Introduction
Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition builds on the acclaimed original release to deliver the definitive JRPG package. Released on December 4, 2020, this edition adds fresh scenarios, an orchestral soundtrack, a 2D retro mode, Japanese voice-overs and more. As someone who loves sprawling RPG epics and immersive stories, I’ll compare it to its genre peers—examining where it shines and where it might leave you wanting. Let’s dive into what makes this edition a must-play—or not.
Story and Characters
At its heart, DQXI S follows the Luminary, a young hero branded “Darkspawn” and hunted by a malicious king. You’ll recruit a colorful ensemble—from the spunky thief Veronica to the stoic warrior Erik—each granted extra character-specific chapters in this Definitive Edition. In contrast to the social simulations of Persona 5 Royal or the branching narratives of Octopath Traveler, DQXI S keeps its story linear but enriches it with heartfelt interactions and surprising twists that keep you invested for 80+ hours. This means you’re in for a rich, emotional journey—even if it’s on rails.
Gameplay Mechanics and Systems
DQXI S retains classic turn-based combat with modern conveniences: visible enemies in the field, an intuitive menu, and the new “Draconian Quest” modifiers for custom difficulty. Whereas the free-flowing battles of Tales of Arise or the high-octane action of Final Fantasy XV offer speed and spectacle, every encounter here is a tactical puzzle. That said, the Definitive Edition’s extra boss rushes, side-quests, and mini-games push your party to experiment with different builds, making it as deep—or as accessible—as you like. Whether you’re a min-maxer or a casual grinder, there’s something here for you.
Visuals and Audio
One of DQXI S’s biggest draws is the ability to toggle between a modern 3D world and charming 16-bit 2D mode. The 3D landscapes rival many open-world RPGs with their vibrant towns and sweeping vistas. While the 2D mode offers nostalgia akin to Octopath Traveler’s pixel art. On the audio front, players can enjoy either the original MIDI-style score or a fully recorded orchestral version. No matter your preference, whether you lean retro or modern, the audio-visual flexibility adds a layer of personalization that few RPGs can match.
Comparisons with Genre Peers
- Persona 5 Royal
- More open social simulation versus DQXI S’s focused narrative. P5R excels in character bonding and stylistic flair, while DQXI S offers a traditional epic quest with deeper world exploration. So, if you prefer structured storytelling with immersive lore, DQXI S might win you over.
- Octopath Traveler
- Pixel-perfect aesthetics and eight branching heroes. Octopath’s combat has layered unique jobs. DQXI S delivers a more cohesive story and larger world, plus both 2D/3D modes. In other words, it gives you the best of both graphical worlds with a unified narrative arc.
- Tales of Arise
- Action-RPG combat and fast-paced battles. If you crave real-time combos, Tales is your pick. DQXI S rewards patience and strategy, with turn-based depth and extensive side content. It’s ideal for those who enjoy thinking several moves ahead.
User Reviews and Community Feedback
On Steam, DQXI S holds a “Very Positive” rating—86% from recent reviews (80 total) and 93% from all-time reviews (8,663 total). Players praise the Definitive Edition’s value-add content, the seamless 2D/3D switch, and the emotional storytelling. However, criticisms tend to focus on pacing in the mid-game and occasional translation hiccups in side dialogue. Still, overall, fans agree this is the ultimate way to experience the Luminary’s journey.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strengths: Epic, well-paced narrative; richly detailed world; flexible audio/visual options; robust side-content that extends replayability.
- Weaknesses: Mid-game pacing lulls; traditional turn-based combat may feel slow to action-RPG fans; some minor localization inconsistencies.
All in all, the strengths far outweigh the quirks, especially for genre enthusiasts.
Conclusion
Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition stands as a benchmark for modern JRPGs. It marries classic turn-based tactics with a sprawling, heartfelt story, and offers enough bells and whistles—2D mode, orchestral score, extra scenarios—to satisfy both veterans and newcomers. While it doesn’t reinvent the genre, it perfects what made it great. It may not match the social depth of Persona or the action flair of Tales, but it delivers one of the most complete and satisfying fantasy adventures of recent years. So, if you’re craving 100+ hours of polished RPG bliss, the Luminary’s call is hard to resist.
Add Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition to your Steam collection!
