Dragon Quest XI's Gorgeous Opening Cinematic Sets Up a Charming Story

A hero reborn

by Robert Ramsey Mon 17th Jul 2017

We've heard the 'chosen hero' storyline a million times before, but Dragon Quest's seemingly infinite charm allows it to embrace cliches quite unlike any other series. Dragon Quest XI: In Search of Departed Time appears to be no different, as the title's lovingly crafted opening cinematic shows the game's protagonist as a baby, being whisked away from his royal castle home as it burns to the ground.

Naturally, our infant hero is found by a kindly old man, and it's very likely that he'll have no idea that he's of royal birth until later in the adventure. Oh, and he's also the reincarnation of a legendary warrior, so that's something else he'll have to deal with eventually.

Are you a fan of Dragon Quest's storytelling? Put on your best British accent in the comments section below.

Robert (or Rob if you're lazy) has been a fan of PlayStation since the 90s, when Tekken 2 introduced him to the incredible world of video games. He still takes his fighting games seriously, but RPGs are his true passion. The Witcher, Dragon Quest, Mass Effect, Final Fantasy, he's played 'em all — a little too much, some might say.

1
Mahe
Mon 17th Jul 2017

Stellar.

2
wiiware
Mon 17th Jul 2017

The cg is gorgeus, I hope there's voice over for the us version though, it's weird seeing human talking with no voice, like silent movie.

3
Octane
Mon 17th Jul 2017

Agree with @wiiware. It's gorgeous, but I hope there's VA in the actual release.

4
Sanquine
Mon 17th Jul 2017

Wauw i mean wow

5
rjejr
Mon 17th Jul 2017

I'm feeling a little Goku and grandpa Gohan at the end.

Reminds me of the opening mostly CG hour of FF9 on the PS1.

I don't think there are any voices because the music is the voices, it's very well done. I was actually wondering if it were a classical song.

And those colors, very Chrono.

Can't wait for this one. 3 good JRPG in a row, it's nuts. I may have to finally write off FF.

6
ApostateMage
Mon 17th Jul 2017

So beautiful. Better looking than games like Anthem in its own way.

7
Cassetticons
Mon 17th Jul 2017

I always love how, despite some dark stuff happening in DQ games, the peppy music always make it seems like a fun quest.

8
ztpayne7
Mon 17th Jul 2017

I've actually never played one of these games and I really like rpgs. I will definitely have this on my radar.

9
Mahe
Mon 17th Jul 2017

@rjejr It is classical music... classic Dragon Quest music, that is. The composer is classically trained and makes music for full orchestras.

10
rjejr
Tue 18th Jul 2017

@Mahe I realized it was made for the game during a chase scene when it sped up in time to the action. I know they did the same thing in Fantasia, but it was probably easier for them to make their own music that fit than find something that fit the scene. It's good though, looking forward to hearing it loud on the surround sound rather than my mono tablet.