Though not quite as well-known in the West as its famous SquareEnix stable mate Final Fantasy, the Dragon Quest series is nonetheless phenomenally popular, particularly in its native Japan. Over the years it has spawned a bewildering array of sequels, tie-ins and spin-offs, a list that will shortly include its own virtual reality (VR) experience.
Bandai Namco’s VR Zone in Shinjuku, Tokyo will be playing host to Dragon Quest VR from later this month, where it will sit alongside well-regarded high-end VR experience such s the VR version of Mario Kart.
Series creator Yuji Horii was delighted with the news. As he says in the announcement trailer: “It’s honestly like a dream. I really felt like I was holding a sword and shield and walking through the world — I thought it was incredibly fun.”
The trailer doesn’t show any of the gameplay footage just yet, but footage does show test players wearing HTC Vive headsets wielding tracked motion controllers representing a sword and shield in what seems to be an open, free-roam environment.
The Dragon Quest series has been ongoing since 1986, though it is only relatively recently that the series has begun to see recognition outside of Japan, with Dragon Quest IX, published internationally by Nintendo seeing success and raising the profile of the series. The next title, Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age, is due to release on PC and PlayStation 4 in the West on 4th September. It is not known at this stage of Dragon Quest VR will be tied in to that title or will stand alone.
VR Zone will be taking reservations to play Dragon Quest VR from 20th April, and the title will be available to play from 27th April, 2018. The launch trailer video is available to view below.
As always, VRFocus will keep you informed on new updates regarding Dragon Quest VR and other new and upcoming VR projects.