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Dragon Quest XI Will Be Full Of Twists, Surprises And Homages, No Plans For DLC

L

LordOfLore

Banned
Urgh, why couldn't they've just posted one article, this is becoming quite a few threads now...

Link.

Dragon Quest XI’s key developers in series creator Yuji Horii, producer Yosuke Saito, and director Takeshi Uchikawa had plenty to share on the RPG in this week’s issue of Dengeki PlayStation. Here are some more highlights from the interview. [Thanks, Hachima (1), (2).]

The decision to make Dragon Quest XI on PS4 and 3DS was there from the start.

The thought of “I want them to play on the big screen and enjoy with family and friends” was one of Horii’s ideas for the PS4 version.

There are some completely different parts that were made for the PS4 and 3DS hardware, and it was easy to bring out the good parts of both consoles.

It was originally planned to have all tracks be new ones, but since there’s plenty of homage material, they’ve used songs from past entries of the series.

The game’s concept is “returning to the roots” and “a hero’s story.” However, Yuji Horii didn’t want to just focus on returning to roots, so he had the wanted to also make something that can be a new starting point for the series.

The theme of the game is “the hero who is hunted.” The answer to what kind of existence is the hero will be answered through the story.

(On the appearance of Erdrick) It doesn’t mean that those who never played a Dragon Quest game won’t be able to enjoy it. Dragon Quest XI can be enjoyed 100% without any knowledge of past titles. On the other hand, they hope people can find interest in the series after playing Dragon Quest XI.

The last boss’ designs are truly amazing. Described as a last boss that can only be drawn by Akira Toriyama.

The message was sent out to “not create any useless characters.” The characters are well-made, and they hope fans come to like all of them.

Square Enix put in a lot of time and effort into the prototype of the game, but they say that its content was fruitful and exciting.

The PS4 version will have something similar to a confirm button for L2, so it can actually be played using one hand.

With that in mind, they also made it so that you can set Tactics for the protagonist, which should come in handy for grinding experience points or gold.

The protagonist can also be removed from the party.

Square Enix says they feel that the Restrictive Play features will make for some amusing times while sharing gameplay on PS4. They recommend the “Shy Curse” that prevents you from talking to NPCs.

There are no plans for DLC. Everything is complete as a standalone title.

Square Enix emphasizes their hope for fans to play through the game until the very end.

Horii-san loves surprises, and you’ll see numerous surprising moments during the story.

Since the story has a bunch of twists and turns, just when you’re thinking “so it might be like this?” you’ll find out that there was more to it behind the scenes, and you won’t be able to fully understand it all until the end.

Square Enix says they feel that there are some massively surprising parts in Dragon Quest XI, much more surprising compared to past Dragon Quest games.

Horii says that development first started on the PS4 version, but while working on that it was decided that they could work simultaneously on the 3DS version.

The 3DS version’s field map was much larger at the start of its development. However, once they threw in the map for the 2D mode, it became way too big.

With two modes on the 3DS version, they ran into inconsistencies that came from looks and specifications. They were able to overcome this with various ideas.

The PS4 and 3DS versions both have the same number of treasure chests and shiny items that you can be found. However, you’ll see some differences in the version-exclusive parts.

The 3DS version’s 2D mode is the easiest for finding treasures.

Square Enix aimed to make the homages obvious. For example the masquerade, merchant brothers competing over prices, and so on.

“Puff-Puff” is an element that has been passed down Dragon Quest for a long time, and it’s something they want to take good care of.

Director Uchikawa says they tried suggesting mahjong as a casino game, but it didn’t work out.

While there’s the issue of “Spell of Restoration” being used to cheat, it’s something Square Enix really wanted to put into the game.

They hope you guys try out all kinds of different Spell of Restoration codes, and that something interesting might come from it.

Dragon Quest XI doesn’t have many roadblocks in terms of leveling, so you won’t find yourself needing to set aside some time to grind in order to keep on if you just play normally.

Rather than flying through the game, they hope fans will take their time and enjoy it more than anything. There’s always something to do, so they hope to see fans play through without looking up guides online, if possible.

You’ll get to take on quests after clearing the game.

If you get a little lost, you can simply talk to the party members.

Square Enix doesn’t see Dragon Quest XI as a compilation product of the series, but rather, a fresh new start.
Click to expand...
 
L

LordKano

Member
The decision to make Dragon Quest XI on PS4 and 3DS was there from the start
Click to expand...

Eh ? That's not what they said a few days ago.

Horii says that development first started on the PS4 version, but while working on that it was decided that they could work simultaneously on the 3DS version
Click to expand...

So...did it start as PS4 only or not ? Why is he contradicting himself.
 
P

Pepboy

Member
LordKano said:
Eh ? That's not what they said a few days ago.



So...did it start as PS4 only or not ? Why is he contradicting himself.
Click to expand...

Maybe both versions were planned to be made from the start, but it was thought to make them sequentially? Otherwise I'm not sure
 
A

aravuus

Member
A DQ story having a bunch of plot twists sounds weird, but I'm all in. I also love twists, surprises, and homages.
 
T

test_account

XP-39C²
LordKano said:
Eh ? That's not what they said a few days ago.



So...did it start as PS4 only or not ? Why is he contradicting himself.
Click to expand...
Going by those quotes alone, they dont necessarily contradict each other. Starting on one platform first doesnt necessarily rule out the plans for another platform.

But earlier in another interview, Horii (i think) said that the 3DS version was presented by a developer with the 2D gameplay in mind, and that is what made him say ok to the 3DS version. I'm not sure when in the developement process this was mentioned however, could maybe have been very early.
 
J

Jucksalbe

Banned
LordKano said:
Eh ? That's not what they said a few days ago.



So...did it start as PS4 only or not ? Why is he contradicting himself.
Click to expand...

Full of twists! Well, actually one quote is talking about the decision to bring it to both systems, the other is talking about the actual development starting on PS4 first. They probably originally wanted to start working on the 3DS version much later.
 
C

CryptiK

Member
LordKano said:
Eh ? That's not what they said a few days ago.



So...did it start as PS4 only or not ? Why is he contradicting himself.
Click to expand...

The second quote just means they were probably going to do the 3DS version later, but decided they could do them at the same time.
 
A

Aeana

Member
Square Enix aimed to make the homages obvious. For example the masquerade, merchant brothers competing over prices, and so on.
Click to expand...

Time to pit them against each other and get dat gold all over again. No remorse.
 
F

Fushichou187

Member
Last DQ game I played was IX on my hardy DSi 8 years ago. Still have the giant strategy guide from V Jumps from back then too. Gonna do the same for this new one. Just a few more days now!
 
A

Aeana

Member
It's interesting to hear that there are version-exclusive parts apparently outside of the casino games and StreetPass stuff. I wonder how extensive that will be. I still can't decide which version to play first.
 
N

Neith

Banned
OMG this game is going to be so amazing. I may have to day one this and then wait for two months for patches. :)
 
sublimit

sublimit

Banned
Square Enix doesn’t see Dragon Quest XI as a compilation product of the series, but rather, a fresh new start.
Click to expand...

Oh nice!I hope this means that future mainline DQ games will continue to be single player home console experiences (probably along with handheld/hybrid versions).
 
Bolivar687

Bolivar687

Banned
I'm a little sad to hear there won't be that much original music, since the PS4 spinoffs so far have brought back a lot of the same tracks and there's some overlap. I know they say DQXI is in part a homage but isn't the real reason because Sugiyama is too old to compose an original score now?
 
J

Jucksalbe

Banned
Bolivar687 said:
I'm a little sad to hear there won't be that much original music, since the PS4 spinoffs so far have brought back a lot of the same tracks and there's some overlap. I know they say DQXI is in part a homage but isn't the real reason because Sugiyama is too old to compose an original score now?
Click to expand...

As far as I understand that part it just means there are some old songs instead of none. And I'm guessing these will be arrangements?
 
M

mickagau33

Member
Bolivar687 said:
I'm a little sad to hear there won't be that much original music, since the PS4 spinoffs so far have brought back a lot of the same tracks and there's some overlap. I know they say DQXI is in part a homage but isn't the real reason because Sugiyama is too old to compose an original score now?
Click to expand...

Yeah, I suppose Sugiyama has something to do with this. .maybe not only his age, he is notorious for being "difficult" regarding his rights on his music. You can thank him for MIDI music in DQ 7 and 8 on 3DS in the west.
 
G

GasProblem

Member
Japanese release is this month right? Looking forward to impressions. Really hope it's good.

I'm still playing DQ8 3DS as my first Dragon Quest and I'm enjoying it.
 
yankee666

yankee666

Member
Aeana said:
It's interesting to hear that there are version-exclusive parts apparently outside of the casino games and StreetPass stuff. I wonder how extensive that will be. I still can't decide which version to play first.
Click to expand...

Neither do i, but i think ill play the 3DS version first, mainly becuase of the "new 2DS DQXI" hard.
then ps4 and replay on the switch.

Im waitingfor your "official |OT|" Aeana :)
 
K

kromeo

Member
Aeana said:
It's interesting to hear that there are version-exclusive parts apparently outside of the casino games and StreetPass stuff. I wonder how extensive that will be. I still can't decide which version to play first.
Click to expand...

Seeing as the story is the same I would think ps4 version would be the way to experience it first
 
P

Philippo

Member
So hyped about this, please come early next. Year!

I hope it's the start of a new trilogy on PS4, and if so, that the next entries will come faster thanks to UE4 and already done assets.
 
I

Irishonion

Member
Hmm, with no dlc (which is fine by me) wonder if there will be a meaty end game content, which extra optional stuff to do after you beat the story. That's literally one last thing I can hope for. Everything else is good for me.
 
F

Forward

Member
The only homage I need is getting the 3DS version in the West.

No DLC is a nice change of pace. But it'd be nicer to get some post-game goodies trickled out for "free" a la IX, not gonna lie.
 
P

paragonpro

Banned
Is a western translation even in the works yet? This looks fantastic, but i know dq is a japan first series, hopefully they do decide to localize it
 
M

MoonFrog

Member
Hope Japan/importers really enjoy it...

It sounds like they went all out on the scenario, hope that's true. IX and VIII were a bit off from the heights of the series in that regard, imo.

But yeah, I hope they thought of both a cool central storytelling conceit and some strong vignettes.

I'm also really looking forward to the ensemble cast and hope they're fun to use.

...

(So jealous...)
 
R

Raw64life

Member
Irishonion said:
Hmm, with no dlc (which is fine by me) wonder if there will be a meaty end game content, which extra optional stuff to do after you beat the story. That's literally one last thing I can hope for. Everything else is good for me.
Click to expand...

Every DQ since 5 has had some pretty good post-game content, and even remakes of older DQ games have had good post-game stuff added to them. I'd say it's a lock that this game will have good post-game stuff to do.

Trago said:
Not even cosmetic DLC?
Click to expand...

Why does it have to be DLC? Why can't it just be on the disc Day 1?
 
N

Neith

Banned
I really hope the story is good, but even if it is only serviceable game looks like everything I wanted out of a jrpg.
 
A

Ashodin

Member
Sounds like the crazy twists from DQ7 are in. DQ7 had some absolutely insane twists in the latter half of the game and I remember having a blast with it.
 
N

NSESN

Member
No DLC makes sense if they still need to finish the Switch version. If there's some, maybe after this version is released.
 
M

MoonFrog

Member
Is there going to be an import/Japan OT btw? It's the sort of thing I'd want to cautiously lurk in and get vicarious enjoyment from you all :).
 
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