It’s been a good month for Dragon Quest XI news as Nintendo has officially confirmed that Dragon Quest XI will be coming to the Switch. We’ve also gotten a sneak peek at gameplay footage and the opening movie. Now Nintendo has released more information about Dragon Quest XI ’s story, characters and world, including a few details on the difference between the PS4 and 3DS versions.
The protagonist of Dragon Quest XI grows up a village called Ishi.
Ishi Village is a sleepy farming town in the corner of a valley area. Its inhabitants live peacefully and worship earth spirits. Outside of the town are both monsters and wildlife, and you can see horses from Ishi grazing as you travel.
While the town possesses a few small shops, its main focus lies in its stock-farming. At 16, all members of the village must undergo a coming-of-age ceremony which involves climbing a rocky mountain known as “God’s Rock” and praying.
At 16, the protagonist undergoes this coming-of-age ceremony and learns that he is the reincarnation of the hero that once saved the world. He must go on a big mission, so he leaves Ishi to learn the truth about who he is and what he must do.
Notably, he has a birthmark on one of his hands that awakens strange powers in times of crisis.
His childhood friend Emma shares his birthday and does her coming-of-age ceremony at the same time as he does.
Finally, Camus is a thief he encounters in his journey. Camus becomes his partner and friend, guiding him along his mission. He is loyal, dutiful and compassionate, despite being a thief.
The world itself is called “Rotozetasia,” with “Roto” being the Japanese name for “Erdrick,” the legendary recurring hero of Dragon Quest.
A giant tree, rumored to be the source of all life for the planet, floats at the center of the world. Known as “the Great Tree of Life,” it’s said that the hero can communicate with the very soul of the tree.
The PlayStation 4 version of the game will be more open-world and filled with flowers, waterfalls and more, making the environment truly come alive. Square Enix is also making an effort to render the lifestyles and activities of the townspeople in a lively, real fashion.
As for the iconic monsters of the Dragon Quest games, they’ll be fully realized on the PlayStation 4.
The 3DS version of the game is more of a throwback for the series in celebration of its 30th anniversary. You’ll see two different modes on the screen: 3D Mode on top and 2D Mode on the bottom. You can choose which mode you want to continue playing in as the game progresses and will be able to switch back and forth between the two as well.
As in the PlayStation 4 version, monsters will be fully realized, but there will be an option to experience battles in a retro pixel style.
Dragon Quest VIII is headed our way on Nintendo 3DS in January, and Dragon Quest Heroes II is arriving sometime in 2017. Are you psyched for Dragon Quest XI ? Feel free to let us know in the comments section below.
