The wonderful role-playing game "Dragon Quest XI - Champion of Destiny" has now also been released for the Nintendo Switch. Can the gigantic game also convince on the small screen?
There is always this one series of games that has so far always missed one. For me, this one game series has always been "Dragon Quest". Now I've finally come to discover it with the switch version of "Dragon Quest XI". And it quickly became clear: this will be a lasting love relationship.
But from the beginning. In a competition of the longest game titles, "Dragon Quest XI - Fighter of Destiny - Definitive Edition" would not have such bad cards. The name alone is awesome. One suspects: If you get involved in the game, it will be a long-term decision. And indeed: Dragon Quest XI is a long, very long game. And not boring for a second.
Test of "Dragon Quest XI" (Switch): The party makes the party
This is also surprising when you look at the main story. We play the taciturn "light bringer", the savior of the world and save the world - of course. But what makes Dragon Quest XI so unique are the companions that we get to know, bind to, lose and find again during the game. Each of these highly different characters has its very own, often surprising and touching, always captivating story and grows dear to your heart over the course of dozens of hours of play.
Our companions are growing dear to our hearts.
© Nintendo
One could now maliciously say that this is also more of a standard RPG food. But that's not true. Because only very few developers can do it as lovingly as the characters in Dragon Quest XI are developed. Because when you write, you erroneously write Dragon Age instead of Dragon Quest anyway - just think of the terrible "Dragon Age Inquisition" in retrospect, which tried very similar things, but failed with a crash.
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If you can't remember a single character from Dragon Age Inquisition today because they somehow didn't really care and remained, in Dragon Quest XI the impetuous thief Erik, the breathtakingly charming warrior princess Jade, crazy circus knight Rionaldo or the tiny one grow Magician Veronika with the massive problem of aggression to the heart.
Test of "Dragon Quest XI" (Switch): Difficult topics, told sensitively
You can tell: Even if the main story gets darker and more demanding as you go, Dragon Quest XI remains largely a fun and heartwarming game. Also because it is not afraid to address difficult issues. So we accompany a character to his outing in a conversation with his grotesque, over-the-top father.
What could easily become very embarrassing (an impression that is reinforced by the fact that no gay stereotype is left out in preparation) culminates in a wonderful, surprising dialogue. Because the super-male father doesn't care what his son does. But he does not care what kind of person he is, whether he is reliable and helpful.
Test of "Dragon Quest XI" (Switch): Crazy translation does not shy away from any pun
Such small, surprising stories abound in Dragon Quest XI. They give the game, which does not shy away from any silliness (especially the excellent German translation gives full throttle on the word game machine and is much more original than the English voice output), a depth and emotional severity that you would not expect at first glance.
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And so you explore the huge world, lead countless challenging turn-based battles (which can also be largely automated), improve your equipment, help NPCs and sink more and more into the world of Dragon Quest XI. As is so often the case, it turns out that the Switch is an outstanding platform for JRPGs. You always have the game world with you, the technical implementation is very well done.
Test of "Dragon Quest XI" (Switch): The Switch version is the best and most comprehensive of all
Dragon Quest XI certainly doesn't look as great on the Switch as it does on a PC or PS4, but it's also a wonderful game on the Switch that runs smoothly at all times. And with the “Definitive Edition”, buyers of the switch variant are undoubtedly getting the best overall package. For this, the game has been significantly bored again.
If you like, you can play through the whole game on the Switch in a pretty 16-bit version.
© Nintendo
Numerous side quests were added, you have the choice between the synth and an epic orchestral soundtrack and - no kidding - you can play through the entire game (if you like and is nostalgic) in a lightning-nice 16bit version.
Conclusion
At the present time, when many have much more time to play, "Dragon Quest Xi - Fighter of Destiny - Definitive Edition" is hard to beat. Dozens of hours full of warm, exciting and funny stories, tactically demanding fights and an excellent technique - roleplayer heart, what more do you want?
If you are still hesitating, it should be revealed that there is an absurdly extensive demo version of Dragon Quest XI available for download with around ten hours of playing time in Nintendo's eShop. Now there is no reason not to go for a round with the Lichtbringer and his friends.