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How this score was computed
The VGC Score is a weighted blend on a press-comparable 0-100 quality scale. Steam approval rates are first calibrated (95% positive on Steam ≈ 89.5 quality, since Steam approval skews high). Press and tracked creator reviews each count ~2x a player review and share one cap against player evidence (creator buy/skip calls pool into an approval rate, calibrated like Steam approval); all-time sentiment is capped and halved (it's context, not verdict); reviews of the current build carry the most weight when a fresh patch anchors the window; and a 'typical game' prior keeps small samples from pegging the scale. Because press reviews and Metacritic user aggregates describe the launch build, their weight decays as the game ages (3-year half-life after a 1-year grace). That's how a game that launched rough can outgrow its old reception once updates win players over. Reviews under 2h playtime (the refund window), non-Steam activations, and free copies are downweighted.
| Component | Positive | Quality (0-100) | Weight (pseudo-reviews) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Press reviews (Metacritic) | – | 86 | 20 |
| Creator reviews (3 tracked) | – | 88 | 3 |
| All-time Steam reviews | – | – | 0 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | 90 | 465 |
| Backloggd ratings | – | 89 | 750 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | – | – | 0 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Acclaim gate: the raw blend lands at 88.3, but scores above 88 must be earned in front of a mass audience; this verdict rests on 28,404.6 player reviews, a largely self-selected fanbase. As more players weigh in, the ceiling rises (full scale unlocks at 100,000 reviews).
Scoring window: last 30 days (no significant patch detected) · 0 reviews sampled · 0 total reviews in window · weighted 0 up / 0 down · computed 2h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (86)
Individual verdicts from outlets we track: scored reviews first, most trusted outlets first among them. The small badge is each outlet's trust score: how well its scoring history aligns with players.
- 60
“It's a shame that Dragon Quest XI, despite being the most visually sumptuous Dragon Quest title to date, doesn't do more to strike a bolder, more mature path within a tired series.”
read full review ↗ - 85
“Might not be the greatest game of all time, but it probably is the best game in the most quality maintaining JRPG series of all time. Is that even better? Could be! Do not miss this gorgeous yet pretty nostalgic game set in a well known universe of the Dragon Quest franchise.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“The sheer density of content in the main quest means it will take a staggering amount of time to complete. Compounded with some entertaining and charmingly written side-quests, this journey breaks the 100 hour mark easily. There can be a few too many instances of catering to the lowest common denominator that even the hard mode modifiers can't fix, but if it means more people can enjoy this amazing game, then so be it. The only thing holding back what could be almost a masterpiece for the genre is its terrible soundtrack.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Dragon Quest XI sticks to what it does best, offering a traditional Japanese RPG experience that's simply a joy to be a part of. It's an old school adventure wrapped up in gorgeous current-gen visuals, but it's the lovable characters that win the day. The game's fit to burst with personality, wit, and charm, superbly localised and meticulously crafted. It may not push the genre forward, but it's peak Dragon Quest, and it's absolutely one of the best RPGs on PS4. ”
read full review ↗ - 90
“By staying true to its roots and adding some modern design elements, Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age stands as a compelling JRPG that is a perfect starting point for any gamer that wants to know what the Dragon Quest craze in Japan is all about. We loved every minute of exploring Erdrea, fighting cool monsters and forging weapons in an adventure that took us more than 80 hours to complete.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Filled with charm and solid gameplay as well as a hardcore mode that removes the ability to shop and farm weaker enemies for XP among other things means that there’s a lot of accessibility for players both unfamiliar with JRPGs and players who thrive off them. I would suggest picking this game up and having it being the side game to the blockbuster titles coming out right now to bridge the gap between the big releases, because it moves fast enough with the plot to always feel like something is being accomplished but not as fast as say Spider-Man that came out the same week. Don’t let Dragon Quest XI be lost in the Fall game rush.”
read full review ↗ - 85
“All in all, Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age is a standout example of the franchise. It's undeniably safe, but on the flip side, it's engaging, enjoyable, and polished, and it showcases almost all of the franchise's strengths. It also has its share of weaknesses, but in terms of nostalgia for the olden days, it's an example of how to do it right. It might be a bit too repetitive for longtime Dragon Quest fans, but if you were going to play one Dragon Quest, DQ11 is the one I'd recommend even over my personal favorite. It's a great entry point to the franchise, and it's a charming, fun, and likeable JRPG on its own merits.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“A gigantic adventure, set in a gorgeous world full of memorable characters. Set to be remembered as an instant classic in the JRPG genre.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Innovation in games is talked about a lot, but it's also great to see traditional gameplay formulas that have been around for decades presented exceptionally well. Dragon Quest XI is one of the best modern examples of this; its beautiful presentation, both visual- and story-wise, combines with a tried-and-true gameplay formula for a journey that’s full of heart and soul. Once you find yourself sucked into the world of Dragon Quest XI, it's going to be hard to put down until you reach the grand finale.”
read full review ↗ - 100
“Dragon Quest XI: Echoes Of An Elusive Age is a perfect game, it sticks to with traditional JRPG roots while still bringing in a few new mechanics to freshen it up a bit.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“There's a lot to pick at with Dragon Quest XI, be it the sometimes inconsistent storytelling, the lack of difficulty, or the MIDI quality, but these complaints feel oddly muted when playing because of how much the game fundamentally gets right. The craftsmanship of the world, loveable characters, and wide-ranging exploration add up in a truly fulfilling way. If you want an RPG to make you feel like you’re conquering a sprawling adventure, Dragon Quest XI does that handily. ”
read full review ↗ - 80
“While Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age doesn’t push the boundaries of RPG design in any new way, it is an enjoyable and refined return to the Dragon Quest franchise. Some might decry its lack of ambition, but for fans of the genre and the series, new experiences like this are few and far between.”
read full review ↗
Slant Magazine
PLAY Zine
Cubed3
Push Square
LevelUp
ZTGD
Worth Playing
Eurogamer
GameSpot
GameGrin
Easy Allies
TheSixthAxis…and 74 more tracked reviews.