Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age

The main pros of the game

• Engaging Story and Characters: Many users praised the game's story, describing it as deep and filled with twists. The characters are well-developed and charming, contributing to an emotional experience.
• Visuals and Art Style: The graphics are considered impressive for a game released in 2017, with a beautiful art style that captures the essence of classic JRPGs.
• Classic Turn-Based Combat: The turn-based combat system is well-received, offering strategic depth without being overly punishing.
• Nostalgic Experience: Long-time fans of the Dragon Quest series found the game to evoke a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of previous titles in the franchise.
• Content Richness: Players noted the game offers a substantial amount of content, with many hours of gameplay, side quests, and exploration.

The main cons of the game

• Upgrade Issues: A significant number of users expressed frustration over the lack of an upgrade path to the Definitive Edition, feeling scammed for purchasing this version without a discount or upgrade option.
• Repetitive Gameplay Elements: Some reviews mentioned that the game features a lack of enemy variety and repetitive quests, which can diminish the overall experience.
• Second Act Issues: Several players criticized the pacing and story development in the second act, describing it as filler and poorly written, leading to a feeling of frustration.
• Crafting and Skill Systems: Users found the crafting system to be tedious and the skill system lacking in depth, which detracted from the overall gameplay experience.
• Musical Composition: While some enjoyed the music, others felt it was limited and did not fit the narrative well, with tracks becoming repetitive.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

• Upgrade Options for Existing Owners: Users wanted a way to upgrade from the Digital Edition of Light to the Definitive Edition without having to repurchase the game.
• More Varied Side Quests: There was a desire for more creativity and inspiration in side quests, as some were seen as uninspired or overly simplistic.
• Improved Combat Mechanics: Some players suggested that the combat system could benefit from additional tactical elements, such as clearer turn orders for characters and enemies.
• Enhanced Crafting System: Users called for a more engaging crafting system, as the current one was seen as slow and tedious.
• Character Customization: There were mentions of a desire for more flexibility in character appearances and customization options beyond equipping specific armor sets.

Summary

• Overall, while DRAGON QUEST® XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age™ is celebrated for its nostalgic charm, engaging story, and beautiful visuals, it faces criticism primarily related to its upgrade policies, repetitive gameplay elements, and certain design choices.

Summary generated on: November 17, 2025