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The world of JRPGs (Japanese Role-Playing Games) is rich with iconic titles. While many gamers fondly remember classics like Final Fantasy VII and Final Fantasy X, fewer may be familiar with the series that laid the groundwork for these and countless other JRPGs: Dragon Quest. Despite immense popularity in Japan, Dragon Quest has historically struggled to gain similar traction in the West. Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age aimed to change this, marking a renewed effort by Square Enix to bring the beloved franchise to a wider global audience. Does it succeed? Let’s embark on a journey alongside the Luminary and discover the answer.

A Vibrant World Beckons

Square Enix is renowned for crafting visually stunning games, and Dragon Quest XI is no exception. The distinct cel-shaded art style, combined with the iconic character designs of Akira Toriyama (creator of Dragon Ball), brings the world of Erdrea to life with vibrant colors and breathtaking landscapes.

Erdrea’s diverse environments are a visual treat.

From sprawling fields to shimmering coastlines, Erdrea is teeming with a diverse ecosystem. Each region boasts unique creatures, following realistic day-night cycles and weather patterns. This, coupled with Toriyama’s signature artistic touch, creates a constant sense of wonder and encourages exploration.

While not a fully open world, Erdrea is divided into distinct regions, each ruled by a kingdom. Progression through the main story unlocks access to new areas. However, within each region, players have the freedom to explore, discover hidden treasures, gather crafting materials, and encounter formidable monsters. Side quests are plentiful, offering engaging diversions without straying too far from the central narrative. This approach provides a sense of openness while maintaining a focused storyline.

The cities within Erdrea are meticulously crafted, featuring detailed architecture and NPCs with unique dialogue and stories. This attention to detail further immerses the player in a world that feels truly alive.

Cities are bustling with life and detail.

A Captivating Narrative Unfolds

In Dragon Quest XI, you embody the Luminary, the reincarnation of a legendary hero who once saved the world from darkness. However, your presence also signals the return of an ancient evil, threatening to plunge Erdrea into chaos once more. Your quest is to gather allies, overcome countless challenges, and vanquish this evil once and for all.

While the premise may seem familiar, Dragon Quest XI elevates it with clever storytelling, a well-paced narrative, and unexpected twists and turns that keep players constantly engaged. Beneath the seemingly lighthearted exterior lies a deeper exploration of morality and ancient secrets.

The Luminary and companions embark on an epic quest.

Each companion joining the Luminary possesses a distinct personality and a compelling reason to join the quest. From the mischievous yet kind-hearted thief Erik to the powerful and assertive Veronica, the party dynamics feel genuine and contribute to the overall immersive experience.

A colorful cast of characters brings the story to life.

Classic Combat, Modernized

Dragon Quest XI embraces its turn-based combat roots while introducing modern refinements. Players can issue commands immediately, reducing reliance on chance and increasing strategic depth. The option to automate character actions offers convenience for less challenging encounters, while full manual control remains available for demanding battles.

Engage in classic turn-based combat.

The “Pep” system replaces the traditional tension mechanic, granting characters random power boosts during combat. These boosts can be used to enhance stats or unleash powerful Pep Powers, including devastating team attacks with impressive visual flair.

PC Port Shortcomings

Unfortunately, the PC port of Dragon Quest XI suffers from optimization issues, including frame rate drops and occasional crashes. The control prompts also retain PlayStation 4 button icons, which can be confusing for PC players.

Despite technical issues, the PC version still offers a compelling experience.

Conclusion

Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age is a captivating JRPG that successfully blends classic elements with modern sensibilities. The vibrant world, engaging story, and refined combat system make it a must-play for fans of the genre. While the PC port suffers from technical shortcomings, the overall experience remains compelling. This entry marks a significant step forward in introducing Dragon Quest to a wider audience, proving that the series still has much to offer.