Dragon Quest trilogy descends on DS

Square Enix confirms North American redux releases for DQIV, V, and VI on Nintendo's handheld; first installment lands September 16.

By Tom Magrino, GameSpot

Posted May 21, 2008 11:02 am PT

Last July, with the E3 Media & Business Summit still fresh in gamers' minds, Square Enix saved one of its most intriguing announcements for the tail end of the month. As revealed by scanned images of Japanese magazine Shonen Jump, the game maker was gearing up for Dragon Quest IV, V, and VI remakes on the Nintendo DS. However, at the time, Square Enix was willing to acknowledge only a Japanese release for the role-playing games.

In the wake of official sites being set up for a pair of the games, Square Enix has officially taken the lid off of the Zenithia Trilogy, saying that Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen, Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride, and Dragon Quest VI: Realms of Reverie will be released on the DS in North America. Naturally, Dragon Quest IV will lead the pack and will be available domestically on September 16.

Similar to Square Enix's Final Fantasy III and IV remakes for the DS, the Zenithia Trilogy will benefit from a graphical overhaul that updates the game with 3D visuals, new animations, and a dual-screen presentation. Developed by ArtePiazza, the DS edition of Dragon Quest IV is a traditional RPG broken up into chapters. Players first control a diverse group of companions before assuming the role of the game's hero and embarking on an archetypal quest to save the world.

Dragon Quest IV was originally released as Dragon Warrior IV in the US for the NES in 1992, with a rerelease following in 2001 for the original PlayStation. Dragon Quest V and VI have never before been released in North America. Square Enix has not yet revealed a ship date for the second and third games in the Zenithia Trilogy.

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Saprissa9

I never played Dragon Quest games. Are they like final fantasy games? each game with its own story?

Posted Jul 24, 2008 2:41 pm PT
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psylocke8

I have been praying for this to happen for years. I am the happiest girl in the world. Thank you sooooo much Square Enix for finally bringing your games to the United States on a portable system! Much Love!!!!

Shannon

Posted Jul 14, 2008 6:34 pm PT
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Shishio817

Awesome!

Posted Jul 3, 2008 8:32 am PT
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Soilworkcob

I've played through all the DQ games and I can confidently say that DQ IV is best in series followed by V & VI respectively! I cannot wait for these releases!

Posted May 24, 2008 11:08 am PT
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kingofcosmos231

finally an official release for v and vi. Hopefully they all get release relatively close together

Posted May 23, 2008 12:57 pm PT
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zorn99

The Dragon Quest series was known as Dragon Warrior when they came out on the NES.

I fondly remember playing Dragon Warrior I, my first traditional RPG.

Posted May 22, 2008 10:44 am PT
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acidrain1976

Oh yeah. Keep dropping the RPG's on us, SQUARE ENIX.

Posted May 22, 2008 10:03 am PT
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bgranli

sweet

Posted May 22, 2008 9:45 am PT
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IHeartCloud

Coolness. Square Enix = Best Game Company EVER!!!

Posted May 22, 2008 9:37 am PT
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ShadoweaverCode

SWEET!

Posted May 22, 2008 9:17 am PT
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The_Weekend

YES! FINALLLLLLLY it's HEEREEEEEEEEEE!!! Oh Joy!

Posted May 22, 2008 8:54 am PT
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mr_squibble

I still regret that I missed DQIV on the NES. This is amazing news. I finally get to play as Ragnar!

Posted May 22, 2008 8:53 am PT
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Goodyarn

finally.

Posted May 22, 2008 8:38 am PT
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Xanthus179

I am definitely looking forward to the new releases. Although I don't understand why they make it sound like the US actually got the rerelease of DQIV.

Posted May 22, 2008 8:02 am PT
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enisguy

Dragon Quest IV was the game that got me into RPGs. I was 7 years old when I first played it. God, I loved that game.

Posted May 22, 2008 7:56 am PT
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lew_0911

Oh my God, there IS hope for humanity.

Posted May 22, 2008 7:52 am PT
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digitaltiger

This is great news, I was wondering when we or if we would ever get these games. Two thumbs up.

Posted May 22, 2008 7:03 am PT
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deathbunny

i think i just peed myself.

Posted May 22, 2008 6:48 am PT
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Masterjimmy

First the Star Ocean games for the PSP and Now 3 DQ games for the DS keep up the good work SE

Posted May 22, 2008 5:43 am PT
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_DarKEviL_

Confirmed for Europe too !

Posted May 22, 2008 4:16 am PT
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lamprey263

Nice, I haven't really had an interest in playing my DS since the last Zelda game. But I'll most likely try these out.

Posted May 22, 2008 2:59 am PT
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Neoyamaneko Posted May 22, 2008 1:29 am PT (does not meet display criteria. login to show)

Extra_Life

Best news ever.

Posted May 22, 2008 12:52 am PT
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Chickensoup911

YES, YES, YEEES!

Posted May 22, 2008 12:36 am PT
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WermoSK

This news makes me cry tears of JOY!

Posted May 22, 2008 12:18 am PT
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kavadias1981

I hope they are better than DQ8. That one bored me to tears.

Posted May 22, 2008 12:13 am PT
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somberfox

So the only two numbered DQ games that weren't released here finally make it.

This is long overdue.

Posted May 21, 2008 11:20 pm PT
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Jack_de_Farro

At last!

Posted May 21, 2008 11:02 pm PT
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ArchAngel2284

finally =b

Posted May 21, 2008 10:46 pm PT
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AzureLivesOn

"I met a butterfly the other day...

I was just hanging out in the backyard, about to mow the lawn, when a monarch butterfly flew over and landed on my finger.

I asked him what he wanted.

And he said: 'Remake the Dragon Quest series.'

......

I truely feel like I was visited by an angel that day."

Posted May 21, 2008 10:37 pm PT
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vaejas

Awwwwhhh yea! It's so satisfyin'!

Posted May 21, 2008 10:30 pm PT
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finaleve

Dirk13 > First, Square is the same company as this. While its Enix's baby, they could every well up and mess the heck out of the game.
Secondly, Its an NES game, so pimping it out wouldn't matter too much since the game wouldn't take up much memory to begin with. while its getting a graphic overhaul, its still only going to be easy on the DS since its only 1 game.
Third and finally, 1-3 was already released, granted on the GBC. At least the Enix portion of Squeenix isn't milking the series.

Glad they finally release those 3. I never got a chance to play DW4, and adding 5 and 6 to the US Side helps a lot.

Posted May 21, 2008 9:44 pm PT
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RaiKageRyu

oh and here I thought it would be future Dragon Quests.

Posted May 21, 2008 9:33 pm PT
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teknicz

Big yay!

Posted May 21, 2008 9:15 pm PT
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vicsrealms

Finally, I will have more then just one DS game and a bunch of FF GBA remakes. lol.

Posted May 21, 2008 9:06 pm PT
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GunBladeHero

I'm so excited!I can't wait for September to come!!!

Posted May 21, 2008 8:58 pm PT
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Posted May 21, 2008 8:58 pm PT
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LinkErdrich

Thank you GOD!!!!! I've been praying for this since 1993

Posted May 21, 2008 8:10 pm PT
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Blackjaw

So awesome! So stoked!

Posted May 21, 2008 8:06 pm PT
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thomasbcperry

YEAHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is sweet.

Posted May 21, 2008 8:01 pm PT
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Dirk13

i'm glad they're remaking it, specifically not in the lame 3D way Square is doing FF3,4 and possibly 6.

Although i kind of wish they utitlized something slightly more powerful, like the PSP, even with a 2d souped up remake, granted though since it's DQ i dont think that would ever happen.

further more, what about 1-3???

Posted May 21, 2008 7:30 pm PT
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Ryuketsu2043

wow...that is just ...AWSOME!!!!

Posted May 21, 2008 6:48 pm PT
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froggut198

crap now I have to rebuy a DS... again... oh well Dragon Quest is worth it
But I'm definately gunna have to get a Phat. I hate the DS lites D-pad.

Posted May 21, 2008 6:45 pm PT
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chefstubbies

This is the best news I've heard in a long time! It's been what feels like forever since I played Dragon Warrior 4...I never pre-order games, but I will be for September 16th!

Posted May 21, 2008 6:18 pm PT
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AcidBurnZer0

Hearing this news just made my day =)

Posted May 21, 2008 6:09 pm PT
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superbeast1370

@ Warjilis : Best Comment Ever.

Posted May 21, 2008 5:46 pm PT
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RidleyTJN

Dragon Warrior IV is one of the greatest NES RPGs ever made. Dragon Warrior/Quest in general is one of the best RPG series ever. It's about time they announced these for the US. Pre-ordered

Posted May 21, 2008 5:44 pm PT
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krindor

Haven't seen DQ 4, 5, or 6 ever, and am looking forward to playing it on my DS Lite!

Posted May 21, 2008 5:37 pm PT
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SonOfTheSky05

Warjilis: "This proves that Jesus loves us." No truer words have ever been spoken