The GWJ JRPG Club - Q1 2021 - Dragon Quest XI!

Congrats to both of you! Walterq, I'm sorry if you posted when you had beaten the Act 2 boss and I missed it -- but I've leveled you up in the main club thread. Good on you for finishing!

LastSurprise wrote:

Congrats to both of you! Walterq, I'm sorry if you posted when you had beaten the Act 2 boss and I missed it -- but I've leveled you up in the main club thread. Good on you for finishing!

Thank you, and thanks for organising this!

And I finished Act 2. About 70 hours. I have a lot of thoughts about the game but, having played the 3DS version, it's an incredible shame that this was never localised. It's a game both worthy of the franchise and as a showcase for the system. It would have put a handheld version in players' hands a year before the Switch port and I doubt it would have significantly detracted from Switch sales. Also, what a perfect swansong for the system.

Personally, it's the first Japanese-only JRPG I've played through to end credits. Obviously the difficulty of Dragon Quest's dialog and plot is on the low end but I'll pat myself on the back anyway. And it certainly makes me reconsider whether I should try to play more games in Japanese. Thanks to Game Club for pushing me over the line.

Final party make-up:

Spoiler:

IMAGE(https://i.ibb.co/30LDtWg/IMG-0609.jpg)
IMAGE(https://i.ibb.co/n6VmB68/IMG-0610.jpg)
IMAGE(https://i.ibb.co/71JRVdB/IMG-0611.jpg)
IMAGE(https://i.ibb.co/YXfM05P/IMG-0612.jpg)

Weird that they spell head in katakana…

That's amazing! Congrats on not just finishing the game, but finishing your first-ever Japanese-only JRPG, much less one as long and as this one. Glad you enjoyed it, too. I can see this one being really good translated into a 2D, handheld version.

It boggles my mind that they made this game four times, apparently just because they could.

That's not a complaint, because I love the game and am happy that it can get into more hands. It's just... such a weird thing.

I wonder how much time and extra work it took them to convert the game from 3D to 2D?

I also finished up act two over the weekend. Right around 60 hours for me but I didn't do too many side quests amount of side-quests.

I had a fantastic time the whole way through. I didn't really know what to expect going in as my only prior experience with DQ was about 5 hours of 8. This was the perfect game to just sink hours into, with excellent characters, fun towns to visit, and simply but enjoyable combat that ramped up nicely for the boss fights.

Huge shout out for the voice acting too, can we please have accent's from all over Britain in every RPG.

Congrats on finishing! If you liked it, and you want more British accents in your RPGs, you might go back and give 8 another try. Cor blimey!

LastSurprise wrote:

Congrats on finishing! If you liked it, and you want more British accents in your RPGs, you might go back and give 8 another try. Cor blimey!

Yangus is life!

LastSurprise wrote:

I wonder how much time and extra work it took them to convert the game from 3D to 2D?

I didn’t actually spend time much time in 2D. The game introduces you to both the 3D and 2D modes during the opening tutorial, 3D on the top and 2D on the bottom. Frankly it’s really distracting. Then the game asks you to pick your preferred mode (you can change at the statue/priest anytime later). For me, the 3D looks gorgeous so it was never a choice. The only 2 issues I have is some pretty bad pop in for enemies on the field and that individual gear doesn’t show up on your characters. To change your character’s look you need to find certain special sets. This is a bit of a step back from DQIX where you could mix and match tops, bottoms and headgear. I felt like I spent way too much much of the game with my party members stuck with their generic look. A minor complaint but a bit of a shame.

Outside of the above, it’s an amazing looking game. It also makes the 3DS a pretty great platform for DQ. You have the Nintendo DS remakes of 4-6, NDS exclusive DQ9, the incredible remake of underrated DQ7 (PS1), the port of DQ8 (PS2), and Japan-only 10 and 11. I think there’s also a Japan-only compilation of 1-3 on 3DS which would complete the mainline series.

I hear you about the 3DS. I loved that they brought the remakes of 4-6 to the 3DS, and 7 as well (though I am less big on that game than others). Definitely thought about playing the DQ8 port.

The need for special sets to change appearances is present in the other versions of DQ11, too. Weapons and shields change regardless, but costumes only change with certain sets.

Congrats on finishing, Cronox and Mr GT Chris!

Cronox wrote:

This was the perfect game to just sink hours into, with excellent characters, fun towns to visit, and simply but enjoyable combat that ramped up nicely for the boss fights.

Seconded!

I think what DQ11 does really well (SPOILERS through the ending of Act 2) is...

Spoiler:

... take what appears to be a very light-hearted fantasy world, with colourful graphics, cute punning monsters, and lovable characters, and use it to tell a story about moving on from grief and loss. Act 2 is critical to that narrative. The party (and Serena especially) move on from the loss of Veronica; the world moves on from the devastation inflicted by Mordegon; even the minor NPCs move on and heal, such as the grieving parents in Arboria. And the characters change and grow in the process - Erik comes to terms with his past, while Sylv reconciles with his dad.

It's that theme of growth and resilience - and Act 2 is where the heroes demonstrate it - that gives the game its richness.

YES - I 100% agree with you. Act 2 is a masterpiece.

I also adore Act 3, though I think the beginning of it can feel like it undermines Act 3. Major story spoilers for the first few hours of Act 3:

Spoiler:

You essentially find a way to go back in time, to the end of Act 1; now you're powerful enough to beat Jasper, and stop Veronica's sacrifice. All of a sudden, the characters never have to face that grief, never have to grow in that way. It feels cheap...

And yet, I think it sets up something really nice, as you learn more about the world as it was in Erdwin's time, and essentially end up completing the quest, and becoming the hero, that he should have been. And it's paired with a world that opens up and rewards the deep knowledge you gained through Acts 1 and 2. The story wraps up in such a nice way, too...

LastSurprise wrote:

YES - I 100% agree with you. Act 2 is a masterpiece.

I also adore Act 3, though I think the beginning of it can feel like it undermines Act 3. Major story spoilers for the first few hours of Act 3:

Spoiler:

You essentially find a way to go back in time, to the end of Act 1; now you're powerful enough to beat Jasper, and stop Veronica's sacrifice. All of a sudden, the characters never have to face that grief, never have to grow in that way. It feels cheap...

And yet, I think it sets up something really nice, as you learn more about the world as it was in Erdwin's time, and essentially end up completing the quest, and becoming the hero, that he should have been. And it's paired with a world that opens up and rewards the deep knowledge you gained through Acts 1 and 2. The story wraps up in such a nice way, too...

Thanks, I appreciate this information. Is there anything you recommend wrapping up before diving into Act 3? Important recipes/side quests etc?

Though I’m I not 100% sure, I think that all side quests, chests, recipes, etc. remain available in Act 3 - which is really nice. It’s *possible* you’d lose access to the stuff in Mordegon’s castle.

Mind Elemental wrote:

I think what DQ11 does really well (SPOILERS through the ending of Act 2) is...

Spoiler:

... take what appears to be a very light-hearted fantasy world, with colourful graphics, cute punning monsters, and lovable characters, and use it to tell a story about moving on from grief and loss. Act 2 is critical to that narrative. The party (and Serena especially) move on from the loss of Veronica; the world moves on from the devastation inflicted by Mordegon; even the minor NPCs move on and heal, such as the grieving parents in Arboria. And the characters change and grow in the process - Erik comes to terms with his past, while Sylv reconciles with his dad.

It's that theme of growth and resilience - and Act 2 is where the heroes demonstrate it - that gives the game its richness.

I totally agree with this regarding the second act. Storywise the game take's off in the second act and makes a nice transition from a typical anime/JRPG romp to quite a dark, moving and personal tone.

LastSurprise wrote:

Congrats on finishing! If you liked it, and you want more British accents in your RPGs, you might go back and give 8 another try. Cor blimey!

It's going on my to be played list.....

LastSurprise wrote:

Though I’m I not 100% sure, I think that all side quests, chests, recipes, etc. remain available in Act 3 - which is really nice. It’s *possible* you’d lose access to the stuff in Mordegon’s castle.

Sounds good. I already saved at the beginning of Act 3 before making the choice so the castle isn't available. I think I cleaned it out anyway (hopefully).

The moment you've all (not) been waiting for, updated DQ rankings!

DQXI > DQVII > DQIX > DQV > DQVIII

DQXI shoots to the top based on technical proficiency and mechanics. I found DQVII's story more interesting but I'll tip my hat to DQXI's cast. DQVII is an outstanding remake of a janky but underrated PS1 game. DQIX is an incredible graphical achievement on the DS where most 3D games look like ass. The online mechanics (no longer available sadly) were interesting and it was the first JRPG I seriously tried to play in Japanese. DQV was hugely hyped based on the big mid-game decision but I found that very underwhelming. Then, DQVIII I went into as my first DQ with the totally wrong expectations. Still, I found the story and mechanics incredibly dull at the time ('06?). I'd like to revisit it sometime and see if my negative opinion still holds weight.

LastSurprise wrote:

I also adore Act 3, though I think the beginning of it can feel like it undermines Act 3. Major story spoilers for the first few hours of Act 3...

I briefly peeked beneath your spoiler tag and had to close it again quickly, haha! I guess I'm not as far into Act 3 as I thought.

That said, major Act 3 spoilers:

Spoiler:

Yes, that's exactly my concern about Act 3 so far - I've defeated Jasper and Mordegon, and reached the intact Havens Above. It's fun, and a lot more in-depth than I had expected. I appreciate the extremely bittersweet nature of the choice Hero makes to travel back and prevent the fall of Yggdrasil - he is giving up the happy ending that he earned with his friends. But by erasing the events of Act 2, Act 3 also erases what I liked best about the game, and wipes out the character development that everyone went through in Act 2.

Hopefully the rest of Act 3 will outweigh my concerns!

LastSurprise wrote:

Though I’m I not 100% sure, I think that all side quests, chests, recipes, etc. remain available in Act 3 - which is really nice. It’s *possible* you’d lose access to the stuff in Mordegon’s castle.

I read in a guide that the chests from Mordegon's castle become available in act 3 at some of the

Spoiler:

whale way locations.

Haven't verified this myself, though.

Side note - I'd love a DQB spinoff based on DQ11!

Act 2 spoilers:

Spoiler:

It would be a lot of fun to rebuild the fallen cities - Heliodor, Zwaardsrust, Dundrasil, maybe the Havens Above or Cobblestone as well - in DQB style! My hypothetical DQB11 would be complete with chibi Jade, Eight, Rab, etc helping you rebuild.

Mr GT Chris wrote:

The moment you've all (not) been waiting for, updated DQ rankings!

DQXI > DQVII > DQIX > DQV > DQVIII

DQXI shoots to the top based on technical proficiency and mechanics. I found DQVII's story more interesting but I'll tip my hat to DQXI's cast. DQVII is an outstanding remake of a janky but underrated PS1 game. DQIX is an incredible graphical achievement on the DS where most 3D games look like ass. The online mechanics (no longer available sadly) were interesting and it was the first JRPG I seriously tried to play in Japanese. DQV was hugely hyped based on the big mid-game decision but I found that very underwhelming. Then, DQVIII I went into as my first DQ with the totally wrong expectations. Still, I found the story and mechanics incredibly dull at the time ('06?). I'd like to revisit it sometime and see if my negative opinion still holds weight.

Ooh, I love a good list! I'm going to have some pretty different takes. I did one of these for the Dragon Quest series, in another thread, before DQ XI, and I think my rankings remain the same, except that DQ XI takes the top spot.

1. DQ XI - My hands-down favorite in the series.
2. DQ VIII - I think this is an absolute gem. Before XI came out, this easily would have been my recommended entry point for everyone.
3. DQ VI - An unpopular opinion, as I think DQ VI is one of the least popular DQ games, and is much less popular than V. But I fell for this game when I first played an emulated copy, and found the dream world / real world mechanic to be super interesting.
4. DQ IV - This was a favorite of mine on the NES, and it holds up really well as a DS remake. The scale and size of the party reminds me a bit of FF VI, in a good way. This would be my recommended entry point for anyone looking for a more classic (and shorter) experience.
5. DQ IX - Was a great game, and I think could be higher on my list, but I just really like the stories of 8, 6, and 4 so much.
6. DQ III - I think this was the very first JRPG I played to completion. Really impactful and formative.
7. DQ V - Probably my most controversial opinion. DQ V is a huge fan favorite, but it just connect with me in the same way that it connects with some. I think it's the first few hours. Though it's an interesting exploration of the main character's early life, I just don't love the "child hero" conceit. I feel similarly about any game that features Kid Link, except for Ocarina.
8. DQ VII - This is near the bottom of the list for two reasons. First, while I only played the 3DS remake, which is much more playable than the PS version, it's still excessively long and involves too much backtracking (in my opinion). Second -- and as I'm sure anyone who played in the JRPG club will remember, because I said it a lot in our other thread -- I hate Maribel. She's my least favorite of any DQ character, ever. Her dialogue is written to constantly belittle and talk down to the main character. I think this is meant to be a sort of childhood "she's picking on you because she likes you," but even as you grow powerful enough to fight a god, she's so patronizing. And here, I think Yuji Horii's insistence on a silent protagonist makes the main character and Maribel's relationship feel abusive -- something I deeply do not want in my DQ games.
9. DQ II - A game that I rented multiple times and played the beginning segments over and over. I played this on my phone a few years back, and it's still decent. Though, I think the concept of the cleric and the wizard was new enough that Prince Cannock and Princess Moonbrook did not shine in those roles, as much as later characters would.
10. DQ I - Still pretty good, actually, if dated -- and at the bottom of my list because there's no party. But this holds up much better than the original Final Fantasy does.

Mind Elemental wrote:

Side note - I'd love a DQB spinoff based on DQ11!

Act 2 spoilers:

Spoiler:

It would be a lot of fun to rebuild the fallen cities - Heliodor, Zwaardsrust, Dundrasil, maybe the Havens Above or Cobblestone as well - in DQB style! My hypothetical DQB11 would be complete with chibi Jade, Eight, Rab, etc helping you rebuild.

I think that's what DQ Builders COULD be. (not a spoiler but related to your spoiler message so I'll add spoiler tags just in case)

Spoiler:

It's not those but you are literally rebuilding destroyed cities in DQB 1 and 2. Missed opportunity...

It is finished! (For act II)

I think I would like to dig into act 3... eventually.

I'm hoping to wrap up Act II over the weekend. Act III will follow suit once that's done.

EDIT: Many hours later, and after playing for a bit and failing a couple of times to beat a certain boss, I took off exploring and changed my party up a bit... Only to discover weapons in that Hawaii-equivalent town and realizing that maybe I needed to switch my party composition... And ended up beating the crap out of said boss in 4 turns or 3.

Oftentimes, I think I can play even the most basic of games the "wrong" way.

Spoiler:

The boss in question was Tatsunaga.

Congrats, Wembley, and good luck, brokenclavicle! If it's any consolation, I thought that boss was fairly tough, too.

Yeah, me too. I definitely had trouble with him.

Congrats Wembley! I'm about to level you up.

And Act II is finally in the books!

That was a long dungeon yet somehow shorter than expected. There was definitely a moment there where I thought I'd be caught with no MP left, but just before the final baddie of the main game, a little reprieve was given.

I really enjoy that closure that most DQ games seem to give as far as the personal narratives of each party member, so that was nice. At 109:42 on the clock, I'm still looking forward to Act III. I think that says a good deal about how much I enjoyed this entry in the series.

Been playing along with Act III and am really enjoying the reunions...

Spoiler:

Both in the post-fall of Ygdrassil time line and after going back in time and changing the flow of time. There're also some pleasant plot surprises here and there and lots of feel-good moments.

I will definitely complete the game before June is through and get what post-game story beats I'm missing. Hopefully the post-game ending is as satisfying as the one for Act II.