Developer: Square Enix
Publisher: Square Enix
Platform: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series XIS, Switch, Switch 2
Tested On: Switch 2
DRAGON QUEST XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition (Switch 2) – Review
At the end of our review of Torneko’s Mystery Dungeon, we told you we’d be returning to the Dragon Quest universe soon, and here we are. Rather than another spin-off, we’re looking at a full-fledged mainline Dragon Quest game with DRAGON QUEST XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition. It’s worth pointing out that we already took a look at this exact same game on PS4 before. Given that that was back in 2019, and done by one of our fellow reviewers, we’re giving the recent Switch 2 release of DQXI the full review treatment rather than a follow-up.
Story
In DQXI, we follow what is arguably the poster child of the modern Dragon Quest era: the Luminary (or just ‘Hero’ as he’ll be known to Super Smash Bros players). Our young protagonist is saved as an infant from an attack on the kingdom of Dundrasil and ends up being raised in the peaceful village of Cobblestone. Upon completing a coming-of-age ceremony, his birthmark reveals his identity as the Luminary, destined to protect the world of Erdrea from darkness. However, when he seeks out King Carnelian of Heliodor, he is labeled as an omen of destruction and imprisoned. After making his escape, the Luminary embarks on a globe-trotting journey and recruits a colourful cast of companions to help him save the realm. DQXI’s story is a classic fairytale done with modern cinematic polish. It honours every single trope the Dragon Quest series built over three decades, but subverts expectations mid-game with a dramatic twist, which we obviously won’t spoil. What we can tell you is that the story is written with exceptional charm, humour and a surprising amount of emotional depth.
Graphics
Now, we could go into detail about DQXI’s vibrant, cel-shaded aesthetic, Akira Toriyama’s iconic character and monster designs or the ability to switch between modern visuals and traditional 16-bit 2D presentation here. However, we know why you’re here: how does this re-release compare to the earlier releases of DQXI, particularly the Switch 1 version? After all, the visuals are the only thing that has been changed. Taking a page from Crisis Core, DQXI features two distinct graphical options: Performance Mode locks resolution to 1080p and targets a steady 60fps, whereas Quality Mode bumps resolution up to 1440p when docked, but also drops the frame rate to 30fps. Both modes are a step up from the Switch 1 version, drastically reducing (but not entirely eliminating) pop-in, eliminating stuttering, and dramatically reducing load times. The Switch 2 port might not live up to other platforms, particularly PC and PS5, but it’s still a small miracle how well it performs on the go, and it remains a step up from the 2019 version.
Sound
Visuals aren’t the only element of DQXI where you can choose between a modern or retro presentation. You can choose between the fully orchestrated soundtrack performed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra or a retro-inspired synth version. Being able to choose is certainly appreciated, though we felt that the orchestrated tracks were too good to switch to the synth music outside of a novelty. Sound effects stick to the classic audio motifs established in earlier entries. DQXI features anime-style voice acting in both Japanese and English, and either version is charming and highly effective.
Gameplay
Throughout its long history, the Dragon Quest series has covered a wide variety of genres, but the mainline games have always stuck to the traditional turn-based JRPG loop: the original Dragon Quest is where the genre started after all. DQXI sticks to the roots, offering a mix of overworld and dungeon exploration, town visits, monster fighting, treasure hunting, and progressing character skill trees. At its core, this is Dragon Quest at its purest, although a plethora of QoL features bring the turn-based combat system into the modern age. Battles can be sped up to 4x, and you can choose between controlling your party members manually or assigning tailored tactics for automated combat. Both dealing and receiving damage can put characters in a so-called “pepped up” state, boosting their stats and enabling co-op combo attacks. Dungeons are surprisingly straightforward affairs: gimmicks rarely appear, and backtracking is kept to a minimum, enabling you to push forward to the inevitable boss waiting for you at the end of each one.
Accessibility and customisation are key here: the game allows for deep character skill builds, like swapping between different spear specialisations or choosing between one-handed swords or greatswords. While this may sound overwhelming at first, DQXI is very forgiving in this regard, with its easy, low-risk re-spec system. On the opposite side of the spectrum are so-called Draconic Quest modifiers, which let you turn up the difficulty by reducing EXP gain, increasing enemy strength or even having the entire party wiped out if the Luminary is defeated in combat. All in all, you’re looking at a wealth of content for newcomers and series veterans alike, adding up to a game that you can easily pour 100+ hours into.
Those same 100+ hours do highlight DQXI‘s biggest issue. Once again, Square Enix has decided not to provide an upgrade path for owners of the Switch 1 version, meaning that you can’t transfer your existing save file to the newer port. Aside from having to start over, you’d also be expected to pay full price again if you’re an existing player looking to take advantage of the improved hardware specs of the Switch 2. Given that this is the exact same game, with only minor visual and performance improvements, it’s not worth double dipping, unless you can pick the game up with a massive discount and don’t mind playing through the adventure all over again.
Conclusion
Like many other recent Square Enix releases, the Switch 2 port of DQXI is overshadowed by the lack of an upgrade path for existing owners. It’s a shame, because the game itself remains an absolutely brilliant entry in the series. Purely as a game, DQXI earned that recommendation and is well worth adding to your library.
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