You know the routine – a major RPG title that’s bigger in the East usually releases there first.
Japan has exclusivity to that major game for a year or so, which causes diehard fans on the Western portion of the world to import it. That happened with Persona 5 and that was also the case for the 11th entry in the Dragon Quest series. Square Enix knows just how patient some of its JRPG fans can be. They finally calmed their fears of Dragon Quest XI not coming to the States by making a huge announcement – it’s finally arriving in the US in September 2018!
Now that that’s out of the way, it’s time for an overview of Dragon Quest XI.
Dragon Quest XI Release Date
Square Enix
The Dragon Quest XI release date for the United States and Europe is September 4, 2018.
Dragon Quest XI Reveal Trailer
Dragon Quest XI Platforms
Square Enix
Dragon Quest XI will be available on the following platforms in the United States and Europe – PS4, PC, and Nintendo Switch. However, the Nintendo 3DS version of the game that’s available in Japan won’t be released in the Western part of the world. As for the Nintendo Switch version, it’s set to come out sometime after 2018. While speaking with IGN, Square Enix clarified their stance on why these localized platform release decisions have been made in regards towards Dragon Quest XI:
Square Enix
Our aim with Dragon Quest XI and the Dragon Quest brand is to grow the audience in the West. From a business point of view, it made strategic sense to release the 3DS version in Japan in 2017. For the West in 2018, it made the most sense to focus on the PlayStation 4 and PC (Steam) platforms. We are also developing the Switch version for Europe and North America, but development is expected to take a long time from a technological standpoint as well, so we still have a long way to go until its release.
Story
Square Enix
Dragon Quest XI takes place in the world of Lotozetasia. The source of life that everything within that world relies on is The Great Tree of Life. This massive, magical tree floats on a remote island in the middle of Lotozetasia. The main protagonist of the game is a mysterious young man who resides in his childhood hometown, Ishi Village.
Square Enix
This unnamed young man has just turned age 16 and is set to embark upon an age-old tradition – climbing a great mountain called God’s Rock and interacting with the Earth spirits that reside there. After succeeding at such a harrowing climb, he discovers that he’s the reincarnation of a past savior who saved the world from evil forces called the “Lord of Shadows” and the “Dark One.” After finding out that these world ending threats are returning, the young hero sets out to find himself and put a stop to the evil forces harming his world.
Characters
Square Enix
Besides the main Hero of Dragon Quest XI, there’s a collection of other character who play a big part in the game’s grand plot. The hero’s party consists of the following allies – Erik, Veronica, Senya, Sylvia, Martina, and Row. Emma plays the role of the hometown friend that the Hero’s known since he was a child. The main antagonists that the Hero will encounter along the way are Hendrik, Homer, and The King of Delcadar.
Gameplay Mechanics
Square Enix
Dragon Quest XI sticks to the tried and true formula of past entries in the JRPG series. Players will experience open-world game mechanics (vast environments, camping, and the use of mounts) within the confines of a linear adventure. And as always, players will engage in turn-based battles with a smorgasbord of new and familiar Dragon Quest foes. These enemies will always be visible within the areas you explore, which means you can make the decision to take them on or avoid them altogether.
Several exclusive features are set to arrive with the Western localized version of the game – voiced English dialogue, a Hard Mode (“Draconian Quest”), a sprint option that allows you to move around the map much faster, a first-person camera option, and a retooled version of the in-game menus.
Trailers
Pre-Order
Square Enix
Dragon Quest XI will be released in the US as a Standard and Digital Edition. The Standard Edition (which costs $59.99) can be obtained from Amazon, GameStop, Best Buy, other physical/digital storefronts, and the online Square Enix Store. The Digital Edition (which costs the same as the Standard Edition) can also be purchased through Amazon or for PC via Steam. Exclusive pre-order items are being offered through GameStop and Amazon, which can be read about below:
– GameStop/EB Games: Eight two-inch buttons featuring the game’s main characters as well as the spirits of lost time. An exclusive DLC pack that includes the Elevating Vest, a waistcoat that grants players extra experience points following each successful battle. Included is also three Seeds of Skill, a nut that grants an extra skill point merely by eating it
– Amazon: An exclusive DLC pack containing Arriviste’s Vest, a gold waistcoat that gives players more money following a successful battle. Finally, players can enjoy the aforementioned Seeds of Skill nuts with this pack as well
Square Enix
Along with the Standard and Digital Editions of the game, Dragon Quest XI will also arrive in two special editions – the “Edition of Light” and “Edition of Lost Time.” The physical Day One “Edition of Light” will come with a reversible cover featuring artwork from Akira Toriyama. Pre-ordering the game online will instantly get you an exclusive “The Legend Reborn” theme and extra in-game items. If you pre-order the game on Steam, you’ll be rewarded with an exclusive PC Wallpaper Set and assorted in-game goodies.
Square Enix
As for the Square Enix Store exclusive “Edition of Lost Time,” you can look forward to obatining the following items if you obtain it:
– The “Edition of Light” version of the game for PlayStation 4: Including Supplicant, an accessory with the power to restore magic points, Healer, an accessory with the power to restore hit points, and three Seeds of Skill, a consumable item which confer a players extra skill points
– Companion Compendium: a 128-page hardback art book featuring concept art and famed artist Akira Toriyama’s early designs
– Symphonic Suite: a 2-disc set featuring orchestrated versions of in-game music
– The Map of Erdrea: a 20″x15″ cloth map
– A Collectible Steelbook Case
– Bonus Digital Content: including Pep Pop, a drink that immediately peps up all active allies, and 15 more Seeds of Skill, which confer players extra skill points
Make sure you check out our Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age review.
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