Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age: Difference between revisions
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==Setting== | ==Setting== | ||
The world of the game is [[Erdrea]], a peaceful planet watched over by the floating island that carries [[Yggdrasil]], the source of all life. Though present in previous games, the significance of Yggdrasil is more pronounced than before, with the almighty arbor having widespread recognition and reverence even in the most remote villages. Cities and kingdoms based upon real world European nations return for the first time since {{Dragon Quest III}}, and the game's plot is divided into acts reminiscent of the chapters and generations of the fourth and fifth games; dramatic changes mark the ending of each segment of the game, greatly changing the environment and tone of the title. | The world of the game is [[Erdrea]], a peaceful planet watched over by the floating island that carries [[Yggdrasil]], the source of all life. Though present in previous games, the significance of Yggdrasil is more pronounced than before, with the almighty arbor having widespread recognition and reverence even in the most remote villages. Cities and kingdoms based upon real-world European nations return for the first time since {{Dragon Quest III}}, and the game's plot is divided into acts reminiscent of the chapters and generations of the fourth and fifth games; dramatic changes mark the ending of each segment of the game, greatly changing the environment and tone of the title. | ||
==Plot== | ==Plot== | ||
{{spoiler|start}} | {{spoiler|start}} | ||
The game is set in the world of [[Erdrea]] and begins as the kingdom of [[Dundrasil]] is invaded and destroyed by an army of monsters. The protagonist, an infant during the attack, survives and is found floating down a river by an older man named [[Chalky]] in the village of [[Cobblestone]]. The protagonist is adopted by Chalky's daughter Amber and raised in the village. After the protagonist's coming-of-age ceremony, [[Amber]] reveals the truth to him about his birth and adoption and sends him to meet [[King Carnelian]] of [[Heliodor]]. However, the king accuses him of being an evil entity and throws him into the dungeons. Imprisoned, the protagonist meets a thief called [[Erik]], who reveals that he was sent to meet him, as the mark on his hand is proof that he is the {{Luminary}}, a legendary hero chosen by the world tree [[Yggdrasil]] to save Erdrea from evil. The pair escape and evade capture, later joined by two mages: {{Veronica 11}}, trapped in a child's body due to a curse, and her twin sister, {{Serena 11}}. On their quest to help the Luminary reach the sacred tree [[Yggdrasil]], they gain three other companions: [[Sylvando]], a traveling entertainer, [[Rab]], former king of Dundrasil and the protagonist's grandfather and [[Jade]], exiled princess of Heliodor who helped the infant protagonist escape during the attack of Dundrasil. | The game is set in the world of [[Erdrea]] and begins as the kingdom of [[Dundrasil]] is invaded and destroyed by an army of monsters. The protagonist, an infant during the attack, survives and is found floating down a river by an older man named [[Chalky]] in the village of [[Cobblestone]]. The protagonist is adopted by Chalky's daughter Amber and raised in the village. After the protagonist's coming-of-age ceremony, [[Amber]] reveals the truth to him about his birth and adoption and sends him to meet [[King Carnelian]] of [[Heliodor]]. However, the king accuses him of being an evil entity and throws him into the dungeons. Imprisoned, the protagonist meets a thief called [[Erik]], who reveals that he was sent to meet him, as the mark on his hand is proof that he is the {{Luminary}}, a legendary hero chosen by the world tree [[Yggdrasil]] to save Erdrea from evil. The pair escape and evade capture, later joined by two mages: {{Veronica 11}}, trapped in a child's body due to a curse, and her twin sister, {{Serena 11}}. On their quest to help the Luminary reach the sacred tree [[Yggdrasil]], they gain three other companions: [[Sylvando]], a traveling entertainer, [[Rab]], former king of Dundrasil and the protagonist's grandfather and [[Jade]], the exiled princess of Heliodor who helped the infant protagonist escape during the attack of Dundrasil. | ||
The {{Party 11}} eventually arrives at the heart of [[Yggdrasil]], which contains the [[Erdwin's Equipment#Sword of Light|Sword of Light]], the {{Luminary}}'s destined weapon. However, just as the Luminary is about to take it, he and the {{Party 11}} are intercepted by Carnelian and his retainers [[Jasper]] and [[Hendrik]]. It is revealed that Carnelian was possessed by an evil sorcerer known as Mordegon and that Jasper is [[Mordegon]]'s agent. The two subdue Hendrik and the Luminary's {{Party 11}}, with Mordegon taking the Sword of Light and absorbing the heart of Yggdrasil, destroying the tree and plunging the world into an age of darkness. The Luminary returns to Cobblestone, separated from the others, turned into a fortified refuge for Heliodor citizens led by Carnelian and Hendrik. They apologize to the Luminary for all the troubles they caused him. Hendrik joins forces with the Luminary, and together they reclaim Heliodor from Mordegon's forces. After reuniting with the rest of the {{Party 11}}, except for Veronica, who perished saving the others during the fall of Yggdrasil, the Luminary obtains the means to forge a new Sword of Light, which they use to defeat Jasper and Mordegon, which restores Yggdrasil and the world. | The {{Party 11}} eventually arrives at the heart of [[Yggdrasil]], which contains the [[Erdwin's Equipment#Sword of Light|Sword of Light]], the {{Luminary}}'s destined weapon. However, just as the Luminary is about to take it, he and the {{Party 11}} are intercepted by Carnelian and his retainers [[Jasper]] and [[Hendrik]]. It is revealed that Carnelian was possessed by an evil sorcerer known as Mordegon and that Jasper is [[Mordegon]]'s agent. The two subdue Hendrik and the Luminary's {{Party 11}}, with Mordegon taking the Sword of Light and absorbing the heart of Yggdrasil, destroying the tree and plunging the world into an age of darkness. The Luminary returns to Cobblestone, separated from the others, turned into a fortified refuge for Heliodor citizens led by Carnelian and Hendrik. They apologize to the Luminary for all the troubles they caused him. Hendrik joins forces with the Luminary, and together they reclaim Heliodor from Mordegon's forces. After reuniting with the rest of the {{Party 11}}, except for Veronica, who perished saving the others during the fall of Yggdrasil, the Luminary obtains the means to forge a new Sword of Light, which they use to defeat Jasper and Mordegon, which restores Yggdrasil and the world. | ||
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*[[Sylvando]] - A flamboyant and carefree entertainer with a dream to make people smile around the world. He is described as the mood maker of the {{Party 11}} and has a strong sense of justice. | *[[Sylvando]] - A flamboyant and carefree entertainer with a dream to make people smile around the world. He is described as the mood maker of the {{Party 11}} and has a strong sense of justice. | ||
*[[Jade]] - An expert martial artist who travels the world with Rab in order to fulfill a mysterious goal. Her beauty and dignified demeanor suggests that she is more than just a talented fighter. | *[[Jade]] - An expert martial artist who travels the world with Rab in order to fulfill a mysterious goal. Her beauty and dignified demeanor suggests that she is more than just a talented fighter. | ||
*[[Rab]] - A mysterious elderly man who looks like nothing more than a simple traveler, but in combat he wields ferocious martial arts skills and high level magic. He seems to know someone in every port and town around the world. | *[[Rab]] - A mysterious elderly man who looks like nothing more than a simple traveler, but in combat he wields ferocious martial arts skills and high-level magic. He seems to know someone in every port and town around the world. | ||
*[[Hendrik]] - A Heliodoran knight and general who is initially opposed to the Luminary and is tasked by the King of [[Heliodor]] to capture him. After a change of heart, he vows to become the Luminary's sword, shield, and unswerving companion. | *[[Hendrik]] - A Heliodoran knight and general who is initially opposed to the Luminary and is tasked by the King of [[Heliodor]] to capture him. After a change of heart, he vows to become the Luminary's sword, shield, and unswerving companion. | ||
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===Battle refinements=== | ===Battle refinements=== | ||
''Dragon Quest XI'' is still using its traditional turn-based battle system, with the player and monsters act by turns. The player can switch the battle style graphics of the [[Nintendo 3DS]] version from 3D to 2D, which the battle system can be toggled after encountering a monster when the players are walking through the field. For the {{PlayStation 4}} version, there are two battle systems as well. With the Free Camera-style, the player can rotate the camera freely and position characters as desired, similar to the style of {{Dragon Quest X}}. While using the Classic Camera-style, the player cannot move characters around and camera angles are dynamic, similar to {{Dragon Quest VIII}}. Specific additions to the battle system are: | ''Dragon Quest XI'' is still using its traditional turn-based battle system, with the player and monsters act by turns. The player can switch the battle style graphics of the [[Nintendo 3DS]] version from 3D to 2D, which the battle system can be toggled after encountering a monster when the players are walking through the field. For the {{PlayStation 4}} version, there are two battle systems as well. With the Free Camera-style, the player can rotate the camera freely and position characters as desired, similar to the style of {{Dragon Quest X}}. While using the Classic Camera-style, the player cannot move characters around and camera angles are dynamic, similar to {{Dragon Quest VIII}}. Specific additions to the battle system are: | ||
*The player can attack a monster on the overworld by sneaking up on them and striking, dealing a small amount of damage and getting a preemptive strike when battle commences. | *The player can attack a monster on the overworld by sneaking up on them and striking, dealing a small amount of damage, and getting a preemptive strike when battle commences. | ||
*The text displaying a monster's name will now change color, becoming dull yellow when they drop below half of their maximum HP and red when they drop below 25%. | *The text displaying a monster's name will now change color, becoming dull yellow when they drop below half of their maximum HP and red when they drop below 25%. | ||
*[[Experience Points]] are awarded to all characters so long as they are alive, even for storyline battles with prearranged {{Party 11}} configuration. | *[[Experience Points]] are awarded to all characters so long as they are alive, even for storyline battles with prearranged {{Party 11}} configuration. | ||
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*An extensive sidequest involving Hendrick and Jasper has been added to the end-game. | *An extensive sidequest involving Hendrick and Jasper has been added to the end-game. | ||
*A new character, Madame Cherie, has been added. She is a professor at [[L'Académie de Notre Maitre des Médailles]]. | *A new character, Madame Cherie, has been added. She is a professor at [[L'Académie de Notre Maitre des Médailles]]. | ||
*Additional sub scenarios are added at the beginning of Act 2 focusing on various {{Party 11}} members and what they were doing before rejoining the Luminary. In order, they elaborate on [[Sylvando]], [[Jade]], [[Erik]], and [[Rab]]'s activities. | *Additional sub-scenarios are added at the beginning of Act 2 focusing on various {{Party 11}} members and what they were doing before rejoining the Luminary. In order, they elaborate on [[Sylvando]], [[Jade]], [[Erik]], and [[Rab]]'s activities. | ||
*The Luminary is able to 'Become Companions' with any {{Party 11}} member (rather than just [[Gemma]]) in Act 3, with a scene added atop the Cobblestone Tor for each. | *The Luminary is able to 'Become Companions' with any {{Party 11}} member (rather than just [[Gemma]]) in Act 3, with a scene added atop the Cobblestone Tor for each. | ||
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*Party members will follow behind the {{Luminary}} in 3D mode just as in 2D titles. | *Party members will follow behind the {{Luminary}} in 3D mode just as in 2D titles. | ||
**Characters can be spoken to directly on the overworld without having to bring up the [[Party Chat]] menu. | **Characters can be spoken to directly on the overworld without having to bring up the [[Party Chat]] menu. | ||
*Party members will move on their own while in battle, adjusting to the conditions of conflict for more player | *Party members will move on their own while in battle, adjusting to the conditions of conflict for more player immersion. This is an aesthetic adjustment that does not affect gameplay. | ||
====Mini game refinements==== | ====Mini game refinements==== | ||
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*Horse-racing minigame has been fine-tuned. | *Horse-racing minigame has been fine-tuned. | ||
*The amount of monsters to ride has been increased by four, including a [[Golem]], [[Great sabrecat]], and [[Slime knight]], and an [[Iron maiden]]. | *The amount of monsters to ride has been increased by four, including a [[Golem]], [[Great sabrecat]], and [[Slime knight]], and an [[Iron maiden]]. | ||
**Running over small to medium monsters now gives experience points, 30% of what would be gained in a normal battle. [[Gold]] is not awarded by these hit and runs. | **Running over small to medium monsters now gives experience points, 30% of what would be gained in a normal battle. [[Gold]] is not awarded by these hit-and-runs. | ||
**A dedicated musical theme will play when riding a Great sabrecat. | **A dedicated musical theme will play when riding a Great sabrecat. | ||