When Dragon Quest XI was released in 2017, it was my first foray into the historic Japanese RPG franchise. It feels like forever ago, especially since the game was released on the 3DS rather than a home console. Now, the home-and-handheld console split is one, thanks to the Switch 2’s hybrid nature. That still gives fans handheld portability while packing modern console power. Taking full advantage of the power boost, Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition is an RPG dream on Switch 2. If you’re eager for something to keep you busy until The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake releases this fall, look no further.

The Dragon Quest series always felt fleeting to me. I grew up familiar with the Final Fantasy games thanks to cousins and uncles who put me on early. As for the other massive Japanese RPG under the Square Enix brand, I wasn’t so familiar with it. I didn’t actually play Dragon Quest XI for the first time until it arrived on Xbox One in 2020. Revisiting the game over half a decade later has been a joy. Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition might well be someone’s first attempt to enter this long-running series. Good news: it’s the perfect starting point. 

The game is set in the world of Erdrea, and you begin as a baby floating in a river to avoid an attack on the kingdom of Dundrasil. A man named Chalky in the village of Cobblestone saves you, and his daughter, Amber, raises you. You and Flash-forward are on your way to adulthood. As you complete your coming-of-age ceremony, a mysterious birthmark on your hand seems to pair with a great storm. It can mean only one thing: you’re the Luminary, promised to protect the world from the darkness waiting to overtake it.

Naturally, you should go tell the King who oversees your little village, King Carnelian of Heliodor. One problem: he thinks your mere presence signals the end times and imprisons you. While background knowledge of Dragon Quest is nice, you don’t need it to enjoy the story from here on.

In the Switch 2 version, you get a ton of upgrades and updates. For starters, the Switch 2 offers both graphics and performance modes. While the cartoon art style doesn’t scream realism, graphics mode does add a certain pop to this world. The game also now features an orchestral score and numerous bonus chapters where party members get a chance to shine.  While these might seem like nice additions, they don’t really motivate a possible double-dip purchase; a few other features do, though. This version now offers Japanese voice acting and the option to play the entire game in 2D. It’s an incredible nod to Dragon Quest’s history. I can’t say I played most of the game this way, since I prefer the modern 3D look. Still, it’s a huge nod to the fans who kept this series shining over the decades.

My only critique of Dragon Quest XI isn’t a Switch 2 issue. The game plays it incredibly safe by modern JRPG standards. With games like Octopath Traveler and even Final Fantasy VII Rebirth pushing the boundaries of what we consider a JRPG, this feels tamer in every way. If you can still find joy and exploration in a turn-based game with a great story, you’ll have no issues. Another critique I’ve heard has been the art style, but I love it. You can’t miss its distinct style, and it’s nice to see something that feels unique in today’s game market.

Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition feels right at home on the Switch 2 as a JRPG. Updates have improved this already great game, and while it may feel a bit stuck in the past, it is still full of thrilling narrative and fun turn-based action. I love these types of games on Nintendo consoles because that’s where I remember playing so many of them. For all those reasons, Dragon Quest XI S is worth another purchase to keep on the console I use most these days.

A Nintendo Switch 2 review copy of Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition was provided by Square Enix for this review.

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

39.99

9

Score

9.0/10

Pros

• Great updates to Japanese VA and orchestral soundtrack
• Nice addition of a performance and graphics mode
• JRPGs just feel right on Nintendo consoles

Cons

• A bit traditional, but by no means boring