Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age - Definitive Edition Reviews

Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age - Definitive Edition is ranked in the 99th percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
97%
Apr 26, 2021

I typically favor games that introduce something new to the gaming landscape, because I think trudging through old waters — even incredibly — doesn’t really push us forward as a culture or in terms of design. Dragon Quest XI is just too good, though. In fact, it’s one of the best games I’ve ever played. I laughed, I cried, and I’ve felt a part of this cast. I’m actually on hour 140 with no signs of stopping, and I couldn’t be happier. Without question, this is one of the best-designed games I’ve played to date, and I’ve had the beautiful opportunity to share it with my daughter who has adorably pointed at the screen, screaming, “It’s a monster octopus!”

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10 / 10
Dec 1, 2020

Dragon Quest XI S is a near unrivaled masterpiece, one I wish I could erase my memory of and re-experience for the first time.

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90 / 100
Dec 1, 2020

Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age is a highly enjoyable game that screams 'high quality production.' Despite its lack of gameplay innovation it still provides a certain level of enjoyment most JRPGs do not.

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96%
May 10, 2020

Dragon Quest XI S easily earns its title as the definitive edition of an amazing traditional JRPG.

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9 / 10.0
Oct 24, 2019

If you haven't made room in your crowded wish list for DRAGON QUEST XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age, do so now. You don't need to take my word that it's one of most enjoyable Switch releases of the year, you can hit up the eShop for the demo and let the game's first 10 hours speak for themselves.

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RPG Site
Top Critic
10 / 10
Oct 7, 2019

A Masterpiece remastered.

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CGMagazine
Top Critic
8 / 10.0
Sep 24, 2026

DRAGON QUEST XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age - Definitive Edition finally has a native Nintendo Switch 2 port, bringing one of the best versions of an already stellar game to Nintendo's latest hybrid console.

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Sep 24, 2026

DRAGON QUEST XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition is still a solid game. This is a version of the game that runs well and can look great in the graphics mode.

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9 / 10.0
Dec 1, 2020

Dragon Quest XI S is a JRPG that both new and old fans can fall in love with, earning its place as the definitive Dragon Quest XI experience

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Just Push Start
Mark Fajardo
Top Critic
5 / 5.0
Dec 21, 2020

Typically when a definitive edition releases there is a certain sense of disappointment. Either it provides a better value, through included DLC, or small touches that add a lot. But, when it comes to Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition, there is enough there to make most people happy. The 2D mode will appeal to returning fans and those who grew up with the franchise, with new stories and more to add to the already compelling adventure. Quicker battles and commands streamline the core experience to make it easier to complete what needs to be done. This also applies to crafting and other mechanics too. Honestly, in general, Square Enix took an already good base, thought of a welcome way to add content without making fans feel like they missed out, and addressed some concerns to make for a compelling experience. So, whether you loved the original release or are waiting to see what Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition offers, it's an experience everyone should strongly consider.

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10 / 10.0
Dec 6, 2020

Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age - Definitive Edition brings a lot of new additions to a perfect game that is still fun to play two years after its initial release. Having a fully orchestrated soundtrack, more adventures, a 2D option, and nostalgic places to explore just leaves room for one more upgrade - a PS5 update. Regardless, if you're playing this on a PS4 or PS5, this is the best edition of the game to get and you won't be disappointed.

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4.9 / 5.0
Oct 8, 2019

Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of Elusive Age is without question the definitive experience. The new content gives returning players something to do, with an overwhelming amount of things to do that just makes sense on a portable platform. Similar to the original release, this is a must-have for any JRPG fan and easily one of the best games currently available on the Nintendo Switch.

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10 / 10.0
Dec 18, 2020

Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age - Definitive Edition earns my absolute highest recommendation. I cannot wait for more people to experience such a joyous celebration of all things Dragon Quest

4.6 / 5.0
Oct 4, 2019

Dragon Quest XI S is the ultimate content package of a new JRPG classic, and a phenomenal port for the Nintendo Switch.

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Spaziogames
Top Critic
9 / 10.0
Sep 26, 2019

With the 2D mode and many secondary quests, Dragon Quest XI S is a must have for Switch Fans.

Review in Italian | Read full review

Dec 9, 2020

Dragon Quest XI Definitive Edition makes one of the most joyous and downright wonderful gaming experiences of all time even better.

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8 / 10.0
Dec 1, 2020

Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition is a dying breed of turn-based JRPG. One day it may follow Final Fantasy and become another action game series. Commanding a party in this manner means strategically directing them at your own pace. Refusing to change is one of the last and great freedoms we can enjoy as a species and this is what Dragon Quest XI aspires for.

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9.5 / 10.0
Sep 24, 2026

The best way of playing the definitive edition of an excellent JRPG

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8.5 / 10.0
Sep 24, 2026

Overall, Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age - Definitive Edition is a solid Switch 2 port with few bells and whistles. It's essentially Dragon Quest XI on a newer console rather than a major upgrade, so existing owners have little reason to buy it again. For RPG fans who haven't played it yet, however, there's a lot to love. The Definitive Edition is an excellent portable version of a long, charming, and consistently enjoyable adventure.

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8.5 / 10.0
Sep 24, 2026

If you're a sucker for games running at 60fps or 1440p and really want to playthrough this amazing RPG again with either enhancement in mind, the game is good enough to warrant another purchase. I still don't love that there isn't a benefit to fans who supported the game on the original Switch, other than still being able to play it via back compat, but the new optimization modes are a nice extra to have. For those who haven't played DQXI yet, there's really no better time, especially with a longer wait for the 12th game since its retooling. Even though I recognize that this is an incredibly crowded fall season for RPGs, a full Switch 2 replay of Echoes of an Elusive Age is something I've firmly penciled in for the end of the year, because there's few series that do cozy comfort as well as Dragon Quest.

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