Dragon Quest Heroes To Burst Into Action In North America

When it comes to JRPGs, it isn't only Final Fantasy that has a large following. Equally revered is the Dragon Quest series that is making a comeback through mobile devices. That, however, isn't all there is to the franchise. Square Enix is also targeting the latest console generation, which means PlayStation 4 for this particular title. Dragon Quest Heroes, the latest installment in the series, will be launching this week in Japan. But those in the US need not fret, as it will be arriving here as well sometime later this year.

The lack of a number suffix for this title might be strange, but that is the least significant difference in this game. At its pre-Tokyo Game Show press event last year, Sony and Square Enix showed off what would make Dragon Quest Hereoes different from all previous installments. For the first time ever, the game will include elements of a full-scale action RPG.

All previous Dragon Quest games used the tried and true, at least for JRPGs, turn-based game mechanic. Once in a while, such games would inject a bit of time-based factor to keep gamers on their toes. In contrast, with an action RPG, gamers are always on the move. This would most likely involve more button mashing than your conventional Dragon Quest.

Traditionalists need not fear too much, however, as the game still touts the usual anime look of the games, except rendered in full, gorgeous 3D and minus the cel shading. In fact, the game still calls upon the entire Dragon Quest lineage. Yuji Horii, creator of the series, and Koichi Sugiyama, the original composer, are both onboard. Akira Toriyama, who did the character designs for not only Dragon Quest but also Chrono Trigger and Dragon Ball, is also part of the team.

Unsurprisingly, Dragon Quest Heroes will be exclusive for the PlayStation 4. Although no exact date has been announced yet for its North America launch, the game is now up for pre-order for a price tag of $59.99.

SOURCE: Square Enix