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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
