Official Japanese Site (with trailer): http://www.square-enix.co.jp/dragonquest/20th/DQ9.html
At Jump Festa 2007, Square Enix revealed Dragon Quest IX for the Nintendo DS exclusively. This is the first time that the series has made a main series (not spinoff) debut on a handheld, as opposed to a console. In addition, the series is shaking its traditional battle system roots by removing random battles (that had single-handedly set a standard for Japanese console RPGs for the next 20 years) and by changing to a more action-oriented gameplay model. The game will also feature 4-player simultaneous gameply via wifi.
So, 4-ch, what do you think? Happy with the move to the DS? Disappointed? How do you feel about the move from the traditional battle model to an action-RPG model? The series is the biggest thing in Japan and doesn't get nearly enough English-language press, so let's talk about it!
I'm happy for the move to the DS, as it shows Squenix's major faith in Nintendo. Yes, Enix has always said that DQ will debut on the most popular, largest install base console, and the DS certainly has that in Japan, but it seems more like a paradigm shift than anything else.
What is bothersome for me, however, is the move away from the turn-based battle system that was so well known and loved. If Horii-san wishes to draw back in the original user base for the series, going with a complete departure from the traditional format is not going to do that.
(΄·ω·`) nyoro~n
I have only ever played the first Dragon Quest/Warrior game. I was raised on the Final Fantasies, but when the original theme kicked in during the long trailer I somehow still got chills down my spine.
The move to the DS works for me, because it's the only current console I own. I'm not married to a turn-based battle system or random battles. In fact, weren't the latter used in early RPGs mainly due to resource limitations? The 4 player co-op will definitely draw comparisons to Zelda Four Swords and FF Crystal Chronicles. It'll at least be a heck of a lot less cumbersome without having to deal with link cables. I just hope it doesn't turn out like the Secret of Mana games where you need to play with others to get the most fun out of it. I don't have anyone I could play with at the moment. ;_;
>If Horii-san wishes to draw back in the original user base for the series, going with a complete departure from the traditional format is not going to do that.
Didn't they already try to do that with DQ8 and its traditional battle system?