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{{short description|Japanese video game franchise}}
{{Distinguish|DragonQuest{{!}}''DragonQuest''}}
{{About|the video game franchise|the first game in the series|Dragon Quest (video game){{!}}''Dragon Quest'' (video game)|other uses}}
{{Redirect|Dragon Warrior}}
{{Good article}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2012}}
{{Infobox video game series
|title = Dragon Quest
|image = Dragon quest logo.png
|caption =
|genre = [[Role-playing video game|Role-playing]]
|developer = {{ubl
 | [[Spike Chunsoft|Chunsoft]] (''I''-''V'')
 | [[Heartbeat (company)|Heartbeat]] (''VI''-''VII'')
 | [[Level-5 (company)|Level-5]] (''VIII''-''IX'')
 | [[Square Enix]] (''X''-''XI'')
 | [[ArtePiazza]] (remakes)
 | [[Tose (company)|Tose]], other (spin-offs)}}
|publisher = Square Enix (formerly [[Enix]])
|creator = [[Yuji Horii]]
|artist = [[Akira Toriyama]]
|composer = [[Koichi Sugiyama]]
|platforms = {{Hlist
  | [[MSX]]
  | [[NES]]
  | [[Super NES]]
  | [[Game Boy Color]]
  | [[Game Boy Advance]]
  | [[Nintendo DS]]
  | [[Mobile game|mobile phone]]
  | [[Android (operating system)|Android]]
  | [[Arcade game|arcade]]
  | [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]]
  | [[PlayStation 2]]
  | [[Wii]]
  | [[Nintendo 3DS]]
  | [[Wii U]]
  | [[Nintendo Switch]]
  | [[Windows]]
  | [[iOS]]
  | [[PlayStation 3]]
  | [[PlayStation 4]]
  | [[PlayStation 5]]
  | [[PlayStation Vita]]
  | [[Xbox One]]
  | [[Xbox Series X/S]]
  | [[Google Stadia|Stadia]]
  }}
|spinoffs = {{plainlist|
* ''[[Mystery Dungeon]]''
* ''[[Dragon Quest Monsters]]''
* ''[[Slime (series)|Slime]]''
* ''[[Dragon Quest Heroes (disambiguation)|Dragon Quest Heroes]]''
* ''[[Dragon Quest Builders]]''
}}
| first release version = ''[[Dragon Quest (video game)|Dragon Quest]]''
| first release date = May 27, 1986
| latest release version = ''[[Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince]]''
| latest release date = December 1, 2023
}}
{{nihongo foot|'''''Dragon Quest''''',|ドラゴンクエスト|Doragon Kuesuto|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} previously published as '''''Dragon Warrior''''' in North America until 2005,{{efn|Due to the inconsistent usage by sources since Square Enix obtained the naming rights to ''Dragon Quest'' in North America, ''Dragon Quest'' has been used by sources to refer to games released solely under the ''Dragon Warrior'' title. For this article, the title ''Dragon Quest'' is used in preference to ''Dragon Warrior'' except when talking about those specific North American releases.}} is a series of [[role-playing video games|role-playing games]] created by Japanese [[game designers]] Armor Project ([[Yuji Horii]]), Bird Studio ([[Akira Toriyama]]) and Sugiyama Kobo ([[Koichi Sugiyama]]) to its publisher [[Enix]], with all of the involved parties co-owning the copyright of the series since then. The games are published by [[Square Enix]] (formerly [[Enix]]) since its inception, with localized remakes and ports of later installments for the [[Nintendo DS]], [[Nintendo 3DS]], and [[Nintendo Switch]] being published by [[Nintendo]] outside of Japan. With its first game published in 1986, there are eleven main-series games, along with numerous spin-off games. In addition, there have been numerous [[manga]], [[anime]] and [[novel]]s published under the franchise, with nearly every game in the main series having a related adaptation.

The series introduced a number of features to the genre and has had a significant impact on the development of other role-playing games. Installments of the series have appeared on various computers, consoles, handheld devices, and mobile phones. Early in the series, the ''Dragon Quest'' games were released under the title ''Dragon Warrior'' in North America to avoid trademark conflict with the unrelated [[tabletop role-playing game]] ''[[DragonQuest]]''. Square Enix did not register the ''Dragon Quest'' trademark for use in the United States until 2002.

The basic premise of most ''Dragon Quest'' games is to play a hero (actually named "Hero" in spinoff fiction, but in some games, the player is able to name their hero) who is out to save the land from peril at the hands of a powerful evil enemy, with the hero usually accompanied by a group of [[Party (role playing games)|party members]]. Common elements persist throughout the series and its spinoff games: [[Turn-based game|turn-based combat]]; recurring monsters, including the [[Slime (Dragon Quest)|Slime]], which became the series' mascot; a text-based menu system; and [[random encounter]]s in most of the main series.

While over the decades many different development companies worked on ''Dragon Quest'', the series has had its creators since its inception, as scenario writer and game designer [[Yuji Horii]], character designer [[Akira Toriyama]], and prior to his death, music composer [[Koichi Sugiyama]] have handled their respective roles on most games in the series. The original concepts, used since the first game, took elements from the Western role-playing games ''[[Wizardry]]'' and ''[[Ultima (series)|Ultima]]''. A core philosophy of the series is to make the [[gameplay]] intuitive so that players can easily start playing the games. The series features a number of religious overtones which were heavily censored in the NES versions outside of Japan.

== Media ==
{{Further|List of Dragon Quest media}}

=== Games ===
The [[Dragon Quest (video game)|first installment]] of the franchise was released in Japan on May 27, 1986, titled with the name ''"Dragon Quest"'' followed by a Roman numeral. Since 1986, the franchise has featured eleven games within the main series, as well as several spin-off games, and also two animated productions.

==== Main series ====

{{Timeline of release years
| compressempty = yes
| 1986 = ''[[Dragon Quest (video game)|Dragon Quest]]''
| 1987 = ''[[Dragon Quest II]]''
| 1988 = ''[[Dragon Quest III]]''
| 1990 = ''[[Dragon Quest IV]]''
| 1992 = ''[[Dragon Quest V]]''
| 1995 = ''[[Dragon Quest VI]]''
| 2000 = ''[[Dragon Quest VII]]''
| 2004 = ''[[Dragon Quest VIII]]''
| 2009 = ''[[Dragon Quest IX]]''
| 2012 = ''[[Dragon Quest X]]''
| 2017 = ''[[Dragon Quest XI]]''
| TBA = ''Dragon Quest XII''
}}

The first four ''Dragon Quest'' installments were released for the [[Famicom]] and [[Nintendo Entertainment System]] in Japan and North America, respectively. The first two installments were released in Japan on the Famicom and ported that same year to the [[MSX]]; all four games have been remade for newer systems. ''Dragon Quest'' was first released in Japan on May 27, 1986, and in North America as ''[[Dragon Quest (video game)|Dragon Warrior]]'' in August 1989.<ref name="kurt">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/3520/the_history_of_dragon_quest.php?print=1|title=The History of Dragon Quest|first=Kurt|last=Kalata|website=[[Gamasutra]]|access-date=2009-09-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191026173617/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/3520/the_history_of_dragon_quest.php%3Fprint%3D1|archive-date=October 26, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.gamepro.com/games/nes/166693/dragon-quest/ |title=Dragon Quest |magazine=[[GamePro]] |access-date=2011-12-04 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111202223246/http://www.gamepro.com/games/nes/166693/dragon-quest/ |archive-date=December 2, 2011 }}{{cite web | url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=2730 | title=Dragon Warrior | publisher=[[allgame]] | access-date=2011-12-04 | author=Knight, Kyle | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100102110152/http://allgame.com/game.php?id=2730 | archive-date=January 2, 2010 | url-status=live }}</ref> ''Dragon Quest II Akuryō no Kamigami'' was released in Japan in 1987 and in North America in 1990 as ''[[Dragon Warrior II]]''. ''Dragon Quest III Soshite Densetsu e...'' was released in Japan in 1989 and North America as ''[[Dragon Warrior III]]'' in 1992. ''[[Dragon Quest IV]]'' was released in Japan in 1990 and in North America in 1992 as ''Dragon Warrior IV''. A 2001 Japanese [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]] remake of ''Dragon Warrior IV'' scheduled for the North American market was never released.<ref name="kurt" /><ref>{{cite web| date=2001-08-22| title=Dragon Quest IV Headed Stateside|url=http://uk.psx.ign.com/articles/097/097618p1.html| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713004600/http://uk.psx.ign.com/articles/097/097618p1.html| url-status=dead| archive-date=2011-07-13| website=IGN| access-date=2009-01-12}}</ref> The Nintendo DS remake of ''Dragon Quest IV'' was released in North America, Europe, and Australia under its original translated title; the European release removed the number from the title.<ref name="kurt" />

Two games were released for the [[Super Famicom]]: ''[[Dragon Quest V]]'' in 1992 and ''[[Dragon Quest VI]]'' in 1995; both have been re-released on newer systems.<ref name="kurt" /> ''Dragon Quest V'' was originally scheduled for release in North America but was canceled amid rumors that Enix had given up on the American market. No official reason was ever given.<ref name="kurt" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dqshrine.com/dw/seinterview.htm|title=E3 2004 SquareEnix Interview|publisher=The Dragon Quest and Dragon Warrior Shrine|first=Dwaine|last=Bullock|access-date=2011-02-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120613013318/http://www.dqshrine.com/dw/seinterview.htm|archive-date=June 13, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> The Nintendo DS remakes were released in North America with ''Dragon Quest V'' also being released in Europe and Australia, the latter without the numbering.<ref name="DQ5 DS">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamefaqs.com/942423/data|title= Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride|website=[[GameFAQs]]|access-date=2011-03-01}}</ref><ref name="DQ6 DS">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamefaqs.com/942424/data|title= Dragon Quest VI: Realms of Revelation|website=[[GameFAQs]]|access-date=2011-03-01}}</ref> One game was released for the PS1: ''Dragon Quest VII: Eden no Senshi-tachi'' in 2000 in Japan and 2001 in North America under the title ''[[Dragon Warrior VII]]''.<ref name="kurt" /> ''[[Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King]]'' was released for the [[PlayStation 2]] in 2004 in Japan,<ref name="kurt" /> 2005 in North America, and 2006 in Europe and Australia,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamefaqs.com/583527/data|title= Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King|website=[[GameFAQs]]|access-date=2009-10-02}}</ref> again without the number in the title for Europe. ''Dragon Quest VIII'' was the first game in the series to be released in North America under the title of ''Dragon Quest'', and the first European release of a main series game.<ref name="1up Horii interview">{{cite web|first=Sam |last=Kennedy |date=2005-12-02 |title=Dragon Quest vs. America |url=http://www.1up.com/features/dragon-quest-america |website=[[1UP.com|1up]] |access-date=2007-09-10 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120728073625/http://www.1up.com/features/dragon-quest-america |archive-date=July 28, 2012 |df=mdy }}</ref><ref name="euro" /> ''[[Dragon Quest IX]]'', the only game in the series initially released on the Nintendo DS, was originally released in 2009 in Japan, and in 2010 in North America, Europe, and Australia.<ref name="DQ9 DS">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamefaqs.com/937281/data|title= Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies|website=[[GameFAQs]]|access-date=2011-02-12}}</ref> ''[[Dragon Quest X]]'' was announced for the [[Wii]] in December 2008.<ref name="EDGE Online DQX Wii">{{cite web|title=Square Enix announces Dragon Quest X: Awakening of the Five Tribes for Wii |url=http://www.next-gen.biz/news/wii-gets-dragon-quest-x |publisher=EDGE Online |access-date=2011-09-05 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110815200054/http://www.next-gen.biz/news/wii-gets-dragon-quest-x |archive-date=August 15, 2011 }}</ref> In September 2011, Square Enix announced that ''[[Dragon Quest X]]'' would also be released on the [[Wii U]], with [[Nintendo 3DS]] connectivity.<ref name="EDGE Online DQX Wii U">{{cite web|title=Square Enix to launch Dragon Quest X: Awakening of the Five Tribes for Wii U|url=http://www.next-gen.biz/news/dragon-quest-x-confirmed-wii-u|publisher=EDGE Online |access-date=2011-09-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120527150732/http://www.edge-online.com/news/dragon-quest-x-confirmed-wii-u|archive-date=2012-05-27}}</ref> It is the first [[MMORPG]] in the series, and the only numbered ''Dragon Quest'' game not released outside Japan.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Whitehead|first1=Thomas|title=Dragon Quest X Compilation Of All Three Versions Heading To Wii U In Japan|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/11/dragon_quest_x_compilation_of_all_three_versions_heading_to_wii_u_in_japan|website=Nintendo Life|access-date=2016-04-15|date=2015-11-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160508202745/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/11/dragon_quest_x_compilation_of_all_three_versions_heading_to_wii_u_in_japan|archive-date=May 8, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Dragon Quest XI]]'' was released in Japan on July 29, 2017, and worldwide on September 4, 2018.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Osborn|first1=Alex|title=Dragon Quest XI Coming to the West|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/07/28/dragon-quest-xi-coming-to-the-west|website=IGN|date=July 28, 2017 |access-date=28 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728195044/http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/07/28/dragon-quest-xi-coming-to-the-west|archive-date=July 28, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

{{anchor|Dragon Quest XII}}''Dragon Quest XII: The Flames of Fate'' was announced in 2021.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Reilly|first1=Luke|title=Dragon Quest XII: The Flames of Fate Officially Announced|website=[[IGN]]|date=May 27, 2021 |access-date=27 May 2021|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/dragon-quest-xii-the-flames-of-fate-officially-announced}}</ref> According to Horii, the game will have a darker tone, feature more meaningful choices, and overhaul the traditional ''Dragon Quest'' turn-based combat.<ref>{{cite web|title=Dragon Quest XII: The Flames of Fate announced|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2021/05/dragon-quest-xii-the-flames-of-fate-announced|date=May 29, 2021|website=Gematsu}}</ref>

==== Spinoffs ====
{{Main|Dragon Quest Monsters|Slime (series)|List of Dragon Quest media}}

The franchise includes several spin-off games, including the ''[[Dragon Quest Monsters]]'' RPG. The series has also inspired [[arcade game]]s such as the Japanese ''[[Dragon Quest: Monster Battle Road]]'', where players compete for real-life cards with monster data that the arcade game issues to the players through a slot on its front. The latter is the only spin-off series to have none of its titles released outside Japan.<ref>{{cite web|first=Patrick|last=Klepek|date=2006-12-12|title=Dragon Quest IX Announced for Nintendo DS?!|url=http://www.1up.com/news/dragon-quest|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018005046/http://www.1up.com/news/dragon-quest|url-status=dead|archive-date=2012-10-18|publisher=[[1up.com|1up]]|access-date=2007-09-16}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamefaqs.com/995208/data|title= Dragon Quest Monsters: Battle Road Victory|website=[[GameFAQs]]|access-date=2010-11-19}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamefaqs.com/937292/data|title= Dragon Quest: Monster Battle Road|website=[[GameFAQs]]|access-date=2010-11-19}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamefaqs.com/974850/data|title= Dragon Quest: Monster Battle Road II|website=[[GameFAQs]]|access-date=2010-11-19}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamefaqs.com/995208/data|title= Dragon Quest: Monster Battle Road Victory|website=[[GameFAQs]]|access-date=2010-11-19}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamefaqs.com/997581/data|title= Dragon Quest Monsters: Battle Road Victory – Senyou Color Code Scanner|website=[[GameFAQs]]|access-date=2010-11-19}}</ref> The ''[[Mystery Dungeon]]'' and ''[[Itadaki Street]]'' series use characters and other elements from ''Dragon Quest'' games, and the Mystery Dungeon series has gone on to spawn its own franchise.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/ds/rpg/pokemonblue/review.html |title=Pokemon Dungeon Blue Review |access-date=2011-03-01 |author=Provo, Frank |date=2006-09-20 |website=[[GameSpot]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100724034834/http://www.gamespot.com/ds/rpg/pokemonblue/review.html |archive-date=July 24, 2010 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

In 1993 Chunsoft developed a SNES game that included Torneko (a.k.a. Torneko Taloon), a character that first appeared in ''Dragon Quest IV''.<ref>{{cite web |first=Matthew |last=Williamson |date=2006-05-06 |title=Fushigi no Dungeon 2 |url=http://www.gamesetwatch.com/2006/05/column_parallax_memories_fushi.php |publisher=GameSetWatch |access-date=2007-09-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070912131332/http://www.gamesetwatch.com/2006/05/column_parallax_memories_fushi.php |archive-date=September 12, 2007 |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[roguelike]] game ''[[Torneko no Daibōken: Fushigi no Dungeon]]'' continues Torneko's story from ''Dragon Quest IV'' as he attempts to make his store famous, venturing into mysterious dungeons to retrieve items to stock his store with. The game was successful in Japan.<ref>{{cite magazine|date=2006-03-03 |title=Japan Votes on All Time Top 100 |url=http://www.next-gen.biz/features/japan-votes-all-time-top-100 |magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]] |access-date=2008-12-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090730204546/http://www.next-gen.biz/features/japan-votes-all-time-top-100 |archive-date=July 30, 2009 }}</ref> In 2000 the direct sequel ''[[Torneko: The Last Hope]]'' was released in Japan and the United States. The gameplay is similar to the first game, though ''Torneko: The Last Hope'' is considered easier to play.<ref>{{cite web | first=Jeff| last=Gertsmann |date=2000-12-01 | title=Torneko: The Last Hope Review|url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps/rpg/tornekothelasthope/review.html |website=[[GameSpot]] | access-date=2011-02-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110831004547/http://www.gamespot.com/ps/rpg/tornekothelasthope/review.html|archive-date=2011-08-31}}</ref> The game sold enough copies in Japan to allow development of the second direct sequel on the PlayStation 2, ''Fushigi no Dungeon 3 Torneko no Daibouken''.<ref>{{cite video game|title={{nihongo2|不思議のダンジョン3 トルネコの大冒険}}|developer=[[Chunsoft]]|publisher=[[Enix]]|year=2002|platform=Playstation 2|language=ja}}</ref> The second and third Torneko games have had remakes for the Game Boy Advance (GBA).<ref>{{cite video game|title=[[Torneko: The Last Hope|Dragon Quest Characters: Torneko no Daibouken 2 Advance]]|script-title=ja:トルネコの大冒険２アドバンス|developer=[[Chunsoft]]|publisher=[[Enix]]|year=2001|platform=Game Boy Advance|language =ja}}{{cite video game|title=Dragon Quest Characters: Torneko no Daibouken 3 Advance|script-title=ja:トルネコの大冒険3アドバンス|developer=[[Chunsoft]]|publisher=[[Square Enix]]|year=2004|platform=Game Boy Advance|language =ja}}</ref> A later game featured Yangus, a character who first appeared in ''Dragon Quest VIII''; ''[[Dragon Quest: Young Yangus and the Mystery Dungeon]]'' follows Yangus on his adventures before he meets up with Hero in the aforementioned game.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/dragonquest8yangus/news.html?sid=6143244&mode=all |title=Dragon Quest VIII spin-off dated for Japan |access-date=2011-03-01 |author=Surrette, Tim |date=2006-01-27 |website=[[GameSpot]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628233823/http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/dragonquest8yangus/news.html?sid=6143244&mode=all |archive-date=June 28, 2011 }}</ref> The success of ''Torneko no Daibōken'' spawned the ''[[Mystery Dungeon]]'' series that has grown to include franchises beyond ''Dragon Quest''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.ds.ign.com/articles/856/856601p1.html|title=Mystery Dungeon: Shiren the Wanderer Review|author=DeVries, Jack|website=IGN|date=2008-03-04|access-date=2010-11-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101127233521/http://uk.ds.ign.com/articles/856/856601p1.html|archive-date=November 27, 2010|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/reviews/zhp-unlosing-ranger-darkdeath-evilman|title=Z.H.P.: Unlosing Ranger vs. Darkdeath Evilman Review|author=Parish, Jeremy|publisher=[[1up.com|1up]]|date=2010-10-28|access-date=2010-11-19|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120723143009/http://www.1up.com/reviews/zhp-unlosing-ranger-darkdeath-evilman|archive-date=July 23, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

When Enix took over the ''[[Monopoly (game)|Monopoly]]''-inspired video game series ''[[Itadaki Street]]'', the ''Dragon Quest'' franchise became an integral part of the game in its second version, ''Itadaki Street 2: Neon Sain wa Bara Iro ni''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.psp.ign.com/articles/710/710481p1.html|title=Final Fantasy vs. Dragon Quest|website=IGN|author=Gantayat, Anoop|date=2006-05-31|access-date=2010-11-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110131195448/http://uk.psp.ign.com/articles/710/710481p1.html|archive-date=January 31, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite video game|title={{nihongo2|いただきストリート２ ネオンサインはバラ色に}}|developer=Tomcat System|publisher=[[Enix]]|year=1994|language=ja}}</ref> The first ''Itadaki Street'', released by [[ASCII (company)|ASCII]], did not contain elements from the ''Dragon Quest'' franchise.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Itadaki Street: Watashi no Omise ni Yottette|script-title=ja:いただきストリート 〜私のお店によってって|developer=Tomcat System|publisher=[[Enix]]|year=1994|language=ja}}</ref> The fourth game in the series, ''Dragon Quest & Final Fantasy in Itadaki Street Special'', included characters from the ''[[Final Fantasy]]'' franchise, and later versions would include characters from ''[[Mario (franchise)|Mario]]''.<ref>{{cite video game|title={{nihongo2|ドラゴンクエスト＆ファイナルファンタジー in いただきストリート Special}}|developer=Paon|publisher=[[Square Enix]]|year=2004|language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite video game|title=いただきストリートDS|developer=Armor Project & [[Think Garage]]|publisher=[[Square Enix]]|year=2007|language=ja}}</ref>

Like the main series, ''Dragon Quest Monsters'' was originally released under the ''Dragon Warrior'' name in the US.<ref name="DQM1-B">{{cite web|author=Jeremy Parish|title=The New Dark Age of Dragon Quest|publisher=US Gamer.net|url=http://www.usgamer.net/articles/the-new-dark-age-of-dragon-quest|date=2013-08-21|access-date=2016-03-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304192336/http://www.usgamer.net/articles/the-new-dark-age-of-dragon-quest|archive-date=March 4, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> The next game, ''[[Dragon Warrior Monsters&nbsp;2]]'', is the only game to be split into two versions, ''Cobi's Journey'' (''Ruka's Journey'' in Japan) and ''Tara's Adventure'' (''Iru's Adventure in Japan''), named after the main [[player character]]s.<ref name=torres>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/gbc/rpg/dragonwarriormonsters2/news.html?sid=2781146&om_act=convert&om_clk=newsfeatures&tag=newsfeatures;title;3&mode=previews |title=First Impressions |access-date=2009-10-14 |last=Torres |first=Ricardo |date=2001-06-08 |website=[[GameSpot]] |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130102164046/http://www.gamespot.com/dragon-warrior-monsters-2-cobis-journey/previews/first-impression-dragon-warrior-monster-2-2781146/ |archive-date=January 2, 2013 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Each version has slight differences, such as the monster that appear in them.<ref name=michael>{{cite web|url=http://www.rpgamer.com/news/Q1-2002/011902a.html|title=Enix to Port Dragon Quest Monsters Collection to PSone|access-date=2009-10-15|last=Henninqer|first=Michael|publisher=RPGamer|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081015181420/http://www.rpgamer.com/news/Q1-2002/011902a.html|archive-date=October 15, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> ''[[Dragon Quest Monsters: Caravan Heart]]'' is a prequel to ''Dragon Warrior&nbsp;VII'', following Keifer who is pulled into Torland and must find the six Orbs of [[#Erdrick|Loto]] in order to return.<ref>{{cite web|title=Dragon Quest Monsters: Caravan Heart|publisher=Dragon Quest and Dragon Warrior Shrine|url=http://www.dqshrine.com/dq/dqmch/|access-date=2011-03-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722143135/http://www.dqshrine.com/dq/dqmch/|archive-date=July 22, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> The release of ''[[Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker]]'' is the first spin-off title to be released in English using the ''Dragon Quest'' name;<ref>{{cite web| date=2007-11-06| title=DQ Monsters: Joker Ships| url=http://uk.ds.gamespy.com/nintendo-ds/dragon-quest-monsters/832950p1.html| publisher=[[GameSpy]]| access-date=2011-02-12| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711071728/http://uk.ds.gamespy.com/nintendo-ds/dragon-quest-monsters/832950p1.html| archive-date=July 11, 2011| url-status=live}}</ref> its sequel ''[[Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker&nbsp;2]]'' was released in North America on September 19, 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamefaqs.com/987442/data|title= Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker 2|website=[[GameFAQs]]|access-date=2011-03-01}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/dragon-quest-monsters-joker-2-slips-to-sept-19/1100-6326080/ |title=Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker 2 slips to Sept. 19|author=Magrino, Tom|publisher=Gamespot|date=2011-06-11|access-date=2011-09-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113071517/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/dragon-quest-monsters-joker-2-slips-to-sept-19/1100-6326080/|archive-date=2013-11-13}}</ref> There is also an [[Android (operating system)|Android]] title, ''Dragon Quest Monsters: Wanted!''.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.square-enix.co.jp/smart/market/game001.html | title=ドラゴンクエスト モンスターズ Wanted! | publisher=Square-Enix | date=2011-12-01 | access-date=2011-12-04 | trans-title=Dragon Quest Monsters: Wanted! | language=ja | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121120081818/http://www.square-enix.co.jp/smart/market/game001.html | archive-date=November 20, 2012 | url-status=dead }}</ref>

''Dragon Quest'' has also produced a number of smaller spin-off titles. In two of them, players use their special controllers as a sword, swinging it to slash enemies and objects. ''[[Kenshin Dragon Quest: Yomigaerishi Densetsu no Ken]]'' is a stand-alone game in which the controller is shaped like a sword, and a toy shield contains the game's hardware.<ref>{{cite web| first=Anthony| last=Willsey| date=2006-05-22| title=Dragon Quest Swords preview| url=http://uk.wii.ign.com/articles/709/709625p1.html| website=IGN| access-date=2007-09-16| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713004653/http://uk.wii.ign.com/articles/709/709625p1.html| archive-date=July 13, 2011| url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Dragon Quest Swords: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors|Dragon Quest Swords]]'' for the Wii uses the [[motion sensor|motion sensing]] [[Wii Remote]] as a sword.<ref name="square enix">{{cite web|date=2006-05-08|title=Square Enix Reveals Next Dragon Quest Title on the Nintendo Wii|publisher=Square Enix|url=http://www.square-enix.com/na/company/press/2006/0508_2/|access-date=2006-09-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180510155836/http://www.square-enix.com/na/company/press/2006/0508_2/|archive-date=May 10, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite video game|title=Dragon Quest Swords: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors|script-title=ja:ドラゴンクエストソード 仮面の女王と鏡の塔|developer=[[Level-5 (video game company)|Level-5]]|publisher=[[Square Enix]]|platform=Wii|year=2007|language=ja}}</ref> Another spin-off title, ''[[Slime (series)|Slime MoriMori Dragon Quest]]'', uses the game's popular slime monster as the protagonist,<ref>{{cite web|date=2007-07-15|title=Dragon Quest castle erected|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071014014336/http://www.japannewsreview.com/entertainment/games/20070715page_id%3D711|archive-date=October 14, 2007|url=http://www.japannewsreview.com/entertainment/games/20070715page_id=711|publisher=Japanese News Review|access-date=2011-02-12|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> and its sequel, ''[[Dragon Quest Heroes: Rocket Slime]]'', has been translated into English.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamefaqs.com/932684/data|title= Dragon Quest Heroes: Rocket Slime|website=[[GameFAQs]]|access-date=2010-11-19}}</ref> There is also a downloadable [[DSiWare]] [[turn-based strategy]] game, ''[[Dragon Quest Wars]]''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamefaqs.com/960302/data|title= Dragon Quest Wars|website=[[GameFAQs]]|access-date=2010-11-19}}</ref> and other titles have been released in Japan for cellphones.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamefaqs.com/937911/data|title= Dragon Quest Battle Race|website=[[GameFAQs]]|access-date=2010-11-19}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamefaqs.com/938397/data|title= Dragon Quest Casino|website=[[GameFAQs]]|access-date=2010-11-19}}</ref> ''[[Dragon Quest Heroes: The World Tree's Woe and the Blight Below]]'', a PlayStation 3 and 4 game featuring the gameplay of the ''[[Dynasty Warriors]]'' series by [[Koei Tecmo]], was released in Japan on February 26, 2015, and in North America and Europe in October 2015 as a PlayStation 4 exclusive. It later had a sequel that released on May 17, 2016 in Japan, and later came out in North America and Europe in April of 2017 to the Playstation 4 as well as PC. <ref>{{cite web|last1=Romano|first1=Sal|title=Dragon Quest Heroes announced for PS4, PS3|date=September 2014|url=http://gematsu.com/2014/09/dragon-quest-heroes-announced-ps4-ps3|publisher=Gematsu|access-date=30 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140902042247/http://gematsu.com/2014/09/dragon-quest-heroes-announced-ps4-ps3|archive-date=September 2, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Dragon Quest Heroes Comes Out On February 26 In Japan|date=October 28, 2014|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2014/10/28/dragon-quest-heroes-comes-february-26-japan/|publisher=Siliconera|access-date=30 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141030141944/http://www.siliconera.com/2014/10/28/dragon-quest-heroes-comes-february-26-japan/|archive-date=October 30, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Dragon Quest Builders]]'' for the PS4 was released in 2016. It later had a sequel release on July 12, 2019 for the Nintendo Switch and Playstation 4. ''[[Theatrhythm Dragon Quest]]'' is a [[rhythm game]] developed for the Nintendo 3DS. Like the ''[[Theatrhythm Final Fantasy]]'' games before it, the game allows players to play alongside various songs from the ''Dragon Quest'' franchise.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-12-10/theatrhythm-dragon-quest-announced-for-3ds/.81986 |title=Theatrhythm Dragon Quest Announced for 3DS - News - Anime News Network<!-- Bot generated title --> |access-date=May 16, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403062857/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-12-10/theatrhythm-dragon-quest-announced-for-3ds/.81986 |archive-date=April 3, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> In September 2019, ''[[Dragon Quest Walk]]'', an [[augmented reality]] game, was released for [[Android (operating system)|Android]] and [[iOS]] mobile phones.<ref>{{cite news |title=Dragon Quest Walk launches September 12 in Japan |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2019/09/dragon-quest-walk-launches-september-12-in-japan |access-date=21 May 2020 |work=Gematsu |date=2019-09-04}}</ref>

{{Clear}}

=== Other media ===

==== Novels ====

Beginning in 1988, the media franchise expanded into other media, with a number of [[anime]], manga, and [[light novel]] adaptations. Following the success of a ''Dragon Quest III'' light novel, Enix began publishing more volumes starting from the first game in sequential order. Enix published titles from every main series game previously released by March 23, 1995, as well as the first Torenko's ''Mystery Dungeon'' game.<ref name="DQbooks">{{cite web |script-title=ja:ゲーム関連書籍 一覧 |publisher=[[Square Enix]] |url=http://www.square-enix.co.jp/magazine/lineup-book/janrubetu/game_other.html |language=ja |access-date=2012-10-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050306170521/http://www.square-enix.co.jp/magazine/lineup-book/janrubetu/game_other.html |archive-date=2005-03-06 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The titles are written from a second-person perspective; the reader determines the next course of action and the stories have multiple endings.<ref>{{cite book|title=ドラゴンクエストIII 下巻|trans-title=Game Book Dragon Quest III|volume=First|series=エニックス出版局|year=1988|publisher=[[Enix]]|location=Japan|language=ja|isbn=4-900527-04-1}}</ref>

Other printed titles released in 1989 include: ''Dragon Quest Monsters Story''; ''Dragon Quest Item Story''; the ''Dragon Quest Perfect Collection'' series starting with ''Dragon Quest Perfect Collection 1990''; and the first two ''Dragon Quest'' novels by Takayashiki Hideo. All of these works have had additional titles published for different games by different authors: Hideo wrote the first four volumes spanning the first three games; Kumi Saori authored ten volumes comprising the next three games; and Hiroyuki Domon wrote three volumes for ''Dragon Quest&nbsp;VII''. Starting with ''Shinsho Shousetsu Dragon Quest I'' in 2000, a new series by all three authors began publication. The authors wrote new stories for their respective series, three stories for Hideo, nine for Saori, and three for Domon; with the latter's works featuring illustrations by Daisuke Torii. Several standalone titles and audiobook titles have also been released.<ref name=DQbooks/>

==== Manga ====
''Dragon Quest'' manga began publication in ''[[Weekly Shōnen Jump]]'' in 1989.<ref name=Jump72>{{cite book|script-title=ja:週刊少年ジャンプ|trans-title=Weekly Shōnen Jump|volume=45|year=1989|publisher=[[Shueisha]]|location=Japan|language=ja|page=72}}</ref> Based on the world of ''Dragon Quest'', [[Riku Sanjo]] and [[Koji Inada (manga artist)|Koji Inada]]'s {{nihongo|''[[Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai]]''|ドラゴンクエスト ダイの大冒険|Doragon Kuesuto: Dai no Daibōken|lit. Dragon Quest: The Great Adventure of Dai}} was created as a two-chapter short-story entitled ''Derupa! Iruiru!''. Its success led to the three-chapter sequel, ''Dai Bakuhatsu!!!'', which set the framework for a later serialization spanning 37&nbsp;volumes.<ref name=Jump72/><ref>{{cite book |author1=Sanjo, Riku |author2=Inada, Koji |script-title=ja:ドラゴンクエスト ダイの大冒険 |trans-title=Dragon Quest: Dai's Adventure |series=Jump Comics Perfect Book |volume=1 |pages=72, 74|date=December 1995|publisher=[[Shueisha]]|location=Japan |language=ja|isbn=978-4-08-858881-0}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author1=Sanjo, Riku |author2=Inada, Koji |script-title=ja:ドラゴンクエスト ダイの大冒険 |trans-title=Dragon Quest: Dai's Adventure |series=Jump Comics Perfect Book |volume=37 |pages=72, 74|date=June 1997|publisher=[[Shueisha]]|location=Japan|language=ja|isbn=978-4-08-872207-8}}</ref>

Several manga based on the games have been published. The longest-running of these, {{nihongo|''Dragon Quest Biography: Emblem of Roto''|ドラゴンクエスト列伝 ロトの紋章|Dragon Quest Retsuden: Roto no Monshō}}, ''Warriors of Eden'', and ''Maboroshi no Daichi'', were published in ''[[Monthly Shōnen Gangan]]''. ''Emblem of Roto'', by [[Chiaki Kawamata]] and Junji Koyanagi, with art by [[Kamui Fujiwara]], consists of twenty-one volumes published between 1991 and 1997. In 2004 ''[[Young Gangan]]'' ran a mini-series called ''Emblem of Roto Returns''. It takes place between ''Dragon Quest III'' and ''Dragon Quest I''.<ref name=sutra>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/3520/the_history_of_dragon_quest.php?print=1|access-date=April 18, 2020|date=January 1, 2020|author=Kalata, Kurt|publisher=Gamasutra|title=The History of Dragon Quest}}</ref> It was adapted into a comic CD in 1994, and an anime movie based on the manga was released in Japan on April 20, 1996.<ref name="Dragon Quest Retsuden: Roto no Monsho - allcinema">{{cite web| url= http://www.allcinema.net/prog/show_c.php?num_c=152841| title = 映画 アニメ ドラゴンクエスト列伝 ロトの紋章 - allcinema| access-date  = 2009-11-14| publisher= allcinema| location = Japan| language = ja|trans-title=Movie anime Dragon Quest Retsuden: Roto no Monsho - allcinema}}</ref> As of 2019, the series has sold 21{{nbsp}}million copies, including 400,000 copies sold overseas.<ref>{{cite web|title=Businesses |url=https://www.hd.square-enix.com/jpn/group/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-date= February 2, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190202095428/https://www.hd.square-enix.com/jpn/group/index.html|publisher=[[Square Enix]]| access-date=June 3, 2020}}</ref> ''Warriors of Eden'' consists of eleven volumes, with art by Fujiwara. The series is a retelling of ''Dragon Quest VII'' with some minor changes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dqshrine.com/ma/woe/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100324112523/http://www.dqshrine.com/ma/woe/|archive-date=2010-03-24 |title=Warriors of Eden |publisher=The Dragon Quest and Dragon Warrior Shrine |access-date=2010-12-04}}</ref> ''Maboroshi no Daichi'' consists of ten volumes. The series is a retelling of ''Dragon Quest&nbsp;VI'' with some minor changes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dqshrine.com/ma/mnd/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100317222734/http://www.dqshrine.com/ma/mnd/|archive-date=2010-03-17|title=Maboroshi no Daichi |publisher=The Dragon Quest and Dragon Warrior Shrine |access-date=2010-12-04}}</ref> Other shorter manga series have been released including several based on other games, some official [[Yonkoma|4koma]] strips, and a manga about the making of the original ''Dragon Quest'' game.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dqshrine.com/ma/4koma/ |title=4 Koma Manga Theater |publisher=The Dragon Quest and Dragon Warrior Shrine |access-date=2010-12-04 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722143822/http://www.dqshrine.com/ma/4koma/ |archive-date=July 22, 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dqshrine.com/ma/other/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100822182900/http://www.dqshrine.com/ma/other/|archive-date=2010-08-22 |title=Miscellaneous Manga |publisher=The Dragon Quest and Dragon Warrior Shrine |access-date=2010-12-04}}</ref> {{nihongo|''Dragon Quest: Souten no Soura''|ドラゴンクエスト 蒼天のソウラ|Doragon Kuesuto Sōten no Soura|{{lit.}} "Dragon Quest: Blue Sky Soura"}}, authored by Yuuki Nakashima and supervised by Yūji Horii, is a sidestory of ''Dragon Quest X''. It was serialized between February 2013 and October 2022, with 19 volumes released through 2022.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Cayanan|first1=Joanna|title=Dragon Quest: Sōten no Sōra Manga Ends|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2022-10-24/dragon-quest-soten-no-sora-manga-ends/.191121|website=Anime News Network|access-date=October 24, 2022|date=October 24, 2022}}</ref> [[Hiro Mashima]] drew the one-shot {{nihongo|''Dragon Quest XI S Tōzoku-tachi no Banka''|ドラゴンクエストXI S 盗賊たちの挽歌}}, based on ''Dragon Quest XI'', for the October issue of ''[[V Jump]]'', which was released on August 21, 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2019-07-08/hiro-mashima-dragon-quest-xi-1-shot-manga-debuts-in-august/.148772 |title=Hiro Mashima's Dragon Quest XI 1-Shot Manga Debuts in August |work=[[Anime News Network]] |date=2019-07-08 |access-date=2022-02-06}}</ref> A manga adaptation of ''Dragon Quest Treasures'' titled ''Dragon Quest Treasures: Another Adventure Fadora no Takarajima'' will begin serialization in ''V Jump'' in November 2022. It is written by Masaki Hara with illustrations by [[Yoichi Amano]] and supervision by Horii.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Cayanan|first1=Joanna|title=Dragon Quest Treasures Game Gets Manga Adaptation|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2022-10-24/dragon-quest-treasures-game-gets-manga-adaptation/.191120|website=Anime News Network|access-date=October 24, 2022|date=October 24, 2022}}</ref>

''The Road to Dragon Quest'' is a manga about the creators of ''Dragon Quest'', published by Enix. The single-volume manga was released in 1990 and produced by [[Ishimori Productions]]. It focuses on the creation of the series and features series creator Yuji Horii, programmer [[Koichi Nakamura]], composer Koichi Sugiyama, artist Akira Toriyama, and producer Yukinobu Chida.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Takizawa|first1=Hiroyuki|script-title=ja:ドラゴンクエストへの道|trans-title=The Road to ''Dragon Quest''|year=1990|publisher=[[Ishimori Productions]]/[[Enix]]|language=ja|isbn=978-4-900527-26-3}}</ref>

==== Anime ====
There are three major television series that were adapted from the games. {{nihongo|''Dragon Quest: Legend of the Hero Abel''|ドラゴンクエスト ～勇者アベル伝説～|Doragon Kuesuto Yūsha Aberu Densetsu}} was produced by [[Studio Comet]] and aired from December 2, 1989, to April 5, 1991, 43 episodes were broadcast before the series ended. It was supervised by Horii, with a story loosely based on ''Dragon Quest&nbsp;III''. The first 13&nbsp;episodes of the series were translated into English by Saban Entertainment under the title ''Dragon Warrior''. Due to its early time slot, it was not renewed. The series was released on [[DVD]] in Japan in October 2006, with its nine volumes selling about 90,000 units by February 2007.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=『ドラゴンクエスト～勇者アベル伝説～』のDVDが単巻発売決定！ |url=https://www.famitsu.com/anime/news/2007/02/20/681,1171968730,67389,0,0.html |access-date=February 6, 2019 |magazine=[[Famitsu]] |date=February 22, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190130162130/https://www.famitsu.com/anime/news/2007/02/20/681,1171968730,67389,0,0.html |archive-date=January 30, 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>

A second anime series, ''[[Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai]]'', based on the manga of the same name, was produced by [[Toei Animation]]. It ran for 46 episodes from October 17, 1991, to September 24, 1992.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.toei-anim.co.jp/lineup/tv/dai_daiboken/ |script-title=ja:ドラゴンクエスト・ダイの大冒険 |trans-title=Dragon Quest: Dai's Adventure |publisher=[[Toei Animation]] |access-date=2010-12-04 |language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605101906/http://www.toei-anim.co.jp/lineup/tv/dai_daiboken/ |archive-date=June 5, 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref> A [[Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai (2020 TV series)|second anime adaptation of the same manga]] aired from October 3, 2020 to October 22, 2022.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2021-03-19/xiix-perform-new-ending-theme-for-dragon-quest-adventure-of-dai-anime/.170818|title=XIIX Perform New Ending Theme for Dragon Quest: Adventure of Dai Anime|date=March 19, 2021|website=Anime News Network|access-date=June 27, 2021}}</ref>

On April 20, 1996, a film titled ''Dragon Quest Saga – The Crest of Roto'' was released.<ref name="VHS" />

A [[3DCG]] movie based on ''Dragon Quest V'', ''[[Dragon Quest: Your Story]]'', was released in Japan in August 2019.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Wong |first1=Alistair |title=Dragon Quest: Your Story, Based On Dragon Quest V, Gets First Trailer And August 2 Release Date |url=https://www.siliconera.com/2019/04/03/dragon-quest-your-story-based-on-dragon-quest-v-gets-first-trailer-and-august-2-release-date/ |website=Siliconera |access-date=6 May 2019 |date=3 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190406022625/https://www.siliconera.com/2019/04/03/dragon-quest-your-story-based-on-dragon-quest-v-gets-first-trailer-and-august-2-release-date/ |archive-date=April 6, 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==== Virtual reality ====

{{Infobox video game
|title=Dragon Quest VR
|image=
|developer= [[Bandai_Namco_Holdings#Content_units_and_subsidiaries|Namco Bandai Real Entertainment]]
|publisher= Namco Bandai Real Entertainment
|composer =  [[Koichi Sugiyama]]
|writer = [[Yuji Horii]]<br />Ryutaro Ichimura
|artist= [[Akira Toriyama]]
|released= April 27, 2018 - October 25, 2020
|series= ''Dragon Quest''
|genre= [[Virtual reality]] [[action role-playing game]]
|modes= [[Arcade_video_game|Action arcade]], [[Multiplayer video game|multiplayer]]
|platforms= [[HTC Vive]]
}}

'''''[[:ja:ドラゴンクエストVR#|Dragon Quest VR]]''''' (ドラゴンクエストVR) was a [[virtual reality]] [[Multiplayer video game|team-based]] only [[Arcade video game#Action|arcade-style]] roleplaying game first released at VR ZONE SHINJUKI in [[tokyo|Tokyo's]] [[Shinjuku]] district, then later hosted at VR ZONE [[Osaka|OSAKA]] on September 13, 2018 and finally MAZARIA in [[Sunshine City, Tokyo|Sunshine City, Ikebukuro, Tokyo]] on July 12 2019, a series of then [[Bandai Namco]]-owned virtual reality [[theme park|theme parks]] [[Amusement arcade|arcades]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://vrzone-pic.com/shinjuku/activity/dragonquestvr.html|title=Dragon Quest VR, old website via The Wayback Machine|accessdate=15 November 2022|archive-date=April 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190428061851/https://vrzone-pic.com/shinjuku/activity/dragonquestvr.html|url-status=bot: unknown}}</ref> 

The brief story that's loosely based off of ''[[Dragon Quest III]]'' began with players receiving a request from a king to embark on a journey along with their assistant Ohealia, a [[Slime (Dragon Quest)#Concept and design|healslime]] and character exclusive to this title only, who acted as a guide and narrator throughout the experience with the main goal for each team (to which multiple can play at the same time in each of their own sessions, all as a team in one session, or a combination of the between)<ref>{{cite web|title=Dragon Quest - VR|url=https://www.woodus.com/den/games/dqvr/|accessdate=11 December 2022|website=Dragon's Den - Dragon Quest Fansite}}</ref> to fight through a series of battles in increasing difficulty before facing the powerful [[Dragon Quest III#Plot|Zoma]], a guest character who's also the main antagonist from the same game and was responsible for terrorizing the land.

Gameplay took place in open arenas (such as forests, caves, and, castles) in-game while players working in teams of four as [[Gameplay_of_Dragon_Quest#Character_classes|two warriors, a mage, and a priest]] stood and moved around in a [[Room scale|65 x 39 foot playing field]] with each group of players divided into sperate teams. All players were required to wear a set of personal equipment provided by [[HTC Vive]] consisting of the [[HTC Vive#Vive Pro|headset]] with headphones and mics all powered by a [[Micro-Star International|MSI]] [[Gaming computer#Form factors|gaming laptop]] [[Backpack#Special-purpose|backpack]], and [[HTC Vive#Controllers|special controllers]] specially modeled and fitted to represent each class, a small modeled sword and shield for the warriors, and small wands and gloved controllers for the mage and priest.<ref>{{cite web|title=Dragon Quest VR drops you right in the middle of frantic JRPG battles|url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/5/16/17359818/dragon-quest-vr-hands-on-review-tokyo|accessdate=21 November 2022|website=TheVerge.com|date=May 16, 2018 }}</ref> Weapons, armor, skills, and spells were set for each class by default and were determined by each of said class:

*'''Warriors''' were the frontline fighters. Players as this class would wielded a sword used for attacking foes in their main hand and a shield used to block incoming attacks in their off-hand. They would engage in melee dealing damage up-close using their strength to overwhelm their foes and could tank damage that would otherwise be directed to their allies. When a warrior was under the "Oomph" spell's effect they grow longer in size being able to deal more damage as well as being able to hit more targets with a single swing each attack but also gaining a larger hitbox making them a much easier target for foes to hit.

*'''Mages''' used attack spells and a support spell that increased the attack power of allies. Players as this class wielded a staff in their main hand and a special glove controller allowing them to access a spell type selection system in-game on their off-hand. Players as this class would raise their hand forward with the glove to which three magic circles each representing spells will appear in front of them. They would then select one of the spells with their staff, then raising  and lowering it to cast the spell in the direction of the target. The spells were [[Gameplay_of_Dragon_Quest#Abilities|the ice spell "Crack", the fire spell "Frizz", and "Oomph", which doubles the target's attack power for a certain period of time]]. Players could charge their spells by keeping their staff raised for a short then lowering it to cast a stronger version such as Crack being cast as "Crackle", and Frizz as "Kafrizz".

*'''Priests''' healed and revived allies, and used an offensive spell. Players as this class wielded a cane in their main hand while also wearing a similar glove controller in the off-hand. Their spells were cast in the same way as a mage with a different set of spells to choose from, the resurrection spell "Kazing", a revival spell "Heal", and the tornado attack spell "Woosh". Players could also cast Heal on themselves by touch the light at the tip of the staff with their gloved hand, method that was changed from a pervious one due to an update (holding their cane up and swinging it down). However, Kazing could not be used in this same manner as they were the only class that could revive downed players. Like the mage, raising the cane for a short time when using Woosh will cause it to become the powerful version "Swoosh".

Each player given their own class could take only a set amount of damage before going down. If the player was at critical health their screen turned black and white, and if damaged further, they would enter a downed state and would be displayed as a pillar of light on the screen to notify fellow players. The game ended in one of two ways, if all players were defeated to which they appeared in front of the king admonished them for their failure or congratulated them on their success.

Enemies iconic to the series that players faced off against include [[Slime (Dragon Quest)|Slimes]], [[#Monsters|Drackies, Wondering Armors, Chimaera, Dragons, and a large Golem]] each with their own strengths and weaknesses that players could exploit to win battles efficiently. Each enemy also had their own unique attacks and behaviors.<ref>{{cite web|title=Dragon Quest VR: Going Inside The Mind Of Toriyama In This VR JRPG|url=https://uploadvr.com/dragon-quest-vr-jrpg-hands-on/|accessdate=21 November 2022|website=UploadVR.com|date=October 2018 }}</ref> 

''Dragon Quest VR'' would be discontinued on March 9, 2019 before the closure of VR ZONE SHINJUKI itself on April 1 in the same year,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://vrzone-pic.com/shinjuku/news.html|title=Last remaining news regarding both Dragon Quest VR and VR Zone Shinjuku in they're final days|accessdate=30 January 2023|archive-date=May 10, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190510092303/https://vrzone-pic.com/shinjuku/news.html|url-status=bot: unknown}}</ref> with the experience also ending at VR ZONE OSAKA on October 25, 2020,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://panora.tokyo/76494/|title=ゴジラ、エヴァ、ドラクエ……全部VRで遊べちゃう!! 「VR Zone Osaka」現地レポート|accessdate=2023-11-12}}</ref> and MAZARIA on August 31, 2020 on each respective day.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dragonquest.jp/news/detail/3020/|title=「ドラゴンクエスト」の世界に入り、冒険するフィールドアクティビティが登場！|accessdate=2023-11-12}}</ref> Prices for the one-time experience fee was 3,200 yen and a separate facility entrance fee was required. The experience took approximately 15 minutes.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://japan.cnet.com/article/35118364/|title=VR Zone 新作「ドラゴンクエストVR」を体験--魔物を斬る感覚や魔法を撃つ快感|publisher=CNET Japan|date=2018-04-26|accessdate=2023-11-12}}</ref> 

Yuji Horii in an interview with [[UploadVR]] has expressed the possibility of future titles based on the franchise being released in or with VR support commercially at a later time and date.<ref>{{cite web|title=Dragon Quest Creator Yuji Horii Teases Future Franchise VR Support|url=https://uploadvr.com/dragon-quest-creator-future-vr-support-maybe/|accessdate=21 November 2022|website=UploadVR.com|date=January 13, 2021 }}</ref>

{{Clear}}

== Common elements ==
=== Gameplay ===
{{Main|Gameplay of Dragon Quest}}
[[File:Dragon warrior 3 battle screen.gif|thumb|Combat image from ''[[Dragon Quest III]]'' that depicts the typical battle layout and menu types that is seen in most ''Dragon Quest'' games|alt=A black screen with two moth-like creatures in the center and three white-bordered boxes around it. The box above the moth-like creatures has "Hero", "Brin", "Math", and "Viro" on the top, each with an H and an M under each of them, with Hr under "Hero", Sr under "Brin", Wz under "Math", and Pr under "Viro". A number is next to the letters on the right. The bottom left box displays "Hero" on the top and the options "Fight", "Run", "Parry", and "Item". The bottom right box contains the text "Masked Moth 2".]]
In most ''Dragon Quest'' games, players control a character or party of characters that can walk into towns and buy weapons, armor, and items to defeat monsters outside of the towns: on the [[Overworld|world map]] or in a dungeon. However, in the original ''Dragon Quest'', there was only one character walking on the map. In most of the games, battles occur through [[random encounter|random monster attacks]] and improving the characters' [[level (video gaming)|levels]] requires players to [[grinding (video gaming)|grind]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://ds.ign.com/articles/114/1149559p1.html | title=Dragon Quest VI Review: Fifteen years later, Enix's classic RPG finally finds its way out of Japan. | access-date=March 17, 2011 | date=February 18, 2011 | website=IGN | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110318001420/http://ds.ign.com/articles/114/1149559p1.html | archive-date=March 18, 2011 | url-status=live }}</ref> The series uses cursed items, difficult dungeons where players need to use their resources wisely to complete them, and difficult [[boss (video game)|boss]] battles.<ref name="20 RPGs">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/4066/game_design_essentials_20_rpgs.php?page=12 |title=Game Design Essentials: 20 RPGs |work=Part Two: Japanese Games |at=11. Dragon Quest |access-date=2011-03-28 |author=Harris, John |date=2009-07-02 |publisher=[[Gamasutra]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110219212352/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/4066/game_design_essentials_20_rpgs.php?page=12 |archive-date=February 19, 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref> When the party encounters monsters the view switches perspective and players are presented with several options on a [[menu (computing)|menu]]; these [[turn-based]] menu-driven battles have become a staple of the series.<ref>{{cite web| author=Sato, Yoshi| date=2007-04-25| title=Dragon Quest IX Battle System|url=http://www.1up.com/news/dragon-quest-battle-system-revealed| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604094939/http://www.1up.com/news/dragon-quest-battle-system-revealed| url-status=dead| archive-date=2011-06-04| work=[[1up.com|1up]]| quote=The latest issue of Weekly Shonen Jump reveals that the combat system of Dragon Quest IX for the DS will retain the traditional turn-based system ..| access-date=2011-02-12}}</ref> Players use the menus to select weapons, magic, and other items used to attack and defeat the monsters, or can attempt to flee the fight; though characters cannot flee during a boss battle. Once the party defeats the monsters by winning the battle, each party member gains [[experience point]]s in order to reach new levels. When a character gains a new level, the [[Statistic (role-playing games)|statistics (stats)]] of the character are upgraded.<ref name="np7">{{Cite magazine|magazine=Nintendo Power|title=Dragon Warrior|date=July–August 1989|volume=7|publisher=[[Tokuma Shoten]]|pages=39–50}}</ref> Winning battles also rewards players with gold which can be used to purchase items. In addition to the experience points and gold awarded for successfully defeating monsters, occasionally, items will be dropped as well that are added to the player's inventory.

In most ''Dragon Quest'' games, players must visit a church (known as a House of Healing in the NES translations) and talk to a priest or nun to save the games' progress;<ref>{{cite web |url=http://kotaku.com/#!5509744/losing-our-religion |title=Losing Our Religion |access-date=2011-03-02 |author=Fahey, Mark |date=2010-04-05 |website=Kotaku |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101106085901/http://kotaku.com/#!5509744/losing-our-religion |archive-date=November 6, 2010 |url-status=live }}</ref> in ''Dragon Warrior'', players had to talk to a king to save their progress,<ref name="np7"/> though the first two ''Dragon Quest'' titles for Famicom use a [[password (video games)|password save system]]. If the party dies in battle the group loses half of its gold and warps to the nearest save location where the hero is revived;<ref name="kurt"/> players must then pay a priest or nun to revive their party members.

''Dragon Quest'' features "puff&nbsp;puff" – a Japanese [[onomatopoeia]] for a girl rubbing her breasts in someone's face, which can also be used for the general term of a girl jiggling her own breasts – massage girls that the player can hire with text describing their actions in some of the games;<ref name=kurt/> in later games gags were used since breasts could not be displayed. The text descriptions were removed from some North American translations.{{efn|The original NES games and the DS remakes have this removed while the PS1 and PS2 games ''Dragon Quest IX'' and GBC remakes include this.}}<ref name=kurt/><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.destructoid.com/the-rubbing-of-breasts-on-faces-in-dragon-quest-ix-181483.phtml | title=The rubbing of breasts on faces in Dragon Quest IX | website=[[Destructoid]] | date=2010-08-21 | access-date=2011-04-17 | author=Kauz, Andrew | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110925153518/http://www.destructoid.com/the-rubbing-of-breasts-on-faces-in-dragon-quest-ix-181483.phtml | archive-date=September 25, 2011 | url-status=live }}</ref>

In ''[[Dragon Quest III]]'', ''[[Dragon Quest VI]]'', ''[[Dragon Quest VII]]'', and ''[[Dragon Quest IX]]'', several [[Dragon Quest character classes|character classes]] can be chosen for the party members.<ref name="kurt"/> Each game has its particular set of classes with typical options, including the [[Cleric (character class)|Cleric]], [[Monk (character class)|Fighter]], Jester, [[Thief (character class)|Thief]], [[Warrior (character class)|Warrior]], and [[Wizard (character class)|Mage]].{{efn|Most of the basic classes have undergone name changes in their English translation. The Cleric class underwent several name changes. It was originally known as the Pilgrim in ''Dragon Warrior&nbsp;III'' and in ''Dragon Quest&nbsp;VI'' and ''Dragon Quest&nbsp;IX'' it changed to Priest; the Fighter class was changed in ''Dragon Quest&nbsp;VI'' and ''Dragon Quest&nbsp;IX'' to Martial Artist; the Jester class was originally known as Goof-off in ''Dragon Warrior&nbsp;III'' and was changed to Gadabout in ''Dragon Quest&nbsp;VI''; the Warrior class was originally known as Soldier in ''Dragon Warrior&nbsp;III'', and the translation for the Mage has alternated between Mage and Wizard, depending on the ''Dragon Quest'' title.}} All the aforementioned games also include advanced classes such as the Sage. In addition, ''Dragon Quest&nbsp;VI'' and ''VII'' include monster classes.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://uk.psx.ign.com/articles/098/098821p1.html | title = Dragon Warrior VII: Character Classes | access-date = 2008-07-19 | website = IGN | date = 2001-10-04 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713004606/http://uk.psx.ign.com/articles/098/098821p1.html | archive-date = July 13, 2011 | df = mdy-all }}</ref>

In ''[[Dragon Quest&nbsp;IV: Chapters of the Chosen]]'', a new collectible item known as mini medals, resembling small gold coins with a five-pointed star in the middle, was introduced; they have nothing to do with winning the game, but they can be traded with a certain character for items. Players collect them throughout the game, primarily by opening chests, breaking pots and barrels, and searching in sacks and drawers. Horii introduced them as he wanted to have something players collected that were similar to the crests and orbs in the previous ''Dragon Quest'' games, but did not want to repeat the necessity for players having to collect a certain number of them before they could complete the game.<ref name=Jump8>{{cite book|script-title=ja:週刊少年ジャンプ|trans-title=[[Weekly Shōnen Jump]]|volume=45|year=1989|publisher=[[Shueisha]]|location=Japan|language=ja|page=8}}</ref>

=== Characters ===

==== Monsters ====
[[File:Slime (Dragon Quest).png|alt=A blue, tear-drop shaped creature with large round black eyes, a wide mouth and a red tongue.|thumb|right|80px|An example of a slime]]
The ''Dragon Quest'' series features several recurring monsters, including [[Slime (Dragon Quest)|Slime]]s, Drackies, Skeletons, Shadows, Mummies, Bags o' Laughs, and Dragons.<ref>{{cite book|title=Dragon Warrior I and II Official Strategy Guide |year=2000 |publisher=[[Prima Publishing]]|isbn=0-7615-3157-2|pages=46–50 and 98–105}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Dragon Warrior III Official Strategy Guide |year=2001 |publisher=[[Prima Publishing]]|isbn=0-7615-3638-8|pages=121–130}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Dragon Warrior VII Official Strategy Guide|year=2001|publisher=[[Prima Publishing]]|isbn=0-7615-3640-X| pages=147–155}}</ref> Many monsters in the series were designed by [[Akira Toriyama]].

Several ''Dragon Quest'' games allow the player to recruit monsters to fight alongside them. In ''Dragon Quest&nbsp;IV'', a Healer monster called "Healie" can be recruited for the first chapter. ''Dragon Quest&nbsp;V'' and ''VI'' monsters can be selected by the player to join the player's party and fight in battles.<ref name=kurt/> In ''Dragon Quest&nbsp;VIII'' players can defeat and recruit monsters to fight in an arena.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/555/555685p1.html | title=More on Dragon Quest VIII Monster Taming: Square Enix reveals first info on the Monster Battle Road. | website=IGN | date=2004-10-08 | access-date=2011-08-14 | author=Gantayat, Anoop | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120601014812/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/555/555685p1.html | archive-date=June 1, 2012 | url-status=live }}</ref>

The Slime, designed by Toriyama for use in ''Dragon Quest'', has become the official [[mascot]] of the ''Dragon Quest'' series. Series designer Yuji Horii cited the monster as an example of Toriyama's skills, claiming it took "[artistic] power to take something like a pool of slime and use his imagination to make it a great character."<ref>{{cite web|date=2007-05-25 |title=Dragon Quest Interview |url=http://uk.ds.ign.com/articles/792/792134p1.html |website=IGN |access-date=2011-02-12 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713004440/http://uk.ds.ign.com/articles/792/792134p1.html |archive-date=July 13, 2011 }}</ref> A Slime is a small blue blob, shaped like a water droplet, with a face. It has appeared in every ''Dragon Quest'' game and it is usually one of the first monsters the players encounter.{{efn|In every game except ''Dragon Quest VI'' the blue slime is encountered in the first overworld area with monsters—in ''Dragon Quest VII'' the first overland area has no monster encounters—the players explore.}} The Slime's popularity has netted it the ''[[Slime (series)|Slime]]'' spin-off series on handheld consoles.<ref>{{cite video game |title=[[Dragon Quest Heroes: Rocket Slime]] |script-title=ja:スライムもりもりドラゴンクエスト2 大戦車としっぽ団|developer=[[Tose (company)|Tose]]|publisher=Square Enix|year=2003|language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite video game |title=Slime MoriMori Dragon Quest: Shōgeki no Shippo Dan|script-title=ja:スライムもりもりドラゴンクエスト 衝撃のしっぽ団|developer=[[Tose (company)|Tose]] |publisher=Square Enix|year=2005|language=ja}}</ref>

==== Erdrick ====
Erdrick, known as {{nihongo|Loto|ロト|Roto}} in Japanese and in the North American remakes of the Game Boy Color versions of the first three games,<ref name=kurt/> is the title given to a legendary hero in the ''Dragon Quest'' series. The first three ''Dragon Quest'' games, all connected to the legend of Erdrick, comprise the Erdrick or Loto trilogy. Also known as Arusu, he is known as the hero who freed the Kingdom of Alefgard from the darkness.<ref name="dw_manual">{{cite book|year=1989|publisher=[[Nintendo]]|title=Dragon Warrior Instruction Manual}}</ref><ref name="dw2_manual">{{cite book|publisher=[[Enix]]|title=Unveiled Secrets of Dragon Warrior II|author=Fukushima, Yasuhiro}}</ref><ref name="np16_67">{{Cite magazine|magazine=Nintendo Power |date=September–October 1990|volume=16|publisher=[[Tokuma Shoten]]|page=67 |title=Dragon Quest}}</ref><ref name=Shoemaker>{{cite web|first=Brad |last=Shoemaker |title=Dragon Warrior III Review |url=http://www.gamespot.com/gbc/rpg/dragonwarrior3/review.html |website=[[GameSpot]] |access-date=2011-02-12 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100823045029/http://www.gamespot.com/gbc/rpg/dragonwarrior3/review.html |archive-date=August 23, 2010 }}</ref> The chronological order of the first three ''Dragon Quest'' games is: ''Dragon Quest&nbsp;III'', ''Dragon Quest'', and ''Dragon Quest&nbsp;II''.<ref name=Shoemaker/>

In the first ''Dragon Quest'' game, the hero, the [[player character]], is a descendant of Erdrick<ref name=np7/> who follows in his footsteps to reach the Dragonlord's Castle and confront him. In ''Dragon Quest II'' the heroes are also descendants of Erdrick,<ref name="dw2_manual"/><ref name="np16_67"/> exploring the expanded world of Torland that includes the continent of Alefgard. Erdrick's legend in the ''Dragon Quest'' series was completed in ''Dragon Quest III'' when the King of Alefgard bestowed the "Order of Erdrick", the country's highest honor, upon the hero at the end of the game. Two of the player character's three highest-level armaments are named "Erdrick's Sword" and "Erdrick's Armor" in ''Dragon Quest'' and ''Dragon Quest II''. Playing ''Dragon Quest III'' with the name "Erdrick" is impossible in the original release, as the game prompts the player to choose a different name for the hero. This is because the status of ''III'' in the chronological order as a prequel of the first two titles is presented as a plot twist. The Game Boy Color remakes prevent the use of the name "Loto" for the same reason.

In ''[[Dragon Quest XI]]'', the [[player character]] is a warrior chosen by the world tree Yggdrasil to save the world of Erdrea from a being of pure evil known as "Calasmos". After Calasmos is defeated at the end of the game, Yggdrasil bestows him the title of Erdrick.

==== Torneko ====
{{nihongo|Torneko|トルネコ|Toruneko}}, known as Torneko Taloon in North American English localizations, is a recurring character who first appears in ''Dragon Quest IV''. A traveling merchant, Torneko's usual goal is to expand the inventory of his shop by procuring rare items, often by traversing dungeons and fighting monsters on his own or with his family.<ref name="Torneko1"/><ref name="Torneko2">{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/enix-plans-torneko-3-for-the-playstation-2/1100-2870992/|title=Enix plans Torneko 3 for the PlayStation 2|access-date=August 12, 2021 |date=May 17, 2006|work=[[GameSpot]]}}</ref>

The character's popularity with players led to further appearances or [[easter egg (media)|easter egg references]] in subsequent mainline sequels, as well as a starring role in 1993's ''[[Torneko no Daibōken: Fushigi no Dungeon]]'', the inaugural entry of the long-running ''[[Mystery Dungeon]]'' video game series by [[Spike Chunsoft]].<ref name="Torneko1">{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2007-11-05-tornekos-great-introduction.html|title=Torneko's Great Introduction|access-date=August 12, 2021 |date=November 5, 2007|work=[[Engadget]]}}</ref> The character's other video game appearances include two direct sequels to ''Torneko no Daibōken: Fushigi no Dungeon'', the 2016 video game ''[[Dragon Quest Heroes II]]'', and the ''[[Itadaki Street]]'' series.

==== Zenithia ====
Zenithia, also called Zenith Castle, Zenith, or {{nihongo|''Tenkū-jō''|天空城||"Heaven Castle"}} in Japanese, is a floating castle that first appears in ''Dragon Quest&nbsp;IV''; it is used as a descriptor for several elements in ''Dragon Quest&nbsp;IV'', ''V'' and ''VI''. Its appearance in all three games has led to the games being described as the Zenithia or ''Tenkū'' trilogy, despite different geographical layouts in each of the three games' worlds.<ref name="Heaven trilogy">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6191376.html |title=Dragon Quest trilogy descends on DS |access-date=2011-02-20 |author=Magrino, Tom |date=2008-05-21 |website=[[GameSpot]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080726233450/http://www.gamespot.com/news/6191376.html |archive-date=July 26, 2008 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.squareenixmusic.com/reviews/calvin/dq4ss.shtml |title=Dragon Quest IV Symphonic Suite |access-date=2011-02-20 |author=Calvin |publisher=Square Enix Music Online |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100708012439/http://www.squareenixmusic.com/reviews/calvin/dq4ss.shtml |archive-date=July 8, 2010 }}</ref> Horii explained that a trilogy was never the intention: "Each ''Dragon Quest'' title represents a fresh start and a new story, so it seems too much of a connection between the games in the series. It could be said that the imagination of players has brought the titles together in a certain fashion."<ref name="julynp">{{cite magazine|date=July 2008|magazine=Nintendo Power|publisher=[[Future US]]|volume=229 |pages=50–57 |title=Dragon Quest}}</ref>

In ''Dragon Quest&nbsp;IV'' Zenithia can be accessed by climbing the tower above the entrance to the world of darkness. In ''Dragon Quest&nbsp;V'' Zenithia has fallen into a lake south of Lofty Peak (Elheaven in the original release), until the Golden Orb is returned leaving the castle able to move freely in the sky. In ''Dragon Quest&nbsp;VI'' Zenithia is sealed by Demon Lord Dhuran, and a large hole is left in its place in the "Dream World". When the Dream World returns to its natural state in ''Dragon Quest&nbsp;VI'', Zenithia is the only part that remains, floating above the "real" world. In addition to the trilogy, a castle in the ''Dragon Quest&nbsp;III'' remakes is also called Zenith, although the layout differs from the castle in the ''Tenkū'' series.<ref>{{cite book|title=Dragon Warrior III Official Strategy Guide |year=2001|publisher=[[Prima Publishing]]|isbn=0-7615-3638-8|pages=87–89}}</ref>

== Development and history ==
The series' monsters, characters, and box art were designed by Toriyama.<ref name="1up Horii interview"/> The [[video game music|music]] for the ''Dragon Quest'' series was composed by [[Koichi Sugiyama]].<ref name="design">{{cite web|title=The Designers Of Dragon Quest|website=IGN|url=http://uk.ps2.ign.com/articles/379/379052p1.html|date=2002-12-02|access-date=2011-02-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713004610/http://uk.ps2.ign.com/articles/379/379052p1.html|archive-date=July 13, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> In the past, main ''Dragon Quest'' games have been developed by [[Chunsoft]], [[Heart Beat (company)|Heartbeat]], [[ArtePiazza]], [[Level-5 (video game company)|Level-5]] and starting with ''[[Dragon Quest X]]'', by Square Enix for the first time.<ref>{{cite web|first=Bryan|last=Boulette|year=2006|title=Square Enix: Dinosaur or Leader|url=http://www.rpgamer.com/editor/2006/q3/080706aca.html|publisher=RPGamer|access-date=2007-09-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080430224042/http://www.rpgamer.com/editor/2006/q3/080706aca.html|archive-date=April 30, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> Horii's company, Armor Project, is in charge of the script and design of ''Dragon Quest'' games that were published by Enix and Square Enix.

=== Origin ===

[[File:Yuji Horii (2).jpg|thumb|[[Yuji Horii]], the creator of ''Dragon Quest'' series]]

In 1982 Enix sponsored a video game programming contest in Japan which brought much of the ''Dragon Quest'' team together, including creator Yuji Horii.<ref name="design" /> The prize was a trip to the United States and a visit to AppleFest '83 in San Francisco, where Horii discovered the ''[[Wizardry]]'' video game series.<ref name="kurt" /> The contest winners Koichi Nakamura and Yukinobu Chida, together with Horii, released the Enix NES game ''[[The Portopia Serial Murder Case]]''. Music composer Sugiyama, known for composing jingles and pop songs, was impressed with the group's work and sent a postcard to Enix praising the game.<ref name="symph" /> Enix asked him to compose music for some of its games. The group then decided to make a [[role-playing video game]] that combined elements from the western RPGs ''Wizardry'' and ''[[Ultima (series)|Ultima]]''.{{efn|While ''Wizardry'' and ''Ultima'' are under the broad category of role-playing video games, they are [[personal computer game]]s, not [[video game console]] games.}}<ref name="npinterview">{{cite magazine|magazine=[[Nintendo Power]] |title=Yuji Horii Interview|volume=221 |date=November 2007 |publisher=[[Future US]]|pages=78–80}}</ref> Horii wanted to introduce the concept of RPGs to the wider Japanese video game audience. He chose the Famicom because, unlike arcade games, players would not have to worry about spending more money if they got a "[[game over]]", and could continue playing from a [[save point]].<ref name="Iwata Asks: History">{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Iwata-Asks/Iwata-Asks-Dragon-Quest-IX/Iwata-Asks-Dragon-Quest-IX/Click-the-thumbnails-below-to-watch-the-Iwata-Asks-video-interview-for-Dragon-Quest-IX-/Iwata-Asks-video-interview-for-Dragon-Quest-IX-214762.html|title=Dragon Quest: Sentinels of the Starry Skies|work=Iwata Asks|publisher=[[Square Enix]]|at=Iwata Asks Dragon Quest IX Video 1 The History of Dragon Quest|access-date=2010-12-05}}</ref> Horii used the full-screen map of ''Ultima'' and the battle and statistics-oriented ''Wizardry'' screens to create the gameplay of ''Dragon Quest''.<ref name="kurt" /> ''[[Dragon Ball]]'' creator and manga artist [[Akira Toriyama]], who knew of Horii through the manga magazine ''[[Weekly Shōnen Jump]]'', was commissioned to illustrate the characters and monsters to separate the game from other role-playing games of the time.<ref name="npinterview" /> The primary game designs were conceived by Horii before being handed to Toriyama to re-draw under Horii's supervision.<ref>{{cite web |first=Nich |last=Maragos |date=2005-05-19 |title=Previews: Dragon Quest VIII |url=http://www.1up.com/previews/dragon-quest-viii_7 |publisher=[[1up.com|1up]] |access-date=2007-04-21 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120717044707/http://www.1up.com/previews/dragon-quest-viii_7 |archive-date=July 17, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> When Horii first created ''Dragon Quest'' many people doubted that a fantasy series with swords and dungeons, instead of science fiction elements, would become popular in Japan; however, the series has become very popular there.<ref name="euro">{{cite web|author=Garratt, Patrick|date=2006-01-16|title=Mr Dragon Quest: The Cursed King|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/i_dragonquestviii_ps2|website=[[Eurogamer]]|access-date=2011-02-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090726015119/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/i_dragonquestviii_ps2|archive-date=July 26, 2009|url-status=live}}</ref> Since then Horii has been the games' scenario director. ''Dragon Quest'' was Sugiyama's second video game he had composed for, ''[[Wingman&nbsp;2]]'' being his first. He says it took him five minutes to compose the original opening theme. His musical [[Motif (music)|motif]]s from the first game have remained relatively intact.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/news/dragon-quest-composer-reflects-24 |title=Dragon Quest Composer Reflects on 24 Years of Games: Kouichi Sugiyama on Japan's most recognized game music. |publisher=[[1up.com|1up]] |author=Gifford, Kevin |date=February 24, 2010 |access-date=April 18, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120714224311/http://www.1up.com/news/dragon-quest-composer-reflects-24 |archive-date=July 14, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The first six ''Dragon Quest'' stories are divided into two trilogies. The first three games of the series tell the story of the legendary hero known as Roto (Erdrick or Loto in some versions). ''Dragon Quest&nbsp;IV''-''VI'' are based around a castle in the sky called Zenithia, referred to as the ''Tenku'' in Japan, meaning "heaven". Games in the main series from ''Dragon Quest&nbsp;VII'' onwards are stand-alone games.<ref>{{cite web |first=Matt|last=Weiss | year=2002 | title=Dragon Warrior VII |url=http://www.gamecritics.com/review/dragonwarr7/main.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090220065028/http://gamecritics.com/review/dragonwarr7/main.php |archive-date=2009-02-20 |publisher=GameCritics| access-date=2007-09-23}}</ref>

The early ''Dragon Quest'' games were released under the title ''Dragon Warrior'' in North America to avoid trademark conflict with the pen-and-paper role-playing game ''Dragon Quest'', which was published by [[Simulations Publications]] in the 1980s until the company's 1982 bankruptcy and acquisition by [[TSR, Inc.]] TSR continued publishing the line as an alternative to ''[[Dungeons & Dragons]]'' (''D&D'') until 1987.<ref name="spy">{{cite web |title=The GameSpy Hall of Fame: Dragon Warrior |publisher=[[GameSpy]] |url=http://uk.gamespy.com/articles/492/492001p1.html |access-date=2005-05-29 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110603150607/http://uk.gamespy.com/articles/492/492001p1.html |archive-date=June 3, 2011 }}</ref> On July 23, 2002, Square Enix registered the ''Dragon Quest'' trademark in the United States for use with manuals, [[video cassette tape]]s, and other video game software.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=78146654&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215125715/https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=78146654&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch |archive-date=February 15, 2024 |title=Dragon Quest |publisher=[[United States Patent and Trademark Office]] |quote=Serial n. 78146654 |access-date=2024-02-15 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all}}.</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=78146668&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215125715/https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=78146668&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch |archive-date=February 15, 2024 |title=Dragon Quest |publisher=[[United States Patent and Trademark Office]] |quote=Serial n. 78146668 |access-date=2024-02-15 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all}}.</ref> On October 8, 2003, Square Enix filed for a more comprehensive ''Dragon Quest'' trademark,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=78310830&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215125715/https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=78310830&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch |archive-date=February 15, 2024 |title=Dragon Quest |publisher=[[United States Patent and Trademark Office]] |quote=Serial n. 78310830 |access-date=2024-02-15 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all}}.</ref> also in August 02, 2016.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87124349&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215125715/https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=87124349&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch |archive-date=February 15, 2024 |title=Dragon Quest |publisher=[[United States Patent and Trademark Office]] |quote=Serial n. 87124349 |access-date=2024-02-15 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all}}.</ref> ''Dragon Quest&nbsp;VIII: Journey of the Cursed King'' became the first ''Dragon Quest'' game released outside Japan, all previous games having used the ''Dragon Warrior'' title.<ref name="1up Horii interview" />

''Dragon Quest'' was not as successful outside Japan, as it was eclipsed by another RPG series, ''[[Final Fantasy]]''.<ref name="spy" /><ref name="Dragonography" /> Because of Enix's closure of its North American branch in the mid-1990s, ''Dragon Quest V'' and ''Dragon Quest VI'' were not officially released in North America. No games were released in Europe prior to the spin-off ''Dragon Quest Monsters''. With the merger of Square and Enix in 2003, ''Dragon Quest'' games were released in numerous markets.<ref name="euro" /> In May 2008 Square Enix announced localizations of the Nintendo DS remakes of ''Dragon Quest&nbsp;IV'', ''V'', and ''VI'' for North America and the [[PAL region]], commonly referred to as the "Zenithia" or "Tenku trilogy".<ref name="Heaven trilogy" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://na.square-enix.com/zenithia |title=Dragon Quest |publisher=[[Square Enix]] |access-date=2009-10-02 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091028165101/http://na.square-enix.com/zenithia/ |archive-date=October 28, 2009 }}</ref> With this announcement, all the main ''Dragon Quest'' games at the time had been released outside Japan. The ninth installment was released in Japan for Nintendo DS on July 11, 2009. The North American version was released on July 11, 2010, while the European version came out on July 23, 2010. The tenth installment of the main series was released for the Wii.<ref name="reuters">{{cite news|title=Square Enix to launch Dragon Quest IX for Y5,980|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/square-enix-idUSTKX00313920081210|work=Reuters|access-date=2008-12-09|date=2008-12-10|first=Kiyoshi|last=Takenaka|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924140454/http://www.reuters.com/article/2008/12/10/square-enix-idUSTKX00313920081210|archive-date=September 24, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> Nintendo has been a major publisher outside Japan for the main ''Dragon Quest'' games, publishing the first ''Dragon Quest'' game in North America, and published ''Dragon Quest&nbsp;IX'' worldwide outside Japan; the NDS version of ''Dragon Quest VI'' is published by Nintendo in North America.<ref name="DQ6 DS" />

=== Creation and design ===
{{Quote box|quote=At the time I first made ''Dragon Quest'', computer and video game RPGs were still very much in the realm of hardcore fans and not very accessible to other players. So I decided to create a system that was easy to understand and emotionally involving, and then placed my story within that framework.|source=[[Yuji Horii]] on the design of the first ''Dragon Quest''<ref name="npinterview"/>|width=40%|align=right}}
When designing ''Dragon Quest'', Horii play-tests the games to make certain the controls feel right. This includes going into meticulous details such as how fast a page opens or the way a door opens. According to Horii, "... little things like here and there the controls not feeling right and such can really grate the players' nerves if the tempo isn't right." He believes players should be able to control the game unconsciously, which is not easy to accomplish.<ref name="Iwata Asks: Mario">{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Iwata-Asks/Iwata-Asks-Dragon-Quest-IX/Iwata-Asks-Dragon-Quest-IX/Click-the-thumbnails-below-to-watch-the-Iwata-Asks-video-interview-for-Dragon-Quest-IX-/Iwata-Asks-video-interview-for-Dragon-Quest-IX-214762.html|title=Dragon Quest: Sentinels of the Starry Skies|at=Iwata Asks Dragon Quest IX Video 5 Dragon Quest and Mario similarities|access-date=2010-12-07}}</ref> Horii tries to design the games in such a way that players never need to read a manual nor play through a tutorial in order to figure out how to play the game,<ref name=CEDEC>{{cite web|url=http://news.dengeki.com/elem/000/000/191/191872/|title=【CEDEC 2009】『ドラクエ』は藤子さんになれたらいい――堀井氏が基調講演|trans-title=[CEDEC 2009] ''Dragon Quest''Fuji's Good Time——Horii Keynote|date=2009-09-01|access-date=2011-02-14|publisher=[[Famitsu]]|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110709012116/http://news.dengeki.com/elem/000/000/191/191872/|archive-date=July 9, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> and tries to create good storylines with short dialogues.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/ds/rpg/dragonquestvi/video/6299097 |title=Behind the Games: Dragon Quest's Yuji Horii (DS) |website=[[GameSpot]] |access-date=2011-02-16 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110219021928/http://www.gamespot.com/ds/rpg/dragonquestvi/video/6299097 |archive-date=February 19, 2011 }}</ref> Ryutaro Ichimura, who has worked on ''Dragon Quest'' titles with Horii since ''Dragon Quest&nbsp;VIII'', has implemented Horii's suggestions even when it is not obvious why his ideas will work. "[A] lot of the time when he [Horii] points these things out, we cannot see them at first, but eventually you get it."<ref name="Iwata Asks: Mario"/>

[[File:Akira Toriyama.jpg|thumbnail|left|upright|[[Akira Toriyama]], the character designer]]
''Dragon Quest'' games have an overall upbeat feeling.<ref name="20 RPGs"/> The typical ''Dragon Quest'' plot involves the player controlling a party of heroes to defeat an ultimate evil villain, who usually threatens the world in some way. The plot-line often consists of smaller stories that involve encounters with other characters.<ref name=kurt/> This linear plot-line is intentional, to help ease the generally high learning curve RPGs have for those unaccustomed to them.<ref name="Iwata Asks: History"/> The gameplay is designed to allow players to decide when, and whether, to pursue certain storyline paths.<ref name="Iwata Asks: Appeal">{{cite web|url=http://dqnine.com/#/iwata/|title=Dragon Quest: Sential of the Starry Skies|at=Iwata Asks Dragon Quest IX Video 2 The Appeal of Dragon Quest|access-date=2010-12-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110815052448/http://dqnine.com/#/iwata/|archive-date=August 15, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> To ensure players continue to enjoy playing the game, no storyline path is made without some kind of reward and, to help ease players who may be apprehensive about whether they are on the right path, the distance the character has to travel to get rewarded is reduced at the beginning of the game. While the player never starts the game in a wholly non-linear way,<ref name="Iwata Asks: Mario"/><ref name="John Harris">{{cite web | url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/1902/game_design_essentials_20_open_.php?page=8 | title=13. Dragon Quest III, a.k.a. Dragon Warrior III | access-date=2011-02-21 | author=Harris, John | work=Game Design Essentials: 20 Open World Games | publisher=[[Gamasutra]] | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110219100056/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/1902/game_design_essentials_20_open_.php?page=8 | archive-date=February 19, 2011 | url-status=live }}</ref> they usually allow players to explore an [[open world]] in a [[Nonlinear gameplay|non-linear]] manner following an early linear section of the game.<ref name="John Harris"/> Early character levels start players off with more [[hit points]] and a substantially increasing growth at later levels, although the effective bonuses of every additional level decreases.<ref name="John Harris"/>

While Toriyama would later become more widely known with the success of ''[[Dragon Ball Z]]'' in North America, when ''Dragon Quest'' was released he was an unknown outside Japan. While the ''Dragon Quest'' hero was drawn in a [[super deformed]] manga style, the ''Dragon Warrior'' localization had him drawn in the "West's template of a medieval hero".<ref name=Art>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/features/219639/the-art-of-dragon-quest/ | title=The Art of Dragon Quest | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111202212151/http://www.gamepro.com/article/features/219639/the-art-of-dragon-quest/ | archive-date=December 2, 2011 | magazine=[[GamePro]] | date=2011-05-25 | access-date=2011-08-03 | author=Oxford, Nadia | url-status=dead | df=mdy-all }}</ref> The trend continued through the first four games, although the artwork for weapons and armor began using more of Toriyama's original artwork for ''Dragon Warrior&nbsp;III'' and ''IV''. However, while the booklets' artwork was altered, the setting and poses remained virtually identical.<ref name=Art/>

The games always feature a number of religious overtones; after the first ''Dragon Warrior'' game, saving and reviving characters who have died is performed by clergy in churches. Bishops wander around the over-world of ''Dragon Quest Monsters'' and can heal wounded characters. The final enemy in some of the ''Dragon Quest'' games is called the Demon Lord; for instance in ''Dragon Quest&nbsp;VII'', the Demon Lord (known as Orgodemir in that particular game) is the final [[boss (video game)|boss]], and there is a [[sidequest]] to battle against God. The first four ''Dragon Quest'' titles were subjected to censorship in their North American localizations, largely in keeping with [[Nintendo|Nintendo of America]]'s content guidelines at the time that placed severe restrictions on religious iconography and mature content. When these games were remade for the Game Boy Color, most censorship was removed.<ref name="Enix Comments">{{cite web |first=Shahed|last=Ahmed | date=2000-10-20 | title=Enix Comments on DQ VII North American Release|url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps/rpg/dragonwarrior7/news_2643279.html|website=[[GameSpot]] | access-date=2011-02-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050103081115/http://www.gamespot.com/ps/rpg/dragonwarrior7/news_2643279.html|archive-date=2005-01-03}}</ref> The translated versions of the games have largely followed the originals since ''Dragon Quest&nbsp;VII''.<ref>{{cite web | author=Sumire Kanzaki | author2=Sensei Phoenix | author3=Citan Uzuki | title=Enix Interview With John Laurence | url=http://www.rpgfan.com/features/e32k1-enix/index.html | publisher=RPGfan | access-date=2011-02-12 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011121911/http://rpgfan.com/features/e32k1-enix/index.html | archive-date=October 11, 2007 | url-status=live }}</ref>

For English releases, games usually include a number of British dialects, such as [[Polari]] and [[Cockney#Dialect|Cockney]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/games/2019/jul/11/dragon-quest-builders-2-review|title=Dragon Quest Builders 2 review – a crafting game with solid foundations|last=Nielsen|first=Holly|date=11 July 2019|website=The Guardian|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191207004424/https://www.theguardian.com/games/2019/jul/11/dragon-quest-builders-2-review|archive-date=December 7, 2019|access-date=18 September 2019}}</ref>

=== Music ===
[[File:Kohichi Sugiyama 2011-06-30.jpg|thumbnail|Classically trained composer [[Koichi Sugiyama]] scored the majority of ''Dragon Quest'' games until his death in 2021.]]

The majority of ''Dragon Quest'' soundtracks were written and orchestrated by the classically trained composer [[Koichi Sugiyama]]. In the mid 1980s, Sugiyama, who was already a well-known television and anime composer at the time, sent a feedback questionnaire from an Enix game to the company, and, upon seeing Sugiyama's feedback, producer Yukinobu Chida contacted him to confirm that "he was ''the'' Sugiyama from television." Upon confirmation, Chida asked Sugiyama to compose a score for ''Dragon Quest''.<ref name="PowerUp">{{cite book |title=Power-Up: How Japanese Video Games Gave the World an Extra Life | publisher=[[BradyGames]] |location=[[Indianapolis, IN]] |last=Kohler |first=Chris | year=2004 | pages=84–89 | isbn=978-0-7440-0424-3 | chapter=4 – Quests and Fantasies: The Japanese RPG}}</ref> Sugiyama had previously composed a video game score for ''[[Wingman 2]]''.<ref name="1UP.com-composer">{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/news/dragon-quest-composer-reflects-24 |title=''Dragon Quest'' Composer Reflects on 24 Years of Games: Kouichi Sugiyama on Japan's most recognized game music. |website=1UP.com |author=Gifford, Kevin |date=February 24, 2010 |access-date=April 18, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120714224311/http://www.1up.com/news/dragon-quest-composer-reflects-24 |archive-date=July 14, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> Sugiyama stated it took him five minutes to compose the original opening theme, and noted the difficulty in adding a personal touch to the short jingles, but that his past experience with creating music for television commercials helped. According to Sugiyama, the composer has between three and five seconds to catch the audience's attention through music. The theme and other jingles for ''Dragon Quest'' have continued to be used throughout the series.<ref name="1UP.com-composer" /> Sugiyama was also composing for ''[[Dragon Quest XII]]'' prior to his death in 2021.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Bailey |first1=Kat |title=Koichi Sugiyama, the Pioneering Dragon Quest Composer Known For His Controversial Views, Has Died |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/koichi-sugiyama-dies-dragonq-quest |website=[[IGN]] |date=October 7, 2021 |access-date=9 October 2021}}</ref>

The first album of music from the series was released in 1986 and was based on music from the first game,<ref>{{cite web |first=Patrick |last=Gann |title=Dragon Quest Suite |url=http://www.rpgfan.com/soundtracks/dq1-ss/index.html |publisher=RPGfan |access-date=2007-09-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011141810/http://rpgfan.com/soundtracks/dq1-ss/index.html |archive-date=October 11, 2007 |url-status=live }}</ref> followed by a ''Symphonic Suite'' album for each game in the main series. The original soundtrack's "eight melodies" approach set the template for most RPG soundtracks released since then, hundreds of which have been organized in a similar manner.<ref>{{cite web|title=The "Eight Melodies" Template: How Sugiyama Shaped RPG Soundtracks|url=http://www.rpgfan.com/editorials/2008/11-29.html|work=RPGFan|access-date=September 4, 2011|author=Patrick Gann|date=November 29, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111016020559/http://rpgfan.com/editorials/2008/11-29.html|archive-date=October 16, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> The original game's [[Classical music|classical]] score was considered revolutionary for video game music.<ref name="1up_dw">{{cite web|last=Gifford|first=Kevin|title=The Essential 50 Part 20 – Dragon Warrior|url=http://www.1up.com/features/essential-50-dragon-warrior|website=[[1UP.com]]|access-date=May 15, 2011|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130102043453/http://www.1up.com/features/essential-50-dragon-warrior|archive-date=January 2, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>

Other compilations of ''Dragon Quest'' music have been released, including ''Dragon Quest Game Music Super Collection Vol.&nbsp;1''.<ref>{{cite web| first=Damien| last=Thomas| title=Dragon Quest Game Music Super Collection Vol. 1| url=http://www.rpgfan.com/soundtracks/dqmusic1/index.html| publisher=RPGfan| access-date=2007-09-15| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070821141408/http://www.rpgfan.com/soundtracks/dqmusic1/index.html| archive-date=August 21, 2007| url-status=live}}</ref> The [[London Philharmonic]] performed many of the soundtracks, including a compilation entitled ''Symphonic Suite Dragon Quest Complete CD-Box''.<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite web |first=Damien |last=Thomas |title=Symphonic Suite Dragon Quest Complete CD-Box |url=http://www.rpgfan.com/soundtracks/dq-ssbox/index.html |publisher=RPGfan |access-date=2007-09-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070921005623/http://www.rpgfan.com/soundtracks/dq-ssbox/index.html |archive-date=September 21, 2007 |url-status=live }}</ref> Some of the soundtracks include a second disc with the original game music, as with the ''Dragon Quest&nbsp;VI'' soundtrack.<ref>{{cite web|first=Patrick|last=Gann|title=Dragon Quest VI ~The Dream World~ Symphonic Suite|url=http://www.rpgfan.com/soundtracks/dq6-ss/index.html|publisher=RPGfan|access-date=2007-09-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011154608/http://rpgfan.com/soundtracks/dq6-ss/index.html|archive-date=October 11, 2007|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2003 SME Visual Works released ''Symphonic Suite Dragon Quest Complete CD-Box'', featuring music from the first seven ''Dragon Quest'' games.<ref name="autogenerated1" />

{{Clear}}

== Reception ==
In 2006, readers of the Japanese gaming magazine ''[[Famitsu]]'' voted on the hundred best video games of all time. ''Dragon Quest&nbsp;III'' was third, ''Dragon Quest&nbsp;VIII'' fourth, ''Dragon Quest&nbsp;VII'' ninth, ''Dragon Quest&nbsp;V'' eleventh, ''Dragon Quest&nbsp;IV'' fourteenth, ''Dragon Quest&nbsp;II'' seventeenth, ''Dragon Quest'' thirtieth, and ''Dragon Quest&nbsp;VI'' thirty-fourth.<ref>{{cite magazine |first=Collin |last=Campbell |title=Japan Votes on All Time Top 100 |url=http://www.next-gen.biz/features/japan-votes-all-time-top-100 |magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]] |access-date=2009-10-02 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090930191551/http://www.next-gen.biz/features/japan-votes-all-time-top-100 |archive-date=September 30, 2009 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> In 2009, Horii received a special award at the [[Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association|Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association Developers Conference]] for his work on the ''Dragon Quest'' franchise.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/25147/CEDEC_09_Dragon_Quest_Creator_Yuji_Hori_Headlines_Awards.php|title=CEDEC 09: Dragon Quest Creator Yuji Hori Headlines Awards|author=Graft, Kris|website=[[Gamasutra]]|date=2009-09-04|access-date=2011-02-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110220103950/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/25147/CEDEC_09_Dragon_Quest_Creator_Yuji_Hori_Headlines_Awards.php|archive-date=February 20, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>

According to [[Satoru Iwata]], former President of Nintendo, ''Dragon Quest''{{'s}} widespread appeal is that it is "made so that anyone can play it...and anyone can enjoy it depending on their different levels and interests." According to him, ''Dragon Quest'' is designed for anyone to pick up without needing to read the manual in order to understand it. Ryutaro Ichimura, producer at Square Enix, who has played the game since he was a child, says the ''Dragon Quest'' storylines allow players to experience a moving sense of achievement where they take the role of a hero saving the world.<ref name="Iwata Asks: Appeal"/> Horii believes the ability to appeal to larger audiences of [[casual game]]rs, while not alienating the more [[hardcore gamer]]s, is due to being able to lower the initial hurdle without making it too easy. Iwata and Ichimura believe it is because the games are created in a way that allows both groups to pursue their own goals; casual gamers can enjoy the storyline and battles, but for those who want more there is still content for them to pursue.<ref name="Iwata Asks: Mario"/>

Although the series is extremely popular in Japan, the success in Japan was not transferred to North America until the 2005 release of ''[[Dragon Quest VIII]]''.<ref name="spy" /> Despite the first four games to be released in America generally receiving good reviews,<ref name=kurt/> Nintendo had to give away copies of ''Dragon Warrior''. However, those four games have been among the most sought-after titles for the NES, especially ''Dragon Warrior&nbsp;III'' and ''IV''.<ref name=kurt/><ref name=Dragonography/> It was not until ''Dragon Warrior&nbsp;VII'' was released that ''Dragon Quest'' became critically acclaimed in North America,<ref name="spy"/> although reception was still mixed.<ref name=Dragonography/> The series gained more universal praise with ''Dragon Quest&nbsp;VIII'', and began to sell better outside Japan and ''Dragon Quest&nbsp;IX'' sold over 1&nbsp;million copies outside Japan.<ref name=Dragonography/><ref name="anoop">{{cite web|first=Anoop|last=Gantayat|date=2006-12-11|title=Dragon Quest 9 set for DS|url=http://uk.ds.ign.com/articles/750/750590p1.html|website=IGN|access-date=2011-02-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081012160229/http://uk.ds.ign.com/articles/750/750590p1.html|archive-date=October 12, 2008|url-status=live}}</ref>

One of the main aspects of the series that critics point out, either positively or negatively, is that the series "never strays from its classic roots."<ref name="gsyp2">{{cite web | author=Nutt, Christian | date=2005-11-22 | title=Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King | url=http://uk.ps2.gamespy.com/playstation-2/dragon-warrior-viii/669330p1.html | publisher=[[GameSpy]] | access-date=2011-02-12 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110040016/http://uk.ps2.gamespy.com/playstation-2/dragon-warrior-viii/669330p1.html | archive-date=November 10, 2012 | url-status=live }}</ref> Unlike other modern, complex RPGs, ''Dragon Quest'' on the DS retains the simple gameplay from the first game that many critics find refreshing and nostalgic.<ref name="gsyp2" /><ref>{{cite magazine|first=Chris |last=Kohler |date=2007-09-20 |title=Hands-on with ''Dragon Quest IV'' Still Totally Retro on DS |url=https://www.wired.com/gamelife/2007/09/hands-on-dragon/#more |magazine=[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]] |access-date=2011-02-12 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090726010640/http://www.wired.com/gamelife/2007/09/hands-on-dragon/ |archive-date=July 26, 2009 }}</ref> Points of contention are its battle system, comparatively simplistic storylines, general lack of character development, simplistic primitive-looking graphics (in earlier titles), and the overall difficulty of the game. These arguments are countered by noting its strength in episodic storytelling with the various [[non-player character]]s the party meets. The stories avoid melodrama and feature relatively more simplistic characters than ''Final Fantasy''{{'s}} [[Squall Leonhart]] or [[Tidus]], a source of contention. There are exceptions, however, such as ''Dragon Quest V'', which has been praised for its unique, emotional storytelling. Battles are also simple and finish quickly. As for difficulty, Yuji Horii is noted as a gambler. The lack of save points and the general difficulty of the battles were included with the intention of adding a sense of tension. Because of this added difficulty, the punishment for the party's death was toned down compared to other games by simply going back to where you had last saved, with half of your gold on hand.<ref name="kurt"/> When asked about criticism of ''Dragon Quest'' games, Horii says he does not mind, it means the critics played the game and he would rather know their concerns than remain ignorant.<ref name=CEDEC/>

=== Sales ===
As of March 2022, the ''Dragon Quest'' series has sold over {{nowrap|85 million}} copies worldwide.<ref>{{cite web |title=Annual Reports｜Investor Relations {{!}} SQUARE ENIX HOLDINGS CO., LTD. |url=https://www.hd.square-enix.com/eng/ir/library/ar.html |website=www.hd.square-enix.com |access-date=29 October 2022 |language=en}}</ref> ''Dragon Quest III'' set sales records in 1988 by selling {{nowrap|1.1 million}} [[game cartridges]] in Japan within a day<ref name="DQ3-Asiaweek">{{cite journal |title=Asiaweek |journal=[[Asiaweek]] |date=1988 |volume=14 |issue=1–26 |page=35 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XCdBAQAAIAAJ |publisher=Asiaweek Limited |quote=By noon that day, they and customers across Tokyo had bought {{nowrap|1.1 million}} cassettes of the hottest computer game in memory: Dragon Quest III.}}</ref> and {{nowrap|3 million}} in a week,<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Console Yourself |magazine=[[New Computer Express]] |date=31 August 1989 |issue=43 (2 September 1989) |page=8 |url=https://archive.org/details/NewComputerExpress043/page/n7}}</ref> and it grossed {{¥|20 billion}} ({{US$|143 million|long=no}}) within a month<ref>{{cite book |last1=Maeda |first1=Kazuo |last2=Hogaki |first2=M. |last3=Nakano |first3=Hitoo |title=Computers and Perinatal Medicine: Proceedings of the 2nd World Symposium "Computers in the Care of the Mother, Fetus, and Newborn," Kyoto, 23-26 October 1989 |date=1990 |publisher=[[Excerpta Medica]] |isbn=978-0-444-81327-5 |page=37 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Pa5sAAAAMAAJ |quote=In the last year, a software of family computer game, named as DRAGON QUEST III, achieved {{¥|20 billion}} gross sales, it means {{US$|143 million|long=no}}, within a month after its appearance on the market.}}</ref> and {{US$|230 million|long=no}} by 1991.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Besher |first1=Alexander |title=The Pacific Rim Almanac |date=1991 |publisher=[[Harper Perennial]] |isbn=978-0-06-271524-1 |page=36 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OnxIMtAiu9UC |quote=That's literally thousands of buyers — 3,000 lined up in front of one store; 1,500 at another to buy Dragon Quest III. The game's maker, Tokyo-based Enix , sold an estimated {{nowrap|5 million}} copies for a total of {{US$|230 million|long=no}}.}}</ref> ''Dragon Quest IV'' in 1990 sold out {{nowrap|1.3 million}} copies within an hour,<ref>{{cite book |last1=Sheff |first1=David |title=[[Game Over: How Nintendo Conquered the World]] |year=1994 |orig-year=1993 |publisher=[[Vintage Books]] |isbn=978-0-307-80074-9 |chapter=Inside the Mother Brain |page=81 |chapter-url=https://file1.largepdf.com/file/2020/04/08/Game_Over_-_David_Sheff.pdf#page=81 |quote=The degree of anticipation for the games was unprecedented. On its first day in stores, {{nowrap|1.3 million}} copies of “Dragon Quest 4” sold out in an hour, despite a price tag of 11,050 ($75) yen, higher than for any other Nintendo game. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102104823/https://file1.largepdf.com/file/2020/04/08/Game_Over_-_David_Sheff.pdf |archive-date=January 2, 2021 |url-status=live }}</ref> and ''Dragon Quest V'' sold over {{nowrap|1.3 million}} cartridges within a day.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Oki |first1=Masaki |last2=Haynes |first2=Rik |title=Big in Japan |magazine=Nintendo Game Zone |date=20 January 1993 |issue=4 (February 1993) |page=7 |url=https://archive.org/details/nintendo-game-zone-04/page/n6 |publisher=[[Dennis Publishing]] |quote=''Dragon Quest V'', the cart that sold over {{nowrap|1.3 million}} copies on the first day of release}}</ref> The series had sold {{nowrap|10 million}} copies by 1990,<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Moffat |first1=Susan |title=Can Nintendo Keep Winning? |journal=[[Fortune (magazine)|Fortune]] |date=November 5, 1990 |url=http://fortune.com/1990/11/05/can-nintendo-keep-winning/ |access-date=20 February 2021 |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190212080910/http://fortune.com/1990/11/05/can-nintendo-keep-winning/ |archive-date=February 12, 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> and {{nowrap|15 million}} units by 1993,<ref>{{cite book |title=Japan Economic Almanac |date=1994 |publisher=Japan Economic Journal |isbn=978-4-532-67504-2 |page=90 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-jCxAAAAIAAJ |quote=As for video-game software, accumulated sales of Capcom Co.'s Street Fighter II series reached 10 million units in 1993, compared with 15 million units of Enix Inc.'s Dragon Quest series and 100 million units of Nintendo's Super Mario series.}}</ref> with the ''Dragon Quest'' sequels having grossed several hundred million dollars each.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Sheff |first1=David |title=[[Game Over: How Nintendo Conquered the World]] |year=1994 |orig-year=1993 |publisher=[[Vintage Books]] |isbn=978-0-307-80074-9 |chapter=Inside the Mother Brain |page=81 |chapter-url=https://file1.largepdf.com/file/2020/04/08/Game_Over_-_David_Sheff.pdf#page=81 |quote=The “Dragon Quest” sequels grossed several hundred million dollars apiece. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102104823/https://file1.largepdf.com/file/2020/04/08/Game_Over_-_David_Sheff.pdf |archive-date=January 2, 2021 |url-status=live }}</ref> As of 2007, all games in the main series, along with three spin-offs, had sold over a million copies each in Japan, with the highest-selling single release (not including remakes) being ''Dragon Quest VII'' which sold over four million copies.<ref>{{cite web | title=Japanese Platinum Game Chart |url=http://www.the-magicbox.com/topten2.htm | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071213230402/http://www.the-magicbox.com/topten2.htm | archive-date=December 13, 2007| publisher=Magic Box | access-date=2018-03-20}}</ref> The remake of ''Dragon Quest&nbsp;VI'' sold 910,000 copies in Japan in the first four days after its release, an exceptional sales figure for a remake.<ref>{{cite web|title=DS版ドラクエVI、初週91万本販売 IV、Vを上回る|trans-title=Dragon Quest VI (DS) sells 0.91 million copies within the first week beating ''IV'' and ''V''|url=http://www.itmedia.co.jp/news/articles/1002/01/news092.html|publisher=ITmedia|language=ja|access-date=2010-07-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100204203849/http://www.itmedia.co.jp/news/articles/1002/01/news092.html|archive-date=February 4, 2010|url-status=live}}</ref>

{{Clear}}

== Legacy ==
The original ''Dragon Quest'' game is often cited as the first console RPG. ''[[GameSpot]]'' called it the most influential role-playing game of all time, stating that nearly all Japanese RPGs since then have drawn from its gameplay in some shape or form.<ref>{{cite web | year=2000 | title=GameSpot's 15 most influential |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010625120356/http://gamespot.com/gamespot/features/video/15influential/p11_01.html|archive-date=2001-06-25|url=http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/video/15influential/p11_01.html |website=[[GameSpot]] | access-date=2011-02-12}}</ref> ''[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]'' said it was "probably the first ever 'Japanese style' RPG", and listed the series collectively as number 56 on their "Top 100 Games of All Time". They commented, "While never as ambitious as Square's ''Final Fantasy'' series, later installments of ''Dragon Warrior''{{efn|This list was published in 1996, so "later installments" refers to ''Dragon Quest'' IV, V, and VI.}} can't be beaten for sheer size (if you only had enough cash to buy you one game that had to last you a month, you bought a ''Dragon Warrior'' title)."<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Top 100 Games of All Time |magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]|issue=21 |publisher=[[Imagine Media]] |date=September 1996|page=51}}</ref> In response to a survey, [[Gamasutra]] cites Quinton Klabon of [[Dartmouth College]] as stating ''Dragon Warrior'' translated the ''D&D'' experience to video games and set the genre standards.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/1809/the_gamasutra_quantum_leap_awards_.php | title=The Gamasutra Quantum Leap Awards: Role-Playing Games | access-date=2011-03-28 | publisher=[[Gamasutra]] | date=2006-10-06 | work=Honorable Mention: Dragon Warrior | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110313052025/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/1809/the_gamasutra_quantum_leap_awards_.php | archive-date=March 13, 2011 | url-status=live }}</ref> Games such as ''[[Mother (video game)|Mother]]'', ''[[Breath of Fire (video game)|Breath of Fire]]'' and ''[[Lufia & the Fortress of Doom]]'' were inspired by various ''Dragon Quest'' titles.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/features/rpgs-inspired-by-dragon-quest|title=Clone Warriors: RPGs Inspired by Dragon Quest|work=The 25th Anniversary of Dragon Quest|publisher=[[1up.com|1up]]|access-date=2011-09-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111027193242/http://www.1up.com/features/rpgs-inspired-by-dragon-quest|archive-date=October 27, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Dragon Quest&nbsp;III''{{'s}} class-changing system would shape other RPGs, especially the ''Final Fantasy'' series,<ref name=Dragonography>{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/features/dragon-quest-complete-series-guide | title=Dragon Quest: Ye Complete Dragonography | access-date=2011-02-21 | author=Parish, Jeremy | publisher=[[1Up Network|1-up]] | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018042133/http://www.1up.com/features/dragon-quest-complete-series-guide | archive-date=October 18, 2012 | df=mdy-all }}</ref> and its day-night cycles was also a "major innovation" for console RPGs according to ''[[GameSpot]]''.<ref name="gspot_consolehist_d">{{cite web|first=Andrew|last=Vestal|title=The History of Console RPGs|publisher=[[GameSpot]]|date=1998-11-02|url=http://www.gamespot.com/features/vgs/universal/rpg_hs/nes7.html|access-date=2009-09-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090608134521/http://www.gamespot.com/features/vgs/universal/rpg_hs/nes7.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2009-06-08}}</ref> ''Dragon Quest IV''{{'s}} "Tactics" system, where the player can set the [[Artificial intelligence|AI]] routines for [[Non-player character|NPCs]], is seen as a precursor to ''[[Final Fantasy XII]]'''s "[[Time-keeping systems in games#Pausable real-time|Gambits]]" system.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Reeves|first=Ben|title=A Warrior's Quest: A Retrospective of Square-Enix's Classic RPG Series|url=http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2011/02/14/a-warrior-s-quest-a-retrospective-of-square-enix-s-classic-rpg-series.aspx|magazine=[[Game Informer]]|access-date=December 28, 2011|date=February 14, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110829213844/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2011/02/14/a-warrior-s-quest-a-retrospective-of-square-enix-s-classic-rpg-series.aspx|archive-date=August 29, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Dragon Quest V'' is cited as having monster recruiting and training mechanics that inspired monster-collecting RPGs such as ''[[Pokémon]]'', ''[[Digimon]]'', and ''[[Dokapon]]''.<ref name="kurt"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/f/gamings-most-important-evolutions/a-20101008102331322035/p-6| title=Monster Collecting | access-date=2011-03-01 | date=2010-10-08 |work=Gaming's most important evolutions | publisher=Gamesradar|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131107072239/http://www.gamesradar.com/gamings-most-important-evolutions/|archive-date=2013-11-07}}</ref> ''Dragon Quest V'' was unique in that it made pregnancy, and who the player chose as the mother, a crucial aspect of the plot.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://kotaku.com/5149307/knocked-up-a-look-at-pregnancy-in-video-games | title=Knocked Up: A Look At Pregnancy In Video Games | access-date=2011-03-01 | author=Glasser, A. J. | date=2009-02-09 | website=Kotaku | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090211223414/http://kotaku.com/5149307/knocked-up-a-look-at-pregnancy-in-video-games | archive-date=February 11, 2009 | url-status=live }}</ref> The real world and dream world setting of ''Dragon Quest VI'' is considered an influence on the later Square RPGs ''[[Chrono Cross]]'' and ''[[Final Fantasy&nbsp;X]]''.<ref name=kurt/> The ''Dragon Quest'' series was recognized by [[Guinness World Records]], with six world records in the [[Guinness World Records Gamer's Edition]]. These records include "Best Selling Role Playing Game on the Super Famicom", "Fastest Selling Game in Japan", and "First Video Game Series to Inspire a Ballet".<ref>{{cite web | year=2008 | title=Weird and Wonderful Records|url=http://gamers.guinnessworldrecords.com/records/weird_and_wonderful.aspx| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080329065414/http://gamers.guinnessworldrecords.com/records/weird_and_wonderful.aspx| archive-date=2008-03-29 |publisher=[[Guinness Book of World Records]] | access-date=2008-09-17}}</ref>

''Dragon Quest'' is a cultural phenomenon in Japan.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://plaza.bunka.go.jp/museum/meister/entertainment/vol2/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100614061622/http://plaza.bunka.go.jp/museum/meister/entertainment/vol2/ | archive-date=2010-06-14 | title=エンターテインメント – Vol.2 堀井 雄二 インタビュー | publisher=Japan Media Arts Plaza | access-date=October 15, 2011 | author=Kishida, Maya |trans-title=Entertainment Vol. 2 – Interview of Yuji Horii}}</ref> According to Ryutaro Ichimura and Yuji Horii, ''Dragon Quest'' has become popular enough that it is used as a common topic for conversation in Japan,<ref name="Iwata Asks: Enjoy">{{cite web|url=http://dqnine.com/#/iwata/|title=Dragon Quest: Sential of the Starry Skies|at=Iwata Asks Dragon Quest IX Video 3 How to Enjoy Dragon Quest|access-date=2010-12-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110815052448/http://dqnine.com/#/iwata/|archive-date=August 15, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> and is considered by the Japanese gaming industry as Japan's national game.<ref name=CEDEC/> William Cassidy of [[GameSpy]] claims that "the common wisdom is that if you ask someone from Japan to draw 'Slime,' he'll draw the onion-like shape of the weak enemies from the game."<ref name="spy"/><ref name="spy-2">{{cite web|author=Cassidy, William |title=The GameSpy Hall of Fame: Dragon Warrior |work=[[GameSpy]] |url=http://uk.gamespy.com/articles/492/492001p2.html |access-date=2009-10-09 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711071741/http://uk.gamespy.com/articles/492/492001p2.html |archive-date=July 11, 2011 }}</ref> With the Japanese release of ''Dragon Quest IX'' in January 2009, a new eatery inspired by the series called Luida's Bar was opened in [[Roppongi]], a well-known nightlife hotspot in [[Minato, Tokyo]]. This was notable due to the usual center of Tokyo's gaming culture being [[Akihabara]] rather than Roppongi. The venue provides a meeting location for fans of the series: styled in the fashion of a Medieval public house like its virtual counterpart, its food is directly inspired by both items and monsters found in the games. It was described by a Western journalist as a cross between a [[Disneyland]] resort and a [[maid café]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.itmedia.co.jp/games/articles/1001/22/news051.html|script-title=ja:六本木の「ルイーダの酒場」に、ルイーダさんが本当にいるか潜入してみた|publisher=ITMedia|date=January 22, 2010|access-date=March 27, 2016|title= 六本木の「ルイーダの酒場」に、ルイーダさんが本当にいるか潜入してみた |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017033931/http://www.itmedia.co.jp/games/articles/1001/22/news051.html|archive-date=October 17, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/2010/04/dragon-quest-bar/|title=Eating Slime Buns At Tokyo's Dragon Quest Bar|author=Kohler, Chris|magazine=[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]]|date=April 27, 2010|access-date=March 27, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160325173227/http://www.wired.com/2010/04/dragon-quest-bar|archive-date=March 25, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Dragon Quest'' also served as the inspiration for a live-action television drama. ''Yūsha Yoshihiko'' initially aired in July 2011, with a sequel series being produced and released the following year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.inside-games.jp/article/2012/10/12/60495.html|script-title=ja:あの人気ドラマが帰ってきた！「勇者ヨシヒコと悪霊の鍵」今夜放送スタート|publisher=Inside Games|date=October 12, 2012|access-date=March 27, 2016|title=あの人気ドラマが帰ってきた！「勇者ヨシヒコと悪霊の鍵」今夜放送スタート
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160411204357/http://www.inside-games.jp/article/2012/10/12/60495.html|archive-date=April 11, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> For its 2012 [[List of Google's hoaxes and easter eggs#Google Maps 8-bit for NES|April Fool's Hoax]], [[Google]] announced a "NES version" of its [[Google Maps]] service, which uses graphics and music based on the series.<ref name=TheVerge>{{cite web |last=Robertson |first=Adi |title=Google Maps coming soon to the NES |publisher=[[The Verge (website)|The Verge]] |date=March 31, 2012 |access-date=March 31, 2012 |url=https://www.theverge.com/2012/3/31/2916204/google-maps-coming-soon-nes |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120401085441/http://www.theverge.com/2012/3/31/2916204/google-maps-coming-soon-nes |archive-date=April 1, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>

There is an [[urban myth]] that the release of ''Dragon Quest&nbsp;III'' caused a law to be passed in Japan banning the sale of ''Dragon Quest'' games or video games in general except on certain days such as weekends or national holidays.<ref name="1up Horii interview"/><ref name="RolePlayer's Realm">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/news/219727/roleplayers-realm-dragon-quest-25th-anniversary-edition/ |format=mp3 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111102223612/http://www.gamepro.com/article/news/219727/roleplayers-realm-dragon-quest-25th-anniversary-edition/ |archive-date=November 2, 2011 |title=Dragon Quest 25th Anniversary Edition |magazine=[[GamePro]] |date=2011-05-25 |people=Kat Bailey, Justin Haywald, Ray Barnholt and [[Tim Rogers (journalist)|Tim Rogers]] |url-status=dead |df=mdy }}</ref><ref name=GamesRadar>{{cite web|last=Gilbert |first=Henry |title=Everything you need to know about ''Dragon Quest'' – There is no ''Dragon Quest'' law |publisher=[[GamesRadar]] |date=July 11, 2010 |access-date=July 24, 2011 |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/f/everything-you-need-to-know-about-dragon-quest/a-2010070916555415094/p-2 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130124082735/http://www.gamesradar.com/f/everything-you-need-to-know-about-dragon-quest/a-2010070916555415094/p-2 |archive-date=January 24, 2013 }}</ref>  When ''III'' was released in Japan, over 300 schoolchildren were arrested for [[truancy]] while waiting in stores for the game to be released.<ref name="EGM 1989">{{cite magazine |author=Quartermann |title=Gaming Gossip |magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly |issue=2 |date=June 1989 |page=26 |publisher=Sendai Publications |location=Lombard, IL |issn=1058-918X |oclc=23857173}}</ref> The rumor claims there was a measurable dip in productivity when a ''Dragon Quest'' game was released and although muggings of ''Dragon Quest'' titles became so widespread that there were hearings in the [[Japanese Diet]], no law was ever passed. However, the Japanese release of every ''Dragon Quest'' title continued to be on a Saturday until the release of ''[[Dragon Quest X]]'', which was released on Thursday, August 2, 2012.<ref name="1up Horii interview"/><ref name="RolePlayer's Realm"/><ref name=GamesRadar/>

''Dragon Quest''{{'s}} music has been influential on various sectors of the performing arts. It was the first video game series to receive live-action ballet adaptations,<ref name="GWR">{{cite book| title=Guinness World Records Gamer's Edition 2008| publisher=[[Guinness World Records]]| date=2008-03-11| isbn=978-1-904994-21-3| editor1-first=Craig| editor1-last=Glenday| chapter=Record-Breaking Games: Dragon Quest| page=[https://archive.org/details/guinnessworldrec00guin_0/page/161 161]| chapter-url-access=registration| chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/guinnessworldrec00guin_0/page/161}}</ref> and musical concerts and audio CDs were produced based on the ''Dragon Quest'' universe.<ref name="symph">{{cite web|first=Ed|last=Lewis|date=2004-01-27|title=The Dragon Quest Symphony|website=IGN|url=http://uk.ps2.ign.com/articles/475/475818p1.html|access-date=2005-05-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713004714/http://uk.ps2.ign.com/articles/475/475818p1.html|archive-date=July 13, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> Since 1987, the series' music has been performed annually in concert halls throughout Japan.<ref name="1up Horii interview"/> Early ''Dragon Quest'' concerts inspired [[Nobuo Uematsu]]'s compositions for the ''Final Fantasy'' series.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/gamelife/2009/07/nobuo-uematsu/|title=An Evening With Uematsu, Final Fantasy's Music Man|magazine=[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]]|author=Kohler, Chris|date=2009-07-21|access-date=2011-02-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140217154356/http://www.wired.com/gamelife/2009/07/nobuo-uematsu/|archive-date=February 17, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> "Lotto's Theme" was one of the video game music compositions selected for the [[2020 Summer Olympics opening ceremony|opening ceremony]] of the [[2020 Summer Olympics]] in Tokyo, and was the first to be played.<ref>{{cite web|last=Stanton |first=Rich |title=The Tokyo Olympics kicked off with a load of videogame bangers |website=[[PCMag]] |date=July 31, 2021 |access-date=June 27, 2022 |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/the-tokyo-olympics-kicked-off-with-a-load-of-videogame-bangers/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210725061626/https://www.pcgamer.com/the-tokyo-olympics-kicked-off-with-a-load-of-videogame-bangers/ |archive-date=July 25, 2021 }}</ref>

The series is also represented in the 2018 crossover [[fighting game]] ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'' via downloadable content released in July 2019. Unlike most of the game's roster, the "Hero" is not a single playable character but rather a character slot shared by four separate, albeit functionally identical, main protagonists from the series: Eleven (also known as The Luminary) from ''Dragon Quest XI'', Arusu (also known as Erdrick) from ''Dragon Quest III'', Solo from ''Dragon Quest IV'', and Eight from ''Dragon Quest VIII''. Other elements from the series are also featured, such as [[Slime (Dragon Quest)|Slimes]] and a stage based on Yggdrasil's Altar from ''Dragon Quest XI''.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Minotti|first1=Mike|title=Dragon Quest characters join Super Smash Bros. Ultimate|url=https://venturebeat.com/2019/06/11/dragon-quest-xi-characters-join-super-smash-bros-ultimate/|work=VentureBeat|access-date=12 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190617191324/https://venturebeat.com/2019/06/11/dragon-quest-xi-characters-join-super-smash-bros-ultimate/|archive-date=June 17, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Bankhurst |first1=Adam |title=Super Smash Bros. Ultimate DLC: Every New Detail About the Dragon Quest Hero and Version 4.0.0, Which Arrive Today |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/07/30/super-smash-bros-ultimate-dragon-quests-hero-and-version-400-available-today |website=IGN |access-date=30 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190730163911/https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/07/30/super-smash-bros-ultimate-dragon-quests-hero-and-version-400-available-today |archive-date=July 30, 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>

{{Clear}}

== See also ==
{{Portal|Japan|Video games|Fantasy}}
* [[List of Dragon Quest video games]]
* [[List of Japanese role-playing game franchises]]
* [[List of Square Enix video game franchises]]

== Notes ==
{{Notelist}}

== Footnotes ==
; Notes
{{refbegin}}
* {{cite video game |title=Dragon Warrior |developer=Chunsoft |publisher=Nintendo |year=1989 |platform=Nintendo Entertainment System}}
* {{cite video game |title=Dragon Warrior II |developer=Chunsoft |publisher=Enix |year=1990 |platform=Nintendo Entertainment System}}
* {{cite video game |title=Dragon Warrior III |developer=Chunsoft |publisher=Enix |year=1991 |platform=Nintendo Entertainment System}}
* {{cite video game |title=Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen |developer=ArtePiazza |publisher=Square Enix |year=2008 |platform=Nintendo DS}}
* {{cite video game |title=Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride |developer=ArtePiazza |publisher=Square Enix |year=2009 |platform=Nintendo DS}}
* {{cite video game |title=Dragon Quest VI: Realms of Revelation  |developer=ArtePiazza |publisher=Nintendo |year=2011 |platform=Nintendo DS}}
* {{cite video game |title=Dragon Warrior VII |developer=Heartbeat/ArtePiazza |publisher=Enix |year=2001 |platform=PlayStation}}
* {{cite video game |title=Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King |developer=Level-5 |publisher=Square Enix |year=2005 |platform=PlayStation 2}}
* {{cite video game |title=Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies |developer=Level-5/Square Enix |year=2010 |publisher=Nintendo |platform=Nintendo DS}}
{{refend}}

; References
{{reflist|refs=

<ref name="VHS">{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B00005G2N6|title=ドラゴンクエスト列伝・ロトの紋章 [VHS]|date=December 20, 1996 |trans-title=Dragon Quest Saga: Roto's Emblem [VHS]|publisher=Amazon|access-date=November 9, 2009|language=ja}}</ref>

}}

== Further reading ==
{{refbegin}}
* {{cite web|first=Matthew |last=Belinkie |date=1999-12-15 |title=Video Game Music |url=http://www.vgmusic.com/vgpaper.shtml |publisher=Videogame Music Archive |access-date=2007-09-10 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927185727/http://vgmusic.com/vgpaper.shtml |archive-date=September 27, 2007 }}
* {{cite book | citeseerx=10.1.1.91.4550 | title=''Agency'': A Character-Centric Approach to Single Player Digital Space Role Playing Games | author=Logas, Heather | date=April 2004 | publisher=[[Georgia Institute of Technology]] | pages=9–11}}
* {{cite web|url=http://www.atarihq.com/tsr/books/fc/dqm.html|title=Manga Dragon Quest e no Michi|trans-title=The Road to Dragon Quest|publisher=ltsr's NES Archive|access-date=January 10, 2011}}
{{refend}}

== External links ==
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{{Commons category|Dragon Quest (franchise)}}
* {{Official website|https://dragonquest.square-enix-games.com}}
* [https://dragonquest.nintendo.com/ Nintendo's ''Dragon Quest'' website]
* {{curlie|Games/Video_Games/Roleplaying/D/Dragon_Warrior_Series|''Dragon Warrior'' series}}

{{Dragon Quest series|state=expanded}}
{{Square Enix franchises}}
{{Visual Works}}
{{Akira Toriyama}}
{{Nippon Animation films}}

[[Category:Dragon Quest| ]]
[[Category:Japanese role-playing video games]]
[[Category:Video games about magic]]
[[Category:Fantasy video games]]
[[Category:Role-playing video games by series]]
[[Category:Video game franchises introduced in 1986]]
[[Category:Fantasy anime and manga]]
[[Category:Video games about dragons]]
[[Category:Video games adapted into television shows]]
[[Category:Video games adapted into films]]
[[Category:Japanese brands]]
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