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'''Dragon Quest''' (ドラゴンクエスト ''Doragon Kuesto'') is a series of role-playing games made by [[Yuji Horii]], [[Akira Toriyama]], [[Kōichi Sugiyama]] and [[Square Enix]] (originally [[Enix]]) for a variety of video game platforms. 30 years after its debut, it is the all-time best-selling video game series in Japan, and enjoys increasing worldwide popularity through a stronger international marketing push with the merger of Enix and Square. | '''Dragon Quest''' (ドラゴンクエスト ''Doragon Kuesto'') is a series of role-playing games made by [[Yuji Horii]], [[Akira Toriyama]], [[Kōichi Sugiyama]] and [[Square Enix]] (originally [[Enix]]) for a variety of video game platforms. 30 years after its debut, it is the all-time best-selling video game series in Japan, and enjoys increasing worldwide popularity through a stronger international marketing push with the merger of Enix and Square. | ||
Each game in the main series of games | Each game in the main series of games is titled with the name ''Dragon Quest'' followed by a roman numeral. Since 1986, which marked the release of the original {{DQ}}, ''Dragon Quest'' has so far featured eleven games within the main series, as well as several spin off games. It has also featured several animated productions. | ||
''Dragon Quest'' is often compared with the ''[[Final Fantasy]]'' series, created by SquareSoft. Although the ''Dragon Quest'' series started before ''[[Final Fantasy]]'', it continues to release titles at a slower paces within the main series (11 versus | ''Dragon Quest'' is often compared with the ''[[Final Fantasy]]'' series, created by SquareSoft. Although the ''Dragon Quest'' series started before ''[[Final Fantasy]]'', it continues to release titles at a slower paces within the main series (11 versus 16 total games). The two competed for more or less the same market until the companies' merger in 2003, at which point ''Dragon Quest'' became the main financial pillar of the company amidst wavering popularity and unreliable sales of the ''[[Final Fantasy]]'' series. | ||
Installments of the series have appeared on MSX computers, {{Famicom}}/{{NES}}, {{Super Famicom}}/Super NES, {{Game Boy Color}}, Game Boy Advance, [[Nintendo DS]], {{PlayStation}}, {{PlayStation 2}} and Wii video game consoles, as well as on several models of mobile phone. As of May 2021, the ''Dragon Quest'' series has sold over 82 million units worldwide.<ref>[https://www.jp.square-enix.com/company/ja/news/2021/html/68521fbf7a269c919dba30c72cdbf8d9a1e30113.html 「ドラゴンクエスト」シリーズ最新作 『ドラゴンクエストXII 選ばれし運命の炎』制作を発表]</ref> It is Square Enix's second most successful franchise after ''Final Fantasy'' and is one of the most popular video game franchises in Japan. | Installments of the series have appeared on MSX computers, {{Famicom}}/{{NES}}, {{Super Famicom}}/Super NES, {{Game Boy Color}}, Game Boy Advance, [[Nintendo DS]], {{PlayStation}}, {{PlayStation 2}} and Wii video game consoles, as well as on several models of mobile phone. As of May 2021, the ''Dragon Quest'' series has sold over 82 million units worldwide.<ref>[https://www.jp.square-enix.com/company/ja/news/2021/html/68521fbf7a269c919dba30c72cdbf8d9a1e30113.html 「ドラゴンクエスト」シリーズ最新作 『ドラゴンクエストXII 選ばれし運命の炎』制作を発表]</ref> It is Square Enix's second most successful franchise after ''[[Final Fantasy]]'' and is one of the most popular video game franchises in Japan. | ||
==Common Themes== | ==Common Themes== | ||
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[[Image:DQIV_Fleeing.png|right|thumb|255px|Fleeing from enemies in {{Dragon Quest IV}}]] | [[Image:DQIV_Fleeing.png|right|thumb|255px|Fleeing from enemies in {{Dragon Quest IV}}]] | ||
However, ''Dragon Quest I-III and IV-VI'' can be considered related through their storytelling. | However, ''Dragon Quest I-III and IV-VI'' can be considered related through their storytelling. {{II}} is a direct sequel to the original game, while {{III}} is a prequel that effectively makes a [[Erdrick trilogy|trilogy]]; {{IV}}, {{V}} and {{VI}} each feature the [[Zenithia]] castle as an important plot element, and so fans have come to call them the "[[Zenithia trilogy]]." However, [[Yuji Horii]] has stated that this second group was never intended to be related. | ||
Magic is frequently an important element, as both an in-battle ability of player-controlled characters and the cause of various world-shaking events. | Magic is frequently an important element, as both an in-battle ability of player-controlled characters and the cause of various world-shaking events. | ||
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==Development== | ==Development== | ||
===History=== | ===History=== | ||
In 1982, Enix sponsored a national video game programming contest, which brought much of the ''Dragon Quest'' team together, including Yuji Horii. The prize of the competition was a trip to the United States, and a visit to AppleFest '83 in San Francisco, where Horii discovered ''Wizardry''. Kōichi Nakamura and Yukinobu Chida, two other winners of the contest, along with Horii, released The Portopia Serial Murder Case for the Famicom for Enix. Sugiyama, already famous for jingles and pop songs, impressed with the group's work, sent a postcard to Enix, commenting on the software. In response, Enix asked him to write music for some of its games. The group then decided to make a console role-playing game, using a combination of ''Wizardry'' and ''Ultima''. ''Dragon Ball'' creator Akira Toriyama, who knew Horii through the manga magazine ''Shonen Jump'', was commissioned to illustrate the characters and | In 1982, Enix sponsored a national video game programming contest, which brought much of the ''Dragon Quest'' team together, including Yuji Horii. The prize of the competition was a trip to the United States, and a visit to AppleFest '83 in San Francisco, where Horii discovered ''Wizardry''. Kōichi Nakamura and Yukinobu Chida, two other winners of the contest, along with Horii, released The Portopia Serial Murder Case for the Famicom for Enix. Sugiyama, already famous for jingles and pop songs, impressed with the group's work, sent a postcard to Enix, commenting on the software. In response, Enix asked him to write music for some of its games. The group then decided to make a console role-playing game, using a combination of ''Wizardry'' and ''Ultima''. ''[[Dragon Ball]]'' creator [[Akira Toriyama]], who knew Horii through the manga magazine ''Shonen Jump'', was commissioned to illustrate the characters and {{MFamilies}}s to separate the game from other RPGs of the time and the Dragon Quest "team" was born. | ||
''Dragon Quest'' was created by Yuji Horii, who has been the scenario director since. The series | ''Dragon Quest'' was created by Yuji Horii, who has been the scenario director since. The series {{MFamilies}} and character designs, as well as box art, are done by famed ''[[Dragon Ball]]'' manga artist, [[Akira Toriyama]]. All of the music for the ''Dragon Quest'' series has been composed by [[Kōichi Sugiyama]]. ''Dragon Quest'' games have been developed by [[Chunsoft]], [[Heartbeat]], [[ArtePiazza]], and, starting with {{Dragon Quest VIII}}, [[Level-5]]. Horii's own company, [[Armor Project]], is in charge of the ''Dragon Quest'' games, which were published by Enix and, since [[Square Enix Merger|April 2003]] by Square Enix. While Toriyama is the series' character designer, the primary designs are first conceived by Horii, before being handed to Toriyama to re-draw under Horii's supervision. When Horii first created ''Dragon Quest'', most people doubted that a fantasy series with swords and dungeons instead of science fiction would become popular in Japan; but the series has become a phenomenon there. | ||
''Dragon Quest'' is not nearly as successful outside Japan, having been eclipsed primarily by ''Final Fantasy'' and possibly by other RPG series. Because of [[Enix America Corporation]]'s closure in the mid 1990's, the {{SFC}} versions of {{DQ5}} and {{DQ6}} were never officially released in North America. In Europe, none of the games have seen release prior to the spin-off ''[[Dragon Quest Monsters (series)|Dragon Warrior Monsters]]'' and then {{DQ8}}. With the merger of Square and Enix in 2003, the number of places in which ''Dragon Quest'' games are released has greatly increased. In May 2008, Square Enix announced localizations of the Nintendo DS remakes of {{Dragon Quest IV}}, | ''Dragon Quest'' is not nearly as successful outside Japan, having been eclipsed primarily by ''[[Final Fantasy]]'' and possibly by other RPG series. Because of [[Enix America Corporation]]'s closure in the mid 1990's, the {{SFC}} versions of {{DQ5}} and {{DQ6}} were never officially released in North America. In Europe, none of the games have seen release prior to the spin-off ''[[Dragon Quest Monsters (series)|Dragon Warrior Monsters]]'' and then {{DQ8}}. With the merger of Square and Enix in 2003, the number of places in which ''Dragon Quest'' games are released has greatly increased. In May 2008, Square Enix announced localizations of the Nintendo DS remakes of {{Dragon Quest IV}}, {{V}} and {{VI}}, collectively called by Square Enix the [[List of Name Changes in the Zenithia Trilogy|Zenithia trilogy]], for North America and the PAL region. With this announcement, all the main games in the ''Dragon Quest'' series will now have seen release outside Japan at least once. | ||
The ninth installment, {{DQ9}}, was released in Japan for Nintendo DS in July 11, 2009. In North American it was released a year later in July 11, 2010 and a few days later in Europe on July 23 while Australia and New Zealand got the game the following month on August 10. | The ninth installment, {{DQ9}}, was released in Japan for Nintendo DS in July 11, 2009. In North American it was released a year later in July 11, 2010 and a few days later in Europe on July 23 while Australia and New Zealand got the game the following month on August 10. | ||
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"At the time I first made {{Dragon Quest}}, role-playing games on the computer were still very much in the realm of hardcore fans and not very accessible to other players. So I decided to create a system that was easy to understand and emotionally involving, and then placed my story within that framework." —Yuji Horii | "At the time I first made {{Dragon Quest}}, role-playing games on the computer were still very much in the realm of hardcore fans and not very accessible to other players. So I decided to create a system that was easy to understand and emotionally involving, and then placed my story within that framework." —Yuji Horii | ||
Yuji Horii originally used the full-screen map of ''Ultima'' and the battle and stats oriented ''Wizardry'' screen to create the gameplay of {{Dragon Quest}}. The first six ''Dragon Quest'' games' stories are divided into two trilogies. The first three games of the series tell the story of the legendary hero known as '''[[Erdrick|Roto]]''' (also known as '''Erdrick''' or '''Loto''' in the American {{NES}} and {{GBC}} versions, respectively). | Yuji Horii originally used the full-screen map of ''Ultima'' and the battle and stats oriented ''Wizardry'' screen to create the gameplay of {{Dragon Quest}}. The first six ''Dragon Quest'' games' stories are divided into two trilogies. The first three games of the series tell the story of the legendary hero known as '''[[Erdrick|Roto]]''' (also known as '''Erdrick''' or '''Loto''' in the American {{NES}} and {{GBC}} versions, respectively). {{Dragon Quest IV}}, {{V}} and {{VI}} are based around a castle in the sky called [[Zenithia]], and are referred to as ''The Tenku'' in Japan, meaning Heaven. The main series from {{DQ7}} on are independent of each other and stand alone. | ||
The typical ''Dragon Quest'' plot involves a certain villain to be defeated at the end of the game, usually one who threatens the world in some way. However, the plotline often consists of smaller stories involving different {{NPC}}'s the player meets as the adventure goes on.[16] The games themselves feature a number of religious overtones—saving the game (in later games) and reviving characters who have died is performed by clergy in [[church]]es. Priests are often seen wandering around the overworld of {{DQM}} and have the ability to heal. The final enemy in some of the ''Dragon Quest'' games is known as the Demon Lord. For instance, in {{Dragon Quest VII}}, the Demon Lord, known as [[Orgodemir]] in that particular game, is the final boss, and there is also a sidequest to battle [[The Almighty | The typical ''Dragon Quest'' plot involves a certain villain to be defeated at the end of the game, usually one who threatens the world in some way. However, the plotline often consists of smaller stories involving different {{NPC}}'s the player meets as the adventure goes on.[16] The games themselves feature a number of religious overtones—saving the game (in later games) and reviving characters who have died is performed by clergy in [[church]]es. Priests are often seen wandering around the overworld of {{DQM}} and have the ability to heal. The final enemy in some of the ''Dragon Quest'' games is known as the Demon Lord. For instance, in {{Dragon Quest VII}}, the Demon Lord, known as [[Orgodemir]] in that particular game, is the final boss, and there is also a sidequest to battle [[Numen|The Almighty]] himself. The first four ''Dragon Warrior'' titles suffered from substantial censorship in their North American localizations, largely in keeping with Nintendo of America's content guidelines at the time, which placed severe restrictions on religious iconography and mature content. When these games were remade for the Game Boy Color, many of these censorships were taken out. Since {{Dragon Warrior VII}}, the games have been kept similar to their original versions when going through localization. | ||
===Name change=== | ===Name change=== | ||
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==Common Elements== | ==Common Elements== | ||
===Gameplay=== | ===Gameplay=== | ||
The game player's party walks into a town and buys weapons, armor, and items in order to defeat | The game player's party walks into a town and buys weapons, armor, and items in order to defeat {{MFamilies}}s easily. When the player's party is out of the town, the party is vulnerable to random {{MFamilies}} attacks. When players encounter {{MFamilies}}s, they have several options from which to choose through menus. The player can attack and defeat the enemy with weapons, magic, or items. The player can also attempt to run away from the fight. The Flee option is available during boss battles but is never successful. After a player wins a battle by defeating all the {{MFamilies}}s, the player's party members gain experience points (EXP) in order to gain new levels. When a certain character gains a new level, the [[Stats in Dragon Quest|Stats]] of the character are upgraded.[26] | ||
To save one's progress, the player generally must visit a [[church]] or House of Healing and talk to a priest or nun. In the first three games of the main series, saving was accomplished by talking to a King or Queen[26], with the exception of {{Dragon Quest}} and {{Dragon Quest II}} in Japan, which used a password system.[27] If the player's []party]] dies in battle, the group will lose half of their [[gold]] and the leader of the [[party]] warps back to the nearest [[church]]. The leader then needs to pay a priest to revive his/her [[party]] members. This is only effective in the first six ''Dragon Quest'' games. More recent games in the series have banks in many towns that allow the player to store [[gold]], which prevents it from being lost when the [[party]] dies. | To save one's progress, the player generally must visit a [[church]] or House of Healing and talk to a priest or nun. In the first three games of the main series, saving was accomplished by talking to a King or Queen[26], with the exception of {{Dragon Quest}} and {{Dragon Quest II}} in Japan, which used a password system.[27] If the player's []party]] dies in battle, the group will lose half of their [[gold]] and the leader of the [[party]] warps back to the nearest [[church]]. The leader then needs to pay a priest to revive his/her [[party]] members. This is only effective in the first six ''Dragon Quest'' games. More recent games in the series have banks in many towns that allow the player to store [[gold]], which prevents it from being lost when the [[party]] dies. | ||
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{{Dragon Quest III}}, {{Dragon Quest VI}}, and {{Dragon Quest VII}} feature several classes to choose for the party members.[8] Each of these installments possesses its own particular set of classes. Typical classes include the Cleric / Priest / Pilgrim, Fighter, Hero, Jester / Goof-Off, Thief, Warrior / Soldier and Wizard / Mage[28][29]. {{Dragon Quest VI}} includes two monster classes[30], and {{Dragon Quest VII}} includes dozens.[31] | {{Dragon Quest III}}, {{Dragon Quest VI}}, and {{Dragon Quest VII}} feature several classes to choose for the party members.[8] Each of these installments possesses its own particular set of classes. Typical classes include the Cleric / Priest / Pilgrim, Fighter, Hero, Jester / Goof-Off, Thief, Warrior / Soldier and Wizard / Mage[28][29]. {{Dragon Quest VI}} includes two monster classes[30], and {{Dragon Quest VII}} includes dozens.[31] | ||
=== | ==={{Monster}}s=== | ||
The series features several recurring | The series features several recurring {{MFamilies}}s, such as [[Slime]]s, [[Dracky|Drackies]], [[Shadow]]s, [[Mummy|Mummies]], [[Goodybag|Trick Bags]], and {{Dragon}}s.[32][33][34] Many of the {{MFamilies}}s have been designed by [[Akira Toriyama]]. Many of the ''Dragon Quest'' {{MFamilies}}s have been featured in the {{DQMSeries}} of games, which allows the player to catch {{MFamilies}}s and use them in battle. This idea was also used in {{Dragon Quest V}}, although [[human]]s fight in battle as well. | ||
The official mascot of the ''Dragon Quest'' series is the [[Slime]]. A [[Slime]] is a small blob with a face, shaped like water droplet. It has appeared in every ''Dragon Quest'' game and it is usually one of the first {{MFamilies}}s the player encounters.[35] The [[Slime]]'s popularity has netted it two spin-offs: {{SMMDQ}} and {{DQHRS}}. They also make a significant showing in the Japanese manga and two-episode anime ''Dragon Half''. | The official mascot of the ''Dragon Quest'' series is the [[Slime]]. A [[Slime]] is a small blob with a face, shaped like water droplet. It has appeared in every ''Dragon Quest'' game and it is usually one of the first {{MFamilies}}s the player encounters.[35] The [[Slime]]'s popularity has netted it two spin-offs: {{SMMDQ}} and {{DQHRS}}. They also make a significant showing in the Japanese manga and two-episode anime ''Dragon Half''. | ||
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The {{Hero 3}}, originally known as Erdrick to many English-speaking players, is also known by two other names. In the original Japanese language games, [[Erdrick]] is known exclusively by the name '''Roto''', which is also used by some import gamers. Another romanization of the name is '''Loto''', which was used in place of Erdrick when [[Enix America, Inc.]] re-released ''[[Dragon Quest I & II|Dragon Warrior, Dragon Warrior II]]'', and ''[[Dragon Quest III: The Seeds of Salvation|Dragon Warrior III]]'' on the {{Game Boy Color}}. This was most likely used because the Japanese character (ロ) is not strictly an R or an L sound, but lies somewhere in between. Therefore it is properly transliterated either way. | The {{Hero 3}}, originally known as Erdrick to many English-speaking players, is also known by two other names. In the original Japanese language games, [[Erdrick]] is known exclusively by the name '''Roto''', which is also used by some import gamers. Another romanization of the name is '''Loto''', which was used in place of Erdrick when [[Enix America, Inc.]] re-released ''[[Dragon Quest I & II|Dragon Warrior, Dragon Warrior II]]'', and ''[[Dragon Quest III: The Seeds of Salvation|Dragon Warrior III]]'' on the {{Game Boy Color}}. This was most likely used because the Japanese character (ロ) is not strictly an R or an L sound, but lies somewhere in between. Therefore it is properly transliterated either way. | ||
In the original ''Final Fantasy'', Square parodies ''Dragon Warrior'' by displaying a grave for Erdrick in the town of Elfland.[41] In retaliation, Enix hid a Cid grave in {{Dragon Quest III}}. A parody of Erdrick's sword is wielded by Gilgamesh in ''Final Fantasy XII'': it is referred to as the "Wyrmhero Blade" (In the Japanese version, it is called "Tolo Sword"). | In the original ''[[Final Fantasy]]'', Square parodies ''Dragon Warrior'' by displaying a grave for Erdrick in the town of Elfland.[41] In retaliation, Enix hid a Cid grave in {{Dragon Quest III}}. A parody of Erdrick's sword is wielded by Gilgamesh in ''[[Final Fantasy]] XII'': it is referred to as the "Wyrmhero Blade" (In the Japanese version, it is called "Tolo Sword"). | ||
===Zenithia=== | ===Zenithia=== | ||
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*''[[Dragon Quest Monsters +]]'' — based on {{DQM}}, 5 volumes by Mine Yoshizaki[54] | *''[[Dragon Quest Monsters +]]'' — based on {{DQM}}, 5 volumes by Mine Yoshizaki[54] | ||
*There are two manga series' based on the Slime for children[54] | *There are two manga series' based on the Slime for children[54] | ||
*In 1989, a manga was published by Enix called ''Dragon Quest Monster Story''.[54] This book featured short stories about various ''Dragon Quest'' | *In 1989, a manga was published by Enix called ''Dragon Quest Monster Story''.[54] This book featured short stories about various ''Dragon Quest'' {{MFamilies}}s and came with a poster that featured the "families" of {{MFamilies}}s. | ||
*{{Captain N}} - A US cartoon exploring worlds based on various video games. The [[Dragon Quest|first game]] was the basis for the Season 1 episode "Three Men and A Dragon" & the Season 2 episode "The Trojan Dragon", with the [[Dragonlord]] serving as the antagonist of both episodes. The episode "I Wish I Was a Wombatman" briefly showed a robotic replica of the [[Dragonlord]] as well. | *{{Captain N}} - A US cartoon exploring worlds based on various video games. The [[Dragon Quest|first game]] was the basis for the Season 1 episode "Three Men and A Dragon" & the Season 2 episode "The Trojan Dragon", with the [[Dragonlord]] serving as the antagonist of both episodes. The episode "I Wish I Was a Wombatman" briefly showed a robotic replica of the [[Dragonlord]] as well. | ||
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''Dragon Quest'' is one of the most popular video game series in Japan.[1][2][55] All of the games in the main series as well as many spin-off games have sold over a million copies, some even selling over four million, and sell very quickly.[56] For instance, the remake of {{Dragon Quest V}} sold 1.3 million copies in Japan in its first two days, which is a very high number for a remake.[57] In 2006, Japanese gaming magazine Famitsu readers voted on the hundred best video games of all time. {{Dragon Quest III}} came in third, {{Dragon Quest VIII}} came in fourth, {{Dragon Quest VII}} came in ninth, {{Dragon Quest V}} came in eleventh, {{Dragon Quest IV}} came in fourteenth, {{Dragon Quest II}} came in seventeenth, {{Dragon Quest}} came in thirtieth, and {{Dragon Quest VI}} came in thirty-fourth.[58] | ''Dragon Quest'' is one of the most popular video game series in Japan.[1][2][55] All of the games in the main series as well as many spin-off games have sold over a million copies, some even selling over four million, and sell very quickly.[56] For instance, the remake of {{Dragon Quest V}} sold 1.3 million copies in Japan in its first two days, which is a very high number for a remake.[57] In 2006, Japanese gaming magazine Famitsu readers voted on the hundred best video games of all time. {{Dragon Quest III}} came in third, {{Dragon Quest VIII}} came in fourth, {{Dragon Quest VII}} came in ninth, {{Dragon Quest V}} came in eleventh, {{Dragon Quest IV}} came in fourteenth, {{Dragon Quest II}} came in seventeenth, {{Dragon Quest}} came in thirtieth, and {{Dragon Quest VI}} came in thirty-fourth.[58] | ||
The original {{Dragon Quest}} game is often claimed to be the birth of the console role-playing game, despite the fact that it borrows heavily from the ''Wizardry'', ''The Black Onyx'', and ''Ultima'' series, and many others consider ''Final Fantasy'' "more important."[3] However, {{Dragon Warrior}} was listed on GameSpot's list of the 15 most influential games of all time, and was called the "most influential role-playing game of all time" and that nearly all RPGs today have roots in its gameplay.[59] The ''Dragon Quest'' series was recognized by ''Guinness World Records'' with six world records in the ''Guinness World Records: Gamer's Edition 2008''. These records include, "Best Selling Role Playing Game on the {{Super Famicom}}", "Fastest Selling Game in Japan", and "First Video Game Series to Inspire a Ballet".[60] | The original {{Dragon Quest}} game is often claimed to be the birth of the console role-playing game, despite the fact that it borrows heavily from the ''Wizardry'', ''The Black Onyx'', and ''Ultima'' series, and many others consider ''[[Final Fantasy]]'' "more important."[3] However, {{Dragon Warrior}} was listed on GameSpot's list of the 15 most influential games of all time, and was called the "most influential role-playing game of all time" and that nearly all RPGs today have roots in its gameplay.[59] The ''Dragon Quest'' series was recognized by ''Guinness World Records'' with six world records in the ''Guinness World Records: Gamer's Edition 2008''. These records include, "Best Selling Role Playing Game on the {{Super Famicom}}", "Fastest Selling Game in Japan", and "First Video Game Series to Inspire a Ballet".[60] | ||
Although the series is a phenomenon in Japan, the games did not garner as much attention in North America until the release of {{Dragon Quest VIII}} in 2005.[3] Although the first four games to come to America generally received good reviews, it was not until {{Dragon Warrior VII}} was released did ''Dragon Quest'' become critically acclaimed there.[3] One of the main aspects of the series that critics point out, either positively or negatively, is that the series "never strays from its classic roots".[55] Unlike other modern, complex RPGs, ''Dragon Quest'' retains the simple gameplay from the first game, which many critics find refreshing and nostalgic.[55][61][62] Other critics feel differently about the series, however, and claim that the story, characters, and gameplay have become boring and redundant over the years.[63][64] | Although the series is a phenomenon in Japan, the games did not garner as much attention in North America until the release of {{Dragon Quest VIII}} in 2005.[3] Although the first four games to come to America generally received good reviews, it was not until {{Dragon Warrior VII}} was released did ''Dragon Quest'' become critically acclaimed there.[3] One of the main aspects of the series that critics point out, either positively or negatively, is that the series "never strays from its classic roots".[55] Unlike other modern, complex RPGs, ''Dragon Quest'' retains the simple gameplay from the first game, which many critics find refreshing and nostalgic.[55][61][62] Other critics feel differently about the series, however, and claim that the story, characters, and gameplay have become boring and redundant over the years.[63][64] | ||
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30. Heartbeat (company). Dragon Quest VI: Realms of Reverie. (Enix). Super Famicon. (in Japanese). (December 9, 1995)<br /> | 30. Heartbeat (company). Dragon Quest VI: Realms of Reverie. (Enix). Super Famicon. (in Japanese). (December 9, 1995)<br /> | ||
31. "Dragon Warrior VII: Character Classes". IGN.com. IGN. 2001-10-04. http://psx.ign.com/articles/098/098821p1.html. Retrieved on 2008-07-19.<br /> | 31. "Dragon Warrior VII: Character Classes". IGN.com. IGN. 2001-10-04. http://psx.ign.com/articles/098/098821p1.html. Retrieved on 2008-07-19.<br /> | ||
32. "Dragon Quest II | 32. "Dragon Quest II {{MFamilies}}s". 2006. http://www.rpgclassics.com/shrines/nes/dw2/enemies.shtml. Retrieved on September 16 2007.<br /> | ||
33. "Dragon Quest III | 33. "Dragon Quest III {{MFamilies}}s". 2006. http://www.rpgclassics.com/shrines/nes/dw3/enemies.shtml. Retrieved on September 16 2007.<br /> | ||
34. "Dragon Quest IV | 34. "Dragon Quest IV {{MFamilies}}s". 2006. http://www.rpgclassics.com/shrines/nes/dw4/enemies.shtml. Retrieved on September 16 2007.<br /> | ||
35. Cary Woodham (2006). "Rocket Slime review at Gamerdad". http://www.gamerdad.com/detail.cfm?itemID=3412. Retrieved on September 9 2007. | 35. Cary Woodham (2006). "Rocket Slime review at Gamerdad". http://www.gamerdad.com/detail.cfm?itemID=3412. Retrieved on September 9 2007. | ||
36. (1989) Nintendo, Enix Corporation Dragon Warrior Instruction Manual (in English).<br /> | 36. (1989) Nintendo, Enix Corporation Dragon Warrior Instruction Manual (in English).<br /> | ||