Overview
Dragon Quest created an entire genre’s conventions. Enix published the series that defined Japanese RPGs—turn-based combat, monster collecting, Akira Toriyama’s art, Koichi Sugiyama’s orchestral scores. The games were so popular in Japan that new releases famously caused school absences. Square was the rival; in 2003, they became one company.
Fast facts
- Founded: 1975.
- Key franchise: Dragon Quest.
- Developer: Chunsoft (early DQ).
- Merger: Square Enix (2003).
Dragon Quest series
| Entry |
Year |
Platform |
| I |
1986 |
Famicom |
| II |
1987 |
Famicom |
| III |
1988 |
Famicom |
| IV |
1990 |
Famicom |
| V |
1992 |
Super Famicom |
| VI |
1995 |
Super Famicom |
| VII |
2000 |
PlayStation |
Dragon Quest template
| Element |
Standard set |
| Turn-based combat |
Menu-driven battles |
| First-person view |
Enemy-only display |
| Akira Toriyama art |
Distinctive style |
| Slime mascot |
Iconic monster |
| Orchestral score |
Koichi Sugiyama |
Key collaborators
| Person |
Role |
| Yuji Horii |
Creator, designer |
| Akira Toriyama |
Character/monster art |
| Koichi Sugiyama |
Composer |
| Chunsoft |
Developer (I-V) |
Cultural impact (Japan)
| Phenomenon |
Detail |
| Release day absences |
Fans skip school/work |
| National event |
Massive anticipation |
| Legislation |
Urban legend about release laws |
| Cultural touchstone |
Everyone knows Dragon Quest |
Other Enix titles
| Title |
Year |
Genre |
| ActRaiser |
1990 |
Action/simulation |
| Soul Blazer |
1992 |
Action RPG |
| Illusion of Gaia |
1993 |
Action RPG |
| Star Ocean |
1996 |
Action RPG |
Square rivalry
| Aspect |
Dynamic |
| Competition |
Two JRPG giants |
| Different styles |
DQ traditional, FF experimental |
| Fan camps |
Devoted to each |
| Merger |
Combined in 2003 |
See also