![]() DQXI throws its weight behind high production values not just in magnificent voice acting and well-directed story scenes, but in the detail of the entire world. One problem I’ve had with more modern Dragon Quest titles like Dragon Warrior VII and Dragon Quest VIII is that the heartbreaking and joyous stories are there, but they fail in the delivery. On paper, these plotlines should cause the player to tear up and jump for joy, but only so much can be done with the hardware limitations and lack of voice acting. ![]() What separates one narrative from another is the how. Simply put, for those after a fantasy-based JRPG, Dragon Quest XI is the gold standard. It is king. To be honest, I’ve kind of “moved on” from JRPGs. They just don’t excite me the way they used to, barring Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest titles. I’m tired of the same structure, outlandish personalities, and benevolent protagonists. What makes DQXI different? The execution - the how. Yes, from an outsider’s perspective, this could easily be rendered down to “just another JRPG,” but the truth is that all the stories in the world have already been told. Fantasy-based JRPGs have followed this formula and plotline before, but none have done so with such incredible drama, charismatic characters, or outstanding pacing. Our humble silent protagonist sets off to begin fulfilling his destiny after he learns of the secret, but where exactly does that road lead? This epic, 120-hour adventure took me through hills, valleys, castles, towns, over mountains, under water, through the air, and across time. I was excited when the second game came around, and then the third and fourth. And then came the drought. Nothing. I had no way of knowing that Japan had already enjoyed Dragon Quest V and VI. But then I heard about Dragon Warrior VII coming to the PlayStation. Dad! I need that! I was already a teenager by then, but I had the exuberance of a young child, as if stoking old fires that had long since died down. Fast forward to today when I’m 36, leaning in, and enjoying every second of Dragon Quest XI. This time, I’m sharing it with my daughter.ĭragon Quest XI follows the Luminary, a descendant of the first Luminary who saved the world from darkness. If that Goldman hits you for 15 damage, how much health do you have remaining?” my dad leaned in and asked five-year-old me while I played Dragon Warrior on the original Nintendo. That was how I started learning about numbers and reading. Needless to say, the series has been close to my heart for almost my entire life.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |