switch.
Dragon Quest 11 S looks wonderful in both 2D and 3D modes.
In 3D, DQ11 looks a lot like it did on the Playstation 4. Its pretty impressive how Square Enix got the game to look this good on the Switch! I think you’ll only notice a slight graphical downgrade if you’ve played the game on the PS4. Everyone else will be wowed by Dragon Quest 11’s amazing 3D visuals.
Even more impressive though is 2D mode! It is breathtaking. Its amazing how Square Enix recreated everything from the 3D into a 16-bit style mode. Though the graphics here are a bit more than just SNES style. The level of detail from towns to houses to the fantastic world map will have your jaw on the floor. If you love retro jprgs at all, then you’ll have to play Dragon Quest 11 S in 2D mode sooner rather than later.
And then there’s the game’s music! Some people didn’t like the PS4 verisons music but I loved it. On the Switch, the music is even better because its orchestrated and will definitely blow your mind. I also love how you switch between the old PS4 music to the new music at any time. Oh and don’t forget to get the free DLC for Dragon Quest 11 S from the eshop. Sure there are some cool extra outfits, but the real reason to get it is you get Dragon Quest 8’s music! Wonderful.
It should be noted that Dragon Quest 11’s voice acting is available in 3D mode but not in 2D mode. So if you skip 3D on your first go, you will miss out on the mostly awesome voice acting!
Overall, Dragon Quest 11 S is fantastic.
GamesReviews.com gave Dragon Quest 11 a 9.5 out of 10 on the PlayStation 4. The Switch version is even better than the PS4 game and fully deserves a perfect score. If you haven’t played Dragon Quest 11, play it on the Switch. If you have played it, play it again in 2D mode on the Switch. Dragon Quest 11 S on the Nintendo Switch is a can’t miss experience for jrpg newbies and long time fans alike. This game is just so good!
Dragon Quest 11 S is now available at retail stores and on the Nintendo Switch eshop! Buy it!
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Article By Daniel Fugate
Daniel Fugate has wanted to be a writer since he was seven years old. He has a bachelor's degree in English and he's a huge Animal Crossing fan. The Wii U and 3DS are currently his favorite video game systems!
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