When Nintendo first revealed the Switch was coming, back when it was still only known as the NX, the first game ever announced for the system was Dragon Quest XI. Yes, it was announced before even Zelda was confirmed for the system. After a lengthy wait, we are finally getting the game on Switch this year and it is quite an important game for the system.
We are used to Nintendo Switch getting inferior ports of games on other systems. Either the games are missing content or suffer from having lower quality video and audio. But Dragon Quest XI S is going to be different. Yes it is a late port, but it will not be a port with content missing . Just the opposite in fact, as there will be new content exclusive to this version, both in terms of gameplay and presentation.
The PS4 and PC versions lacked the orchestral soundtracks outside Japan, but they will be coming to the Switch version in all regions. This isn’t to forget of course, that there will be dual audio and language options as well. More notably though will be expanded gameplay that will add new story content for individual characters, and new missions that will involve visiting classic Dragon Quest worlds. This new content adds something fresh and provides an incentive for previous players to come back, and also fits my point. This is a port to Switch that is going above and beyond to be better on Switch.
The presentation also includes the Japan only 3DS version’s 16 bit visuals as an optional way to play, which again adds replay value. More importantly however, is that adding this content allows Square Enix to not let the 3DS version’s presentation remain Japan only. This is effectively two games in one and that is a mark of high quality.
Switch owners have gotten used to receiving less than quality ports as I said, so for a game like Dragon Quest XI S to come along and be a definitive version on the system is a breath of fresh air. It is a game everyone needs to play.
Disclaimer: The above was the opinion of the author and not necessarily that of ROG or its staff.