Yuji Horii, known as the creator of the Dragon Quest series, has found a new partner in the world of video games: Muneyuki Kaneshiro, the author of the popular manga Blue Lock. Together, they are collaborating on a new project for Nintendo Switch provisionally titled Reincarnation Game. This title is presented as a multiplayer dark fantasy game, developed by Any Inc. and ArtePiazza, and is based on the traditional Japanese board game Sugoroku. A game inspired by a game similar to snakes and ladders. According to the first details revealed, Reincarnation Game promises to be a friendly challenge full of betrayals, where […]
Yuji Horii, known as the creator of the Dragon Quest series, has found a new partner in the world of video games: Muneyuki Kaneshiro, the author of the popular manga Blue Lock. Together, they are collaborating on a new project for Nintendo Switch provisionally titled Reincarnation Game. This title is presented as a multiplayer dark fantasy game, developed by Any Inc. and ArtePiazza, and is based on the traditional Japanese board game Sugoroku.
A game inspired by a game similar to snakes and ladders
According to the first revealed details, Reincarnation Game promises to be a friendly challenge full of betrayals, where players must eliminate each other to achieve reincarnation. The premise suggests sabotage mechanics that, while sounding fun, could test friendships, causing conflicts and laughter along the way. The game’s director, Ayaka Sato, has expressed her desire to create a messy and cool game, encouraging players to enjoy and want to play again.
No images or specific details about gameplay have been shared yet, indicating that development is in an early stage. However, the release is expected to take place in 2026, suggesting that it could be intended for the next generation of consoles, likely the Nintendo Switch 2, although this has not been officially confirmed.
Horii joined the project because he found it “interesting and original,” and expresses his enthusiasm for collaborating with Kaneshiro. “I am looking forward to making a game that makes everyone laugh and that they want to play over and over again,” commented the iconic creator. As Reincarnation Game is being developed, fans of both talents are eagerly awaiting more information about this intriguing title.
Time passes for everyone. Even for the JRPGs that have marked entire generations and have defined video games in a way that most can hardly even dream of. This has been the case with Chrono Trigger, one of the most important games of the SNES and one of the most legendary JRPGs in history, which has just turned 30 years old. Something that, of course, Square Enix has already announced it plans to celebrate as it deserves. How that celebration will be is what remains unclear. They have said they plan to celebrate it, but not how. […]
Time passes for everyone. Even for the JRPGs that have marked entire generations and have defined video games in a way that most can hardly even dream of. This has been the case with Chrono Trigger, one of the most important games on the SNES and one of the most legendary JRPGs in history, which has just turned 30 years old. Something that, of course, Square Enix has already announced it plans to celebrate as it deserves.
How is that celebration going to be? That is what remains unclear. They have said that they plan to celebrate it, but not how. That’s why we can only speculate and dream, knowing that they will have to do something. And in the meantime, we prefer to remember and above all, explain something that perhaps many people do not know: why Chrono Trigger is important. And that is what this article is about. The reasons why this thirty anniversary should be your excuse to replay a legendary game. Or to play it for the first time.
Chrono Trigger is a classic role-playing video game developed by Square, in which a group of young adventurers travel through different eras to save the planet from a future disaster.
The biography of Chrono Trigger
Published on March 11, 1995 for Super Nintendo, it wouldn’t reach the US until August 11 of that same year. And Europe and Australia? I’m afraid we would have to wait until February 2009 for a remaster to be released for Nintendo DS. This does not mean that the game was not played outside of Japan and the US until then.
Because Chrono Trigger is one of those games that was highly imported at the time. Although it was sold at completely outrageous prices outside of North America, it was also sold in English outside the US. And over time since the Super Nintendo, its legend continued to grow, partly thanks to a re-release on PlayStation that was published in 1999 in Japan and in 2001 in the US, which would further cement its cult status. This led to the fact that over the years and with the rise of emulation, anyone interested in JRPGs not only had heard of Chrono Trigger but could also play it, even if it never legally reached their territory.
A game created by a dream team
Why did the game cause such a stir? Probably because it was designed from the beginning to do so. Chrono Trigger was developed by what Square conceived as a dream team of three designers who had just created indisputable masterpieces: Hironobu Sakaguchi, creator of Final Fantasy; Yuji Horii, creator of Dragon Quest; and Akira Toriyama, creator of Dragon Ball. Together, they conceived the entire foundation of the game, from the visuals to the mechanics, resulting in the most idiosyncratic JRPG of its generation.
But it is not a dream team just because of its dream trio. It is also because of the excellent team that accompanied them. Takashi Tokita, director of Live A Live and Parasite Eve, would be co-director and co-writer of the game. Kazuhiko Aoki, director of Final Fantasy IV and Final Fantasy Chronicles, would be producer. And Masato Kato, writer of Final Fantasy VII, would be the other co-writer. Creating an absolutely dream team for the game.
An incredible story, magical designs, and unforgettable characters
But what is the game about? Basically, in the year 1000AD, Crono and Marle see how Lucca and her father demonstrate how their teleportation works at the fair of the Kingdom of Guardia. Due to an accident, they are teleported back in time 400 years, which leads them on an adventure of time travel, time paradoxes, and also a fight against a mad scientist who wants to end the world, which unfolds through different eras of the same world.
All of this, moreover, with seven tremendously charismatic characters that we can recruit in different time periods. Traveling from prehistory to the distant future, we will have all kinds of allies to fight against the evil Magus and the consequences of his actions, first trying to solve the disaster of our time travels, and then trying to prevent The End of Times with one of the most unforgettable castings of all time. Let’s remember, all designed by Akira Toriyama.
Although it remains a classic JRPG in terms of gameplay, the game would feature the Active Time Battle system, which would allow rivals to take actions while we make decisions in the menus. And surely the most striking aspect is the existence of cooperative skills, for which two or more characters will need to be in our party to perform a particularly powerful ability together. As long as the enemies are in the right position, as they can move during combat.
A game with many versions
With versions for SNES, PlayStation, Nintendo DS, mobile, and PC, it has undergone small changes over time. That said, there is no definitive version of the game. Although many people recommend the Nintendo DS version for having extra content and being relatively more accessible, it is generally accepted that the best version is the original. The SNES version remains the best-adjusted version, with fewer compromises and, while it shows its age, for many people this is not a problem but a plus: it has all the beauty of a game from its era.
What will Square Enix do to celebrate the 30th anniversary? While we would settle for a better port than the one we currently have for PCs, it wouldn’t hurt to have a good remaster. They will probably hold concerts, some kind of art exhibition in Japan, and everything else they do aside from that should be considered a bonus. Unfortunately, Chrono Trigger, as beloved as it is, doesn’t seem to be a priority like Final Fantasy is. Therefore, while we hope for at least the announcement of a series of ports, a Pixel Remaster-style version, or a remaster or remake, everything is still uncertain. But until we know, we can always return to this immortal game that hasn’t aged a single day since March 11, 1995.
Chrono Trigger is a classic role-playing video game developed by Square, in which a group of young adventurers travel through different eras to save the planet from a future disaster.
Today, the iconic video game Chrono Trigger, released in 1995, celebrates its 30th anniversary, a significant milestone for fans of this classic JRPG. Square Enix has announced that it will launch various projects related to Chrono Trigger throughout this year, in a gesture of gratitude towards all the players who have enjoyed the title over the decades. Through its social media, the company has urged fans to stay tuned, promising that more exciting information is on the way. Not every day is a 30th anniversary! The release of Chrono Trigger was the […]
Today, the iconic video game Chrono Trigger, released in 1995, celebrates its 30th anniversary, a significant milestone for fans of this classic JRPG. Square Enix has announced that it will launch various projects related to Chrono Trigger throughout this year, in a gesture of gratitude towards all the players who have enjoyed the title over the decades. Through its social media, the company has urged fans to stay tuned, promising that more exciting information is on the way.
Not every day turns 30 years old!
The launch of Chrono Trigger was the result of collaboration between giants in the video game industry, such as Yuji Horii, creator of Dragon Quest, Akira Toriyama, the famous artist of Dragon Ball, and Hironobu Sakaguchi, the father of Final Fantasy. The influence of the title has endured over the years, becoming a benchmark in video game storytelling and turn-based gameplay.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, the Square Enix Music Channel on YouTube will host a live stream on March 14, dedicated to the renowned soundtrack of Chrono Trigger. This event aims not only to revive nostalgia among players but also to attract new generations to the legacy of the game.
As these tributes are presented, many fans have expressed their desire to be able to play Chrono Trigger on modern platforms like PS5 or Nintendo Switch, in addition to PC. Although the PC port has improved since its problematic launch, the possibility of accessing the game on more current consoles would be greatly appreciated. It is also expected that, along with Square Enix’s announcements, more surprises related to the game and its legacy will be revealed.
Finally, we highlight the new exhibition by conceptual artist Yoshitaka Amano, known for his work on Final Fantasy VII, which showcases his influence in the world of Square Enix video games. Without a doubt, this month is filled with celebrations that pay tribute to the rich history of the company and its masterpieces.
The remake of Dragon Quest 3 has surprised the industry by exceeding sales expectations, according to Square Enix’s latest earnings report. Despite the decline in sales of other major titles from the company, such as Final Fantasy 16, this remake has managed to stand out and has generated “stronger sales than initially assumed.” In its recent fiscal report, Square Enix acknowledged that its HD games sub-segment, which includes key releases like Final Fantasy 16 and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, experienced a decline compared to the previous fiscal year. This was due to […]
The remake of Dragon Quest 3 has surprised the industry by exceeding sales expectations, according to the latest earnings report from Square Enix. Despite the decline in sales of other major titles from the company, such as Final Fantasy 16, this remake has managed to stand out and has generated “stronger sales than initially assumed.”
In its recent fiscal report, Square Enix acknowledged that its HD games sub-segment, which includes key releases like Final Fantasy 16 and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, experienced a decline compared to the previous fiscal year. This was largely due to new titles failing to meet sales expectations, which has led the company to reconsider its video game release strategy.
The reason for its success: having known how to segment it
One of the keys to the success of the Dragon Quest 3 remake has been its lower development and marketing costs compared to other titles released last year. This strategic approach has allowed the game to stand out at a time when other titles, including some with great critical acclaim, failed to meet market expectations.
While the updated graphics of the remake have been praised, it is also noted that the title could be somewhat inaccessible for new players in the JRPG genre. This is a concern for both players and critics, as Dragon Quest 3 has been around for more than 36 years since its original release.
The situation has led Square Enix to reflect on the impact of its wide range of releases on the sales performance of its games. With this remake as a success story amid a generally complicated landscape, the company may consider adjusting its future releases to maximize their effectiveness in the market. All while the next Dragon Quest remains on the horizon.
Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake Dragon Quest III HD-2D RemakeDOWNLOAD
After a prolonged silence since its announcement in May 2021, the Dragon Quest fan community can breathe a little easier. In a recent podcast, Yuji Horii, the creator of the series, confirmed that the development of Dragon Quest XII is still progressing, dispelling rumors of its possible cancellation that had arisen after the departure of the main producer, Yu Miyake, to Square Enix’s mobile games division. Although there are no specific dates, the game is still in development. Horii noted that the team is working hard and that the game has reached a development state where […]
After a prolonged silence since its announcement in May 2021, the Dragon Quest fan community can breathe a little easier. In a recent podcast, Yuji Horii, the creator of the series, confirmed that the development of Dragon Quest XII is still progressing, dispelling rumors of its possible cancellation that had arisen after the departure of the main producer, Yu Miyake, to Square Enix’s mobile games division.
Although there are no specific dates, the game continues its development
Horii pointed out that the team is working hard and that the game has reached a development stage advanced enough to share details in 2025. This, although it does not provide a concrete release date, suggests that details will be gradually revealed in the coming months, which could alleviate some of the fans’ concerns after years of waiting.
Dragon Quest XII is shaping up to be a release marked by a darker and more mature tone compared to its predecessors. This RPG will require players to make crucial decisions, which promises to enrich the narrative and gameplay experience. Additionally, the classic turn-based combat system is being revamped, and significant changes will be implemented in the overall game mechanics, all developed in the powerful Unreal Engine 5.
The collaboration with HEXADRIVE and ORCA studios, along with Square Enix, suggests that this title will be one of the most ambitious entries in the saga. Although there is still much to learn, fans can expect an evolution in the traditional Dragon Quest formula, which raises expectations about how the franchise will adapt to a more contemporary context.
Dragon Quest 3 will soon have an HD-2D style remake, like Triangle Strategy or the remake of Live-A-Live, although it doesn’t have a release date yet.
Dragon Quest is one of the greatest franchises of all time. Without it, the JRPG as we know it probably wouldn’t exist. That’s why, even if it doesn’t have the absolutely massive dimension in the West that it has in Japan, Dragon Quest still has a capital importance. And not only because the monster and character designs were made by Akira Toriyama. Something that is demonstrated in how Square Enix is managing the thirtieth anniversary of the franchise.
In May 2021, Square Enix confirmed that they were working on five different Dragon Quest games. In addition to the obvious, a new installment of the main franchise, they also stated that they were working on a more special project. More unexpected. A remake of Dragon Quest 3, which would also have a different, very particular aesthetic that has worked very well among the public. Something that seems to have been confirmed, precisely, for the 28th anniversary of the franchise.
The first Dragon Quest was released on May 27, 1986 and, 28 years later, a small teaser of what is to come has been released. Under the text “The legend of Erdrick is near”, the logo of Dragon Quest 3 is shown along with an unexpected logo: HD-2D.
As already discussed in 2021, this remake would be in the HD-2D style like other recent Square Enix JRPGs. Games like Octopath Traveler, Triangle Strategy, or the Live-A-Live remake, which aim to give a diorama-like appearance to the whole. An artistic style that would fit perfectly with Dragon Quest, and especially the third installment of the franchise.
Although it doesn’t have a specific release date yet, they have already announced which consoles it will be available on. The interesting thing is that it will be a game that skips the previous generation of consoles. Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D will be available for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Nintendo Switch, and PC. And we will probably know more very soon.
Yuji Naka, creator of Sonic, has said on his Twitter that an important person within Square Enix would be behind his condemnation in a recent trial.
Trials are always unpleasant. It’s normal. No one goes to trial for fun and ending up in one always ends up being a significant investment of money and energy, both mentally and emotionally. That’s why it shouldn’t surprise us that, around them, peculiar stories always come out. When not terrible. And in some cases, we even reach the point where we wonder if they have a hilarious point.
Yuji Naka, creator of Sonic the Hedgehog, had not written on his Twitter since November 2022. Surprisingly, on Sunday, April 7, he decided to use his account again. And he did so to launch what can only be described as a clear attack on one of his Square Enix colleagues, Yu Miyake.
Recently, at Square Enix they moved Yu Miyake, producer of Dragon Quest since 1992, to lead the mobile games section within Square Enix. In his tweet, Yuji Naka states that he wishes they had moved Miyake much earlier than they did, because he is the type of person who can lie to a judge. Stating that the new president of Square Enix must be a good person, since he has relegated him from his position.
If this sounds alarming and out of place, it doesn’t get much better when put into context. Yuji Naka was arrested in November 2022, accused of trafficking insider information about the development of a new Dragon Quest mobile game. He was arrested again in December 2022, also accused of information trafficking, this time for the development of Final Fantasy VII: The First Soldier. In July 2023, he was sentenced to 30 months in prison, suspended for four years, and ordered to pay two fines totaling 173 million yen, around one million fifty thousand euros, as it was considered that he made money in the stock market thanks to his insider information while working at Square Enix.
As of today, Yuji Naka remains under suspended sentence, with Miyake being one of the people who testified against him in court. Hence the tweet and his comment, which are not only out of place, but can also put him in an even worse situation with the law. That’s why, seeing that the return to the public eye of the father of Sonic has been to accuse others of throwing stones at him, we have no doubt that this story will still have many twists and turns before it is over.
Yakuza: Like A Dragon has managed to fall in love with critics and the public, so it should not surprise us that they launch their second part in 2024.
Although it has been with us for many years, the big breakthrough in the West for the Yakuza franchise came shortly before Yakuza: Like A Dragon. Changing the protagonist, genre, and even the name in the West, while still maintaining its unique style and way of doing things, they now announce Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth, which promises that we will once again embody Ichiban Kasuga, a yakuza with a heart of gold who sees the world through the lens of his favorite video game: Dragon Quest.
Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth has been announced for Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, and will also be available on day one through Xbox Game Pass, with a yet-to-be-determined release date in 2024. Although we haven’t seen much of the game yet, we can expect it to follow in the footsteps of its predecessor. It will continue delving into the lives of the peculiar group of misfits that Ichiban has gathered over time, combining RPG elements with a humorous twist. This time, it appears that the story will take place in a country that is not Ichiban’s own: the USA. How these strange events will unfold is still unknown, but we are eager to learn more about how Ichiban has found himself in these peculiar circumstances.
