Just wanted to show a behind the scenes video for the game. It seems that:
1.) They're using a Xbox 360 controller to playtest it LOL
2.) They're using Autodesk Maya to do modeling and animation for the 3DS version.
3.) Battles (PS4) take place on screen without transition.
4.) Dragon Riding is free roaming.
Take a look: (for some reason Youtube embedding isn't working... :'-(
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9aVIlHlDFc
Supporting Article: http://gematsu.com/2016/12/dragon-quest-xi-development-footage-shows-camping-dragon-riding-battle
More Screens:
If you live in Japan, there's a 30th anniverssary stream going on on NHK, I don't know if anybody is streaming it on Youtube though! Hopefully we see more come January 12th.