3DS version coming to the US in January 2017
Fans of theDragon Questseries are used to delays, but are usually appreciative when their patience is rewarded. Those who are looking forward toDragon Quest VIIIwon’t have to wait much longer, as Nintendo announced the 3DS version will be released on January 20 next year.
DQ VIIIis one of the most revered entries in a franchise that’s well known for its production values, and the 3DS release will be the first time it’s been on a console in North America since the original came out on the PlayStation 2 in 2005. (As a side note, the website for the initial release is still active over ten years later, socheck that outif you’re inclined.)
Localizations for bothDQ VIIandDQ VIIIwereannounced for North America at the Nintendo Direct in November 2015, and both were originally intended to release before the end of 2016. The Japanese version ofDQ8has been availablesince August of 2015, but apparently Nintendo and Square Enix needed some extra time to make sure the localization was up to their standards, so bothVIIandVIIIwerepushed backearlier this year. The extra time seems to have been worth it though, and I’ve been enjoying taking my time with the remake ofDragon Quest VII.
A mobile port of the original PS2 game exists foriOS and Android, but the remake for 3DS will offer some new features in addition to an updated translation. Perhaps the best feature added to this version is the removal of random encounters; instead, you’ll be able to see monsters on the world map before engaging with them or avoiding a fight. The developers have also added aphoto mode, a quick-save feature, a “Speed Up” function that promises to hasten battles, two new playable characters, additional side quests, anew dungeon, and a new ending, soDQ VIIIshould still be appealing for people who’ve already played the game in one of its other forms.
I’m certainly looking forward to revisitingDragon Quest VIIIonce it becomes available early next year. There’s something about playing a big, meaty RPG on a handheld that can’t be duplicated on a phone or tablet. The ability to save everywhere or just put the 3DS in sleep mode is a feature I sorely miss when it isn’t available. I just hope the new features don’t mean the developers had to cut down on thefully orchestrated score, easily the highlight of the PS2 release.
