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Playing Dragon Quest XI for the first time. Liking it a lot, but it has the worst RPG soundtrack I've ever heard

bit_blaster

Neo Member
1. And I know this is just the Dragon Quest style of games, but it's a little less "mature" than I typically like in JRPGs. Maybe mature is the wrong word. Not sure how to describe what I'm talking about really. Like, I'm not expecting any themes where people have been kidnapped and experimented on or towns slaughtered by a mad man with trails of blood like happened in some FF games even. I've never felt like there's a ton at stake. But I get it, that's Dragon Quest.
I mean it has a vibrant art style, but Dragon Quest games are known among fans for a lot of their darker and sadder moments, 11 has its fair share but I won't spoil any. However this is more of what I call a gameplay oriented experience much like the older Final Fantasies like 3 or 5, so if you go in expecting a linear more anime/cinematic experience like Kingdom Hearts or Persona, then its going to seem "simplistic".
2. Every character looks like they're out of Dragon Ball Z. Not a huge deal, but whatever.
The artist is the creator of Dragon Ball, which I don't mind since he can design heroes that look more like heroes rather than the typical asymmetrically dressed J-Pop stars we get in JRPGs.
3. This is the only thing I genuinely actively loathe about the game: the music. It's fucking terrible. Worst soundtrack I've ever heard in a game. I have to turn the volume all the way down when I'm out in the fields or towns and listen to other music or podcasts to keep me sane. Not only are the melodies bad, but they're short, so it makes the fact that they repeat over and over more quickly even worse. Just the worst towns and field themes I've ever heard in an RPG.
Id agree that the soundtrack doesn't have much variety, but this complaint seems way over exaggerated to the point of nitpicking. I just tune out a boring song, its not like Hydlide on the NES where it sounds like a wound up music box melody composed of nothing but shrieking high notes.
 

AmuroChan

Member
I agree with you OP. I loved DQ growing up, but it's a series that really needs to evolve into modern times. IMO both Persona and Trails have surpassed DQ in terms of gameplay, story, and music.
 

DonkeyPunchJr

World’s Biggest Weeb
The main overworld theme is just so bombastic. Its not just the midi vs orchestral debate, the overall composition just doesnt fit the world environment or setting. The other songs are decent but when you hear what feels like 4 tracks for a 100 hour game its painful. It really ruined my enjoyment of the game.
The “Definitive Edition” comes with a free DLC that replaces the overworld theme with the one from DQ VIII (which is one of the best overworld themes ever created).

such a massive improvement. They know the original one is shit.
 

FStubbs

Member
Just started playing this on switch recently and the music complaint is interesting. I actually remarked to myself how much I was enjoying the music! I guess it must be the orchestral version that sounds better.
The orchestral music is amazing and the midi soundtrack is awful, basically.

Though most of the soundtrack is recycled from other games. A few tracks like Sylvando's theme are new.
The “Definitive Edition” comes with a free DLC that replaces the overworld theme with the one from DQ VIII (which is one of the best overworld themes ever created).

such a massive improvement. They know the original one is shit.

I felt like the DQ8 theme fit the first act, but the DQ11 theme fit the 2nd act more.
 
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RoboFu

One of the green rats
I agree with you OP. I loved DQ growing up, but it's a series that really needs to evolve into modern times. IMO both Persona and Trails have surpassed DQ in terms of gameplay, story, and music.
nah, I loved DQ11 because its a proper evolution of the old series. I loved everything about it and I cant stand modern JRPS.

If you want a group a 16 year old school students with horrible a battle system there is literally 30 of series for you. Leave DQ alone.
 

DonF

Member
I agree with you OP. I loved DQ growing up, but it's a series that really needs to evolve into modern times. IMO both Persona and Trails have surpassed DQ in terms of gameplay, story, and music.
Good thing they announced that dragon quest xii will be a jump in every aspect and will be the blue print for the next decade.
DQ has basically been the same since VIII. And now XII will be the blueprint for the next iterations.
 

Werewolf Jones

Gold Member
The only thing I kind of dislike is some of the party members. The little cursed twin girl and the effiminate circus guy.

bi gay GIF by LGBTQ Youth
I'm at the end game now though and they're the best two characters... Serena is shit until she gets development late game, Erik is okay as the first companion but kinda boring. Rab is entertaining for a bit, Jade starts off REALLY strong but slowly becomes Jessica lite. Party member Eight has an amazing turn around and is a great character but like Serena's development it's all pissed away.

Sylvando is entertaining, funny, caring and intrusive into every plot element going on and it makes it more fun to play with him around. Veronica I initially thought as annoying myself but she really did give a fuck about everyone.
 
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AmuroChan

Member
Good thing they announced that dragon quest xii will be a jump in every aspect and will be the blue print for the next decade.
DQ has basically been the same since VIII. And now XII will be the blueprint for the next iterations.

Yes, I'm excited to see the new direction that they're going to take DQ.
 

FStubbs

Member
I'm at the end game now though and they're the best two characters... Serena is shit until she gets development late game, Erik is okay as the first companion but kinda boring. Rab is entertaining for a bit, Jade starts off REALLY strong but slowly becomes Jessica lite. Party member Eight has an amazing turn around and is a great character but like Serena's development it's all pissed away.

Sylvando is entertaining, funny, caring and intrusive into every plot element going on and it makes it more fun to play with him around. Veronica I initially thought as annoying myself but she really did give a fuck about everyone.
Veronica was my favorite character.
I just wish returning her to adult form wasn't just a thing that happens in that one attack.
 

Fare thee well

Neophyte
When orchestrated, XI's not the worst timbre and soundscape. The brass is oddly placed and awkward. It's no Sergei Rachmaninoff 😄.

Now I have heard some amazing Dragon Quest themes.

 
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