Introduction
Basic information
- Developer Name: Square Enix
- Full Name: Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age
- Release Date: September 4, 2018
- Released on: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, PC
- Cross Play: No
Initial thoughts
My wife, who loves old-school games, was drawn to the 2D mode of Dragon Quest 11, and I have to say, this was an excellent way to experience the game. It felt like a nostalgic throwback to classic JRPGs, with simple but engaging gameplay and a charming, pixelated world that brought back memories of the golden era of 16-bit RPGs.
Story and setting
Plot overview
The story of Dragon Quest 11 is classic JRPG fare: you play as the Luminary, destined to save the world from an ancient evil. In 2D mode, the story feels even more impactful, as it evokes the storytelling style of old JRPGs, where your imagination filled in the gaps of the simple visuals.
World building and immersion
The 2D world may lack the sprawling, detailed environments of 3D mode, but the pixel art brings a nostalgic charm. Each town, dungeon, and field map is crafted with care, pulling you into a world that feels both familiar and fresh.
Character development
Character development is strong, with each party member having their own story arc that complements the overall narrative. In 2D mode, the focus on story and gameplay over flashy graphics makes the character interactions feel more personal.
Emotional impact
Playing through the 2D version enhances the emotional impact of the story, as it strips away the distractions of high-end graphics and lets you focus on the narrative and characters.
Rating for story and setting
I have visited multiple aspects of the story and after some thought and objective thinking, I rated the story and setting with an 9
The world building feels perfect in 2D mode, the hero does not talk as much, but in 2D it feels justified.
Gameplay and mechanics
Core gameplay mechanics
The core gameplay in 2D mode is straightforward but effective. Turn-based combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving all feel tight and responsive. The simplicity of the mechanics fits perfectly with the retro style of the game.
Difficulty and balance
The game’s difficulty is well-balanced in 2D mode, offering enough challenge to keep you engaged but never feeling too overwhelming. The battles feel quicker and more streamlined than in the 3D version.
Pacing of the game
The pacing in 2D mode is excellent. Without long cutscenes or excessive traversal, you can focus on the action and story without feeling bogged down. Everything flows smoothly, and the game feels less drawn out.
Innovation and uniqueness
While 2D mode isn’t necessarily innovative, its uniqueness lies in its ability to recreate a classic JRPG experience within a modern game. The seamless blend of old and new makes it a standout feature.
Controls and user interface
The controls are intuitive and work perfectly in 2D mode. Navigating through the menus and exploring the world is smooth and simple.
Microtransactions
There are no microtransactions in Dragon Quest 11.
Rating
After combing through many of the mechanics, the pacing and other factors of this game, I rated the gameplay and mechanics with an 8.5
A 2D game in this era can be challenging to create and polish it into the right way.
Graphics and art style
Quality of graphics and art direction
The pixel art is beautifully done, capturing the essence of classic RPGs while still feeling fresh. Each area feels distinct and is crafted with attention to detail. It’s simple, but the 2D mode’s charm comes from its retro aesthetic.
Technical performances
The game performs flawlessly in 2D mode, with no noticeable frame drops or technical issues. It’s optimized for a smooth, enjoyable experience.
Environment and design uniqueness
The environments, while simpler than in 3D mode, feel more vibrant in their own way. Each town and dungeon is carefully crafted, and the retro aesthetic makes exploration more enjoyable.
Rating
It took me some time to give the graphics and art style an objective rating. There are many things to consider, but ultimately, I rated this section with an 8.0
The environment seems to be crafted with a lot of care, each part of the world feels very distinct. Even the color swapped enemies just seem like different species, which is something I rather have pop in my mind compared to, another color swap.
Sound and music
Music score and how it contributed to the game
The soundtracks do an impressive job of creating the atmosphere. Both my wife and I enjoyed the atmosphere it created in varying scenes.
Sound effects quality
The sound effects fit the retro vibe of the 2D mode, adding to the overall charm without being overly flashy.
Voice Acting
While the 2D mode lacks voice acting, it doesn’t feel like a loss. The nostalgic, text-based dialogue fits the style of the game perfectly.
Rating
After a lot of consideration, I rated the sound and music section with a 7.5
The hero not talking since it is in 2D feels very natural, which I liked a lot.
Replayability
Game Length and content volume
The game offers a full-length JRPG experience, and the 2D mode makes it feel like you’re playing a classic that you could easily revisit.
Extra Content
There’s plenty of side content, from quests to hidden areas, that will keep you busy even after completing the main story. The simplicity of the 2D mode makes replaying the game feel less tedious.
Replay value
The 2D mode has higher replay value than the 3D mode, as it offers a different experience that feels fresh, even if you’ve played through the game before.
Rating
After thoughtful consideration, I decided to rate the replayability and game length of Dragon Quest 11 with an 8
If you are looking for a fun JRPG, then look no further!
Suggestions and comparisons
Suggestions and feedback
- Make switching between 2D and 3D modes easier without forcing a complete replay.
- Add more customization options for the pixel art, allowing for tweaks in the visuals.
Comparisons
Compared to the 3D mode, the 2D mode offers a more streamlined, nostalgic experience. It’s perfect for fans of classic JRPGs who want a return to simpler times without sacrificing a deep story.
Personal experiences and anecdotes
Playing through Dragon Quest 11 in 2D mode was a breath of fresh air for both my wife and me. It reminded us of the games we grew up with, and the pacing felt much better compared to the 3D version. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed the simplicity and retro feel of the game.
Rating
Taking in all the personal experiences with Little Kitty Big City, I give it a personal rating of 8,5
The luminary rises to banish evil!
Last words
Pros
- Nostalgic, charming 2D pixel art
- Streamlined gameplay and pacing
- Strong character development and story
- Balanced difficulty
- No long cutscenes, allowing for smooth progression
- High replay value for fans of classic RPGs
- Great optimization and performance
- Seamless, enjoyable combat
Cons
- Lacks voice acting, though it fits the retro style
- Some areas feel a bit too simplified compared to the 3D version
Dragon Quest 11 in 2D mode is a love letter to classic JRPGs. It strips away modern bells and whistles, delivering a streamlined, enjoyable experience for fans of the genre. If you’re a fan of old-school RPGs, the 2D mode is the definitive way to play this game.
Final Rating
8.5
Please let me know what you think of Dragon Quest 11 in 2D in the comments!
I hope you enjoyed reading this review, I hope to see you in the next review!
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Seems really good! I’m planning to play a bunch of jrpgs next year so might add this to the list! Also that fish in the screenshot also named Lumi xd
Definitely sounds like a great rpg. Played many jrpg in my days. Although the fact you say no voice acting while in 2D does hurt quiet a bit.
Yeah, it can be annoying if you expect it.
I’ve been playing from 1 to 9, so I’ve been wanting to play 11 soon. I’ll check out the 3D reviews from now on, but since the 2D reviews seem to be favorable, I’m torn between playing in 2D or 3D, but I’m looking forward to it.🐑
I do hope you will enjoy the game!
Seems they made a great demake version of the game
Hahaha yeah, a good demake!
It sounds like 2D mode is a great alternative to the normal 3D mode! Although I still feel than when I get this game, I should probably play in 3D first…XD
You can choose, that is the best thing about this game!
I’m too fan old school games so i understand 🙂 (In general, not j jrpgs). Strong character development and story is very important and should’t be forgotten/simplified in a newer titles, in compare 3d graphics are less important.
Yes, graphics are less important!
Really Nice review. The pros and cons are clearly said in the game, and gives you the right idea about it. I’d say this is a great review to check out, if you are considering to buy the game.
I am glad you are interested in this game!
This looks cool. I played Dragon Quest IX on my DS back when it was release. Was real cool. I love seeing more and more games from handheld also releasing on PC. This one goes on the whishlist.
Games on handheld is fun, but have not played like that for a long time actually! The Nintendo Switch is always docked!
I played one dragon quest once… dunno which one … was an old one ^^. Liked it.
thx for the review
Glad you liked the review!
The idea of a 2D mode is so awesome!
Have to agree!
i liked its art style. Really looks cool.
It is indeed awesome!
Not really my kind of game, but I can see the appeal with the throwback graphics and story focus.
Everyone has their preferences!
It is indeed a beautiful game
I agree!
🐉🐉🐲
Dragons!
Did not expect to see a demake (2D) of a Dragon Quest. 😀
And the franchise seems to have forgotten when to stop – just like the FF series. XD
Lol! There is no end, they will still be making these games when you turn 100.
I see gambling – I like it.
Gambling good?
I like review! This game is a masterpiece from Square Enix.
Glad you liked the review!
The pixel art is definitely charming and quite cute! The world looks colourful and fun to explore! Don’t know too much about Dragon Quest but I always find fantasy RPGs very relaxing and engaging to get into, I’m interested! 🙂
This one can be very replacing and entertaining!
> Make switching between 2D and 3D modes easier without forcing a complete replay.
This makes me think of Asterix & Obelix XXL: Romastered, where you could switch between the original 2004 graphics (released in 2003 on PS2 and 2004 on other platforms including PC) and the 2020 graphics with just one button (called “Retro Mode”).
About this game though, while I agree the 2D version is really well-made, it’s exactly why it’s not really my type… 😅 Glad that Superfluffy enjoyed it, though! It would really answer to the needs of fans of this genre.
Everybody has their preferences! Switching in graphics is not something that is done a lot, it sucks up a lot of extra development time!