Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age - Definitive Edition Reviews
If you haven’t invested in the original game before, Dragon Quest XI S can easily provide you with countless hours of JRPG fun. It plays it safe in many areas and doesn’t necessarily revolutionize the genre; but it does a mighty fine job solidifying it.
Dragon Quest XI remains one of the best entries in the series, and thanks to this Definitive Edition - which boasts all the new content originally included in the Switch port - it manages to feel more polished, more streamlined and more enjoyable. The fact that this is an incredible experience is only marginally diminished by some controversial graphics alterations and a less than savoury removal of previous versions from virtual storefronts in favour of this edition. Still, the content that is on offer here is superior to the original version of the game and more than justifies a re-entry into this endearing, fantastical tale.
Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age - Definitive Edition takes an already amazing JRPG and gives it just enough to make it even better. Noticeable performance drops aside, this is one title everyone should experience.
The reality is that at this point Dragon Quest XI is an older release, and Dragon Quest XI S: Definitive Edition is itself not really that new. I have no idea what percentage of prospective Dragon Quest fans have somehow avoided playing this yet, but I imagine it's a now a very small number. With that being said, that "8-bit" mode really is a breath of fresh air to the original 3D game, so if you don't own a Switch and haven't had the opportunity to play this game that way yet, then it's actually worth the upgrade and replay even if you own the original.
Even if the original version was already one of the best PS4 titles, Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition brings enough improvements to become, in fact, the definitive version of the title. This is a mandatory JRPG for fans of the genre and just shows that, regardless of the version, it is a true masterpiece.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Nintendo Switch Definition edition is almost perfect game for all Dragon Quest and JRPG fans.
Review in Slovak | Read full review
It’s a testament to the robust qualities of the traditional JRPG genre, which arguably started with the original title in this franchise, that these mechanics are still so captivating and compelling 33 years later. Long live Dragon Quest!
Dragon Quest XI S is one of the finest RPGs on Switch.
The "definitive" adjective in Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age - Definitive Edition is not just for show. The amount of extra work that went into making this the most refined version of the original available is staggering and worthy of praise.
Dragon Quest XI on Nintendo Switch 2 delivers exactly what JRPG fans are looking for. If you enjoy immersing yourself in epic stories and exploring a rich world, this is a fantastic experience. However, if you have already invested dozens of hours on the previous console, the lack of save transfer and the game’s price will certainly make it harder to justify paying full price for this journey.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Taken entirely on its own merits, Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age remains one of the finest role-playing adventures ever crafted, and the Nintendo Switch 2 offers a fantastic way to experience the journey – whether at home or on the go. It’s just a bit disappointing that it doesn’t come with an upgrade path, especially since there aren’t any new additions and the improvements come with the presentation of the game. If you’re an existing owner of the game on the Nintendo Switch, it might make you question if it’s worth purchasing all over again. But if you’re completely new to the game and looking for an RPG to play on the Nintendo Switch 2, it’s an unmissable experience and plays beautifully on the platform.
Bringing technical improvements to an already brilliant game, Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition arrives on the Nintendo Switch 2 with two distinct graphical modes, both equally worthwhile. While the lack of an upgrade package may weigh on those who already own the Switch 1 version, this remains a title as beautiful, epic, and emotionally engaging as its original release.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Dragon Quest XI S remains one of the best traditional JRPGs of recent years, and this version for Nintendo Switch 2 significantly enhances the overall experience. The 60 fps offered by Performance mode represents the most tangible improvement over the previous Nintendo release, while Quality mode offers more modest visual benefits. The result is a solid, well-optimized, and enjoyable port—a must-have for anyone who has yet to experience the eleventh Dragon Quest adventure.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Dragon Quest XI S: Definitive Edition was already a great game on Switch, and the new graphics modes and drastically improved load times make it shine even brighter on Switch 2 — the lack of an upgrade path for existing owners is the only real blemish on an otherwise excellent package.
Review in German | Read full review
Recommending Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age over the series' more recent releases is particularly apt, given how well the game balances the franchise's traditions with modern sensibilities. It was the final entry in the series to be released while its three creative pillars—Yuji Horii, Koichi Sugiyama, and Akira Toriyama—were all still alive, making the game even more special beyond its sheer excellence.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age Definitive Edition for the Nintendo Switch 2 runs and looks better than ever on Nintendo’s latest console, with an excellent handheld experience that breathes new life into this already fantastic RPG. The lack of a Switch upgrade and save data transfer hurts, but newcomers will have a purrtastic adventure waiting for them.
For those who have never visited Erdrea, the Switch 2 version offers the best technical experience available on a Nintendo console. This doesn't mean, however, that the original Switch edition has become irrelevant. If you can find it for a significantly lower price, it remains an excellent option.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Dragon Quest XI S makes an outstanding technical leap on Switch 2 with smooth 60 FPS, almost nonexistent load times, and a notable graphical upgrade, though it does drain the battery faster in handheld mode. A legendary JRPG that is absolutely essential.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
If you’re looking for a JRPG to get stuck into and haven’t yet jumped into Dragon Quest XI, there’s no better time. The additions made to the Nintendo Switch version, along with the ability to take this lengthy game on the go truly do make it the definitive way to experience the game.
Dragon Quest XI S: Definitive Edition is not only a love letter to fans of the traditional JRPG, it also serves as an easy-to-digest point of entry for newcomers to the age-old genre.