I’m sure applying those brings the battle and numbers game somewhere more engaging. I’d read “best- balanced RPG I’ve played bar none” as hyperbolic but we are talking two notable adjustments to the base, given everything else in place and series refinement, I can see how that puts the player firmly to task (with far less grind pool).
XI’s a deliciously stacked cake with so many of us feasting and delighted; I don’t want to harp a sour note on difficulty but I’ll stand by the gist of a lil’ too easy as a valid criticism. Contrary to what my profile pic might gesture I’m not expecting “old NES” or “modern git gud” difficulty - just occasionally disappointed this big beautiful DQ doesn’t push back on the player more often, to make a little better use of its game; satisfy incentives underneath the charming characters monsters and plot.
One friend watched me play a few hours here and there “there’s rarely any fear of dying, huh”, another friend started XI (she’s played IX and another on DS) but fell off “seems really easy”. I can’t recommend it as strongly if I have to talk about modes, comfiness, or 40 hours upfront.
I DO like it a whooole lot and might rank godly even if doesn’t end up being the crystalized series experience I got stoked for.
