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Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age[1] (ドラゴンクエストXI 過ぎ去りし時を求めて lit. "Dragon Quest XI: In Search of a Passing Time" in Japanese) is the eleventh installment of the main Dragon Quest series. The game was initially released on the Nintendo 3DS and PlayStation 4, and then for Microsoft Windows via Steam. 

The game was first revealed during a livestream on July 28th, 2015 and released in Japan for the PlayStation 4 and Nintendo 3DS on July 29th, 2017; it released in the West on the PlayStation 4 and Microsoft Windows via Steam on September 4th, 2018.

An enhanced port for the Nintendo Switch, titled Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age - Definitive Edition, was released worldwide on September 27th, 2019. The Definitive Edition was also announced on July 23rd, 2020, to release for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One on December 4th, 2020.

Story[]

The game is set in the world of Erdrea. It begins as the kingdom of Dundrasil is invaded and destroyed by an army of monsters. The protagonist, an infant during the attack, survives and is found floating down a river by an older man named Chalky in the village of Cobblestone. The protagonist is adopted by Chalky's daughter Amber and raised in the town. After the protagonist's coming-of-age ceremony, Amber reveals the truth about his birth and adoption and sends him to meet King Carnelian of Heliodor. However, the king accuses him of being an evil entity and throws him into the dungeons.

Imprisoned, the protagonist meets a thief named Erik, who reveals that he was sent to meet him, as the mark on his hand is proof that he is the Luminary, a legendary hero chosen by the world tree Yggdrasil to save Erdrea from evil. The pair escape and evade capture, later joined by two mages: Veronica, trapped in a child's body due to a curse, and her twin sister, Serena. On their quest to help the Luminary reach Yggdrasil, they gain three other companions: Sylvando, a traveling entertainer; Jade, the exiled princess of Heliodor who helped the infant protagonist escape during the attack of Dundrasil; and Rab, the former king of Dundrasil and the protagonist's grandfather.

The party eventually arrives at the heart of Yggdrasil, which contains the Sword of Light, the Luminary's destined weapon. However, just as the Luminary is about to take it, he and the party are intercepted by Carnelian and his retainers, Jasper and Hendrik. It is revealed that Carnelian was possessed by an evil sorcerer known as Mordegon, who also was responsible for Dundrasil's destruction, and Jasper is Mordegon's agent. The two subdue Hendrik and the Luminary's party, with Mordegon taking the Sword of Light, corrupting it into the Sword of Shadows, and absorbing the heart of Yggdrasil, destroying the tree and plunging the world into an age of darkness.

Separated from the others, the Luminary returns to Cobblestone, turned into a fortified refuge for Heliodor citizens led by Carnelian and Hendrik, who apologize to the Luminary for all the troubles they caused him. Hendrik joins forces with the Luminary, and together they reclaim Heliodor from Mordegon's forces. At one point, a dark spirit summons a mysterious orb called Erdwin's Lantern; however, Mordegon destroys it, so no one stands in his way. After reuniting with the rest of the party, except for Veronica, who perished saving the others during the fall of Yggdrasil, the Luminary obtains the means to forge a new Sword of Light, which they use to defeat Jasper and Mordegon, restoring Yggdrasil and the world.

Afterward, the party discovers the means to bring Veronica (and other people who perished) back to the Tower of Lost Time. There, they meet the Timekeeper, who gives the Luminary the power to go back in time and defeat Mordegon before he can steal the Sword of Light and Yggdrasil's heart, thus saving Veronica from sacrificing herself and preventing Mordegon's dark age. However, due to Mordegon's absence, Erdwin's Lantern wasn't destroyed; therefore, the dark spirit can merge with it and awaken as the game's other main antagonist: The Dark One, Calasmos. The party learns that a prior Luminary named Erdwin was betrayed and killed by his mage companion Morcant, who absorbed Calasmos' powers and transformed into Mordegon. Since he could not be destroyed forever without the power of the Luminary, Serenica, Erdwin's former sage companion and lover, sealed the weakened Calasmos within Erdwin's Lantern and attempted to return to the past at the Tower of Lost Time but was turned into the Timekeeper instead.

The party then confronts and destroys Calasmos before the Luminary entrusts his mark to Serenica, who reverts to her original form and uses it to return to the past and reunite with Erdwin. Accompanied by Veronica and Serena, he also returns the Sword of Light to Yggdrasil, who reveals itself to be Yggdragon, an ancient dragon of light defeated by Calasmos ages ago, whose body transformed into the tree Yggdrasil and gave life to Erdrea. Yggdragon bestows upon the Luminary the title of "Erdrick," the mightiest of all heroes, and keeps the Sword for the day when a new hero will need it to defend Erdrea from evil.

In the mid-credits, Serenica reunites with Erdwin in the past, while after the credits, a young mother, after reading the Luminary's story in a book, wakes up her child from bed, setting up the beginning of Dragon Quest III.

Gameplay[]

Dragon Quest XI Editions

The three editions of the game.

Gameplay of Dragon Quest XI varies by console. In the 3DS version, there are two modes that players can toggle between while playing: The 3D mode is a cel-shaded style, comparable to other 3D games the series has had for handhelds, such as Dragon Quest IX, whereas the 2D mode is done in the style of a traditional game with polished Super Famicom/SNES-like graphics and actions, both modes having traditional gameplay. The PS4 version is made with cutting-edge Unreal Engine 3D models that remain animated in the series' distinctive style.

Square Enix predicted that the game will take 50 hours to complete; 100 if one completes all its side activities. The player can traverse the world using the Zoom spell, a ship and various monsters, including a giant whale.[2] Although the Luminary is central to the story, he does not need to be in the active party to progress through it. The game also has 58 Achievements/Trophies to unlock.

Combat[]

The turn-based battle system provides an accessible experience that features mechanics simple enough for the novice but with enough depth to satisfy hardcore fans. Heroes can use physical, magic, and special attacks. Squads can be tweaked with an occasional substitution, to try to find the perfect combination to take down particularly tricky monsters. During combat, characters can also get pepped up, increasing their stats. When a character gets pepped up, they will gain bonuses to several of their attributes. When more than one party member is pepped up, they can work together to unleash collaborative attacks known as pep powers.

Certain party members pair better than others. For example, the Luminary works best with Erik. These pairings are intuitive based on the story. The Luminary pairs with Erik, Jade with Rab, Veronica with Serena, and Sylvando works well with everyone.

Side Quests[]

Aside from the main story, there are many side quests available. The Quest Catalogue serves as a guide to browsing completed quests and those still underway. Quest are received from NPCs with a purple icon over their heads. Quests can vary from retrieving things for the person to completing tasks and more. On completion of the quest, the player will be given a pop-up informing them of its completion and that they should return to the requester for a reward.

Character Builder[]

The Character Builder is where players can use skill points to teach their party members new spells and abilities, and also improve their attributes. When they unlock a particular panel, the ones surrounding it will become available, expanding options ever further. Different skills cost different amounts of points which can be There are also secret skills that are only unlocked when all the surrounding skills have been unlocked. Each character has different skill paths they can follow, for example the Luminary has swords, greatswords, etc.

Camping[]

Camping allows the party to recover all their HP and MP just as a stay at an inn would, but for free. Players can also record their progress by praying at a sacred statue, and some campsites even have their own merchants. Camp sides are scattered throughout the word and can be identified by a fire icon on the map. After camping with Erik, you will receive the Fun-Sized Forge which allows you to craft different items using materials from your inventory. You unlock blueprints for items by finding them in the world or receiving them from NPCs for completing certain side quests.

Definitive Edition[]

DQXI S Logo

Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age - Definitive Edition, otherwise referred to as the "Definitive Edition" of Dragon Quest XI, is a complete version of the game released for Nintendo Switch worldwide on September 27, 2019, and released on Xbox One (also via Xbox Game Pass), PlayStation 4 (PS4) and Microsoft Windows (Steam/Microsoft Store/PC) on December 4, 2020.

The Definitive Edition combines the features of the 3DS and original PS4/PC versions of the game. It includes the following new features and improvements based on the PS4/PC release:

Gameplay[]

  • Battle speed selector that allows the speed of the battle to be set both in and out of battle
  • A Quick Commands menu that can be accessed through pressing +/Options/Menu
  • Fun-Size Forge can be used anywhere through the Quick Commands menu
  • Photo Mode that allows screenshots of the party line-up to be taken with various features such as: hiding/showing party members, poses, blurring out the background and free camera movement
  • Horse hailer can be accessed from the Quick Commands menu to summon the horse
  • Ability to switch between 2D and 3D mode at any church or priest
  • The party line-up is all visible when traversing the overworld
  • Addition of cosmetic outfits that are separate from equipment, overriding a party member's appearance when selected
  • Cutscenes can be skipped at any time
  • Knocking over monsters while mounted gives experience points
  • Harvested materials go straight into the party's bag
  • Can switch camera modes between Classic and Free Movement in battle
  • More Draconian Quest options are available
  • The overall lighting for the game has been improved over the PS4/PC versions
  • Option to toggle the Hero's voice & breathing sound effects
  • More monster species are now rideable
  • Shiny spots where items can be found stand out more
  • Positions of party members at campsites have been adjusted
  • Can use Skill Reset on the Character Builder at any point
  • Learn Multiple Skills is available from the beginning
  • Ability to look up and purchase materials at the Fun-Size Forge
  • Can navigate UI elements with the joystick
  • Defeated monster list appears on the map menu
  • Rarefied monsters appear on defeated monster list
  • Status ailments are displayed in the line-up menu
  • Appearance-altering equipment are now clearly labelled
  • Some of the events in Heliodor Sewers have been revised
  • The time when you can visit Tickington is made earlier than in the 3DS version
  • Tockle (with pastwords) locations are changed from the 3DS version

New Content[]

  • Option to choose between orchestral (symphonic) and MIDI (synthesised) soundtracks
  • Ability to choose between the Dragon Quest XI and Dragon Quest VIII soundtracks
  • New voice overs that include reworked lines and the option to pick between English and Japanese voiceovers
  • Tickington is added as an 16-bit 2D world where the party can visit realms knows as pasttimes after discovering their respective pastwords from Tockles in Erdrea
  • New monsters are added as a result of Tickington's addition to the game
  • An 16-bit 2D mode that transforms the entire game into a 2D graphical experience that also alters various gameplay aspects from the 3D version as well
  • A range of new cosmetic outfits and equipment for each party member
  • Baumren's bell from Dragon Quest VIII is available in the Quick Commands menu, allowing the Hero to summon and ride a large Great Sabrecat and switches to the identical soundtrack from DQVIII
  • A Party Talk feature has been added that allows the Hero to speak to their party members and hear what they have to say at any point in the game; accessed through pressing -/Touch Pad/View or in the menu
  • Marriage & partner options are now available
  • Additional story content that focuses on various party members
  • A Voice Drama that is exclusively available as part of the Gorgeous Edition in Japan only
  • Madame Chérie is added as a new character, located at L'Académie de Notre Maître des Médailles
  • A priest Tockle has been added to a certain area
  • Party members now have dialogue in battles that appears at the top of the screen

Other Changes[]

  • The crossbow minigame from the original has been cut out, although the crossbow itself remains
  • Game models are downscaled from the original for both optimization and visual purposes
  • Tickington and pasttimes are no longer in 3D as they are in the 3DS version
  • First-person camera feature has been removed

Characters[]

The Party[]

  • The Luminary - A young man from the village of Cobblestone who is, in fact, the reincarnation of an ancient hero that once saved the world. He was born with a mysterious mark on his left hand.
  • Erik - A blue-haired thief that the Luminary encounters in the dungeons of Heliodor who decides to accompany him on his journey. Despite his rough-and-tumble appearance, he is a kindhearted and loyal friend.
  • Veronica - A strong-willed tomboyish girl who hates being treated like a child and will stand up to anyone, regardless if they are an adult or monster. She is gifted with magical might.
  • Serena - A kind, dependable, and compassionate young woman who has a talent in magical mending and the lyre. Her hapless personality sometimes causes trouble for her sister and traveling companion, Veronica.
  • Sylvando - A flamboyant and carefree entertainer with a dream to make people smile around the world. He is described as the mood maker of the party and has a strong sense of justice.
  • Jade - An expert martial artist who travels the world with Rab in order to fulfill a mysterious goal. Her beauty and dignified demeanour suggests that she is more than just a talented fighter.
  • Rab - A mysterious elderly man who looks like nothing more than a simple traveler, but in combat, he wields ferocious martial arts skills and high level magic. He seems to know someone in every port and town around the world.

Eighth party member mentioned here

  • Hendrik - A Heliodoran knight and general who is initially opposed to the Luminary and is tasked by the King of Heliodor to capture him. After a change of heart, he vows to become the Luminary's sword, shield, and unswerving companion.


Supporting[]

  • Amber - A friendly woman who helped raised the Luminary as his caretaker
  • Chalky - A kindly old man from the village of Cobblestone who finds the Luminary as an infant while out fishing. He decides to adopt the boy as his own grandson
  • Dave - A sailor who keeps watch over the Salty Stallion
  • Derk - An old crime partner of Erik's
  • Eleanor - The Luminary's mother
  • Father Benedictus - The Holy Father of Arboria
  • Gemma - Childhood friend of the Luminary, who was born on the same day as him. The two undertake a coming-of-age ceremony together, just before the young man departs on his journey
  • Grand Master Pang - The head priestess of Angri-La
  • Hendrik - A Knight of Heliodor, who sees the Luminary as the Darkspawn and is tasked by King Carnelian to capture him
  • Irwin - The Luminary's father
  • Jasper - A cruel strategist from the Kingdom of Heliodor. His cold methods have led to many victories
  • King Carnelian - The wise and respected ruler of Heliodor and the father of Jade. He is known as a master swordsman and dubs the Luminary as Darkspawn
  • Krystalinda - A witch with the power to freeze cities
  • Michelle - A mermaid waiting for her true love, Kai
  • Noah the Know-It-All - An information monger that travels with his daughter
  • Prince Faris - The son of the Sultan of Gallopolis
  • Queen Frysabel - The newly crowned queen of Sniflhiem
  • Queen Marina - The ruler of the merpeople of Nautica
  • Snorri - A scholar in service to the crown of Sniflhiem
  • Sultan of Gallopolis - The ruler of Gallopolis
  • Vince Vanquish - The owner of the Octagonia orphanage. He wins the local tournament to get money for the orphanage
  • Ickle the Tockle - A tockle tasked with finding a hero to save Tickington (3DS and Definitive Edition exclusive)
  • Stickle - The mayor of Tickington in charge of guarding the sacred tomes (3DS and Definitive Edition exclusive)
  • Don Rodrigo - A knight that taught Hendrik swordsmanship. He is also Slyvando's father
  • Mia - Erik's biological sister. When Erik gets her a necklace that can turn things into gold, she goes ham over it. When she tries taking it off, she gets turned to gold in the process
  • Erdwin - The previous Luminary
  • Drustan - A good friend of Erdwin
  • Serenica - An ally of Erdwin's who eventually falls in love with him
  • Morcant - An ally of Erdwin's on the search for knowledge

Side[]

  • Beningo - A friend of Placido's
  • Connie - A young girl that travels with her father
  • Da - A father who lives in Phnom Nonh
  • Flint - A lumberjack and bridge builder that resides in The Manglegrove
  • Kainui - A fisherman from the fishing village of Lonalulu
  • Miko - The Priestess of Hotto
  • Placido - The son of the mayor of Gondolia
  • Servantes - The butler of the Rodrigo family
  • Golden Boy - A fighter in the Octagonia Masked Martial Arts Tournament
  • Sinderella - A fighter in the Octagonia Masked Martial Arts Tournament and fighting partner of Whambelina
  • The Abominable Showman - A fighter in the Octagonia Masked Martial Arts Tournament and fighting partner of The Underdigger
  • The Underdigger - A fighter in the Octagonia Masked Martial Arts Tournament and fighting partner of Showman
  • Whambelina - A fighter in the Octagonia Masked Martial Arts Tournamentand fighting partner of Sinderella
  • Maxime Medaille - The principal of L'Académie de Notre Maître des Médailles

Reception[]

Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age received "generally favorable" reviews on Metacritic gettting a metascore of 80/100 on PC and 86/100 on PS4. Its Definitive Edition on Nintendo Switch is tagged as a "Must-Play" game holding a metascore of 91/100.

Gallery[]

Box Art[]

Artwork[]

The Party[]

Screenshots[]

Videos[]

Languages[]

Other languages
French Dragon Quest XI: Les Combattants de la destinée
German Dragon Quest XI: Streiter des Schicksals
Spanish Dragon Quest XI: Ecos de un Pasado Perdido
Italian Dragon Quest XI: Echi di un Elusive Age
Dutch Unknown
Norwegian Unknown
Greek Unknown
Portuguese Dragon Quest XI: Ecos de uma Era indescritível
Russian Dragon Quest XI: эхо недостижимой возраст
Chinese 勇者斗恶龙XI - 追寻逝去的时光
Korean 드래곤 퀘스트 XI 지나간 시간을 찾아서

External links[]

References[]

  1. Dragon Quest 11 Logo Appears Ahead of Reveal on GameSpot
  2. Game Informer #90: Dragon Quest XI: In Search of Departed Time
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