A JRPG Masterpiece

*NO SPOILERS*

The title of this review pretty much summarises Dragon Quest XI: Echos of an Elusive Age. A game that has taken the core of the Dragon Quest series from the last three decades and has refined it into a beautiful and immensely fun experience that will truly stand the test of time.

The game starts much like you'd expect, not knowing much about your character or your role in this expansive world. As you explore and follow your set goals, you'll slowly start understanding more about who you are and start discovering more of the huge Erdrea.

The music is as you'd expect from a Dragon Quest title, and with over 30 hours in 3 days of the game being released, I can tell you know that I still hum along to each tune and it doesn't get old, trust me.

The combat system is back and it's better than ever, too. You have two options to choose from, a free-cam experience and a fixed-cam experience. The two are fairly self explanatory. The prior allows your active character to roam around the battlefield and look from any angle as you choose your turn, the latter keeps you in a fixed position and gives you a more cinematic approach to watching the battle unfold. Neither grants you any specific tactical advantage as moving in the battlefield does not allow you to hit more enemies or dodge enemy attacks.

The characters are amazing and, quite frankly, awesome. I'm loving getting to know them and I can't wait to see more of their personalities unfold the closer I get to finishing the game. If I had to have a favourite so far though? It'd have to be Sylvando!

Overall, this game is spectacular. It's one that I've poured many, many hours into exploring the vibrant world and I can see myself doing so for many, many more hours to come.

If you have any hesitation, don't. This game is worth every penny.

A JRPG Masterpiece *NO SPOILERS* The title of this review pretty much summarises Dragon Quest XI: Echos of an Elusive Age. A game that has taken the core of the Dragon Quest series from the last three decades and has refined it into a beautiful and immensely fun experience that will truly stand the test of time. The game starts much like you'd expect, not knowing much about your character or your role in this expansive world. As you explore and follow your set goals, you'll slowly start understanding more about who you are and start discovering more of the huge Erdrea. The music is as you'd expect from a Dragon Quest title, and with over 30 hours in 3 days of the game being released, I can tell you know that I still hum along to each tune and it doesn't get old, trust me. The combat system is back and it's better than ever, too. You have two options to choose from, a free-cam experience and a fixed-cam experience. The two are fairly self explanatory. The prior allows your active character to roam around the battlefield and look from any angle as you choose your turn, the latter keeps you in a fixed position and gives you a more cinematic approach to watching the battle unfold. Neither grants you any specific tactical advantage as moving in the battlefield does not allow you to hit more enemies or dodge enemy attacks. The characters are amazing and, quite frankly, awesome. I'm loving getting to know them and I can't wait to see more of their personalities unfold the closer I get to finishing the game. If I had to have a favourite so far though? It'd have to be Sylvando! Overall, this game is spectacular. It's one that I've poured many, many hours into exploring the vibrant world and I can see myself doing so for many, many more hours to come. If you have any hesitation, don't. This game is worth every penny.