Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age are varied, showcasing a mix of positive and negative feedback. Many critics praised the game for its engaging narrative, well-defined characters, and emotional depth. CGMagazine highlighted the feel-good narrative with a tale of triumph over evils, while GameCritics mentioned the immersive and engaging main narrative with twists and turns that maintain player interest. Additionally, GameSpace appreciated the peak Yuji Horii fantasy writing with twists and turns, and GameGrin considered the story to be the best in the series, showcasing its originality and depth. On the other hand, some critics found fault in the story being predictable or generic. App Trigger and Metro GameCentral both mentioned that the story was standard and predictable, with little effort put into storytelling. IGN pointed out uneven story beats and some slow moments, while Slant Magazine criticized the uninteresting and intolerable characters. Additionally, Worth Playing highlighted the silent protagonist as forgettable, impacting the overall storytelling experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards the positive side, with many appreciating the engaging narrative, character development, and emotional moments present in Dragon Quest XI. Critics like Forbes, GameCrate, and GameSpace praised the well-done localization, engaging characters, and unique twists in the story. While there were criticisms regarding predictability and slow pacing from some reviewers, the majority of opinions point towards a well-crafted and enjoyable narrative experience that captures the essence of a traditional JRPG with its own unique spin. The game manages to balance familiar tropes with surprising elements, making it a compelling and memorable storytelling experience for fans of the genre.

The gameplay of Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age has received a mix of positive feedback from critics. Many reviewers appreciated the traditional turn-based combat system, character progression, and exploration elements. GamesBeat highlighted the streamlining of traditional gameplay elements, making it enjoyable to play, while Eurogamer Italy praised the strategic turn-based combat and character progression through equipment upgrades and forging mini-games. XGN and Digital Trends also commended the classic turn-based combat, character abilities, and engaging battles, with XGN noting that the game picks up and offers a rewarding experience for JRPG fans after a slow start. On the other hand, some critics expressed concerns about the lack of innovation and depth in the gameplay of Dragon Quest XI. App Trigger and New Game Network mentioned the lack of strategic depth and flawed skill system, respectively. BaziCenter criticized the slow combat that requires extensive leveling up to defeat certain bosses, while Slant Magazine pointed out the lack of innovation in the turn-based combat compared to other RPGs. Additionally, GameCrate mentioned that characters are less customizable compared to previous titles, and Worth Playing noted that the gameplay follows a predictable and standard JRPG formula. Overall, while some critics found the gameplay of Dragon Quest XI to be lacking in innovation and depth, the majority appreciated the traditional turn-based combat, character progression, and exploration aspects of the game. Critics like Eurogamer Italy, XGN, and Digital Trends highlighted the engaging battles and character abilities, contributing to a rewarding experience for fans of the genre. Despite some criticisms regarding the lack of innovation and predictability in the gameplay, the overall consensus among critics is that Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age offers a nostalgic and enjoyable JRPG experience with its classic mechanics and engaging combat system.

The majority of critics praised the Graphics and Visual Design of Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age, highlighting its stunning visuals, vibrant landscapes, and detailed character designs. Critics like CGMagazine and GameCrate commended the game for its meticulous attention to detail in character design and architecture, with GameCrate specifically mentioning the unique cel-shaded look and photorealistic environments. The use of Akira Toriyama's art style was widely appreciated, with critics such as COGconnected and GameSpace noting that it beautifully translated into the game, creating a visually stunning experience. The game's world was described as gorgeous, with diverse environments and whimsical character design that added charm and personality, as mentioned by GamingTrend and Gamer.nl. On the downside, a few critics like Game Informer felt that the graphics and visual design of Dragon Quest XI were not impressive and felt behind the times. They pointed out that the game did not offer anything groundbreaking in terms of visuals. Additionally, some critics, such as Video Chums, mentioned dated aspects like the menu system, which detracted from an otherwise visually stunning experience. Furthermore, GameStar, who played the game on PC, noted a noticeable quality difference between in-game graphics and pre-rendered cutscenes, which could potentially break immersion for some players. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age. The game was widely praised for its beautiful presentation, colorful and vibrant world, and faithful adaptation of Akira Toriyama's artwork. Critics appreciated the attention to detail, diverse environments, and character designs that brought the world of Erdrea to life. Despite a few criticisms regarding dated aspects and minor quality discrepancies, the general sentiment is that the game offers a visually stunning and immersive experience that captures the essence of the Dragon Quest series.

The Sound Design and Music of Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age received a mix of positive and negative feedback from critics. Several reviewers praised the sound design and music for enhancing the overall experience of the game. Critics like GameCrate and GamingTrend appreciated the fully voice-acted characters and how the soundtrack complemented the game's atmosphere and setting. Additionally, PlayStation Universe highlighted the exceptional sound work and character accents that added depth to the game. The captivating soundtrack by Koichi Sugiyama was also praised by Forbes and Hobby Consolas for enhancing the overall experience and staying true to the franchise's style. On the other hand, there were criticisms regarding the Sound Design and Music of Dragon Quest XI. Critics like App Trigger, CGMagazine, and Push Square expressed disappointment in the music, mentioning issues such as mediocrity, repetitive and synthesized tracks, and a lack of epic orchestral pieces. The use of MIDI tracks was a common point of contention, with critics like DarkStation and RPG Fan noting that it felt outdated and cheap. Some reviewers, such as Video Chums and USgamer, pointed out the lack of variety and modern orchestral samples in the soundtrack, which impacted the immersive experience of the game. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age leans towards a mixed reception. While some critics appreciated aspects like the voice acting, character accents, and the nostalgic feel of the classic soundtrack, others were critical of the repetitive nature of the music, the use of MIDI tracks, and the lack of orchestral pieces. Despite the divided opinions, it is evident that the sound design and music play a significant role in shaping the overall experience of the game, with some critics finding it to be a highlight while others felt it fell short of expectations.

The Voice Acting in Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age has received a lot of positive feedback from critics. CGMagazine, Digital Trends, Forbes, GameSpace, and Gamer.nl all praise the excellent quality of the voice acting, with standout performances and diverse accents enhancing the overall immersion and storytelling experience. GameSpew specifically mentions the distinct inflections and accents in different towns, adding depth to the game world. The addition of English voiceovers, as highlighted by Hobby Consolas and Multiplayer.it, is seen as a positive change that contributes to the game's localization and character development. On the flip side, some critics had mixed feelings about the Voice Acting in Dragon Quest XI. COGconnected and RPG Fan mention occasional cringey moments and varying quality in performances, with forced or awkward accents being a drawback for some. Metro GameCentral expresses dislike for the British accents, which they consider an acquired taste. IGN Italia notes the protagonist's silence as a unique aspect that enhances immersion but may not appeal to all players. Trusted Reviews points out that while the regional dialects add authenticity, the line delivery can be inconsistent and divisive among players. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the Voice Acting in Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age is a significant positive aspect of the game. The majority of reviewers appreciate the effort put into the English voicework, with many highlighting standout performances and diverse accents that bring the characters to life. While there are some criticisms regarding occasional cringey moments, forced accents, and inconsistent delivery, the general sentiment leans towards the voice acting enhancing the overall immersion and storytelling experience. As noted by GameCrate and Shacknews, the fully-voice-acted script and diverse character voices contribute to making Dragon Quest XI a more engaging and memorable gaming experience.

In terms of the technical performance on the PS4 platform, Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age received positive feedback from several critics. CGMagazine highlighted the game's fine-tuning for English-speaking audiences, including overhauled menus and new features like a dash button and camera mode, indicating good technical performance and stability. GameSpace praised the localization and overhaul for better navigation and PC compatibility, with support for UHD resolutions on PS4 and Steam, along with quality of life adjustments like skipping battle animations. Gaming Age also noted manageable loading times even on a standard PS4, showcasing the game's optimization for smoother gameplay experience. On the flip side, some negative aspects were pointed out by the critics regarding the PS4 version of Dragon Quest XI. Game Informer mentioned that some late bosses required grinding for success, and the distance between save points could be brutal, impacting the overall gameplay experience. Shacknews highlighted issues with sporadic save points causing inconvenience and inconsistency in their placement before major boss fights, which could be frustrating for players. Despite these drawbacks, GameSpew's review indicated no major technical issues or performance problems, suggesting that the game runs smoothly without significant stability concerns. Overall, the consensus among the critics regarding the technical performance of Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age on various platforms is predominantly positive. Critics like GamingTrend and God is a Geek praised the game for its smooth and efficient performance, with snappy responsiveness and well-designed UI and menus. While some minor issues were reported, such as occasional frame-rate hitching on the PS4 Pro by Gaming Nexus, the general sentiment leans towards a stable technical performance across platforms. IGN Spain and PlayStation Universe also noted minimal loading screens and stable performance, with only a few criticisms regarding dated menu systems and sporadic save points. In conclusion, the technical performance of Dragon Quest XI seems to have met the expectations of most critics, with minor hiccups here and there but overall delivering a solid gaming experience.

The Replay Value of Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age has received a mix of opinions from critics, with many highlighting the game's extensive content and various features that contribute to its replayability. Critics such as CGMagazine and GameCrate appreciate the inclusion of the 'Draconian Quest' mode, which adds an extra layer of challenge and depth to the gameplay experience. Additionally, features like side quests, hidden objectives, crafting mini-games, and post-game content provide ample opportunities for players to revisit the game and discover new elements with each playthrough. Digital Trends and Eurogamer Italy also commend the game for offering a substantial amount of content, with Eurogamer Italy specifically mentioning the Extreme Mission mode as a highlight that enhances replay value. On the flip side, some critics express concerns about certain aspects of the game that may impact its replayability. Game Informer criticizes the side content for being mostly tedious fetch quests, while GameSpot mentions the lack of a new game plus or DLC as a downside. These criticisms suggest that while Dragon Quest XI offers a wealth of content, some of it may not be as engaging or varied as desired for repeated playthroughs. Additionally, GameStar notes that the game's slow pacing in the beginning could potentially deter players from diving into multiple replays, as the initial experience may not hook them immediately. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age being a title with substantial replay value, thanks to its vast world to explore, engaging gameplay mechanics, and plethora of activities to engage with. Critics like GameSpace and GamingTrend highlight the game's post-game content and 'Draconian Challenges' as factors that encourage players to continue exploring the game even after completing the main story. While there are criticisms regarding certain repetitive elements and lack of specific features like new game plus, the overall sentiment is that Dragon Quest XI offers a rich and immersive experience that can keep players entertained for hours on end, making it a worthwhile investment for both fans of the genre and newcomers alike.