Critics received the original Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age warmly: its PS4 Metascore is 86/100, based on 93 critic reviews. Reviewers praised its story, characters and classic JRPG approach, while noting that players who want a job system or extensive party-build control may find its customization limited. The later Switch release, Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition, has a separate critic score and should not be treated as the same release.
How critics scored the original Dragon Quest XI
Metacritic’s PS4 page for the original game shows an 86 Metascore, labeled “Generally Favorable,” from 93 critic reviews: 80 positive (93%), six mixed (7%) and zero negative. This is the aggregate displayed on that platform page, not a universal score for every version. See the PS4 critic reviews on Metacritic.
GameSpot lists a score of 9 for the role-playing game. The original PS4 release date was September 4, 2018, and the official US PlayStation Store listing names Square Enix as publisher. GameSpot’s game listing · Official US PlayStation Store listing.
What reviewers liked
Review excerpts on Metacritic highlight the game’s traditional JRPG structure, story, characters and colorful world. Twinfinite described it as a large-scale RPG that keeps players invested in its story and characters, and praised its world and series humor. The review also saw it as approachable for newcomers while retaining depth for long-time fans. Metacritic’s PS4 review excerpts.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →#1 Best Overall
- Enjoy the massive content of the base game plus new character specific scenarios, which offer the possibility to learn more about some of your favourite companions.
- play as you want, Switch between 3D HD or 2D 16 bit modes, original soundtrack or Orchestral version of the music, and English or Japanese audio.
- dive into the 16 bit world of tickington An additional side quests area that see You journeying to past Dragon quest worlds reimagined in retro style.
- speed up battle by X2 and X4, ride new mountable monsters and attack with them on the field to earn experience points
- Spice up the adventure with new three draconian quest settings such as 'Super shypox', 'townsfolk talk tripe', or 'party wiped out if protagonist perishes'..immortalise your adventure with the Photo mode, pose each of the characters and snap some pictures with the beautifully designed world of erdrea in the background
Twinfinite’s August 28, 2018 review put that accessibility-and-depth balance this way: “The game can function as a great JRPG for newcomers, but there’s still enough depth to appease longtime fans.”
Where the original may not suit every player
The main qualification in the cited excerpts concerns party customization. USgamer noted that fans of Dragon Quest VIII might enjoy XI’s character-driven story and skill system, but some players could miss a job system or other ways to fine-tune the party. That is a caveat for players who prioritize build variety, rather than evidence of broad critical disapproval.
Rank #2
- Unravel an epic mystery in a riveting tale
- Assemble a Colorful Cast of Loyal Companions
- Explore a beautiful, living world
- Engage in classic battles with a modern twist
- Have some fun & save the world;Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) Content Description: Crude humor, fantasy violence, mild blood, simulated gambling, suggestive themes, use of alcohol
How Dragon Quest XI S differs in critic-score coverage
Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition is a distinct release. Metacritic’s Switch page for S shows a 91 Metascore, labeled “Universal Acclaim,” from 51 critic reviews: 49 positive (98%), one mixed (2%) and zero negative. The page’s excerpts praise added content and quality-of-life improvements. See the Switch S critic reviews on Metacritic.
That 91 is for the Switch S edition’s review page; it is not a revised score for the original PS4 release. Some reviewers also cautioned that the additions may not justify another full-price purchase for someone who had already completed the original. Whether S is worthwhile in that situation depends on how much the added content and improvements matter to that player.
Recommended Free Tools
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Build a variety of unique tools from materials you gather, and rebuild towns and cities to restore life to the shattered world of Alefgard
- An intuitive control system will have you building the towers and castles of your dreams in no time
- Play your own way an immersive DRAGON QUEST story and world to explore, combined with the freedom of sandbox gameplay, provides a new and exciting, family friendly experience
- Battle with famous monsters from the DRAGON QUEST series and interact with gorgeously designed 3D characters
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
