Tag: Dragon Quest

Square Enix announces Dragon Quest XII… again

Square Enix has held a special stream to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the beloved JRPG franchise Dragon Quest. In it, Yosuke Saito, the game’s producer, and Yuji Horii, the creator of the saga, presented the new installment of the franchise: Dragon Quest XII. With one particularity. They announced that they had to reboot the project and that it will now be called Dragon Quest XII: Beyond Dreams. A project full of problems Dragon Quest XII, technically, had already been announced. Five years ago it was presented under the name of Dragon Quest XII: The Flames of Fate with a, […]

Square Enix has held a special stream to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the beloved JRPG franchise Dragon Quest. In it, Yosuke Saito, the game’s producer, Yuji Horii, the creator of the saga, presented the new installment of the franchise: Dragon Quest XII. With a particularity. They announced that they had to reboot the project and that it will now be called Dragon Quest XII: Beyond Dreams.

A project full of problems

Dragon Quest XII was technically already announced. Five years ago it was presented under the name Dragon Quest XII: The Flames of Fate with a, literally, flaming logo, and no further information. Now, due to a series of problems that have led them to restart the project, it returns in this new incarnation.

Although the information we have is still very scarce, we have been left with a small conceptual teaser trailer of the game that shows us the protagonists. Including the designs by Akira Toriyama, who passed away in 2024, and whose last works created during his lifetime had technically already been shown, both for video games and for manga. Horii has stated that he will clarify how this is possible in the future, emphasizing that the music is by Koichi Sugiyama, the composer since the first installment of the saga, who passed away in 2021.

Without a release date or confirmed platforms, it seems we will still have to wait a long time to see the new installment of Dragon Quest. At the same event, they also announced Dragon Quest Monsters: The Withered World, a new installment of the Dragon Quest subfranchise —a mix of Dragon Quest and Pokémon—, with nothing more than a logo and stating that it will be coming soon to Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

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Angry Birds will enter the Video Game Hall of Fame alongside three other masterpieces

Angry Birds, the video game created by Rovio in 2009 and which has accumulated more than 5 billion downloads over the years, will be inducted into the Video Game Hall of Fame in Rochester, New York. This is an honor it will share with games like The Last of Us, Minecraft, or Tamagotchi. A game that revolutionized how we played The merits of Angry Birds are evident to anyone who had a mobile phone in 2009. Massively expanding video games in the space of smartphones and the emerging tablets, creating the basic grammar of touch-based controls […]

Angry Birds, the video game created by Rovio in 2009 and which has accumulated more than 5 billion downloads over the years, will be inducted into the Video Game Hall of Fame, in Rochester, New York. This is an honor it will share with games like The Last of Us, Minecraft, or Tamagotchi.

A game that revolutionized how we played

The merits of Angry Birds are evident to anyone who had a mobile phone in 2009. Massively expanding video games in the smartphone and emerging tablet space, creating the basic grammar of touch-based controls, the game was the introduction to mobile gaming for millions of people. Something that has created a multimillion-dollar franchise that continues to expand in the form of series, merchandising, and other video games even today. Including a third installment of its movie series this coming December.

In any case, Angry Birds is not the only game that has been introduced into the Hall of Fame. Dragon Quest, FIFA International Soccer, and Silent Hill have also been included. At the same time, excellent games with great importance to the medium such as Frogger, Galaga, Mega Man, or Tokimeki Memorial have been left out, demonstrating the enormous level that exists in the history of video games. And how we still have many years to be surprised by the video games they will introduce into their Hall of Fame.

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Atari acquires the rights to the RPG that has shaped all RPGs

Atari has acquired the rights to multiple iterations of the Wizardry franchise. Holding the licenses for Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord (1981), Wizardry II: The Knight of Diamonds (1982), Wizardry III: Legacy of Llylgamyn (1983), Wizardry IV: The Return of Werdna (1987), and Wizardry V: Heart of the Maelstrom (1988), as well as “many other video games, rights, and other intellectual properties related to Wizardry.” This could well translate into new games for the franchise as well as series, movies, comics, or any other kind of productions. Wizardry, one of the most […]

Atari has acquired the rights to multiple iterations of the Wizardry franchise. Holding the licenses for Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord (1981), Wizardry II: The Knight of Diamonds (1982), Wizardry III: Legacy of Llylgamyn (1983), Wizardry IV: The Return of Werdna (1987) and Wizardry V: Heart of the Maelstrom (1988), as well as “many other video games, rights, and other intellectual properties related to Wizardry.”

This could well translate into new games in the franchise as well as series, movies, comics, or any other kind of productions.

Wizardry, one of the most influential video games in history

In fact, Atari is not new to the world of Wizardry. In 2024, they published a remake of Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord, developed by the studio Digital Eclipse, which updated the graphics and mechanics of the game to make it more accessible to new generations of players. Something very necessary given the difficulty and roughness of a game originally released in 1981 for the Apple II.

The importance of Wizardry cannot be overlooked in any case. The franchise is of great significance to video games, as it shaped what RPGs would become thereafter.

Dragon Quest, Final Fantasy, and Baldur’s Gate are direct heirs of Wizardry, as their creators have explicitly stated more than once, but anime also has a clear heritage from this game, as its popularity was such that it has influenced numerous cultural productions outside of video games, including the pioneer of high fantasy in Japan: Record of Lodoss War.

On the other hand, it seems that things are not so clear. Drecom, the company behind the rights to Wizardry in Japan and which has been in a decades-long struggle for the rights with its original creator, Robert Woodhead, claims that Atari has not acquired the rights to Wizardry. Therefore, it seems that there will still be discussion about how all this will translate into the future of the franchise.

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The director of The Outer Worlds 2 is clear: Chrono Trigger is the best JRPG in history

Brandon Adler, director of The Outer Worlds 2, has firmly stated that Chrono Trigger is the best JRPG ever made, generating a consensus among fans of the genre. During a recent appearance on Simon Parkin’s My Perfect Console podcast, Adler not only praised the artistic quality and emotional impact of the game but also claimed that “there is no comparison.” This SNES classic has maintained a prominent position on lists of the best JRPGs, surpassing heavyweights like Final Fantasy 7 and Earthbound. A great JRPG rightly valued One of the highlights he mentioned […]

Brandon Adler, director of The Outer Worlds 2, has firmly stated that Chrono Trigger is the best JRPG ever made, generating a consensus among fans of the genre. During a recent appearance on Simon Parkin’s My Perfect Console podcast, Adler not only praised the artistic quality and emotional impact of the game, but also claimed that “there is no comparison”. This SNES classic has maintained a prominent position on lists of the best JRPGs, surpassing heavyweights like Final Fantasy 7 and Earthbound.

A great JRPG rightly valued

One of the highlights that Adler mentioned was the exceptional pace of the game. “It’s one of the few JRPGs where you don’t have to grind,” Adler pointed out, who considers this a defining feature of the game that often goes unnoticed. Even if it is not exactly a rarity or an exception in the genre.

Adler also highlighted the innovative combo mechanics, which offered a new experience in terms of game design and immersion, allowing characters to interact in ways never seen before. “I felt like I was experiencing a new level of game design,” he reflected. Although he considers himself a big fan of JRPGs, he admits that his relationship with titles like Dragon Quest is one of love/hate, mainly due to the “grinding” elements they involve.

Finally, the director of The Outer Worlds 2 emphasizes that, although his intention is not for his games to be “preachers,” the capitalist satire of his RPG touches on relevant and universal themes, reflecting realities that repeat in our current society. “We see this happening over and over again in a constant cycle,” concluded Adler, highlighting the importance of addressing these themes in video games.

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The creator of Dragon Quest is clear about what differentiates his franchise from Final Fantasy, and it is what his protagonists talk about

The Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy franchises, fundamental pillars of the JRPG genre, have maintained a relationship of competition and comparison over the years. In a recent interview, Yuji Horii, creator of Dragon Quest, shared his vision on the narrative differences that characterize both sagas, highlighting how their design has influenced the player’s experience. Emphasis on narrative or immersion Horii pointed out that in Final Fantasy, characters have voice and personality, allowing them to build their own identities. Protagonists like Cloud from Final Fantasy VII or Tidus from Final Fantasy X […]

The Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy franchises, fundamental pillars of the JRPG genre, have maintained a relationship of competition and comparison over the years. In a recent interview, Yuji Horii, creator of Dragon Quest, shared his vision on the narrative differences that characterize both sagas, highlighting how their design has influenced the player experience.

Emphasis on narrative or immersion

Horii pointed out that in Final Fantasy, characters have voice and personality, which allows them to build their own identities. Protagonists like Cloud from Final Fantasy VII or Tidus from Final Fantasy X are examples of heroes who guide the narrative through their emotions and dialogues. This approach, while rich in narrative content, presents a marked contrast with the approach of Dragon Quest, where the protagonist remains silent, allowing the player to identify with the character. For Horii, this silence does not imply a lack of depth, but rather is a deliberate resource for the player to identify with the main character.

This divergence in design philosophies reflects two distinct ways of telling stories within the world of Japanese role-playing: silent immersion versus guided narrative. Both formulas have proven to be successful and have greatly contributed to the development of the genre, inspiring new generations of developers and players.

Horii also emphasizes that this historical rivalry is not negative, but rather represents a creative diversity that enriches the landscape of Japanese role-playing games. By observing how both sagas have evolved with remakes and new releases, their reflection remains alive in the hearts of players, who today can choose to become the silent hero of Dragon Quest or accompany the protagonists of Final Fantasy in their emotional stories.

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The creator of Dragon Quest claims that he will continue to personally oversee the franchise until the day he dies

Yuji Horii, the iconic creator of the Dragon Quest series, has revealed his intentions to continue overseeing the JRPG franchise until his death. Now at 71 years old, Horii has been involved in every installment since the release of the first game in 1986, and he considers the series to be his “child.” In an interview with Game Informer, he stated: “In recent years, I have started to rely more on other members to work on parts of the Dragon Quest titles. But still, I want to remain involved to oversee everything. I really love it.” The series is like a child to him […]

Yuji Horii, the iconic creator of the Dragon Quest series, has revealed his intentions to continue overseeing the JRPG franchise until his death. Now at 71 years old, Horii has been involved in every installment since the release of the first game in 1986, and he considers the series to be his “child.” In an interview with Game Informer, he stated: “In recent years, I have started to rely more on other members to work on parts of the Dragon Quest titles. But still, I want to remain involved to oversee everything. I really love it.”

The series is like a child to him

The designer and video game director aims to witness the 50th anniversary of Dragon Quest in 2036, the year he will be 82 years old, which raises the possibility that he will continue his creative work in the franchise. Throughout his career, Horii has shown that he remains an influential and relevant figure in the video game industry, recalling the success of Dragon Quest XI, one of the most acclaimed JRPGs in recent years.

Horii and his team at Armor Project are currently working on Dragon Quest XII: The Flames of Fate, announced in 2021; however, updates on the game have been scarce. Horii has assured that the team is putting considerable effort into the game’s development and has expressed confidence that it will be “great”. While fans are hoping for more details, the creator has promised that the next title will focus on improving the player experience, addressing one of the most criticized aspects of the original: the time needed to reach the first battle.

In this context, Horii continues to reaffirm his commitment to the series, which promises an exciting future for Dragon Quest, one of the most beloved franchises in the world of video games.

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The creator of Dragon Quest is the first designer to receive the highest honor awarded by the Japanese government

Yuji Horii, the creator of the iconic Dragon Quest series, has been recognized with the prestigious Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette, becoming the first video game designer to receive this honor. This award, which dates back to 1875, is given to individuals who have made notable contributions to Japan, highlighting their work in promoting culture. An honor that is only given to the highest excellence in a field Horii, whose work has been fundamental in the creation and popularization of JRPGs (Japanese role-playing games), appeared humble in the face of this recognition, […]

Yuji Horii, the creator of the iconic Dragon Quest series, has been recognized with the prestigious Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette, becoming the first video game designer to receive this honor. This award, which dates back to 1875, is given to individuals who have made notable contributions to Japan, highlighting their work in promoting culture.

An honor that is only given to the highest excellence in a field

Horii, whose work has been fundamental in the creation and popularization of JRPGs (Japanese role-playing games), was humble in the face of this recognition, expressing his gratitude towards his team and the fans who have followed the series over the years. “It is thanks to all the staff who helped create the games with me, and to all the users who have always supported us,” declared Horii.

While Horii is the first video game designer to be awarded, other prominent members of the industry have also received the award, such as the late founder of Namco, Masaya Nakamura, and composer Koichi Sugiyama, known for his work on the Dragon Quest series.

The Dragon Quest series has maintained its relevance over time, with recent releases including the remake of Dragon Quest 1 and 2, which was released last week, and the expectations for the remake of Dragon Quest 7 next February. These releases keep the interest in the series alive, especially with the anticipated Dragon Quest 12 on the horizon, which is speculated to introduce significant innovations.

Square Enix has asked fans not to disclose spoilers about the remakes, suggesting that a “major surprise” is on the way. With a 38-year history, Dragon Quest remains a cornerstone in the history of video games, showcasing the lasting influence of its creator, Yuji Horii.

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Dragon Quest 1-2 HD-2D receive official release date

Square Enix has made the decision to revive the first three titles of the iconic Dragon Quest saga, and it does so with the firm purpose of honoring its legacy. With over 94 million units sold throughout its history, Dragon Quest represents one of the most significant franchises in the RPG genre. Following the recent release of the acclaimed Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake, this remastering of the first two installments, scheduled for October 30, 2025, seems to be a logical step in the evolution of the saga. A highly anticipated remake These remakes of Dragon […]

Square Enix has made the decision to revive the first three titles of the iconic Dragon Quest saga, and it does so with the firm purpose of honoring its legacy. With over 94 million units sold throughout its history, Dragon Quest represents one of the most significant franchises in the RPG genre. Following the recent release of the acclaimed Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake, this remastering of the first two installments, scheduled for October 30, 2025, seems to be a logical step in the evolution of the saga.

A highly anticipated remake

These remakes of Dragon Quest 1 and 2 feature HD-2D graphics that have not only been modernized but also retain the endearing pixel art that has characterized the series. The traditional turn-based gameplay remains, although the first game incorporates the ability to face groups of enemies, a refreshing novelty that diverges from the original, where there were only one-on-one battles. This choice resonates with fans looking for a more contemporary experience, while improvements in accessibility and quality of life promise to attract new players.

Despite their modernization, the titles can be challenging for those unfamiliar with the classic JRPG conventions, due to their focus on random battles and demanding difficulty. The stories of both titles maintain the simplicity of the original plot, where the descendants of Eldrick fight against new threats in a world that intertwines the heroic and the everyday, filled with moments of humor and drama.

These remasterings arrive in a context where Square-Enix seeks to consolidate its legacy, especially while awaiting news about future installments of the saga. With promises of more content and secrets to discover, such as hidden costumes and additional features, Dragon Quest 1 and 2 HD-2D Remake stands as a nostalgic and exciting proposal for fans of this historic franchise.

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Yuji Horii assures that Dragon Quest 12 is in progress despite the lack of updates

Dragon Quest 12: The Flames of Fate was announced in May 2021, but since then there has been a notable silence regarding its development. However, the creator of the series, Yuji Horii, assures that the team is working hard to move this important project forward. In a recent conversation with Gamereactor, Horii emphasized his commitment to the title, although he could not provide specific details. I am doing this and putting a lot of effort into it, he commented, urging fans to stay expectant. A long wait that we hope will be worth it One of the most interesting rumors emerging from […]

Dragon Quest 12: The Flames of Fate was announced in May 2021, but since then there has been notable silence regarding its development. However, the series creator, Yuji Horii, assures that the team is working hard to move this important project forward. In a recent conversation with Gamereactor, Horii emphasized his commitment to the title, although he could not provide specific details. I am doing this and putting a lot of effort into it, he commented, urging fans to stay expectant.

A long wait that we hope will be worth it

One of the most interesting rumors emerging from Horii’s speech is the possible compatibility of Dragon Quest 12 with the upcoming console, the Switch 2, although he did not directly refer to this title. Considering the success of Dragon Quest 11 S and the remake of Dragon Quest 3 on the current platform, it is reasonable to assume that the latest installment will also find its way to Nintendo’s new console.

This will be the first game in the saga without the participation of the iconic composer Koichi Sugiyama and the main artist Akira Toriyama, both of whom recently passed away. This raises questions about the artistic and musical direction of the game, as well as the influence that their legacy will have on this upcoming installment. Square Enix has stated that Dragon Quest 12 is designed to shape the series for the next 20 years, which enhances its importance within the company’s catalog.

Fans are hopeful that Dragon Quest 12 will be released before Dragon Quest 11 turns 10 in 2027. Despite the lack of recent information, the franchise continues to generate excitement, which is complemented by the news that, after a long time without updates, has been seen in Kingdom Hearts 4. Undoubtedly, the coming months will be crucial in determining the future of this iconic JRPG saga.

The creator of Chrono Trigger says that the possibility of a remake is on the table

In a year marked by uncertainty for Chrono Trigger fans, rumors have emerged about a possible remake of the classic title, but these have been quickly denied. It is understandable that fans feel anxious, as Square Enix has not released new updates about the series in years. During an interview, Yuji Horii, co-author of Chrono Trigger, mentioned his interest in working on a remake for the 30th anniversary of the game, but his comments were misinterpreted by a translator at a recent event, leading to unfounded speculation. Demands that seem unlikely to fall […]

In a year marked by uncertainty for Chrono Trigger fans, rumors have emerged about a possible remake of the classic title, but these have been quickly denied. It is understandable that fans feel anxious, as Square Enix has not released new updates about the series in years. During an interview, Yuji Horii, co-author of Chrono Trigger, mentioned his interest in working on a remake to celebrate the game’s 30th anniversary, but his comments were misinterpreted by a translator at a recent event, leading to unfounded speculation.

Lawsuits that seem unlikely to fall on deaf ears

Horii, known for his work on the Dragon Quest series, echoed the fans’ demand during his conversation with Gamereactor, stating: “Yes, it has been a long time. Yes, I want to do something.” This came after a rumor claimed that the remake was confirmed, which was quickly denied by specialized media such as Gematsu.

Despite these confusions, the interest in a modern adaptation of Chrono Trigger is undeniable, especially after the commercial success of the HD-2D remake of Dragon Quest 3. This suggests that Square Enix might consider a similar approach to revitalize Chrono Trigger. However, although many are eagerly awaiting a treatment in the style of the Final Fantasy VII remake, market expectations and the company’s high sales standards are factors to consider.

For those who can’t wait, the original version of Chrono Trigger is currently available on Steam with a 50% discount, making it more accessible for new players. While fans continue to speculate about the future of the series, the legacy of Chrono Trigger remains alive, awaiting a revival that many consider inevitable at some point.

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