Dragon Quest IX announced for DS

[Cognitive Gear]

At the Dragon Quest 20th anniversary event, DQIX was announced for the Nintendo DS.

Dragon Quest 9 features an action-oriented battle system playable cooperatively by up to four players via Wi-Fi. This is the first network-based Dragon Quest, Horii noted. The DS's dual screen setup is also put to use, with the top screen showing a map and the bottom screen housing all the action.

Link

I am pretty excited about this. I've never really been interested in playing Dragon Quest, but I do love my multi-player RPGs. This will most likely be my first Dragon Quest game that I play more than 20 minutes.

I'm sorry, Nate. I know that you are a fan of this series for it's "classic turn based" JRPG gameplay. The change to an action based multi-player game must not be something you are happy about.

[MasterDias]

Ermm, Dragon Quest was the one series which I never thought would have an action-oriented installment. This news makes me somewhat worried for turn-based RPGs in general.

But regardless, Dragon Quest VIII was awesome. I guess we will see how this one turns out when it's released. They better not concentrate too much on the multiplayer aspect, and neglect the single player, however.

[Tommy]

I heard it will be released for PS3 and DS. I also heard rumors the PS3 version would mantain a turn based battle system.

The RPG world was doomed when Square Enix discovered "MMORPGS".

That just ticks me off.

[Bobtheduck]

This news makes me somewhat worried for turn-based RPGs in general.

Final Fantasy XIII is going back to being turn based again. Don't worry... XII's move to appeal to the American market wasn't permanent. It isn't universal among the industry.

As for DQ, I don't give a flying fabio about it.

[Needle Noggin]

lol. This is going to hurt Sony big time.

[Cognitive Gear]

I heard it will be released for PS3 and DS. I also heard rumors the PS3 version would mantain a turn based battle system.

The RPG world was doomed when Square Enix discovered "MMORPGS".

That just ticks me off.

I doubt it will be for PS3 since Yuji Horii said, "The DS version is not a side-story, but a true part of the series."

Also: The RPG world is not doomed. It's just evolving again. There's more to the RPG world than just JRPGs and Square-Enix. :p

[Bobtheduck]

It's just evolving again. There's more to the RPG world than just JRPGs and Square-Enix. :p

Hmm... Well, I don't see turning Japanese games into American games (referring to early talks on FFXII, not to action based RPGs in general, because I am a very serious fan of Seiken Densetsu and a moderate Zelda fan) is "evolving" since I haven't played a single American RPG that I liked (though, if you call "Big Sky Troopers" an RPG, that would be the one exception, but only for the weirdness of it) Open ended often means no plot, and completely open ended means there's no way AROUND lack of plot because you have to account for every choice possible... The D&D style sword and sworcery, get as much treasure as you can and get the most powerfull spell and destroy the strongest monster, with the new addition, build your castle/town and create your world (I shake my fist at thee, Legend of Mana) I like games that may have all of that (short of world building... Ugh...), but the plot comes first...

I'm a guy who has his categories... I likes me some cinematic masterpieces with a little wario ware on the side... I'm fine with both as long as neither destroys the other. I don't mind some action based RPGs being made, as long as I don't lose the other kind.

[MasterDias]

Final Fantasy XIII is going back to being turn based again. Don't worry... XII's move to appeal to the American market wasn't permanent. It isn't universal among the industry.

Final Fantasy XII was turn-based however. It just has a heavy real time element to it.
But regardless, I have noticed for awhile now that Japanese RPG developers seem to be more inclined to make Action RPGs or games with heavy real time elements than the more traditional turn-based games of previous generations.

[Cognitive Gear]

I'd like to point out that the "ATB" system found in Final Fantasy has been around since FFIV. They have been heading towards more "real time" battles for quite some time.

Also I really don't see how Japanese RPGs are turning into Western RPGs. As far as I can see, FFXII is still as linear as can be; with a greater focus on story than just about anything else.

Western RPGs tend to be more free and have you create your own character. They also tend to have less of a defined story and commonly have a "create your own campaign" toolset of some kind.

In short: Western RPGs try their best to mimic classic tabletop role playing by involving the player as much as possible in what is happeneing; while the japanese try to use it to tell a pre defined story with pre-defined characters.

[Bobtheduck]

Final Fantasy XII was turn-based however. It just has a heavy real time element to it.
But regardless, I have noticed for awhile now that Japanese RPG developers seem to be more inclined to make Action RPGs or games with heavy real time elements than the more traditional turn-based games of previous generations.

I can't really make a comment on FFXII as it is NOW, only as it was in the demo, and in the demo, it was as real time as Seiken Densetsu 3 was... Maybe that's changed...

When FFXII was being developed, there were talks of it being "open ended" and more like American RPGs... This was based on an interview in a gaming magazine, but I don't remember what magazine it was, just that I picked up on that before and I didn't like that idea... If it is still a linear storyline, (or mostly linear) I'm ok. It's gonna take a while for me to pick it up, though... I'll wait for the price to drop to 30 or less...

And, I'll likely never pick up DQ9, as I have never liked the DQ games and I don't have a DS...

[MasterDias]

I can't really make a comment on FFXII as it is NOW, only as it was in the demo, and in the demo, it was as real time as Seiken Densetsu 3 was... Maybe that's changed...

It's not very evident in the demo as the demo was pretty terrible all things considered but Final Fantasy XII does indeed have a turn-based system in a real-time environment. Each character can only attack when their bar fills up like past games in the series. You also can't manually dodge attacks like you would in an action RPG like Kingdom Hearts; you have to rely on stats.

But, I'm getting off topic.

I guess I am surprised that DQIX will be on the DS but really, someone from Square-Enix did state that the series would go to the system with the biggest userbase, and the DS has sold extremely well in Japan.

[Nate]

Blah.

[Mr. SmartyPants]

The only reason Squeenix is doing this is because the "DS Prints Money".

I think they are going for the more stronger handheld.

[Myoti]

I've never cared much for the DQ series either, but "action-oriented?" That's enough to get me interested.

But regardless, I have noticed for awhile now that Japanese RPG developers seem to be more inclined to make Action RPGs or games with heavy real time elements than the more traditional turn-based games of previous generations.

I honestly think the real reason is that 'turn-based' systems were originally designed so it would be easier to get more in with less available space.

Think about it: in the old RPGs, the enemies typically had only ONE sprite, the characters had only a few themselves (save for ones like DQ, where they never showed up), and many enemies weren't much more than pallette swaps of earlier ones.

With better technology, it's possible to do more with games. Do I think turn-based with completely disappear? Probably not, but I'm happy to see more and more designers turning towards battle systems that can attract more players and at least feel a bit more 'fun' than some of these older styles (sorry, I can only stand around and go through so many menus before it starts feeling old... =| ).

[Bobtheduck]

but I'm happy to see more and more designers turning towards battle systems that can attract more players and at least feel a bit more 'fun' than some of these older styles (sorry, I can only stand around and go through so many menus before it starts feeling old... =| ).

That's what's great about opinions.

[Needle Noggin]

When your opinion is wrong, that's when it is truly great.

[Cognitive Gear]

With better technology, it's possible to do more with games. Do I think turn-based with completely disappear? Probably not, but I'm happy to see more and more designers turning towards battle systems that can attract more players and at least feel a bit more 'fun' than some of these older styles (sorry, I can only stand around and go through so many menus before it starts feeling old... =| ).

There are more ways to get the player more "involved" in combat without moving away from turn based. A great example of this is Super Mario RPG.

The game is entirely turn based, but every attack, special attack, healing ability, and even when getting attacked there was some way for the player to interact. Normal Attacks became "double hits" when a button was pressed at the appropriate time during the animation. When being attacked you could increase your defense by hitting a button at the popper moment. There where various ways to make your magic attacks do more damage.

The result is a battle system that is both "fun" and strategic. Everybody wins. It's a shame that we don't see more of this type of thing in RPG's. (At least I think so)

When your opinion is wrong, that's when it is truly great.

How exactly does this add to the thread? Also, the logic of your statement fails. You are stating an opinion about opinions; in which you have either a bashed the opinion which you just stated, or your opinion dies due to inconsistency.

[Needle Noggin]

lol wut?

I wasn't bashing any opinion. I was just stating that opinions are worth the most when they are wrong.

BTW my post didn't add to the topic, but neither did bobduckman's.

[Nate]

Do I think turn-based with completely disappear?

I do. Proof of this is the bastardization of Dragon Quest, the last stronghold of decent, God-fearing turn based battle systems in the gaming world. With its strong fortifications broken, I think the era of console RPGs is over for me. I hate Square-Enix. I want them to die. I want their headquarters blown up with a nuclear bomb so no one will be able to go near their cursed building for 50 years.

I'm happy to see more and more designers turning towards battle systems that can attract more players and at least feel a bit more 'fun' than some of these older styles (sorry, I can only stand around and go through so many menus before it starts feeling old... =| ).

I'm sad that they are excluding one demographic in favor of another. There were action RPGs, and turn based RPGs. Both sides had games they could each enjoy. Now, fans of turn based RPGs are being given the middle finger, completely ignored or spited by gaming companies.

Well...at least I will always have Final Fantasy Tactics and Dragon Quest VIII. Oh, and Chrono Trigger. These three RPGs, the greatest RPGs in the history of mankind, will always, always be there, even if the world has turned against us.

[Needle Noggin]

Nuke = What building?

[Mr. SmartyPants]

I'm sad that they are excluding one demographic in favor of another. There were action RPGs, and turn based RPGs. Both sides had games they could each enjoy. Now, fans of turn based RPGs are being given the middle finger, completely ignored or spited by gaming companies.

I think I will side with Nate on this matter. It's interesting to note that smaller games, remakes, and ports may still retain the ATB system, but I wouldn't say they really count.

I would like to see a major massive rpg that holds the ATB style. (And it can't be a crappy game either) That I would like to see.

[Tommy]

The only reason Squeenix is doing this is because the "DS Prints Money".

I think they are going for the more stronger handheld.

You mean "More Strong?"

No, they're going for DS, not PSP.

Anyways, I'm with Kae on this one. This idea could've worked for any other series, but when you try to fix something that isn't broken, you usually end up breaking it. From what I've seen, they will undoubtably do just that.

A change is a change, but I will be pleased if this change only applies for multi-player.

Enix should've let Square go out of buisness. FF games (EDIT: Presently) don't live up to anything and now Square is trying to crap up Enix's stuff. Before the merge, I though Enix would ruin Square. I got it backwards.

Well, as long as it sells. Action games do seem to sell more than RPGs, and the good folk of Japan will buy this either way.

I don't expect great things from the ninth installment and it's certainly not persuading me to buy a PSP. I'll just treasure my copies of Dragon Quest III, VIII, and Monster, Thank You.

[Mr. SmartyPants]

[quote="Tom Dincht"]You mean "More Strong?" ]
Uhm.... what are you talking about? Yes I know it's for the DS. It says so on the title.

[Tommy]

You said "more strong". I was kidding around with you only because I prefer the PSP, but that's an argument for another day with zero relevance to the topic. Just a little smirk remark I'd add to my post, nothing more.

[Myoti]

I do. Proof of this is the bastardization of Dragon Quest, the last stronghold of decent, God-fearing turn based battle systems in the gaming world. With its strong fortifications broken, I think the era of console RPGs is over for me. I hate Square-Enix. I want them to die. I want their headquarters blown up with a nuclear bomb so no one will be able to go near their cursed building for 50 years.

Oh?:

There are more ways to get the player more "involved" in combat without moving away from turn based. A great example of this is Super Mario RPG.

=D

(Then again, Intelligent Systems is the one working on the Mario RPG franchise now...)

Anyways, I'm with Kae on this one. This idea could've worked for any other series, but when you try to fix something that isn't broken, you usually end up breaking it. From what I've seen, they will undoubtably do just that.

I'm still amazed when people seem to automatically assume that these changes are ALWAYS going to wind up being "bad." Nearly everyone hated the idea for FFXII when it came out, and now I see few that still seem to be against it.

I really fail to see why changing to an action-oriented style will "crap up everything." There's absolutely no way of knowing until it comes out.

[Bobtheduck]

There are more ways to get the player more "involved" in combat without moving away from turn based. A great example of this is Super Mario RPG.

The game is entirely turn based, but every attack, special attack, healing ability, and even when getting attacked there was some way for the player to interact. Normal Attacks became "double hits" when a button was pressed at the appropriate time during the animation. When being attacked you could increase your defense by hitting a button at the popper moment. There where various ways to make your magic attacks do more damage.

The result is a battle system that is both "fun" and strategic. Everybody wins. It's a shame that we don't see more of this type of thing in RPG's. (At least I think so)

Ooh, Mario RPG FTW!! I loves me my mario RPG.

[Cognitive Gear]

=D

(Then again, Intelligent Systems is the one working on the Mario RPG franchise now...)

I was talking specifically about Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars. Of note, SMRPG was developed by SquareEnix; back in the day when it was just simply called "Square".

[Nate]

Well, actually, Superstar Saga and Partners in Time were turn based too, and they were extremely involved in the combat system. Having to read enemies' moves, time your defenses, time your attacks and special attacks...it was turn based, it was involved, and it was amazing.

I'm still amazed when people seem to automatically assume that these changes are ALWAYS going to wind up being "bad."

Yes, they ARE always bad, because like I said, if it isn't broke, don't fix it. When you try to fix something that's already awesome, you end up making it suck.

Nearly everyone hated the idea for FFXII when it came out, and now I see few that still seem to be against it.

Check the thread on Arlong Park. It's become a giant FFXII hatefest. I fully intend to continue that trend.

[Myoti]

I was talking specifically about Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars. Of note, SMRPG was developed by SquareEnix; back in the day when it was just simply called "Square".

I know, which is why I mentioned all the ones now are being done by Intelligent Systems. Though yes, the original was a great game.

[Cognitive Gear]

I know, which is why I mentioned all the ones now are being done by Intelligent Systems. Though yes, the original was a great game.

My bad. I misread what you said. The purpose of my original statement was to point out that Square itself was capable of such a thing.