

One of the reasons Square Enix chose Unreal Engine 4 was due to the engine's advanced graphical pedigree. With the 11th installment, it's the first numbered game in the series to use a non bespoke engine.

The game also employs subtle depth-of-field effects, which provides the aesthetic a more cinematic look. Square Enix technical artists also paid special attention to water effects, which garnered much praise when Dragon Quest XI initially launched in Japan last year.

To capture this visual flare, Square Enix used Enlighten to deliver powerful, dynamic lighting solutions. Akira Toriyama’s characters and the realistic backgrounds together,” Uchikawa stated, adding, “So the character team, background team, and the technical team came together to repeatedly scrap and build - ultimately succeeded in creating this unique look, which has such a distinct flair."Ĭontrasted to contemporary dark and dreary RPGs, Dragon Quest XI features a bright and vibrant world full of color. "It took us quite some time to achieve the final look, but we all worked towards the goal of blending Mr. To ensure that the universe looked cohesive throughout, several teams from different departments would continually meet and iterate on the design. The combination resulted in cel-shaded characters that look like they’ve been meticulously crafted with love even low-level enemy minions are super charming. To achieve the wondrous look of the game, Square Enix leveraged the power of UE4 and used character designs by legendary artist Akira Toriyama, who is best known for creating Dragon Ball. Along the way, you encounter a colorful cast of characters who help you on your adventure. In Dragon Quest XI, you take control of a pre-destined, hunted hero who must embark on a perilous journey across the fantastical world of Erdrea.
