As the Dragon Quest series approaches its monumental 40th anniversary, Square Enix is pulling out all the stops to honor one of Japan's most beloved JRPG franchises.
Scheduled for release on the Nintendo Switch, Dragon Quest III Reimagined will offer fans an innovative visual experience while capturing the essence that has defined the series for decades.
Since its debut in 1986, Dragon Quest has been central to the evolution of role-playing games, selling millions of copies worldwide and influencing countless titles across the genre. During a recent interview with Game Informer, series creator Yuji Horii provided insight into the foundational elements that have propelled Dragon Quest to both critical and commercial success.
He explained that the core principle he has always emphasized is an overarching sense of warmth throughout the games.
Reflecting on the early days of computer gaming, Horii observed that many of those titles lacked this emotional connection.
By instilling warmth and ensuring the accessibility of gameplay, Horii believes he made Dragon Quest inviting for a diverse audience. "Older computer games often missed the sense of warmth," Horii noted.
"I wanted Dragon Quest to stand apart by offering players not just an epic quest, but a welcoming atmosphere.
From the start, we focused on making the experience easy to pick up and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of gaming background." Horii further elaborated that this philosophy—balancing warmth with approachability—lies at the heart of Dragon Quest's lasting identity.
He attributes much of the franchise’s enduring appeal to its role as a bonding experience among players.
Many gamers, he explained, recount fond memories of playing Dragon Quest alongside friends or family, sometimes even enlisting siblings to help with challenging segments.
These shared experiences have helped establish Dragon Quest as more than just a solo adventure; it has become a communal tradition, passed down and enjoyed across generations. "Over the years, Dragon Quest has become more than a single-player journey.
For many, it's a way to connect with others—whether they're teaming up or exchanging stories about their progress.
It's these memories and relationships that have secured the series a special place in the hearts of players," Horii explained. With Dragon Quest III Reimagined on the horizon and excitement building for the 40th anniversary, Square Enix continues to demonstrate why the series remains a foundational pillar of the JRPG genre.
As fans prepare to revisit classic adventures on the Nintendo Switch and other platforms, Horii's commitment to warmth and accessibility ensures that new and returning players alike will find something to cherish in the world of Dragon Quest.
Scheduled for release on the Nintendo Switch, Dragon Quest III Reimagined will offer fans an innovative visual experience while capturing the essence that has defined the series for decades.
Since its debut in 1986, Dragon Quest has been central to the evolution of role-playing games, selling millions of copies worldwide and influencing countless titles across the genre. During a recent interview with Game Informer, series creator Yuji Horii provided insight into the foundational elements that have propelled Dragon Quest to both critical and commercial success.
He explained that the core principle he has always emphasized is an overarching sense of warmth throughout the games.
Reflecting on the early days of computer gaming, Horii observed that many of those titles lacked this emotional connection.
By instilling warmth and ensuring the accessibility of gameplay, Horii believes he made Dragon Quest inviting for a diverse audience. "Older computer games often missed the sense of warmth," Horii noted.
"I wanted Dragon Quest to stand apart by offering players not just an epic quest, but a welcoming atmosphere.
From the start, we focused on making the experience easy to pick up and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of gaming background." Horii further elaborated that this philosophy—balancing warmth with approachability—lies at the heart of Dragon Quest's lasting identity.
He attributes much of the franchise’s enduring appeal to its role as a bonding experience among players.
Many gamers, he explained, recount fond memories of playing Dragon Quest alongside friends or family, sometimes even enlisting siblings to help with challenging segments.
These shared experiences have helped establish Dragon Quest as more than just a solo adventure; it has become a communal tradition, passed down and enjoyed across generations. "Over the years, Dragon Quest has become more than a single-player journey.
For many, it's a way to connect with others—whether they're teaming up or exchanging stories about their progress.
It's these memories and relationships that have secured the series a special place in the hearts of players," Horii explained. With Dragon Quest III Reimagined on the horizon and excitement building for the 40th anniversary, Square Enix continues to demonstrate why the series remains a foundational pillar of the JRPG genre.
As fans prepare to revisit classic adventures on the Nintendo Switch and other platforms, Horii's commitment to warmth and accessibility ensures that new and returning players alike will find something to cherish in the world of Dragon Quest.
