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THREAD: Xenoblade Chronicles 2 vs Dragon Quest XI S
These games are my favorite #NintendoSwitch games, they have an equal position in my heart for different reasons.
But in the end, which one of them is the best one if we don't take my feelings into account?
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These games are my favorite #NintendoSwitch games, they have an equal position in my heart for different reasons.
But in the end, which one of them is the best one if we don't take my feelings into account?
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Let's start with #XenobladeChronicles2 : My first Switch game, I bought a Switch for that one as Xenoblade 1 is my favorite RPG of all time.
It's been an incredible experience as my first Switch game: Beautiful, a credible friendship between the characters, superb soundtrack
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It's been an incredible experience as my first Switch game: Beautiful, a credible friendship between the characters, superb soundtrack
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However #XenobladeChronicles2 has flaws that #DQ11S doesn't have, and these flaws are impossible to ignore:
-Very low handheld resolution
-Terrible sharpening filter in handheld (grainy image)
-Gacha mechanics
-Field skills breaking the pace
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-Very low handheld resolution
-Terrible sharpening filter in handheld (grainy image)
-Gacha mechanics
-Field skills breaking the pace
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The low resolution of #XenobladeChronicles2 didn't prevent me from loving it, and having it as my first Switch game definitely helped after playing on 3DS only, but video comparisons showed me how much better it looks on TV, giving me the feeling of missing something.
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As for the gacha mechanics of #XenobladeChronicles2 I really hated that as the rate for rare blades was too low, like these mobile games. The field skills also were an artificial way to increase your playtime but it was irritating.
But the game was so good so I accepted it.
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But the game was so good so I accepted it.
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#DQ11S, on the other hand, doesn't have any major flaws: it's a classic RPG with refined mechanics and modern presentation, it might be classic (too classic according to some) but it's efficient as I didn't feel any frustration during this wonderful journey!
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Yes, #DQ11s is classic: battle system, soundtrack, progression, story...this game screams "classic" at every turn but that's what makes it great as it gives it an identity compared to these modern RPG, and bringing nostalgia to those of us who played RPGs for a longtime.
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Add to that that Dragon Quest XI S is completely unique as it's not just a port: It's a good PS4/PC game that reached megahit status on #NintendoSwitch as this Definitive Edition has a massive new content, amazing QoL improvements.
So much care put in a later port, WOW!
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So much care put in a later port, WOW!
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It's important to say this: I think Dragon Quest XI wouldn't be in the same league as Xenoblade 2 without the changes in this Switch version, the soundtrack and gameplay are considerably improved thanks to the S version, it really is THE definitive edition!
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So, which one is the better game?
I'm going to go a bit further before reaching my conclusion, comparing visuals, soundtrack, needed playtime, characters/story, battle systems..etc..That's pretty tight to be honest.
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I'm going to go a bit further before reaching my conclusion, comparing visuals, soundtrack, needed playtime, characters/story, battle systems..etc..That's pretty tight to be honest.
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Visuals: Dragon Quest XI S
DQ11S has characters with a higher polycount, more details, better lighting, better texture: It's clearly a game developed for the PS4, you can feel it.
Xenoblade 2 looks great of course but it's flawed in that department.
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DQ11S has characters with a higher polycount, more details, better lighting, better texture: It's clearly a game developed for the PS4, you can feel it.
Xenoblade 2 looks great of course but it's flawed in that department.
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DQ11S is advantaged by the fact it's linear and at a smaller scale than XC2, and that's true, however that only excuses a lower polycount, not the portable resolution or unstable framerate
DQ11S runs at a very solid 30FPS, Xenoblade 2 is mostly 30FPS but with frequent dips
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DQ11S runs at a very solid 30FPS, Xenoblade 2 is mostly 30FPS but with frequent dips
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Add to that DQ11S respects handheld players as the resolution is perfectly fine for such a game, it looks good in the end and doesn't feel different from TV
Xenoblade 2 clearly sacrificed handheld players in order to release in December 2017. TV mode is just much better
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Xenoblade 2 clearly sacrificed handheld players in order to release in December 2017. TV mode is just much better
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Battle system: Dragon Quest XI S but...
Yes, DQ11S has a very classic battle system but it's also very efficient and easy to understand.
Xenoblade 2 has a more interesting, developed system but it takes dozens of hours to fully understand it.
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Yes, DQ11S has a very classic battle system but it's also very efficient and easy to understand.
Xenoblade 2 has a more interesting, developed system but it takes dozens of hours to fully understand it.
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To be clear about that: if Xenoblade 2 had the battle system of XC2 Torna The Golden Country it would easily beat DQ11S as Torna is easier to understand, doesn't require too much time to use it at full power, it's really fun and fast.
XC2 is just victim of a lack of polish.
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XC2 is just victim of a lack of polish.
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Soundtrack: Xenoblade 2
Not even a debate here, while DQ11 is much better on Switch thanks to orchestral tracks and quite pleasant most of the time it's clear there's a real lack of variety, too many tracks coming from past games, a lack of inspiration.
XC2 is unbeatable!
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Not even a debate here, while DQ11 is much better on Switch thanks to orchestral tracks and quite pleasant most of the time it's clear there's a real lack of variety, too many tracks coming from past games, a lack of inspiration.
XC2 is unbeatable!
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Story, World: Xenoblade 2
DQ11S has a good story, even 2 surprising twists I loved, the world is also very cool with an incredible variety of locations and cultures, it's far more advanced tha XC2 in that department.
XC2 is better though: it's innovative, fresh, gigantic.
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DQ11S has a good story, even 2 surprising twists I loved, the world is also very cool with an incredible variety of locations and cultures, it's far more advanced tha XC2 in that department.
XC2 is better though: it's innovative, fresh, gigantic.
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Xenoblade 2 has the blade system and a real integration in the story, that's surprising and you want to know more abot such a world, it's a bit unpredictable.
So XC2 wins not because it's much better but because it takes more risks while DQ11S plays safe with a classic take
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So XC2 wins not because it's much better but because it takes more risks while DQ11S plays safe with a classic take
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Characters: Tie
In both games the characters are adorable, have authentic bonds and a strong friendship. They both have a very strong cast. At this point it's just a matter of preference, the DQ11S cast is a bit more mature for example so if it matters to you...
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In both games the characters are adorable, have authentic bonds and a strong friendship. They both have a very strong cast. At this point it's just a matter of preference, the DQ11S cast is a bit more mature for example so if it matters to you...
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Content, playtime: Tie
Both are gigantic games that can takes hundreds of hours of your time if you're motivated.
Xenoblade 2 is longer to reach 100% but a major part of this is artificial because of the gacha mechanic,it's kinda cheating so I have to take it into account.
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Both are gigantic games that can takes hundreds of hours of your time if you're motivated.
Xenoblade 2 is longer to reach 100% but a major part of this is artificial because of the gacha mechanic,it's kinda cheating so I have to take it into account.
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In the end #XenobladeChronicles2 is an ambitious game, more than Dragon Quest XI S, it's a gem but not a refined one as there's a lack of polish (fixed in the Torna DLC).
#DQ11S is just a modern take on Classic Dragon Quest but it's incredibly polished and well-thought!
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#DQ11S is just a modern take on Classic Dragon Quest but it's incredibly polished and well-thought!
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CONCLUSION: Dragon Quest XI S
It's been hard to decide but...DQ11S is slightly superior.
But I love them equally as they complete each other so well, they're 2 different faces of the RPG genre, 2 different visions.
If you have a Switch you should own both!
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It's been hard to decide but...DQ11S is slightly superior.
But I love them equally as they complete each other so well, they're 2 different faces of the RPG genre, 2 different visions.
If you have a Switch you should own both!
END/