《勇者鬥惡龍 XI S 尋覓逝去的時光 - Definitive Edition》（英名：DRAGON QUEST XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age - Definitive Edition，日文名：ドラゴンクエストXI 過ぎ去りし時を求めて S）是由Square Enix開發的經典日式角色扮演遊戲（JRPG），在Nintendo Switch上推出的「S版」不僅是原始版本的強化移植，更加入眾多新要素與調整，使之成為該系列的里程碑之作。原版最早於2017年在PlayStation 4與Nintendo 3DS平台登場，而這部S版則於2019年推出，專為Switch進行優化，同時增加語音、音樂選擇、角色支線、2D模式等多項功能，被廣泛視為本作的最完整形態。

劇情方面，故事具有濃厚的「勇者傳統」色彩，講述一名年輕男子在成年儀式當日得知自己是「被選中的勇者」後踏上旅程，卻意外被王國視為邪惡之人遭到追捕。為探尋自身命運的真相與世界的命運而啟程，沿途中會集結各具特色的夥伴，展開一場橫跨大陸、穿越時空的壯闊冒險。故事分為三大篇章，從表面看似經典勇者冒險的王道劇情，逐步轉向更深層的情感與哲理，如命運的抗爭、時光的重構與自我犧牲等。最特別的是遊戲進入後段後家能以「逆轉時光」的方式重新回到重大轉折點，讓故事從悲劇走向救贖，展現令人驚喜且深具感情張力的劇本編排。

在操作與系統設計方面，保留傳統回合制戰鬥機制，但以現代感十足的方式呈現。可自由移動角色位置，也可選擇傳統固定視角的戰鬥方式。戰鬥中不只強調數值計算，還有「連攜技（れんけい）」系統，可讓特定角色組合發動強力合作技能，配合角色情緒高昂狀態（ゾーン）來製造爆發性輸出。此外，每位角色都有技能盤系統，可依照玩家喜好培養不同路線，如魔法型、物理型或支援型，讓隊伍構成與戰術多樣化。

在內容上有諸多擴展與進化，最具話題的是加入「2D模式」，可以在任意教堂自由切換現代3D與復古16-bit畫風，這種模式完全仿照初代《勇者鬥惡龍》的像素風格，並搭配復古音效與演出方式，為系列老玩家帶來巨大情懷。同時，S版也提供日語與英語語音切換，音樂方面可選擇交響樂版本或原始MIDI版本，大幅提升沉浸感。新加入的同伴支線劇情，更讓各個主角擁有更完整的背景與情感描寫，尤其是對角色如席爾薇亞、瑪蒂娜、羅等人的成長與轉變有更深刻的刻畫。

市場評價方面，普遍受到玩家與媒體的高度肯定，Metacritic在Switch版的評分高達91分，遠高於原版的PS4版本，許多評論認為這是《勇者鬥惡龍》系列最成熟、最動人且最具有現代感的作品。媒體特別讚賞其劇情情感豐富、節奏流暢、角色塑造成功，以及完美融合懷舊與創新的遊戲設計。畫面雖然因應Switch硬體略有壓縮，但仍表現出極佳的美術風格與流暢度，在便攜模式下表現穩定。

也有部分評論提到遊戲的步調相對緩慢，特別是在前段劇情鋪陳上稍嫌拖沓，但隨著劇情發展與後段逆轉劇情展開，多數玩家都能感受到劇情層次的轉變與情感投入。此外，部分習慣西式RPG的玩家可能會覺得傳統回合制系統過於保守，但這也正是系列堅持的魅力之一。

總結來說，《勇者鬥惡龍 XI S 尋覓逝去的時光 - Definitive Edition》成功結合懷舊情懷與當代技術。不論是對老玩家還是新接觸者而言，都能在其中感受到經典RPG的感動與革新之美。是關於成長、冒險與時光的故事，也是一封寫給JRPG黃金年代的情書。在Switch平台上，不僅表現出色，更成為該機種上最具代表性的RPG作品之一。

DRAGON QUEST XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age - Definitive Edition (Japanese title: ドラゴンクエストXI 過ぎ去りし時を求めて S) is a classic Japanese role-playing game (JRPG) developed by Square Enix. Released on the Nintendo Switch, this "S" version is more than a mere enhanced port of the original—it introduces numerous new features and refinements, marking it as a milestone entry in the long-running series. The original version first launched in 2017 on PlayStation 4 and Nintendo 3DS, while the "S" version debuted in 2019, optimized specifically for the Switch. Additions include voice acting, music selection, expanded character side stories, a 2D mode, and more—making it widely regarded as the definitive version of the game.

The story embraces the essence of the “Hero’s Journey”, following a young man who discovers on the day of his coming-of-age ceremony that he is the fated “Luminary.” However, instead of being celebrated, he is branded a threat and hunted by the kingdom. To uncover the truth of his destiny and the fate of the world, he embarks on a grand adventure, gradually assembling a colorful cast of companions. The narrative unfolds across three major arcs, evolving from a seemingly straightforward tale into something far deeper and more emotionally resonant. Themes such as defiance of fate, the manipulation of time, and self-sacrifice become central, especially in the later part of the game where players are given the opportunity to “turn back time” and reshape the story’s tragic turns into moments of redemption. This narrative twist adds emotional depth and a refreshing sense of surprise to the otherwise traditional fantasy setup.

In terms of gameplay, the game retains the classic turn-based battle system, but with a modern presentation. Players can freely move characters during combat for visual flair, or choose a fixed, traditional camera perspective. The "Pep Powers" system allows characters to unleash powerful combination attacks when certain emotional and situational conditions are met (triggered during "Pep" mode). Each character also has a skill panel system, enabling customization of their combat style—whether magic-focused, physical, or supportive—offering flexibility in party strategy and role specialization.

One of the most talked-about additions is the “2D Mode,” which allows players to switch between modern 3D visuals and a retro 16-bit pixel art style inspired by the original Dragon Quest games. This version also includes nostalgic sound effects and presentation styles, delivering a deep sense of nostalgia for long-time fans. Players can also toggle between Japanese and English voice acting, and choose between orchestral and MIDI music tracks, greatly enhancing immersion. The expanded companion side stories enrich character development, offering deeper insights into the backgrounds and emotional growth of key characters such as Sylvando, Jade, and Rab.

In terms of critical reception, the game was highly praised by both players and media outlets. The Switch version holds a score of 91 on Metacritic, significantly higher than the original PS4 release. Reviewers lauded it as the most polished, emotionally engaging, and modernized entry in the Dragon Quest series. The narrative pacing, character writing, and fusion of nostalgia with innovation were especially highlighted. Although the visuals are slightly compressed to accommodate the Switch’s hardware, the art direction remains stunning, and the game runs smoothly even in handheld mode.

Some critiques noted that the early portion of the story progresses at a slow pace, which may test players’ patience. However, once the plot deepens and the time-reversal arc unfolds, most players find the narrative payoff rewarding. Additionally, those more accustomed to Western-style RPGs may find the traditional turn-based mechanics overly conservative—but for many, this is part of the franchise's enduring charm.

In summary, DRAGON QUEST XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age - Definitive Edition masterfully blends nostalgic sentiment with modern advancements. Whether you're a veteran fan or a newcomer to the series, the game offers a moving and innovative RPG experience. It tells a story of growth, adventure, and the passage of time, while also serving as a heartfelt tribute to the golden age of JRPGs. On the Switch, it stands out not only for its content but as one of the platform’s most iconic RPG titles.