Dragon Quest XI S: Definitive Edition - REVIEW (Nintendo Switch) 

I'm in, been sleeping on this series but smash convinced me to check out the demo, and the demo convinced me to buy the game. Well done marketing schemers, ya got me!

You missed half the title. It’s Dragon Quest 11S: Echoes of an Elusive Age Definitive Edition X Deluxe Version: The Sequel Remastered Ultra at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games

Dragon Quest is so underrated in the west. It is time for Dragon Quest to become a mainstream hit here. XI S looks to be the best one yet.

I think DQ 11S has had some of the BEST marketing I've ever seen for any game ever: the announcement of a definitive edition in the spring, the reveal of your main character in Smash in June, extensive coverage offered to gaming journalists in July and a 6-10 hour DEMO released the month before release. I've never played a DQ game before and was only KINDA interested in playing 11 at first. Between all of this and Derek's glowing review though, it's become Day 1 purchase for me. What can I say? Game seems incredible 😁

Even if I’ve never touched a DQ game in my life, having both Hero in Smash and playing the *huge* demo for 11S have definitely convinced me to pick up this game once the holiday season rolls around.👍🏽

0:31 His facial expression and the music, and the way it just cut off made me laugh so hard!

The first game announced for the NX is finally here.

Ironic how the Luminary had to live through his story twice "Destroy him he will bring evil" "Ban him he will destroy smash"

I'm a DQ vet so seeing everyone happy to try it makes me happy.

I've already played it on PS4 and its still my most anticipated game of 2019. Go buy this game right god damn now.

I'm going to start saying "No" to all the questions in this game, the responses are so funny.

One of the best games of all time. I'll gladly buy it again on the Switch.

Im ready to drop 100+ hours into this like i did with Fire Emblem 3 Houses. I bought my Nintendo Switch for the the Next Gen Pokemon game. It has some big shoes to fill when it releases.....

Dropped 60 on the PS4 edition, about to drop 60 on my Switch version. It's a no-brainer. My favorite RPG series of any time. I'm hoping newcomers begin to backtrack after completing. They're basically all 5 star games imo

I am SO very excited to finally have this game in my hands. It’s an exceptional game with a phenomenal cast. I really implore people to play and experience this themselves. Great review!

That one second of Sylvando disappointment

Love that party members follow you in real time.

“DQ11 cheers me up when I’ve had a bad day” Finally, a cure for Mondays

Ugh, I can’t wait to play this after I beat Fire Emblem.

The best thing they did was putting out a lengthy demo that lets you continue your save if you buy the game. 👍🏻

This game is a MASTERPIECE, I wholeheartedly reccomend it to everyone. I 100%d it on PS4 and I just got it again on switch. There's nothing about this game that isn't absolutely marvelous and magical... and now with the symphonic score it's even better. Can't wait to jump in again. Very few games made me laugh and cry as many times as this game.

No midi tracks anymore, YES YES YES! IMMA PICK THIS UP ASAP

By the way, you CAN just put materials in the forge to make an item, at worst you'll just get the item! The mini-game is so you can make them better, at +1, +2 or +3 rank. And you can't ruin a +2 by re-forging it, for example, you can only improve on it.

As a tip to players who want a more rpg-normal, challenging experience than the game's default super easy difficulty: Turn on Draconic mode and limited XP from mobs for a more engaging experience. This ensures that each turn matters in a battle, and that you don't overlevel too much for a given area. You do this before the game starts when you name your file I believe and you can turn it off in the future if it doesn't suit you, but you can't enable it again after you start your file or have turned it off. The best way to play, imo!

I am over halfway done the Demo and I already can't wait to play the full version, I am so glad I waited to get this

The MIDI tracks never bothered me on the PS4 version. Yet when you listen to them side-by-side like that, I can tell and am happy with the addition. I'm looking forward to trying it out in the full version when I get it. Yeah, I'm double dipping. Why wouldn't I? And it's not just Derrick's words and Jade's legs (especially in that outfit) telling me to. Dragon Quest VIII on PS2 was my first Dragon Quest game too and also my first RPG ever. It opened my eyes to a whole new world and I've been a huge fan of the series since. Similarly, though, I got all the games I could get my hands on and even Chrono Trigger, but only ever beat V and IX on DS. I got stuck in VIII on PS2 (had to find a certain monster in a certain spot on the map to progress the story, it never appeared after hours of searching) and played 30+ hours in IV, VI and VII on DS and 3DS, but never beat them as I got tired of grinding at certain parts.

First game I've ever pre-ordered! I'm not too into JRPGs but the demo hooked me

Playing the demo for 10+ hours and it still going has made me invested into buying the game, clever marketing

Now THIS is how you make a Switch RPG. Take notes, Game Freak. Take notes!

Very good review, I just wanted to let those on the fence because of the “easy difficulty” know this game can be really challenging if you choose draconian mode and turn on all enemies are at their strongest. This ended being my favorite way to play with victories feeling very rewarding, I can’t emphasize how challenging and fun this game was in this mode. One of the best rpgs of all time.

I'm glad this got a full review, and not just "we already reviewed it, the extra stuff it's alright"

I just finished the demo tonight and I'm picking up the game tomorrow morning, so excited to properly get stuck into this game. Thanks for the awesome review.

it is actual witchcraft how the hell this game works so well on Switch. And it works BRILLIANTLY. The little tablet-looking thing's been holding back on us, man. And yeah this game is a brilliant JRPG. I'd happily recommend it as an entry to the franchise or even the genre as a whole.

Man, I love this game. I played about 60 hours on ps4 and 80 on pc and I can never get enough of it.

Me: I have bills to pay this month. DQ11: hold my beer

Small correction: Party members following you around is not cosmetic; it ties into Party Chat since now you can just turn and talk to them by pressing a button instead of entering a separate menu. The DQ8's style Party Chat was a big complain for many, this doesn't solve it completely but it helps a lot. Overall this is the best review I've seen, nice work :)

Friendship ended with Pokemon Now Dragon Quest is my best friend

I was on the fence about getting this but after playing the demo and seeing your review I'm gonna get it

This game deserves more attention, and just single player games in general. The smash community completely drove me away from multiplayer with all the toxic people in it, but this is a perfect form of escapism. 11/10 best thing to get while the world is on fire.

I can't believe they went all out and included a full 2D mode. They basically had to write the game twice! That's some serious dedication. I have strong nostalgia for the very first game and have played a bit of 8 on the 3DS, but this... this looks stunning. Definitely buying it as soon as I finish writing this comment!

So, I know the Hero character is a silent protagonist, it's a series staple, but if there going to give him a voice in flashbacks when he was a kid, why not at his current age? It just seems so weird.

This is why i absolutly love Dragon Quest XI as one of the recent games that i found was one of my top plays in last few years that kept traditional to its roots, but also inovating certain things. I wish we had more rpgs like this, in this generation. Instead of trying to glorify so many games to replicate some sort of an interactive movie experience and then constricting writing elements and world designs to a smaller scale. Or the other way around with large huge open worlds with little to do and hardly a non existence story. I mean can you imagine something on the scale of like Xenogears being fully remade with like FF XV graphics in this generation or even next generation. That probably take like 20 years to fully develop. That is what i mean, technical advances have restricted our sence of scale and creative limits that we could implement into those classic rpgs of past generations. Now we have to tell a narative that is confined with in a large expance but ultametely smaller space both in terms of world design and writing. This is why i truly appreciate some developers even today who stay more confined to those roots of rpgs within those limitations of graphics so they have the capabiltiies to creativly expand their narative or world anyway they see fit like Dragon Quest, Tales, Ni no Kuni, etc

I am actually looking forward to Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age: Definitive Edition on Nintendo Switch. I only got it on PS4 because of the Hero's inclusion in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. So I have some experience with Hero both in Smash and Dragon Quest XI.

And now it is time to do my seagull from Finding Nemo impression

For those interested there is a livestream going on to the games release with the creator of the series and Sakurai.

I dont even know how long the game is, or how much more I have to go but gosh 50 hours logged and apparently I'm in the "midgame" according to my friends. These characters are incredible, the graphics dont falter and it feels super fresh. I also love the difficulty spikes at time, nothing better than trying to tackle a boss for a couple of tries and learning alot during the way! Also Sylvando is the icon for the gays that we DESERVE😍

One more day before i resume my 13 hour level 15 demo playthru I have to beat Astral Chain before then. Two very excellenet games. I am so excited to wear the DQ8 costume on the 11 Protag. I love the headwrap

_"it got me emotional again over a side story that had little to do with the main plot"_ He is definitely talking about a certain mermaid, holy shit I can't wait to weep again.

Too. Many. Games. God but his looks incredible 😭

I'm really hoping this game does well. It has earned all the praise it has earned, and the Dragon Quest series in general is such an amazing series. I'd love to see a full remake of VIII or IX if this sells well, along with a release of all the Dragon Quest games on Switch.

I spent 120 hours playing this on the ps4. I got the platinum, I did everything there was to do in the game, and ever since I've been anxiously awaiting the switch version. Definitely picking this up day one.

Got as a gift from a friend and am playing in Jan 2022 and it's still a great game. Some issues with frame rates and some of the voice choices feel off, but the game has so much charm and is a nice mix of nostalgia and modern gameplay.

I have well over 300 hours on the PC version of this & expected this to just be a port with some additional features... It is *so* much more than just a port and I am so happy to be able to play it on Switch. How it links the story to previous titles in this edition is beautiful... and the fact you can play the whole thing in 2D?? 10/10 game!

We Dragon Questin' now, boys and girls!

Why wont they remake Chrono trigger with this style?

Dragon Quest 11 S is the first Dragon Quest game I've played, so I really hoped that I would be invested in this series. And shockingly, I loved it more than I thought. I love the voice acting (Sylvando especially), The twists and turns in the story, The battles, and the soundtrack. One thing that does bother me a bit though Is that I had to grind a few times since I kept getting killed by some bosses, though it's probably because I avoided some wild encounters.

I I cleared the demo a while back. I can’t wait to continue this in the full game

I've only played and finished V and VIII and from those two games, I love the Dragon Quest series. I can't wait for this game to arrive at my apartment. Already Pre-Ordered it since last month.

Already have it pre-ordered! Absolutely cannot wait! It's my first Dragon Quest game, and after having completed the demo, I have a strong hunch I'm going to intensely enjoy this game. Might be a new favorite!

I’ve dabbled in the series in the past, but I’ve only ever beaten the spin-off Rocket Slime on the DS (which is a fantastic game, by the way). Yet, *wow,* just from the demo alone, I can tell that I’m going to get sooooo invested into this game. The fact that it’s releasing alongside the original trilogy on the Switch is just too much for me. *I NEED IT!*

Get this now. If you’re not yet sure and/or saving money, try the demo. I personally don’t have a switch yet but this will definitely convince me to buy one. Though I played DQ11 on steam with 100+ hrs. Double dipping cause of more content and features, ftw. If you liked it, I recommend that you also try out Dragon Quest 8, 9, 4, 5, 3 (1, 2 and 3 is soon coming to switch to)

Ok to clear something up about the free movement during combat this is a throwback to dragon quest 10 where it actually was a part of gameplay where enemies would tend to target caster classes or healers. So you had the ability to push enemies away from other members of your party. Depending on enemy size it could only take one character or several to push them backwards. Or in the case of many bosses just stop them from moving. It was a pretty crucial part of battles in 10. Why they left the free movement in 11 when it doesn’t serve any gameplay function is a bit weird. Nostalgia for people who played 10 I guess.

I've 100% Dragon Quest 11 S on Switch and my god I love this game so much

My 2018 GOTY has come back to become the 2019 GOTY as well :D

Rpgs are always best to get for switch. I don't give a damn about graphics if i can grind on the go.

Here’s some advice, the game has a Ni No Kuni 2 level of difficulty, meaning it’s beyond a cake walk. If you want a decent challenge try the stronger monsters draconian quest option. It may seem hard at first but if you enjoy grinding like old school Final Fantasy’s then this is the option for you. I found it extremely easy on normal, once you get more party members you won’t even need to buy items and crafted stuff is overpowered. On hard you actually have to buy potions and other items as well as using all you buffs and status spells. On normal you’re just an OD beast and can put it on auto with just them using melee attacks.

I recommend ya'll go play dq 9 on the ds, too! Dq 5 and 4 are also available on the ds and they're all masterpieces! I'm glad you westerners are starting to have interest in the dragon quest series :D

Well I was already hyped for this tomorrow, but you can really tell how much Derrick loved it in his review. Can not wait to get off work tomorrow!!

*ALSO play Dragon Quest V DS while you're at it. By far, the best in the series*

Already own the PS4 version and played it to death all the way through the post-game, but I'm prepared to pick this up again on Switch and do it all over again. DQXI is a masterpiece.

About the demo, I heard it was 10 hours, but I finished it in 6, and I did my fair share of faffing around and not just following the story

I got this game last year when it came out on PS4 and I am getting the Switch version too. When I played the Demo I actually felt Nostalgia. Despite the fact I played this game as an adult it gives me Nostalgia, thats how damn good this game is.

So this is where Android 17 was through all of the Majin Buu ark to Future ark

I'm honestly shocked this didn't get the Mind Blown score. Even still, I didn't think it was possible for my hype to grow, yet here I am.

"The Hero Draws Near!"

After 180 hours with Fire Emblem: Three Houses (Blue Lions and Golden Deer routes), it's time to pick Dragon Quest XI S.

As someone who played on PS4 and is getting this version, I definitely recommend it!

Such a cool game... Can't believe I make a pause for witcher 3, pokemon shield and ring fit. Falling for the game again. Has lot of text, but Great story

I will do the second playthrough, in 2D mode and with the midi music enabled. Should be fun

Dragon Quest 11 S: Definitive Edition (Nintendo Switch) Review Scores: GamingBoulevard- Perfect 10! GameXplain- Loves it! NintendoLife- 9 out of 10 NintendoWorldReport- 9.5 out of 10 Cubed3- 9 out of 10 Exceptional - Gold Award Vooks- 4.5 Stars out of 5 Hobby Consolas- 95/100 Eurogamer- Recommended! God Is A Geek- 9.5 out of 10 Critical Hit- 9.5 out of 10 GamesRadar- 4.5 Stars out of 5 Vandal- 9.4 out of 10 Areajugones- 9 out of 10 MeriStation- 9.3 out of 10 Nintenderos- 9.0 out of 10 The Games Machine- 9.3 out of 10

This is gonna be my first Dragon Quest. I’ve heard so much good about it and it’s time for me to get involved in the series

This game is so fucking good. When I’m not playing, I’m constantly thinking about it...which items I need to craft, who needs new equipment, what else I need to farm, etc. playing on the draconian quest mode and it’s the difficulty / experience I’ve always wanted from Pokémon...wished game freak modeled gen 8 from this game’s UI / Battle mechanic

Dragon Quest 1,2 and 3 are being released on Switch tomorrow.

I thought I didn't like jrpgs for the longest time, and then I played the demo for dq11s. My lord. I have been missing out! I'm almost finished link's awakening and as soon as I do I'm going to start the full version. Like you said, it actually made me so happy to play.

Your favorite game in Switch? A better RPG than Xenoblade Chronicles 2? Well this I have to see!

Fun fact: I never actually planned to play this game, because after having a hell of bad time with DQ VIII, I was convinced that Dragon Quest just wasn't for me and that I wouldn't be able to enjoy any of them as long as the games didn't change drastically. DQ XI did always look interesting on the PS4, but I just never wanted to take the risk. Now on the Switch, however, they made the smart move of releasing a free demo of the game. I've played the demo, and guess what. I'm actually going to pick up DQ XI after work today. Gameplay-wise, DQ XI does not seem to be a dramatic deviation from the previous DQ games, but there's two minor changes to the gameplay in particular that change up the experience just enough to make it enjoyable for me. I would have never even known without playing the demo, but now I'm actually looking forward to pick up the game. I do expect there to still be a few things I don't like in the game (the demo did feel traditional to a fault occasionally), but I will probably be able to at least enjoy the game a good bit.

Let's make Dragon Quest big in the west! Playing it Day 1

Since you own Dragon Quest 5 on DS it's a must play. I've played them all except 10(damn you SE!) DQ5 for DS is a must buy/play. If you're new to the series start with DQ11, but buy DQ5, and DQ8 afterwards. In DQ5 the story spans the hero's entire life! It is the definition of epic. Edit: it is the series producers favorite, and they're even making a movie(or a show) that retells the story of the game!

All these mechanics you're explaining sound so amazing! Aaaaaa I can't wait

That 10 hour demo was a damn good idea. Sales genius, also good to find out if you aren’t interested so it’s a win for consumers. Great to get the series a larger audience. Maybe some of those final fantasy fans that never played a dq game will pony up after given a cliffhanger

I'm so hyped for this game! It's gonna take some real self control to finish the game I'm currently playing before starting this. I preordered DQ 11S for my birthday so I get to sit and stare at it while I finish Octopath Traveler. LOL

Just starting this game now. Had it in the backlog for ps4 and switch. Ive heard nothing but good things!

I've withheld spoilers for one whole year to finally wait for this to hit the Switch! I can't wait to dive in! First time! ^_^

I wish the 2D version can be downloaded as a separate software. So I can have a digital version at all time in my switch. I wish every JRPG had a 2D version it's so convenient when the world is smaller but the story and character stay huge and charming. Also all JRPG should have a no encounter, fast pace and overpower like the Final Fantasy port for replayability. Life is so short.

This review made me very happy. I loved this game on the PS4 and I’m really looking forward to playing this version. Let’s get DQ the attention it deserves!

This just dropped on Xbox game pass, too. I've played about 3 hours of it, and it's already brought be back to the days of the good final fantasies (x and below). I'm glad that you pointed out that non-battle characters still earn EXP too, as that's always one of the main reasons i never branch out my battle party and experiment with new strategies.

This is one of my favorite PS4 games. Glad you Switch owners finally get to enjoy an even better version. :)

First time I'm ever playing a Dragon quest game. I absolutely love this game. Gorgeous, fun, and charming!

Whaaaat!? You didn't finish the game!? Get back in there and finish what you started! That's not a post game section, it's literally the final act of the game that wraps up the story.

I am so late to this series but I can't put this down now. Y'all got me