Screenshots & trailers
Review sentiment over time
Weekly positive-review rate (green) and review volume (bars). Dashed lines mark significant patches; the amber line is the start of the current scoring window. Hover the dots to see what drove a dip or a jump.
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) | – | 91 | 13 |
| Creator reviews (1 tracked) | – | 100 | 1 |
| All-time Steam reviews | 93% | 87 | 1000 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | 92 | 196 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | 90% | 84 | 42 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Scoring window: last 30 days (no significant patch detected) · 119 reviews sampled · 100 total reviews in window · weighted 93.4 up / 10.8 down · computed 4h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (51)
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.
- 90
“If you haven’t made room in your crowded wish list for DRAGON QUEST XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age, do so now. You don’t need to take my word that it’s one of most enjoyable Switch releases of the year, you can hit up the eShop for the demo and let the game’s first 10 hours speak for themselves.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age - Definitive Edition is an achievement that Square should be proud of; this is one of the best games they’ve put out in years. A heartwarming, well-paced narrative supported by a cast of fantastic characters, a dense and interesting overworld packed with dozens of hours of content, and one of the finest soundtracks we’ve heard in a JRPG combine to make this an unforgettable modern classic. Whether you’re a newcomer to the JRPG genre or a returning vet, do yourself a favor and buy Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age as soon as you’re able. This is the epitome of a gift that keeps on giving, and it more than deserves a spot in your Switch library.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“This is definitely the best edition of the game you could currently find out there. With little new features, an extra story, quality of life improvements and the awesome 2D mode, even if you had the game on other systems you should get it again on Switch and have it with you at all times.”
read full review ↗ - 100
“Dragon Quest XI S is a game for both long-time fans and newcomers alike. There are many Easter eggs and references to past Dragon Quest games that will subtly reward fans, but at the same time, the charming world of Erdrea and its characters are appealing to newcomers of all ages. Even those who have played the previous versions of Dragon Quest XI may find the vast improvements of the Switch version compelling enough for another round, especially with the Tickington quests, new character content, and marriage options. This game is a masterpiece, and it sets a new high standard for not only the series, but console RPGs in general. Hopefully the series will continue outdoing itself with further instalments.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Dragon Quest XI on Switch is a masterpiece of the genre that is only held back by unfortunate occasional crashes during extended play sessions, which we can only hope will be annihilated entirely shortly after release, and a 2D mode that doesn't feel perfectly integrated into the Switch experience. It is therefore not perfect... but came darn close!”
read full review ↗ - 95
“Dragon Quest XI S is one of the finest RPGs on Switch. With its classic yet refined battle system and plethora of side content, the game can easily keep you chugging along for 100 hours or more. While the world at large may not be all that open, it offers a lot of flair and interesting elements to experience. Everything from entertaining characters to amusing quests, it all comes together in a way such that the journey never slows down. I do feel that the game tries to hold your hand just a teensy bit too much. You can change it in the settings so that some NPCs will start lying to you, but even then, it was hard to really get lost. That is, however, a slight misstep in a game that I adored from beginning to end.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“This deluxe edition of the original masterpiece stops inches from perfection due to some minor minor flaws, but it surely will be remembered as one of the best JRPG ever made.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Despite some small graphical compromises in 3D mode--rare frame rate stuttering and some occasional pop-in--almost everything in Dragon Quest XI on Switch is an improvement on its original release. If you have been putting off playing this RPG masterpiece, this portable edition is absolutely the way to go--and if you want to revisit it, this version is the perfect excuse to do so.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Dragon Quest XI is already an incredible JRPG, but this massively updated Switch release makes it almost mandatory. With new outfits, new quests, an entirely new 2D mode and a huge range of quality of life improvements, it's easy to consider this the best version of the game to play. The only thing holding it back from earning that title are some unfortunate visual and performance issues. A handy patch can fix the latter, but really the only reason not to prefer this version is if pristine graphics are your highest priority. ”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Embodying everything that made the Dragon Quest series grand and implementing the newest developments in the RPG genre, this expanded version of Dragon Quest's eleventh title is a major contribution for the Nintendo Switch catalogue as it delivers an instant classic with an exquisite adventure, well developed gameplay mechanics and an overall rich experience. Part of the restricted elite of Nintendo Switch games.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“If you haven’t invested in the original game before, Dragon Quest XI S can easily provide you with countless hours of JRPG fun. It plays it safe in many areas and doesn’t necessarily revolutionize the genre; but it does a mighty fine job solidifying it.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“Old school to a fault, but fans of the series, and anyone else that appreciates its honest charms, will find much to love in this simplistic but heart-warming role-player.”
read full review ↗
Pure Nintendo
Nintendo Life
PLAY Zine
RPGamer
Cubed3
NintendoWorldReport
Eurogamer
GameSpot
TheSixthAxis
FNintendo
Metro GameCentral…and 39 more tracked reviews.
Patch history
No patch announcements found on Steam yet.