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