5/5 ★ – Hinsai's review of Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age.

Dragon Quest XI was the game I played to ring in 2020. Usually these (very) early year games tend to fade into the background as I progress through subsequent months, but the heart and polish on display left an impression that stuck with me. Before we go too much further it’s important to note that this is my first Dragon Quest. Some reviews I’ve read (like Cameron Kunzelman’s review over at Waypoint) rightfully note that the themes and mechanics here are retreads of previous games in the series (and the genre writ-large). I consider myself lucky in this regard. I don’t have massive context for classic JRPGs and have zero love or nostalgia for the traditional top-down entries. Because of this GQXI hit me like a ton of bricks, and ended up taking me on an inspiring and thoughtful journey with rock-solid mechanical backing. The fact that the underlying system hasn’t changed in decades is obvious from the start. While it isn’t the newest or most innovative system out there, you can feel every ounce of refinement. The end result is intuitive and impeccably balanced. I never felt like I had to grind for hours to beat a boss, but if I wanted to over-level it was pretty simple to do so. The story is great with plenty of twists that completely change the nature of the game and the world itself. That’s one of my favorite experiences that games provide— the ability to dwell in a world that is profoundly changing over the course of your experience. It’s a rollercoaster. This dynamic story is bolstered by a core cast of phenomenal characters who, although they’re definitely subject to some anime tropes, largely defy the biggest stereotypes. It’s worth noting that there are still some cringey aspects. Sylvando in particular is forced to be the butt of jokes about his identity and I hated having to sift through this quantity of 80’s-sitcom-style gay panic ‘humor.’ There is some progress here since he’s presented as an admirable character who wins others over with his optimistic worldview but, c’mon Japan, do better with your representation. In the end I’ve got no regrets about sinking a hundred and some hours into the game. I played the Switch version and it was an excellent choice. The lasting image I’ll have of this game is of the late-game quest in which you organize a big, joyous, flamboyant parade that marches from town to town. The world has already ended, humanity is on the ropes, and you’re still committed to celebrating the wonder and beauty of what’s left. Those moments and themes have resonated even harder in the wake of COVID. Staying positive and determined, despite times that feel apocalyptic, is a message that hits hard.