A Hero's Descent! Dragon Quest XI S NS Version Definitive Review: The Perfect Evolution of a Classic JRPG

Hello, everyone! I'm your old friend, veteran gamer and commentator, Awei. Today, we're going to talk about this highly acclaimed classic JRPG on the Nintendo Switch platform - Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age - Definitive Edition (hereinafter referred to as Dragon Quest XI S or DQ11S). As a veteran player with over a decade of gaming experience, I have a special fondness for JRPGs, and DQ11S is definitely one of the best JRPGs I've played in recent years.

1. Dragon Quest XI S: The Perfect Evolution of a Classic JRPG, An Epic Adventure on the Nintendo Switch

Dragon Quest XI S is not a simple port; it has been greatly optimized and improved upon the original, truly deserving of the title "Definitive Edition." The story tells the tale of the protagonist, a young man prophesied to be a hero, embarking on a journey filled with adventure and challenges to unravel the mystery of his origins. The game perfectly blends classic JRPG elements: an epic story, charming characters, a challenging combat system, and memorable music. At the same time, DQ11S also incorporates many modern designs, allowing both new and veteran players to easily pick up and enjoy the game. Considering the future Nintendo Switch 2 platform, the classic elements and optimization directions of this work provide important reference for the future development direction of JRPGs on next-generation handhelds. Of course, many players are also very concerned about nintendo switch2 compatibility, because being able to continue playing your favorite games on a new platform is every player's wish.

2. Dragon Quest XI S Game Review: Multi-Dimensional Analysis of a Classic JRPG

Next, I will conduct an in-depth review of Dragon Quest XI S from multiple dimensions, including Gameplay, Graphics, Sound Effects, Story, and Controls.

2.1. Gameplay: A Perfect Combination of Tradition and Innovation

The core of DQ11S's Gameplay is still classic turn-based combat, but it has made some innovations on the basis of tradition. For example, the game adds a "Tactical Positioning" system, where players can freely move their characters' positions on the battlefield, changing the characters' attack range and the damage they receive. In addition, the game also adds a "Pep Power" system, where characters accumulate Pep when damaged or attacking enemies. When the Pep gauge reaches a certain level, they can unleash powerful special skills to turn the tide of battle.

The exploration elements of the game are also very rich. Players can freely explore the vast world map, looking for hidden treasure chests, side quests, and powerful monsters. The game also adds an "Alchemy" system, where players can collect materials to craft various items and equipment.

Overall, DQ11S's Gameplay retains the essence of classic JRPGs while adding many modern designs, greatly increasing the game's replayability. Considering the nintendo switch2 price, if the DQ series can continue to launch similar works on NS2 in the future, it is believed that it will attract more players.

2.2. Graphics: Vibrant Colors, Rich Details

DQ11S's graphic style is very unique, adopting Akira Toriyama's signature cartoon style, with vibrant colors and cute character designs. Although the graphics performance on the Nintendo Switch platform is compromised compared to the PS4 and PC versions, the overall look and feel is still very good. The game scenes are rich in detail, from bustling towns to dark caves, all filled with detail.

It is worth mentioning that the NS version of DQ11S also adds a 16-bit mode, allowing players to freely switch the graphic style in the game and experience the fun of retro gaming.

2.3. Sound Effects: Classic Melodies, Nostalgic

DQ11S's music was composed by Koichi Sugiyama, who is also the music producer for the Dragon Quest series. The game's music style is very classic, with beautiful and moving melodies that are nostalgic. The game includes a large number of classic tracks, such as Love Song Sagashite, which makes veteran players feel very familiar.

The game's sound effects are also excellent, with a strong sense of impact during combat, and the ambient sound effects are also very realistic, creating an immersive gaming experience for players.

2.4. Story: An Epic Adventure Story

DQ11S's story is a major highlight of the game. The story tells the tale of the protagonist, a young man prophesied to be a hero, embarking on a journey filled with adventure and challenges to unravel the mystery of his origins. Along the way, he meets many distinctive companions, working together to fight against evil forces and save the world.

The game's plot is full of twists and turns, surprises and emotions. Each character has their own story and background, allowing players to strongly empathize with them. The ending of the game is even more unforgettable, leaving a deep impression on players.

2.5. Controls: Easy to Pick Up, Smooth and Natural

DQ11S's controls are excellent, easy to pick up. The game adopts traditional button controls, allowing players to easily control character movement, attacks, and skill releases. The game's menu interface is simple and clear, making it easy for players to perform various settings and operations.

Overall, DQ11S's controls are very smooth and natural, allowing players to focus on the fun of the game.

3. Dragon Quest XI S Pros and Cons Analysis

3.1. Pros:

• Epic Story: An engaging story filled with surprises and emotions.
• Charming Characters: Each character has their own story and background, allowing players to empathize with them.
• Classic Turn-Based Combat: Retains tradition while adding innovation.
• Vibrant Graphics: Akira Toriyama's signature cartoon style, rich in detail.
• Memorable Music: Classic melodies composed by Koichi Sugiyama.
• Content-Rich Definitive Edition: Greatly optimized and improved upon the original.
• 16-bit Mode: Experience the fun of retro gaming.
• Easy to Carry: A unique advantage of the Nintendo Switch platform, play anytime, anywhere.

3.2. Cons:

• Graphics Performance: Compromised compared to the PS4 and PC versions.
• Pacing in some parts: Early story pacing is a little slow.

4. Dragon Quest XI S Game Guide: Beginner's Guide

For new players, DQ11S is very easy to pick up. Here are some beginner's guides:

• Choose Difficulty: The game provides a variety of difficulty options. New players can choose Easy mode to reduce the difficulty of the game.
• Familiarize Yourself with the Controls: Familiarize yourself with the game's basic controls, such as movement, attack, and skill release.
• Explore the Map: Freely explore the map, looking for treasure chests, side quests, and hidden elements.
• Team Composition: According to the characteristics of the characters, reasonably match the team to maximize the team's combat power.
• Save Frequently: Develop the good habit of saving frequently to avoid losing game progress due to unexpected situations.
• Talk to NPCs: By talking to NPCs, you can learn about the game's story background and obtain quest tips and rewards.

5. Dragon Quest XI S: Comparative Analysis with Similar Games

Compared to similar JRPGs, DQ11S's advantage lies in its classic game style, epic story, and charming characters. Compared to the Final Fantasy series, DQ11S's story is more relaxed and enjoyable, suitable for casual players. Compared to the Xenoblade Chronicles series, DQ11S's combat system is more traditional and easy to pick up.

Overall, DQ11S is a very excellent JRPG. It retains the essence of classic JRPGs while adding many modern designs, greatly increasing the game's replayability.

6. Dragon Quest XI S Game Recommendation: Advice for Different Players

• JRPG Lovers: Highly recommended, DQ11S is one of the best JRPGs in recent years.
• Casual Players: The game's difficulty is moderate, the story is relaxed and enjoyable, suitable for casual players.
• Nostalgic Players: The game adds a 16-bit mode, allowing you to experience the fun of retro gaming.
• Nintendo Switch Players: DQ11S is one of the must-play games on the Nintendo Switch platform.
• Players with High Graphic Requirements: The PS4 or PC version may be more suitable for you.

7. Dragon Quest XI S Game Score: A Classic Masterpiece, Well Deserved

Based on the above analysis, my score for Dragon Quest XI S is: 9.5/10.

Reason for Scoring:

• The epic story and charming characters immerse players in the game.
• The classic turn-based combat system retains tradition while adding innovation.
• Vibrant graphics and memorable music create an immersive gaming experience.
• The content-rich Definitive Edition allows players to fully experience the fun of the game.

Of course, everyone's preferences are different, and the score is for reference only. You can refer to IGN's rating: Dragon Quest XI S IGN Review, and Metacritic's rating: Dragon Quest XI S Metacritic for a more comprehensive understanding.

8. Nintendo Switch 2 Outlook: Future Possibilities for the Dragon Quest Series

Looking to the future, we are full of expectations for the Nintendo Switch 2. If the DQ series can launch new works on the Nintendo Switch 2 platform, it is believed that the graphics performance and game performance will be significantly improved. Considering the nintendo switch2 first look, we hope that the future DQ series can fully utilize the capabilities of NS2 to bring players a more stunning visual experience and a smoother gaming experience. At the same time, we also hope that the DQ series can continue to maintain its classic game style and bring players more exciting adventure stories.

All in all, Dragon Quest XI S is a very recommendable JRPG. It is suitable for JRPG lovers, as well as casual and nostalgic players. If you haven't played this game yet, you might as well give it a try, I believe you will fall in love with it. If you are looking forward to experiencing a better JRPG on the future Nintendo Switch 2 platform, then the DQ series is definitely worth your attention.

Okay, that's it for today's review, I hope it helps everyone. I'm Awei, see you next time!