Dragon Quest XI Nintendo Switch Review - Is It Worth It?

[@FarekWad]

I love how this came out just shortly after the outrage of this not being included in the "top 31 switch games list"

[@wumpyjumps]

Nah that list excluded it because they never update the list except to add new games. Luigi's Mansion 3 has been missing from every list somehow.

[@franknfurter8768]

Thats on purpose it seems

[@chrislo2007]

lol

[@Theb0YWh0lived1]

That’s crazy. They must have forgot about it or something

[@Xenunt1]

Uhh what? You never reviewed it before?! No way! Love this game.

[@Accidental.Creation]

Dude, the confusion I felt for the first 15 seconds was infinite, lmao. Nice idea to do some old games that never got a proper review, I like it!

[@alexanderperez5636]

Seriously I was like “welp, the disassociation has finally come full circle”

[@kytaem]

Seriously how does a Nintendo channel not review this until now

[@ayohollaatyaboy]

my brain was fried for a good while here lol - though this was a review of the mmo version i think is only in Japan at the moment, didn't realize they were were reviewing THIS title lolol

[@Hirooshii1]

Is It Worth It? Is It Worth It!?!? Its my second favorite jrpg ever, right behind ff9, its perfection.

[@kylehickey8656]

super valid, those 2 are some of my favourites too

[@raidomegnuo2868]

I really hate this trend of "was [name of a beloved videogame] even any good, like was it actually funny, huh?? Or is it us that we don't actually like this media at all at this point??? Why the hell are we doing it in the first place".

[@dustson]

for me it became 1. place. 2. goes to unicorn overlord and then on 3rd comes ff9.

[@alunlloyd9812]

Ahh ff9. A game that ages like a fine wine

[@alexandrecardeal]

To me, it's a tie between FF9, DQXIS and XC2, I didn't played XC3 yet.

[@JamSarny]

Such coincidental timing. I first played Dragon Quest 11 on the xbox a few years ago and adored it. I recently picked it up for the switch and played through it a second time, completing it only a couple of days ago. Can't wait for 12!

[@milesrodger3724]

WHAT YEAR IS IT

[@akirafuto7783]

2019 apparently lol

[@kingjonny394]

One of the best jrpg ever

[@Benjamin-mf6me]

Absolutely

[@mikereisert2803]

Easily the best

[@xenobestx8423]

One of the best video games of all time in my opinion. It's simply perfect

[@kytaem]

@@xenobestx8423 i think you are right, this is a *perfect* turn-based jrpg

[@realityxaidan5088]

One of the absolute BEST games on Nintendo Switch. Really makes you feel like a kid again. The cast is so so lovable. As a more fem guy, Sylvando is one of my favorite and most relatable characters in RPGs. He doesn’t just feel like a stereotype either. There’s a lot of love gone into writing his character which is great.

[@Synchro789]

Agreed on Sylvando! Really appreciate the love and depth that went into each character!!

[@stripedrajang3571]

Wow, Sylvando is actually the primary reason I don't want the game. I guess I'm too masculine. Sylvando makes me cringe.

[@arneni7464]

I'm not even kidding when i tell you this is one of the best games OF ALL TIME period. If you like turn based combat, you'll 100% enjoy this game! And above all, it's CHARMING, you won't forget this game.

[@bartvb5059]

God damn right

[@GalaxyJakeYT]

It is the best game of all time imo

[@Barlee420]

It's on a complete par with dq8. If you've never tried that one. Get a PS2 and enjoy!

[@mikereisert2803]

True Story. The best game that came out within the last 10 years

[@xenobestx8423]

I found my people!

[@ElliotScottDating]

This is one of the best games I played in the last 20 years. I loved it

[@bortusklyden]

Me too!! Felt like playing a 90's game but in modern times

[@sabbagecavage5690]

My second favorite game of all time. Every time I play other JRPGs I notice flaws that DQ11 doesn't have; it is a REALLY well made game.

[@johnstewart2981]

One of the BEST parts about nearly EVERY Dragon Quest game (especially XI!) is that the pacing is so excellent, that you will rarely find yourself having to stop in the middle of a session. The moment-to-moment exploration and story progression is so perfectly in sync, that if you only have an hour or so to play games each day, Dragon Quest remains as one of the best possible game series. Seriously, it’s the perfect pick-up-and-play RPG. This game feels perfect for long sessions and incredibly short ones too, which actually has contributed to its staying power in Japan. Older generations that are perpetually busy find themselves playing Dragon Quest before bed, and younger generations get to experience the games in as much free time as they have. So if you’re a kid or an adult, this series is made for you. It will never disrespect your time. And for that reason, it’s one of my favorite series of games ever.

[@napoleonfeanor]

For those who are uncertain, there is a decently sized demo on the e shop

[@gavink03]

Saves the progress too

[@ChaoticHoly]

Erik is the greatest bro in all gaming. Prove me wrong.

[@mikereisert2803]

Can't

[@RazorBladezX]

That’s why he got his side game!!!

[@Andre-vr1ul]

Starburst Throw!!! Another one bites the dust

[@c4rolinazfine5t]

Junpei from persona 3

[@ahmedfalahy9337]

Yangus *mic drop*

[@RainTado]

This is like JRPG comfort food for me. I tend to play darker JRPGS like Shin Megami Tensei, Persona and Xenoblade, but when I just want to chill and want play something that doesn't stress me out that much, I play this.

[@vitorf2303]

literally me lol

[@yakumorisuke9403]

This was the very first non-Pokemon RPG I ever played! A fantastic introduction to the genre, and just what I needed stuck in lockdown back in 2020.

[@kasugaifox8571]

If you can play journey of the cursed king. It's dragon quest 7. I really enjoyed the game.

[@raidomegnuo2868]

@@kasugaifox8571 *DQ 8 And that point also DQ 3, please. Not just only VIII and XI. I see way too many people suggesting only those because of being in 3D.

[@kasugaifox8571]

@raidomegnuo2868 Ah, thank you. It has been a while since I've played or even looked at the game.

[@ZeroJinKui]

this is my absolute favorite RPG ever. i played the original on PS4 and the definitive edition on switch, poured over 200 hours into both. i love it so much!

[@djmurgatroyd87]

What are the odds. I just started a new playthrough of this today!

[@Barlee420]

Sunday for me!

[@vitorf2303]

started 2 days ago again

[@jb0258jr]

DQ11 is so good that I've bought it 3 times lol. Day 1 of the initial release, day 1 on Switch, and recently got the definitive edition on ps4. This game is absolutely worth getting!

[@Lordxlaw]

Still one of the best jrpgs I've ever played!

[@agentgro420]

I used to love Final Fantasy a lot more than Dragon Quest. Then the former became just another action game series. Thankfully, Dragon Quest didn't changed much from their first itteration, and that is perfect for the turn base craving cra-cra that I am.

[@jaretco6423]

I'm quite the opposite. I loved Dragon Quest way more than Final Fantasy and that was even when it used to be good when it was an turned based.

[@davidlubkowski7175]

Absolutely, one of the best games on the switch with an amazing story and world to explore

[@xRocketzFighterx]

For a second I thought I traveled back in time, didn't expect you guys to cover this version in late 2024. This is my 2nd favourite DQ game, with first place still going to DQ8 which still holds up, also it did come out at the time where I started to appreciate art direction, comedy more in media. Btw I wish Skies of Arcadia and old 90s era Shining Force would come back. They're very unique standout titles.

[@A-M-B]

I'm not even a huge jrpg fan and I absolutely feel the need to say this: do not sleep on that game. Give the demo a try at the very least. I absolutely fell in love with that game and can't stop recommending it.

[@sultan_3864]

i remember completing DQ11 3 almost 4 years now and loved every part of it.

[@ZeroPrime_Reviews]

I don't think I noticed that that was something Nintendo Life was doing on here, but that's honestly a really good idea!

[@Ryan-xn3mt]

This was the first Dragon Quest game I played to completion. This game doesn't disappoint.

[@Synchro789]

Still “finishing” Act 3 of this game (it could go on forever) and I’m still loving it!! Huge gem I got off a whim on-sale. Do NOT pass this up!!

[@darkdragonmedeus705]

Dragon Quest XI is considerably the best in the series with V being the only competition for me. But it is a step in the right direction when it comes to execution of quality of life upgrades. Including preemptive strikes, riding horses, ect. And it makes me really look forward to what Dragon Quest XII has in store. And it's also got that Xenoblade charm of a lengthy story + Bonus stuff in the post game and side quests.

[@jaretco6423]

8 was also considered the best and it's the most popular one.

[@koopaslayer7598]

Wow I didn't realize y'all never reviewed it but this is my favorite Dragon Quest ever!

[@_sparrowhawk]

They never reviewed it in video form. This review has been up for years.

[@El_Flash05]

Finally played this during summer on ps5, one of the best jrpgs

[@Dragozan]

Hands down, this game has the best demo I've ever played. Nothing stripped away, just the first MASSIVE chunk of the game. By the time you're at the end, you pretty much have no choice but to buy the full thing. It's that good, and you get that invested :)

[@Mister24.7]

Just finished this game a few hrs ago on my switch lite, but i already finished my 1st playthru on my ps5. One of the best jrpgs ive played

[@johnhall8564]

One of the best games I ever played….. still never beat the final boss.

[@johnhall8564]

@ I don’t know how to get the weapon ? really need to go back and beat it !!

[@SandrosCoronado]

@@Maesterful and where is that?

[@zayas0001]

Final or secret final? Both are tough…

[@johnhall8564]

@ The secret one I presume the one you need the hammer to beat the one before that I thought was the final boss took me hours to beat like you say majorly tough…..

[@Kschreck]

Absolutely one of the best games I ever played and it completely shocked me as I went in with ZERO expectations lol.

[@GalaxyJakeYT]

Well you’re 5 years late but finally reviewing the best game ever 😂

[@SUPERVEGETTO92]

I remember when first played when the long demo came out then jumped into the game on day 1 five years ago. To this day I still havent finished the game.

[@jimphilidor9031]

It's amazing! I just finished it for the first time, the end game included. I got almost all of the costumes for every character and most of the best gear. I didn't want to leave these lovely characters and the world.

[@edsterrock]

I remember picking this game up shortly before lockdown happened. That game not only made me a fan of the Dragon Quest series but also, made me feel happy in the unfortunate we were living in at the time.

[@MeItsLiterallyMe]

This game is a no-brainer. It's epic and it avoids random encounters. As a dude in his 40s I gave up on random encounters in the 90s

[@AsterYTMusic]

One of the best games on the Switch. Masterpiece.

[@pauley_eseprius]

If you are reading this while still watching the video, for the love of god just buy the game. It is worth it even with full price

[@USMCbrantley]

There was a demo for this game on the Switch. Apparently according to people who have play the game claims the demo is around the first 8 hours of the game. I played over 32 hours before I hit that point. Amazing game and very much worth it.

[@mikeuk666]

Read the text on screen 😉 00:06

[@nelson-haha89]

This never had a video? This was my very first switch game since I missed out on the launch times.

[@theofilosk3846]

Im currently playing it and its F a n t a s t i c! The best jrpg ive played on switch this far even more than xenoblade 1 & 2! Its my first Dragon quest game and im seriously thinking of buying another dragon game after finishing it, probably the new dragon quest III remake 2 HD. The story is lovely, its a big game without getting boring, the characters are great and the game play, side quests, crafts etc are very amusing.

[@TheColdOne]

This is my favorite of the DQ series, and I actually have played/beaten them all now (unlike the few Final Fantasy titles I haven't beaten still). I never really noticed any performance issues when I played at launch, but I think they are/were just so minor that it didn't really register with me. Though I think if I play it again I'll boot it up on Steam Deck and play it at a better quality.

[@sashalama]

It's a masterpiece for switch lite, also got bored of how many content it's has. 10/10

[@paperluigi6132]

First Dragon Quest I ever played after Hero in Smash got me interested enough in the series after only giving it passing glances up until then.

[@crispyc3558]

I'm just about to finish my first play through. I love this game. I love the story and the characters. It's been a great gaming experience.

[@Gatefan1565]

Dragon Quest XI actually ended up being my very first Dragon Quest game! Loved it! Finished it! I'm currently playing Dragon Quest 3:HD-2D Remake!

[@iYohm]

It was my first Dragon Quest and I loved it. I bought it when it was released in 2019, and I feel like restarting it again someday. I'm waiting for the next Switch, hoping it'll be improved (especially loading times and graphically of course) to joyfully jump back to it. I wanted to do it on PS5, but strangely enough, the Switch version became the foundation of the only available version on Sony's console, leading to a quite surprising visual downgrade along the process (while adding content such as orchestral soundtrack). And I consider very long games like this one are perfect on a portable setup so… maybe next year ! 😃 Anyway, I recommend it to everyone who enjoys JRPG, it's a great introduction to the licence, I never felt like I missed any background (although I probably missed most fan service, but the experience doesn't rely on it at all).

[@SunburstSenshi]

I love this game and the fact that I finally got some friends to start playing it recently feels like this was the best timing for this video 😂

[@ollieheath555]

No way is this a 9/10! It's a 10/10, no two ways about it! It's one of my favourite games of all time! I highly recommend unlocking Erik's dual wield ability as early as possible on the dagger path

[@hamptonwooster]

Picked this one up after they added Hero to smash and it's now a top 5 game ever for me

[@dannysimion]

Yes, it is worth it. You get the best version of the game. Why is this only now being reviewed when its been on the system for years?

[@MarkHogan994]

Well tbh the Switch version has now been ported to all systems, so the best version of the game is no longer only on Switch.

[@dannysimion]

@ good to know. Least everyone can play it multiple consoles. Still prefer it on my switch lite for portable reasons.

[@joebove4]

I was drawn in by the Hero’s inclusion in Smash, wanting to try the Demo because he was so much fun there. I’m not typically a JRPG guy, as they usually have something that kinda turns me off in the story structure. But I was hooked immediately here. Took the demo to its absolute limit and then carried it over to the full game the moment I had the opportunity. To me, this game is the ur-example of execution over innovation. The review is absolutely right in that it feels quaint, like a graphical glow up of a SNES title, but I never regretted the lack of innovative ideas or revolutionary storytelling. Because while it operates in well-worn fantasy tropes and JRPG mechanics, it does so almost to perfection. It’s not reinventing the wheel, but it’s one of the most finely crafted wheels ever made.

[@Maverick.D.]

Best Jrpg on the Switch. Makes Persona 5 seem like a PS2 game.

[@Chan_Prado]

Lovely review! I also fell in love with this game when it came out on Switch. It truly has the timeless DQ spirit, a lovely cast, and terrific gameplay. Totally worth buying right now if you haven't done so already).

[@MrFuggleGuggle]

I think it’s a better ‘intro’ to Dragon Quest than DQ3, honestly…and with the definitive edition, you can play it with modern graphics or classic 2D aesthetic.

[@HapstoHoppip]

Yes it is! Saved you alp 15:17 seconds 🤣 great vid!

[@rdyfrde]

Having played it on three different systems, yeah I'd say it was worth it! It's now my second favorite Dragon Quest game overall because I love the characters and how they all grow in some way.

[@thelegendofstonecoldstevea3205]

Fine. I’ll buy the definitive edition as well😂

[@dumbplumb46]

Getting every achievement in this game was one of my favorite gaming experiences from the past few years

[@ElijahRhyne]

What year is it?

[@sparkypack]

20XX

[@autex2609]

Wow. Love seeing all these comments loving this game. Glad I’m not the only one that thinks it’s the greatest game ever. Highly recommend definitive version on PS4. Looks beautiful and smooth as silk.

[@Cryotyde]

Great review, I just picked this up on Steam for 50% off. I have a love/hate relationship with JRPGs and have never played a Dragon Quest game before, however this most certainly looks like the "comfort food" (to use another user's phrase) title that I've been looking for.

[@thespianmask]

DQ11S was wonderful... Despite the odd "Finally the end ga- ah nope. We got this weird plot stuff going on." I still had a blast. It was such a comfort JRPG for me. It has all the old-school charm, with some good modern QoL improvements.

[@dr.ericomatsushita6290]

I love the idea of going back to review games that haven't been reviewed yet! Looking forward other games too!

[@jacklawrence3703]

I've wanted to buy this for ages but it doesnt seem available (physically) at any of the major retailers in the UK. Nintendo shop has it, but at full RRP it feels steep when almost every other retailer has games about 75% of what Nintendo charge.

[@redbrick808]

Same here in Canada, online all I can find is an EU import version. Let me know if you find an NA version over there and we can swap 😅

[@AcidJuggalo]

I'm having so much fun with Dragon Quest 3 I bought this yesterday to play after it's awesome that you have this video up I was curious I've never played this game before

[@theforgottenmovies3265]

It is one of my favourite Dragon Quest games. I have played it in both 2D and 3D so much so I have levelled up my characters more than I had in another game. But I like to play in 2D much more than I like to playing in 3D.

[@WitteDeWith83]

Amore! What an amazing experience this was! And even after all these years I sometimes scream 'Amore!' out of nowhere. Sylvando is such a fun character. The others are great to ❤ 9/10 for me!

[@leandrocarvalho1923]

"Is it worth it?" oooohh mannn, it is!

[@zach177]

Nintendo Life is so weird. This game is one of the best games on Switch ever!

[@BMW-sd6nn]

One of my favorite games of all time. Truly a masterclass in classic jrpg for the new generation.

[@berkutaybinol]

Is it a video from 2019?

[@sparkypack]

mh.. 2019, pre covid and inflation.. an ancient time long forgotten in this world.

[@ty_sylicus]

Been sitting on my shelf for years now. Still wanting to experience it someday soon.

[@BomberDX97]

Do yourself a favor and get to it as soon as possible it's a fantastic game

[@RobertNoss]

One of the best Jrpgs ever made. The Switch port is extremely polished and of very high quality.

[@beleloy808]

how a pure and archaic JrPg is still this good, one of my favorite JRPGs ever. Selena is OP

[@ZanarkandFFX]

One of my first Switch Games, played over 180hours on it, it was really fun, only negative was the repetitive music.

[@bortusklyden]

I loved the music

[@kenji6492]

I toggled the DQVIII theme in the options when I got tired of the overworld music.

[@relinquishh]

The load times on the switch version are absolutely absurd too, and I'm never one to complain about load times.

[@SinisterSixx]

It’s by far one of the best games on Switch, 10/10. Would recommend to anyone who likes JRPGs.

[@baphxyz]

While the story has its high and low points, I think this game is a highly approachable masterpiece of JRPGs. It not only HAS 100+ hrs of content, but also is compelling enough to warrant such a playtime. If you want better visual quality and performance, consider playing on PC or Playstation/Xbox. It's currently on PS+ as well, at the time of this posting.

[@BadBrad119]

The soundtrack is sometimes absolutely amazing and often repetitive. I loved this game

[@RosstheBoss6666]

This game is incredible. I've thought about buying again on Switch for a second playthrough.

[@IAmNotASandwich453]

I usually dislike classic JRPGs, but this one had so many QoL improvements, I actually ended up loving it

[@unsaltedskies]

Who else married Jade?

[@stephensosa]

If you could pick between this version or steam deck, which one? Does Steam Deck give you 60fps?

[@SuperVexal]

This is not only a top 10 switch game but arguably a top 10 JRPG of all time.

[@GLSnifit]

Played 4 and 8 but this was the game that solidified me as a Dragon Quest fan

[@jambo9780]

The second part of this game is what every minimally respectable JRPG should be like

[@Sev501PC]

Been playing this alot and just recently gotten to ACT 3. What a masterpiece of a game !!!!~

[@KY502ShinyHunter]

Gave it a shot after it was on sale this week. Very enjoyable. I am about 7 hours in. Horse racing was unexpected haha. The Only RPG I have played is Pokemon (and around 10 hours of Golden Sun). From my perspective, It’s like Legends Arceus meets Zelda.

[@pierrelewis6819]

Okay, here's something that I just thought of, I will love to see a dragon quest game, that reference, Dr slump, sand land, Jaco the galactic patrolman, and everything else that's not dragon Ball.

[@ibechuu9695]

I have the 4k pro and the Mclassic dongle. It doesn't bring it close to the ps4 version, but it certainly helps smooth out the game's visuals to appreciate its art. The game is really pretty.

[@apoalien69]

Just started playing it, love it so far 😊

[@schadenfreude6274]

Wow this New Dragon Quest Sequel looks so similar to the last Dragon Quest! 🙂

[@rajgus7638]

This is an amazing jrpg. Everyone should atkeast give it a try, even if you've never tried jrpgs before!

[@StuieHunter]

I wasn't much of a JRPG fan until i gave the demo of this game a go. Generally, Japanese stuff just didn't necessarily rick with me (I'm more of a western rpg player).....yes this... ......this is one of my favourite games of all time.

[@ryantaylor3917]

This is genuinely one of my favourite games.

[@speedspeederspeedest]

Started to play games in the early 90's on most available consoles and pc, and have been doing so since. DQXI is in my top 3, just saying.