We’re only one month left until the release of what is arguably one of the most anticipated JRPGs of 2018, Dragon Quest XI Echoes of an Elusive Age. Fans have been waiting for more than a decade for the next proper installment of the Dragon Quest franchise on a console, ever since the iconic Dragon Quest VIII Journey of the Cursed King on the PS2 way back in 2005. In remembrance of that classic, Square Enix has announced that all Dragon Quest XI players will be receiving a Dragon Quest VIII protagonist costume or skin at launch. The best part of it all is that it’s completely free for everyone.
According to the Costume Reveal trailer, the Dragon Quest VIII skin will be available from the very beginning of the game. Players will find it ready to be equipped in their inventory. The advantage of wearing the skin early on is a boost to the player’s defense stats. The skin actually consists of two different pieces of equipment, the Trodain Bandana and the Trodain Togs, both of which must be equipped at the same time to completely change the protagonist’s appearance.
In addition to the Dragon Quest VIII skin, players will obtain a recipe book, Trodain’s Top Trends. This can be used to improve the stats of the Dragon Quest VIII skin later in the game. This is an amazing piece of fanservice for old-time fans of the franchise, especially since Dragon Quest VIII might have been the most successful Dragon Quest game outside of Japan. That, in turn, makes it the most recognizable and familiar Dragon Quest game.
In other related news, Square Enix also recently released a trailer showcasing the party of companions who will be joining players in Dragon Quest XI. There are a total of six unique characters, all with different personalities, abilities and even speaking accents. The localized version of Dragon Quest XI Echoes of An Elusive Age will be released internationally for the PS4 and PC on September 4, 2018. Meanwhile, check out the Dragon Quest VIII costume trailer below.
