Coming from Gamescom 2019 in Cologne, Germany, Nintendo has posted a 35-minute video showing off the world of Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age - Definitive Edition featuring the game’s producer Hokuto Okamoto as well as series creator Yuji Horii.
The guided tour features various areas of the game's massive world, plus a look at the battle system and an extended preview of the 2D mode previously only available in the Japanese 3DS version of the game. The switch from 3D to 2D occurs around 22 minutes in if you fancy jumping to that in the video below - the exact process isn't shown, but we're told you must save and then begin a story chapter to access the classic 2D style. The 3DS game had both versions playing simultaneously on the two different screens, which obviously wasn't going to work with Switch, but we were hoping for the ability to switch instantly between the two. Oh well!
In the last five minutes of the video they also announce that a demo version of the game is available at this very moment on eShop. There's around ten hours of content included and progress will be transferable to the main game should you decide to dive in when it launches at the end of September.
The game is looking rather special, and the ability to switch from 3D to 2D is a massive nostalgia hit. Hopefully it will prove to truly be the definitive edition when it releases on Switch on 27th September. If nothing else, it's certain to walk the 'Longest Game Title' category when it comes to 2019 Game of the Year season.
We were surprised the video featured so much gameplay - we expected half its runtime to be taken up with the title. Are you excited for Dragon Quest XI: The Longest Game Name In The World Ever - Absolutely Definitely Definitive Edition? Are you downloading the demo as we speak? Let us know with a cheeky comment in the usual place.
Comments (121)
10 hours?? That's insane!
Awesome, I just got the demo downloading from the Nintendo UK website. And I'm already still very busy with Dragon Quest Builders 2!
10 hours is generous! I was going to buy it anyway
Excited to try it out, never played a DQ game before
I want to try it, but I have a PC. Why would I buy it on a handheld over PC?
Holy cow, a 10 hour demo?! Am I reading that correctly? Or was it a typo?
Haven't tried a JRPG in ages, might as well download it and have a dabble...
@LUIGITORNADO Can you carry your PC with you?
@Kalmaro Why would I need to? I'm not a toddler and don't need to play video games every time I leave the house.
@LUIGITORNADO ...You do realize that you just insulted everyone who plays on the Switch outside of their house or on their phone or used any handheld gaming system ever, right?
Cant tell if you're being serious.
@LUIGITORNADO I think you've stumbled onto the wrong website mate. But yes we are all very impressed with your powerful PC. Well done.
It just hit me. Does the UK get different games with demos than the US? I remember an article saying Ape Out had a demo out, but it took like a month for the US to get it after that article. Just curious
@Kalmaro I can hear the mob forming outside my door. Someone is asking around for lighter fluid. Whatever shall I do?
@LUIGITORNADO No one's coming after you, just don't expect anyone to take your opinions seriously for a while.
Aw yeah. I got a long way to go though. I'm only on 3 right now.
@Kalmaro At least the mob outside his door will be able to play Dragon Quest in handheld mode!
@Ooccoo_Jr Hahaha, too true. Apparently though, they will just be a bunch of toddlers. Only babies play games outside their home, right?
@LUIGITORNADO
Sounds like the switch is not for you.
Enjoy PC gaming. I do as well. If a game doesn't come out then you just don't get to play it. Same as it's always been.
@LUIGITORNADO Sorry to inform you that, as adults, we often lead busy lives and don't have the time to sit around playing games on a PC for hours. And some of us just genuinely prefer playing on handhelds over TV-tethered devices.
Anyway, to answer the question: there's a ton of added content.
https://gematsu.com/2019/06/dragon-quest-xi-s-list-of-additional-elements-and-improvements-dlc-voice-drama-and-more-detailed
Almost every aspect of the game has been touched up in addition to the added character stories, retro worlds, 2D mode, etc.
Is that worth losing out on the PC version's better performance? That's up to you.
@Miles_Edgeworth my reaction!
Then again the full is meant to have up to 100 hours of gameplay so that's basically 10% of the game.
But honestly there are shorter full game releases out there than this demo so i'm kind of happy???
Already have this preordered, but I'm very excited to get a start on this! 10 hours is awesome especially considering the other games coming out soon that I'll want to budget time for...a nice head start for sure.
So excited for the 2D mode!
Big fan of RPG's, this will be my first Dragon Quest, so excited about the game, I'll download the demo in the afternoon. 10 hours demo..., just wow!
@Ralizah It sounds like stuff that will be added as DLC or on a rerelease at a later time for the other platforms. I'm in no rush to purchase it, I'll wait.
@LUIGITORNADO no real reason if you have a PC. You also will save some cash.
You can play something else on the GO like Astral Chains that is only on Switch.
I have it on PC. Mostly because I was not waiting - but later loved the game so much I know I want to keep it forever. PC is the only format that will guarantee that. So glad I Did
But Whatever you decide... PLAY IT! (fantastic game)
@Agramonte I’m confused, what do you mean by PC is the only format that will let you keep it forever?
@LUIGITORNADO
Well from your posts you sound like a childish troll. Why is it all ways the ones that say there an adult are usually the most childish ?
@suikoden Everyone goes through that embarrassing phase where they try to look “mature.” For me it was M-rated games only and black coffee. It is very embarrassing to look back on
@Ralizah @Kalmaro If @LUIGITORNADO already spent the money on a gaming PC - obviously has the time to play at home.
The On the GO argument is irrelevant.
@Agramonte @Agramonte
You do know as unlikely as it sounds , steam etc could go bankrupt and as your games are all digital you would lose them!
Never understand the digital brigade, who think they will have there games for ever, nothing is for ever.
@Agramonte Yeah. Think I'll just wait for a steam sale. I got Fire Emblem and Astral Chain to play anyway.
And I do have time to play at home. I work second shift, so my mornings are pretty barren other than looking after my two dogs while my wife works as a teacher.
I haven't considered playing my Switch on my commute. Anyone try playing it while driving at 50mph on the highway? I could spend my lunch playing it, but again, I'm not a kid that needs to be gaming every time I have a moment of free time. And I usually spend that time doing computer training.
@LUIGITORNADO I played Dragon Quest at home on my PC and TORNA on the go on Switch last year when DQ first came out
I'll be playing Astral Chains on my Switch and CONTROL on my PC next week (Best of both worlds). Do not really play 1 game at a time anyway. I do not own a Switch because I can not play at home. I just always get something to play Nintendo games on.
I have a busy job. And I have HBO GO, CrunchyRoll, Audible and Spotify on top of my Switch to keep me entertained on my commute (I spend 1hr on the train or bad days - 6hrs on a plane 😣). So I get the point you making not always needing to game,... not sure about the "toddle" choice of words 😉
Oh, I just downloaded this game, and it seems doesn't have that difficulty settings like the one on Steam, right? I wonder if they would add in to the full version, or through an update eventually
@LUIGITORNADO this will be a bit of a lengthy response but that content is unlikely to ever come to PC simply because of game engine stuff.
PC/PS4 DQ11 was developed on an older version of the engine that didn't support Switch development yet at the time. To port the game to Switch required a newer version of the engine for which everything had to be basically remade/readapted which(despite being based on the same visuals) more or less functionally make the Switch version as close to a full blow remake of the 2017 Japanese PS4 and 2018 western PS4/PC versions as can be.
That means the later can't just "patch in" the newer content without basically porting the Switch version all over again to these other consoles because the newer content was made under the newer game engine rather than the old one which earlier versions's coding/etc used.
Add to the fact that being ported to the new engine was so it could release on Switch and that the Switch version is being published by Nintendo themselves in the west rather than Square Enix, it adds chances that the new content might even have been partly funded by Nintendo themselves to make up for how late they got the game on their console. So right there you may have financial-incentives ontop of the engine stuff behind this being Switch exclusives for the near future at the very least.
Also as to why playing this on an handheld rather than a PC... that is very much a market thing for jRPGs which was influenced by Japan but not exclusively so.
To put it simply: with long play-times running in the 50-100 hours the market(even if there are exceptions in individual players) for jRPGs(that is, beyond exceptions such as Final Fantasy and Persona) had been moving away from traditional home consoles for a long while. Simply said most players with the funds to keep up with that sort of games also lack the primary ressources to play them: time.
The transition to handheld thus happened a while back because devs noticed that the average people who used to play jRPGs at home hadn't moved away from RPGs as they got older. It's their context that did and they also realized that, when available, they still continued to play them.... on handheld, while commuting to work in public transports such as subway or public bus. Or during lunch breaks/etc.
Basically whenever they could find a bit of time thanks to handheld convenience since home life generally didn't leave them that much time to sit in front of an home console which probably further helped the primacy of games like shooters and such on home consoles since they required a much lower "time investment" from players.
We're seeing a slight resurgence of jRPGs on home console through stuff like Persona 5 but so far they're still primarily outliers rather than the norm. And there's still people, even ones with PS4, who're still hoping for Switch ports of stuff like Persona for the reasons stated above(not enough time to really sit down in front of PS4 but plenty of commuting to work/etc during which they can play on an handheld).
Now that was a bit of a tangent i'll admit but that was so I could explains why even plenty of working professionals might prefer the handheld editions of games even when they have the funds to play on a "bigger" console.
@yamato2706 well I doubt the demo would bother with the difficulty setting before the full version is released so this isn't surprising.
@suikoden Hardware makers have locked my games out more times than STEAM has gone bankrupt since I started playing games (And Ubisoft and Microsoft and Bethesda would also need to go bankrupt - I do not just buy on Steam)
I'll take my chances. Why I moved my FF and Resident Evil collection to PC.
They worked on my 6600GT in 2004 - they work on my 2080Ti in 2019... not buying the same games over and over.
Oh my, a 10-hour demo I'm downloading this now.
Downloaded and tried.
Wow. Just wow.
@the_beaver First impressions?
@Ludovsky Very well said.
I was about 35 hours into the game on PC. I'm excited to restart on Switch!
I've played a few minutes of the demo. From what I can tell it's pretty visually similar to what I experienced on PC, at least in handheld mode. I'm pleased.
Can't wait! Looks really good!
@LUIGITORNADO if you are not a kid that would play in your spare time.... When do you play? At work? Im thinking you are just trolling here. Do you even own a Switch? How is more convenient playing on a PC than on a dedicated little device that you can use anywhere in your home and outside?
@Kalmaro can't we all just take a minute to relish in the options the Switch gives us? You'll get no argument from me that games like The Witcher, Skyrim and Doom are probably best experienced elsewhere if you have that luxury, but for the rest of us the Switch really has been a revolution.
Incidentally I mostly play handheld mode even when I'm at home so it frees up the telly for my wife to watch whatever nonsense it is that she watches. Oh and Dragon Quest btw is perfect for handheld. It's the only way I will ever come close to finishing one of these giant JRPGS.
10 hours worth of content, eh? Gonna be helpful for an upcoming trip. I think I’ll get it physical after all is said and done.
10 hour long demo? can't be that long
@Miles_Edgeworth Right!? I wonder if that's through doing absolutely everything possible in the demo, still lots of stuff, and better than MGS V Ground Zeroes, haha.
@Ooccoo_Jr If I had the power, I'd port my entire library to the Switch right now.
For anyone who has yet to play this game you are in for an absolute treat to say the least. Such a beautiful game with amazing characters. I have only put about 20 hours in to the ps4 version before leaving it due to the switch announcement but I loved what I played of it.
I won't need a demo since I'm already sold on the game, but this is VERY generous and is a good way to rope in anyone who hasn't played a DQ game before and/or is on the fence about getting it.
Downloading now as I type, never played a DQ game before but heard so many good things about the series I’d be a fool not to try a free demo.
This will be my first DQ title, looks awesome.
10 hours long? Wow. Definitely downloading.
@Tedikuma I would say I'm impressed(and I am a little!) that it runs so well while still looking so good on Seirch but honestly I always felt the visual style used by DQ11 would be very optimization friendly because ultimately in its case it's use of bright but actually simple textures. A lot of the work of it's style is in the "color" textures rather than how they interact with their environments such as lightning effects/etc. And the coloring style they went for really holds up well to resolution downscale.
Even the models felt like they wouldn't need a ton of downscaling to be Switch friendly.
So I always felt they were indeed saying the truth when they said it was game enginee differences when porting the content to Switch that led to this late release than any difficulties getting the game to "run" performance wise. Because the whole thing always felt like it'd be very optimization friendly.
@Anri02 It looks and plays GREAT! Must have, as simple as that.
I tried docked and undocked, and both ways is amazing.
Why do people make such an effort to convince people that playing video games on the go isn't worth the hassle. Over 2 years after switch release people are still disappointed people choose to play games on a handheld over a more powerful machine.
I wonder if the progress will carry over if the full version you purchase is a different region than the demo? I'm probably a weird case. I'll be downloading the demo on my US account, but preordered a European retail copy because I could get it quite a bit cheaper. Hopefully they play nice together. I thought I read that things like DLC need to be purchased and downloaded from the same region that the game card is from. If so, I guess I'll have to make a European shell account to go along with my Japanese one.
Why are y’all feeding the trolls
Looks and plays great on Switch. But having invested more than 150 hours in the PS4 original, I’m not sure if I should double dip - also, since I mostly play my Switch at home/docked.
Why even arguing over different taste? To each their own. Even though I don’t play a lot in portable mode, it’s nice that people get the opportunity to play that great game on the go. More options = always better.
@DaWizerd Free entertainment
A big demo, thank you Square Enix! Downloading now to my Switch.
I’ve got to stay away from the demo. I cancelled my preorder for it just because there is way too much in my Switch backlog. Heck of a problem to have from the Wii U days.
Oh no I want to play a game when and how I want, somebody better stop me!
@tzahn iirc when they originally localized it on PS4 it was bbei much for all region.
Basically: your console current selected language option is what determine the language of the text when you're playing. English is the default but half a dozen languages are also supported.
Voice acting is always English though, with only japanese added as another option with the Switch version of the game(the original 2017 japanese edition of the game didn't even have any voice acting so that's actually a new feature).
This make me feel this is very much a "worldwide" release for what concern ...the Switch edition here thus you should not run into any issues.
Regarding the written text though, it was fun as a bilingual person to see that puns-based humor of the game was kept in both the english and french localizations even if the subjects of the puns are different based on the versions... so that they can use them with those monsters/etc that land themselves the best to funnier puns specifically for each localization. Thus the french version lacks puns in some places where there were good ones in english but introduced many good ones in areas it would have been harder to make such puns in the english version.
I can't find the Demo on the NA eShop. Do I have to preorder the game first to access it? I did a search and only the preorder came up.
@Tasuki Check your news, it should link to it right there. If not, go to the eshop, search for Dragon Quest, then download the demo from there.
@Tasuki you can download it from the preorder page.
It's an additional button just under the one for pre-ordering so you can download it without buying the game.
A lot of demos are handled like that with a download button on the game's store page itself rather than a separate store page for the demo like it was done for Octopath Traveler originally.
@TheLightSpirit https://gematsu.com/2019/06/dragon-quest-xi-s-list-of-additional-elements-and-improvements-dlc-voice-drama-and-more-detailed
Okau, playing the demo now and it is FABULOUS!!! It's so pretty and magical and special and... Well, go play it and find out! I highly recommend this!!!
This Switch version of the game is the best one, with new features the other versions don't have.
I think this is the simplest and most relevant answer to trolls who come here asking why they should buy this game on a console whose brand is half the name of this website...
Wow, I'm trying it out now. And it is very blurry and pixelated. The MC's face gets very pixelated to the point he almost looks like squall did in ff8 lol. And some things pop in and fade out it's a little irksome. At least textures don't take forever to come in like in XC2. I'll just wait a while to see if this extra content comes to other platforms, afterall they haven't downright denied this come with them saying they are undecided at the moment. But if not guess I'll have no choice but to deal with these issues and buy it on switch.
@Anri02 I did that and nothing
@Tasuki Weird. Should be an option to download the demo from the storepage
@DaWizerd That's what I was thinking.
@TheLightSpirit Well for one a bunch of content was added in the Switch version.
And as the Switch version had to be made under a new engine version(...the version used to make the PS4 version didn't support Switch development and the one that did only released just before the 2017 japanese PS4 release which is why we're getting the Switch version only now ) that content is unlikely to ever hit the PS4 and PC versions which were made with an older engine(this functionally make the Switch port almost less of a port and close to a remake proper).
Notably, if I recall will, this will apparently include new shiort chapters where you will play from the view points of your many different companions for an even more personal look where you will play as them to see at what they were up to in the period that passed between the end of Act 1 and the start of Act 2 if the game if I recall well.
There's also a lot of content(thanks to the 2D mode) that was originally exclusive to the japanese 3DS release that will now be available to the west for the first time. This notably include a series of side quests letting you visit scenes and locations of older games in the franchise... a feature that the PS4/PC version never got.
And that's not mentioning a lot of other scenes/etc that were apparently added iirc to specifically make the Switch version a "definitive" edition of the game.
Oh, and the Switch version gets the option to choose between an orchestral or synthecized soundtrack whereas PC/PS4 only has the synthesized music.
Again since the Switch version had to be made using a newer engine version... short of SE being generous and somehow porting all the PS4 graphics into the new engine as well(and updating all the Switch stuff to PS4- level graphics) it's very unlikely this new content will ever hit consoles others than the Switch even as DLC since the engine change would mean the download in itself would be comparable to having to download the entire game all over.
So basically getting the Switch version hinges on 'Do you like DQXI and wanted more content and gameplay from it?" or if you're okay doing without that content(which due to engine versions constraints might force that content to always be Switch-exclusive).
Honestly it sounds like there's so much that got added I wouldn't be surprised if Nintendo had pitched in some of their own money for this(especially since they will be the acting publisher for the game in the west... which might further explains why we just got a whopping 10 hours demo apparently)
I cannot wait to download the demo!! So excited!
@Judal27 really blurry? I have heard it was a magnificient port
@BlackenedHalo I'd imagine it's going to differ from person to person. There are people that are saying they had some framedrops but I haven't experienced that, yet at least. So far it plays really good but looks really ugly to me.
Also, I just never liked the blurriness of these switch ports. People like the Bethesda ports but I find them very blurry.
So glad I mostly waited! (Already own 3ds version)
The original was a 30fps 1700p PS4 UA4 game so I expected this to be garbage. Well it turned out pretty well. It's a very solid 30fps so far with nice even frame pacing, and visually it's fairly close to the PS4 original, albeit at 720p and with very noticeable draw in on grass, trees, and NPCs. It's low resolution for sure, but better looking than the lumpen, jaggy, spluttery mess that is Fire Emblem.
The real win for me is the audio. Whilst it's annoyingly not in 5.1 the upgraded music is a game changer. The PS4's music was so terrible it ruined the game for me, plus there was no voice acting. The Switch version has an orchestral score played by the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra and a fair amount of VO.
The addition of the 2D mode (which isn't in the demo unfortunately) is a nice bonus.
It does however look seriously fuzzy in handheld mode. This is one for docked play.
@Judal27 May I ask if you play on a monitor or TV? I’ve also experienced a very pixelated look while the camera was zoomed out (especially the heroe’s face, couldn’t recognize it anymore) while having the Switch hooked on my 22” Iiyama monitor, only supporting 1080p without any kind of hardware upscaling. On my Panasonic 40” 4K (with hardware upscaling) the game looks way better. Blurry, still, yes, but the pixelation is reduced.
Another great game I wouldn't have time to play if it wasn't on Switch. As a huge Dragon Quest fan, I'm very excited about finally getting a chance to enjoy this game.
I can't wait for the demo to finish downloading.
For those arguing against handheld play, it's not just handheld that Switch does well. It's also easy to play on more than one TV/monitor. I have two docks. One that stays home and one that travels with me. It's really nice starting a game at home, taking it with me in handheld, and easily hooking it up to another monitor. All without interrupting the game. I could never do that with a traditional home console. No matter how you like to play Switch, its versatility is only a good thing.
Removed
Im about to waste so much time on this demo....
Everyone hit ignore on New-Moonbeam
@BlackenedHalo It's an excellent port, much better than I expected. Yes it's blurry, especially in handheld, but other than that, it's very impressive and a solid 30fps.
I'm really hyped for this game. I've been so tempted to get it on PC, but managed to hold out for Switch.
I'm not going to get the demo yet, only because I know it'll just a be massive tease knowing I have a bit to go before the full release. And I've seen enough that I know I'm getting this game regardless.
As a side note, y'all need to stop feeding trolls. That one comment was clearly only made to troll for reactions and unfortunately it worked.
I'm so buying this game that I don't need a demo LOL
@Lando_ No monitor, unfortunately. Just a regular old flat screen TV. But I'm not sure what kind. I figured I'd have to upgrade if I want to make it look as clear as possible but it's kinda annoying especially since I don't have to do this with my PS4.
@Judal27 honestly it's unknown if the content will come to other platforms and perhaps the biggest hurdle is a simple one. In fact it's the same one behind the reason we didn't get a Switch port at the same time than the other versions: game engine.
PS4/PC versions were made under an older version of the game engine that didn't support Switch development yet.
Meanwhile all the new content was, afaik, made under the newer version of the engine that does support Switch development.
Therefore to port this content to other versions of the game wouldn't just mean updating the content to PS4- level graphics but also to update the coding of these versions of the game to the newer engine altogether.
At this rate we're talking less DLC and more an additional "definitive" edition of the game so we're talking about a full release again.
Therein lies the problem. For the Switch this is the first time DQ11 is getting released. Even in Japan.
For PS4/PC, a full release already existed. And such things rarely sell more than the previous release(except something like the Switch where it is the first time it's hitting the console AND get that new content) so there's going to be a lot of "will it be worth the effort?" anyway.
And there's the fact that this version iitt's currently being published by Nintendo. You could argue that Dragon Quest XI(and DQ in general) is now being brought in the spotlight again because Nintendo themselves are investing a lot in promoting the franchise right now in the west.
We're not just talking Dragon Quest Builders 2 and Dragon Quest XIS being featured in Nintendo Direct but also Hero in Smash then the very first Smash online tourney being "heroes vs villains" with Dragon Quest XI's hero at the very center of the promotional image, a lot of DQ11S video presentations and now a 10 hours demo whose progress will carry in the full game next month which was something I hadn't before for any game prior(most cap at 2 hours and many at a measly 30 minutes).
For SE to let Nintendo potentially put their franchise on the map in the west and then turn around to just give that extra stuff as if nothing happened would be a move that could come with consequences if they're not careful with timing/etc and some stuff might get nixed in such eventual ports so Nintendo retain something exclusive "since the other versions will have the enhanced graphics" and such.
So even if it happens I could imagine not just 2D mode getting nixed but also stuff like the sidequests letting you revisit locations from the older games among other things.
Which kind of bring it back to square A of "would it really make sense to release the game again as yet another version?"
Like (some of) the content might hit the other consoles some day but I don't expect it to happen until yet another year has passed(by which point that new version might as well be a PS5 game release rather than PS4) and potentially with still some content being cut out.
The music improvements are insane. Played 40 hours on PS4 and holy hell the improvements in this demo alone in terms of QOL. Got the full game pre-loaded now too.
Wow 10h demo verry Nice going to get it annyway haha
@Sakisa honestly while the ps4 has prettier graphics it's mainly in its management of LoD over distances(le breath of the wild, DQXI has a very noticeable LoD transition when you move but again having played BotW I expected that) but otherwise i'm surprised by how much was instead retained .
But honestly even if the PS4 edition has prettier graphics, the soundtrack make the Switch edition. So. Much. More. Easy to play at length for me.
I love dragon quest games as ones I can play in the background for hours while i'm working on art commissions but the DQ11 soundtrack was such a bad one in synthecized form that it was the first time I would sometime find myself switching to anything else because the overworld theme was so bad? And the battle theme too.
The orchestral version make this game infinitely more playable for me because of this reason alone honestly.
And we're getting what seem like tons of bonus content to boot which just make the whole deal even more awesome.
@Judal27 Unfortunately, I cannot guarantee that an improvement will be visible by using a modern TV. I can only speak from my own experiences, that the Switch looks much more pixelated on older devices, as on new. I am an absolute technology newbie. I was told by a professional, that new devices use hardware upscaling for lower resolutions. Somebody with more tech-affinity can certainly explain that better.
The game jam packed with new content, so much so that it would take like 200 lines to list everything. Orchestral soundtrack, 3x battle speed, full 2D retro mode for the entire game, all 10 previous DQ games being recreated with their own quests, photo mode, transmog costumes, new dialog, EN/JP voice options, dash option, calling horse anytime, quick gathering, forging anywhere, etc etc etc. It’s crazy how much they’ve added.
Downloading as we speak. Also have the special edition DQ Switch preordered (with double battery life, yes it’s the new model) and the DQ slime controller for Switch.
This is mega hype!
@LUIGITORNADO I’m picturing a quick time event unfolding...
Dragon Quest is no stranger to long names. Case in point: Dragon Quest Heroes The World Trees Woe and The Blight Below.
I'm so happy to see Dragon Quest back on a Nintendo system. DQXI was my favourite game of 2018 and I loved every minute of playing it. I'm mainly gonna focus on the new content and 16bit elements of this version but I'll happily be the Luminary again. As others have stated, a 10 hour demo is incredible. If you aren't hooked after that, the game isn't for you!
I've got the game and limited system pre-ordered. I'm a wee bit excited haha.
@HexagonSun honestly the multiple monitor thing is a big one for me.
Like even compared to other consoles like my old Wii it annoys me that I can't just press the power button with my PS4 and call it a day. I have to go to a menu to tell it that yes I want to shut it down and not just put it to sleep and even then the full shutdown itself takes more time than I'd like before I can "safely" disconnect my PS4 so i can finally move it to the other TV.
With the Switch I bypass this whole deal. Even with just a single dock, the dock itself is a joke to relocate with how small it is.
@Nintendofan83 honestly it's not just that it's a 10 hours demo. They could have said 10 hours demo "if you do sidequests and search hidden items/etc" while representing a much smaller chunk of the game.
It's that it seem like it's a 10 hours demo of the story itself. Like... not just getting to Heliodor or escaping the prison but apparently literally all the way to the door of departure(and this include the manglegrove and the dungeon before that) and some even make it sounds like it would be "just before Gallopolis" ... which would be impressive since that may means Hotto, Serena and the associated dungeon and boss would also be covered.
And am suspicious point to cap of the demo because that means facing Jarvis and just starting to get a glimpse at what may be going on in term of plot but still having to wait until the full version to find out.
A demo with transferable progress to the main game?! Well, sign me right up!
Downloaded and started, as this was the next game on my to purchase list. 10 hours is about the time it takes to complete the original Dragon Quest/Warrior.
I'm playing it on a 55" tv and it is freaking gorgeous. Maybe my video expectations are lower, but it's truly lovely. I like the brighter picture better than the washed out colours in BotW.
The orchestrated soundtrack is great, too.
The joy of meeting people then going into their home to smash the crockery...sigh.
@Ludovsky I know it's not a guaranteed thing and I'm definitely expecting it to release in 1 to 2 years time if ever at all. But the possibility is most certainly still there based on Square's own words. They could have said the usual "we currently have no plans" and that would have easily spelled out not coming. But they said they were currently undecided. The fact that they even have a choice to decide tells me they can definitely bring this stuff over despite being published by Ninty here. But of course, there is also the possibility that they have already come to a decision to not bring it over and have yet to tell us. Either way I'm still going to wait for a definite answer cause I really would like to experience this game in the best possible form.
@Judal27 the big question will be if Nintendo put any of their own money in the content for this version since it's a Switch exclusive at the end of the day. If it's all SE's money then the bets are off but if Nintendo invested directly any ressources that might become much harder.
I made sure to download the demo when I revved up Overwatch, so that long download could, swell, download! Will play after some Z's are caught!
Also @New-Moonbeam, Please don't post spoilers like that out in the open. While this may be an enhanced port of a game from a few years back, there are also those who will experience this adventure for the first time on the Switch version (myself included).
@BlackenedHalo ignore the troll. It looks great and runs great. My only complaint so far is that it pushes the switch really hard on heating in docked mode (did not have issues in handheld but have not played for very long that way)
I was absolutely sold on this game already, when I heard about I ran home do download it and put 3h+ into it until I got the logo screen lol and I assumed it was over for the demo. After all it still has a lot to give!! Loving it. It looks great. I saw some comparisons with PS4 and can't tell the difference in textures.
@LUIGITORNADO Nice narrow-minded view you've got there.
So looking forward to this game. Got done with BotW (twice), XC 2, Torna, Vesperia, and Let's Go Pikachu. Now I need another JRPG!
I've been a long time lurker on this site. Seems like a great community so I've finally decided to actually start actively commenting since making my profile nearly a year ago haha
So I'm super interested in Dragon Quest 11 - I've played many JRPGs in the past, mostly the Final Fantasy series, but I've never played a Dragon Quest game. I'm pretty much sold on this game already, and it's looking like the Switch version improves on/solves many of the main gripes and problems I've seen people having with the previous versions of the game.
I have a couple of questions though, if anyone is able to help:
Would people recommend this is worthy of playing asap and prioritising? Like I said, the game looks fantastic and I'm pretty much sold on getting it, I'm just thinking where to put it in my play order haha
Does the combat get deeper after many hours?
Last turned-based RPG (Edit: Guess that’s not even an RPG lol) I played was Pokemon on GBA so I’m not fond of the genre per se, yet, I find this game quite interesting as I’m 2h in the demo.
Let the grind begin!
@WiltonRoots I remember the final fantasy 8 demo on ps1 and was a decent length but 10 hours is good and would want the game if any good after that effort. Good stuff hope its good. Never played dragon q before
@Barbara001 I want to try this demo and 10 hours is pretty good. Need time more time 😊👆
@ryobi85 Neither have I, it looks like a lot of game for your buck...I'm intrigued.
@Nintendofan83 Weren't all the mainline series, except X, eventually released on a Nintendo system of some sort in the West?
@Ludovsky That's the thing though. Why is it a rumour? I don't think any company including Ninty have had an issue with a statement being made on whether they helped fund a project or not. Like with Bayonetta 2 and 3. They could have said whether Ninty helped with funds on this version the moment they were asked if the extra content is going to other platforms.
Just wondering how the demo ends? Can I avoid the trigger of the end of demo and just spend time levelling up and exploring?Don't want to start and then have a 4 week gap to continue.
@Cotillion they were but a lot of the side games are still missing. Like ever since DQM-Joker 2 two entire console generations ago there hasn't been a single Dragon Quest Monsters games in the west. We missed not just on Monsters Joker 3, but plenty of remakes of the older games too.
There's some hopes that Builders success as a side game might lead to the next DQM game coming to Switch to one that would finally come westward again but honestly it's all up in the air.
We didn't even know if 11 S would even come west until it's localization got even confirmed since until then only the Japanese release was known of.
It's even a wonder it's release will be simultaneous worldwide at this rate.
@Duncanballs ...the trigger to the end of the demo is a specific land transition point so you're safe there as iirc all they do is preventing you to travel further.
But by that point you'll have added three characters to your party to give you an idea. So literally half of Act 1's recruitable cast
@Ludovsky thanks for this. I was about 20 hours in on the PC version and stopped when it was confirmed as coming to the Switch. Been really looking forward to restarting but didn't want to if it suddenly stopped and I had to wait a few weeks to continue. Thanks again, I now know I can start and kill time messing about until the full game unlocks.
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