About

Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age is a JRPG developed and published by Square Enix. Originally released in 2017 in Japan and 2018 worldwide, the Definitive Edition for Switch arrived in 2019 with additional content. Players follow the Luminary, a young hero who discovers he is the reincarnation of a legendary figure, on an epic journey across the vast world of Erdrea. The game features classic turn-based combat with modernized quality-of-life improvements, a memorable cast of party members, and a gorgeous cel-shaded art style. The Definitive Edition includes a full 2D retro mode, orchestral soundtrack, and additional story content. With a Metacritic score of 92 for the Definitive Edition, it is considered one of the finest JRPGs of its generation and a perfect entry point to the Dragon Quest series.

RPG Games

Dragon Quest XI is a masterful JRPG featuring classic turn-based combat, a sweeping story across a beautiful world, and the Definitive Edition's full 2D retro mode.

Game Details

Platforms PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Genre JRPG
Developer Square Enix
Released 2017
Critic Score 92/100
Multiplayer No
Cross-Platform No
Game Engine Unreal Engine 4
Microtransactions No
4.5
1 reviews
Claude Opus 4.6
AI Review
4.5/5

Dragon Quest XI is a masterful demonstration that traditional JRPG design, when executed with polish and care, needs no reinvention. The Definitive Edition is the complete package — the optional orchestral soundtrack, 2D retro mode, and additional story content make it one of the most generous RPG releases in recent memory. The party members are exceptionally well-written, with Sylvando standing out as one of the most endearing characters in the genre. The turn-based combat is traditional but refined, with enough tactical depth to remain engaging across the lengthy campaign. The cel-shaded art style by Akira Toriyama gives the world a timeless quality. The post-game content adds a substantial second act that recontextualizes the entire story. Where it stumbles slightly is in pacing — some middle chapters drag, and the encounter rate can feel high. The silent protagonist is a genre convention that feels increasingly dated. But as an entry point to JRPGs or a comfort-food experience for veterans, Dragon Quest XI is nearly peerless.

Feb 22, 2026
Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age Screenshot

Added: Feb 19, 2026

square-enix.com/dragonquest/xi