I Decided To Play "Dragon Quest VII", Something Released Last 2017

Dragon Quest 11 is a game released last 2017. There's always my reason NOT to ride on the hype in gaming. I'm a casual gamer myself. That means I would prefer to get reviews first. I would always wait for a discount because I want to save. I decided to visit a game that may have gotten fans hyped over -- Dragon Quest 11. I played Dragon Quest VIII for the PS2. I also played the Dragon Quest Heroes spinoff games, which, for me, were more enjoyable for casual gaming. I got into Dragon Quest XI -- a game that I found TOO LONG for my taste!

Dragon Quest 11 is still enjoyable. I could name a lot of stuff that it improved on from Dragon Quest VIII. Given the significant amount of time between VIII and XI -- there's no excuse NOT to improve the game. Here they are when it comes to gameplay:

  • Replacing random encounters with YOU picking fights against monster groups. However, it does not apply to the ocean sections.
  • The game also makes it easier to get more money in the long run. Dragon Quest VIII was during the time when cheat devices were still the norm.
  • Somehow, I've got to enjoy switching characters in and out of battle like in the Final Fantasy XV series.
  • The use of PEP powers mimics that of Tales of Xillia's Overlimit moves. However, one must always use them wisely, as not all of them are useful.
  • The post-game content, though huge, manages to create a different chapter. 
  • I thought Mordegon was somewhat more developed than Dhoulmagus. In fact, Mordegon was the Disc One final boss and the game "ends".
  • Calasmos has a cooler design than the ridiculously obese Rhapthorne.
  • Leveling up can be cool IF you know the PEP secret of Hero, Jade, and Sylvando.
  • The choice to marry (or not marry) all the while you needed to fight a final boss, more difficult than Calasmos.
  • Switching between Japanese and American voices is cool. But I prefer to play it with the American voices. On the other hand, I wish British English audio were available to make it sound more "authentic". 

Too bad I never played Dragon Quest IX, which was for the Nintendo DS and Dragon Quest X. I played Dragon Quest 11. I don't feel like a child playing the gam,e nor does the game appeal to my inner child. Instead, I was enjoying a good, long novel come to life. But it could be too long because of certain secrets or the post-game content. Unfortunately, no New Game Plus because I wanted to have my revenge on the game -- like I did with the Dragon Quest Heroes series.

However, if I'm going to really name some of the weaknesses the game has, it's this:

  • The game has too many side quests. Something that could interrupt someone's adult life. Honestly, doing the sidequests can be a chore. Some can be overly addictive too.
  • Some bosses can be utterly more difficult. The post-game bosses can be even more annoying. 
  • Tickington might not be in everyone's best interests. Yes, the 2D SNES style gaming era. I didn't grow up owning an SNES. I tried Tickington, and I snooze during random encounters. I've been too spoiled by Dragon Quest VIII's gameplay. 
  • The length of time the game lasts. It can be too long for my taste. Dragon Quest VIII wasn't too long, and I had more fun replaying it from scratch. Fortunately, it doesn't have that D*MN SLOW start from Dragon Warrior VII
  • I'd still prefer Dragon Quest Heroes' hack-and-slash gameplay. I usually prefer a more aggressive approach in gameplay -- causing me to get defeated too many times in gaming! 
  • I still FREAKING hate casinos in Dragon Quest games. It's because I hate gambling in general!
  • IMHO, the 2D mode can be annoying to play. I gave the 2D mode a shot, and it's not exactly for me. I'd prefer to skip cutscenes the second time around! 

However, what truly amazes me is that Dragon Quest XI is a FREAKING PREQUEL to the Edrick Trilogy timeline! Yes, talk about a game from the 1980s (and remade for the SNES in the 1990s). I haven't played those games, and I may not intend to do so. I find the old-fashioned gameplay to be somewhat annoying. I tried playing Dragon Quest XI in "Super Famicom mode" (2D), and I'm spoiled rotten by Dragon Quest VIII's innovative direction. 

Overall, it's kind of a strange way to link back to the 1980s to 1990s. Most Dragon Quest games are self-contained. One can pick up a game in any number without being lost. Fortunately, I was able to enjoy this game WITHOUT having to play the NES games either. 

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