Dragon Quest IX announced as DS exclusive
by Ludwig Kietzmann 
{ Dec 12th 2006 at 6:20AM }
The strange and somewhat pathetic sobbing you hear in the background originates from the offices of Microsoft and Sony, where once diligent executives have now completely broken down and given up on much of their lives. Square Enix just handed Nintendo the keys to the Death Star. As if the DS wasn't already an unrelenting steamroller in terms of sales and popularity, it was announced today that Dragon Quest IX would be released exclusively on the most touchy-feely of portable systems. In the unlikely event that you've been stuck in some sort of spatial anomaly (like Disneyland) for the last few years, it's important to remind you that the Dragon Quest franchise is one of the most popular properties ever in the minds of Japanese gamers. It was widely expected that the next instalment in the franchise would move to the PS3, an expectation that has now been crushed beneath Satoru Iwata's diamond-encrusted boot. Expect more news on the title as the week continues -- for now, all we know is: it's being developed by Level 5, it supports multiplayer battles and the subtitle is something along the lines of "Protector of the Starry Sky."
[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
WhaleMenace @ Dec 12th 2006 6:44AM
Hey was it announced that "Dragon Quest IX" would be exclusive to the DS, or that "Dragon Quest IX: Protector of the Starry Sky" would be DS exclusive? Theres a big difference if you consider the fact that SquareEnix's other RPG brand (FF) has multiple versions across handheld and home platforms coming out.
Heres hoping we get a level 5 developed PS3 DQ.
TheThirdStrongest @ Dec 12th 2006 6:45AM
As long as Dragonquest gets into my sweaty backwards hot dog filled mits I'm not sure I care what it's on.
Phil @ Dec 12th 2006 6:47AM
"Hey was it announced that "Dragon Quest IX" would be exclusive to the DS, or that "Dragon Quest IX: Protector of the Starry Sky" would be DS exclusive?"
I really don't understand why SE would announce a spin-off before the main game.
WhaleMenace @ Dec 12th 2006 6:51AM
@3
True. Maybe DQX is already in the works! I dont know but im gonna miss the voice acting, and a cell shaded game with the power of the ps3 would look awesome.
Repsode @ Dec 12th 2006 6:52AM
Just to clear things up, this is the real DQ IX, not a spin-off.
All Dragon Quest games in Japan had a subtitle.
Dragon Quest VII: Wariors of Eden for example
And let us not forget about the "Journey of the Cursed King".
Aran @ Dec 12th 2006 6:54AM
DQ series on PS2 was a big selling point for the system in Japan. Now PS3 won't have that exclusivity and Nintendo continues Japan domination with DS.
So in my opinion it's -100 points to Sony (which is already in trouble), and +50 points to DS (which is already selling like crazy).
Rowd149 @ Dec 14th 2006 8:12PM
@4
Gotta admire his hope. Soon as they announce DQ9's gonna be on the DS, he automatically assumes they're working on DQ10 for the PS3. Because Sony can't POSSIBLY lose?! Hey, how 'bout this: Sony blew it!
the worm @ Dec 12th 2006 7:35AM
Aran.. if SONY lose 100 points by not getting it, why do NINTENDO only pick up 50 ? surely they get the 100
;)
Psaakyrn @ Dec 12th 2006 7:35AM
That I'm more worried is whether the DS cart is large enough to hold all the data... though they could feasibly use multiple carts.
Jeff @ Dec 12th 2006 7:38AM
I'm not seeing where it says this is "exclusive" to the DS. I even ran it through several other translators. I just see that it was announced for the DS.
If I'm just missing it, then that's huge for Nintendo. But where does it say it's exclusive?
Marty @ Dec 14th 2006 7:49AM
"Dragon Quest IX would be released exclusively on the most touchy-feely of portable systems. "
seriously though, this is the only choice Squeenix has right now to sell copies. Developers always go with whatever system has the highest user base, and if this game is coming out any time in the next year, that would be DS. Not only is there a high user base, but it is also easy to develop for, which square enix is finding is not the case with the PS3. And 360 is not an option. As a company it would be murder to put one of the most popular games in japan on the least popular systems in japan. Now if the US supported Dragon Quest as much as Japan did.... then that might be another story...
Musashi9X @ Dec 12th 2006 7:46AM
Why worry about it fitting all on a DS cart? Dragon Quest has never used FMV or voice acting to any real extent. (The US version of DQ8 has voice acting, but it was added in the localization because it wasn't in the original version of the game.)
And the subtitles doesn't mean spinoff, every DQ game since the first had a subtitle as repsode said, for example:
DQIII: And Into the Legend...
DQV: Bride of Heaven
And so on.
Reeve @ Dec 12th 2006 8:03AM
This is unexpected news, but fantastic. Considering Level 5 is at the helm again, this is doubly fantastic. Can't wait!
Jeff (#9) - Dragon Quest games have always been exclusive to the platform they're announced for. The DS is the most popular game machine in Japan right now, so it makes sense that they'd want to release it on that (even though its a handheld).
SSUK @ Dec 12th 2006 12:52PM
星空の守り人 《ほしそらのまもりじん》(Hoshi Sora no Mamori Jin)
for those not very good with the Japanese language it's roughly translated to: Guardian of the Starry Sky. (Guardian or Protector as people have said it to be are more or less the same thing, matter of oppinion on it to be honest.) Not a big fan of the Dragon Quest saga though, so I'll just wait and watch the game snow-ball into a major hype-fest which most DQ games end up to be but deliver so little to what the hype bigs up. =/
Erwos @ Dec 12th 2006 8:18AM
#11 wrote: "Dragon Quest games have always been exclusive to the platform they're announced for."
Not true at all. Some of the earlier Dragon Quest games got ported to different platforms, albeit quite a bit after release date. I guess it's the same situation as the early Final Fantasies - is FF1 an NES exclusive?
White Rose Duelist @ Dec 12th 2006 8:39AM
Let's see... Dragon Warrior came out for the NES in 1989, and for the GBC in 1999. 10 years. Yeah, not an exclusive at all. So if this comes out for the DS in 2007 and the PS3 in 2017, we'll be all set.
Conveniently, I have a DS, and am all set to get my Dragon Quest on. (just got Rocket Slime, and was pleasantly surprised)
Natalie @ Dec 12th 2006 8:42AM
All I have to say is BOO to Sony for doing this. NINTENDO DS????!?!?!!!! I mean...who the hell wants to play one of the world's biggest games, on the world's smallest fricking gaming screen??
And BOO to the moron who hasn't caught on that all DQ games have subtitles. The subtitles give you an insight into the game itself.
That, and the one screenshot they show, just makes me dislike the game more. They completely distorted what the designers were going for, with life-like environments, and a whole new way to explore with a first person perspective. Sure, you still have that first person perspective, but... I enjoy the game for it's realism, the new game looks like a badly drawn cartoon.
I have one thing to say. I am NOT buying a DS for one game, and if Nintendo honestly thinks they are going to win over PS2&3 players buy doing this, I really think they are in for a surprise.
Bubble Gum @ Dec 12th 2006 8:48AM
@14 Realism, life-like environments?! In a Dragon Quest game? You are nuts, it's always been a cartoon styled game. If you want "realism" you should peep out Dawson's Creek Fantasy XIII or whatever it's called now with its teen angst. Dragon Quest has always looked like this.
Dark-Pen @ Dec 12th 2006 8:50AM
...what the, you can use your voice? and what's with the battle screenshot...
The Devil @ Dec 12th 2006 8:52AM
Sorry 14 but I believe that you will be in for a surprise. A gigantic fan base in Japan plus a system that keeps flying off the shelf will equal mass profits for all.
Just think how much cheaper it's going to be to develop for it.
Magic Ketchup @ Dec 12th 2006 8:58AM
Congrats to Nintendo... but DS? That's a shocker. I would prefer DQ on Wii.
Sven @ Dec 12th 2006 9:01AM
>I am NOT buying a DS for one game, <
Considering the DS is basically restoring Nintendo's SNES-era hegemony in Japan all by itself, I think it's safe to say this is going to be the start of a trend. In other words: this won't be just one game.
(Besides, it's the freaking DS! There's more RPGs / capita on it than possibly any other system in history if you count the GBA backwards compatability.)
If this sells well (which it will... it's freaking Dragon Quest), you'll see a lot more RPG developers in Japan go to the DS as their platform of choice. Hell, there's already six "core" Final Fantasy games playable on the system (or will be as of next year) - given the ludicrously high PS3 development costs, it wouldn't surprise me in the least to see the DS become the preferred RPG platform in Japan.
Now just give me my Seiken Detensu 3 and Crono Trigger ports and I'll never complain about you again, Square.
- Sven
Jusk @ Dec 12th 2006 9:03AM
@18
Like Dragon Quest Swords: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors?
Pip @ Dec 12th 2006 9:19AM
This just shows that developers will follow the systems. They have no brand loyalty anymore. It also shows they think the PS3 might not be as big as people had hoped.
shase @ Dec 12th 2006 9:27AM
Level 5 is developing White Knight exclusive for PS3... so theres love all over the place. I am sure there is a DQ for PS3 coming up once the install base are in.
socrates @ Dec 12th 2006 9:27AM
RIP - Dragon Quest.
We will mourn ye. Your last game showed such promise. But now you look retarded and are much tinier due to being on a handheld. This crap angers me so greatly; sure it will sell really well for SE - but at the cost of game quality and depth.
socrates @ Dec 12th 2006 9:29AM
Sven -
If one gets to count backwards compatability, then the PS2's RPG count is way higher.
And other RPGs drifting to the DS is EXACTLY what I fear. Nintendo ruins everything.
joetach @ Dec 12th 2006 9:43AM
socrates-
You sund like a sony fanboy with issues its just one game god you fanbys really overreact
Ralod @ Dec 12th 2006 9:38AM
I just recently completed Final Fantasy 3 on the DS. It was a very epic RPG, and a lot of fun. DQ9 will be great on it.
What is the max a DS cart can hold? 1 Gigabit? That seems like it would be plenty of room.
Bubble Gum @ Dec 12th 2006 9:40AM
Ah, the internet.. the only place where you can see the prediction of a game's success or failure by little children simply based on an announcement.
Saneless @ Dec 12th 2006 9:38AM
21 has it right - The devs don't care if a system is made by Sony, Nintendo, Microsoft, or yo mamma. Whatever system has a huge install base is going to attract developers.
"I have one thing to say. I am NOT buying a DS for one game, and if Nintendo honestly thinks they are going to win over PS2&3 players buy doing this, I really think they are in for a surprise."
Nintendo ALREADY HAS WON OVER tons of people. What they care about now is that their huge install base is going to get them millions and millions in sales that goes directly to royalties. Nintendo is going to get rich off this one game in Japan. They don't care what you do, there's already a couple dozen million people who decided that the system is worth owning.
I am quite surprised though it's just the DS. The Wii is going to be a huge seller, especially in Japan (since the xbox would be lucky to get 15%), so it would naturally be a good platform for it.. But who knows, gamers may quite enjoy a portable system for their RPGing (keeps the kids off the TV for those 80 hours they're playing it)
32_Footsteps @ Dec 12th 2006 10:17AM
I'm a bit shocked that the DS stole a PS3 exclusive... guess S-E wasn't all that concerned with Blu-Ray's storage capacity.
I'm starting to wonder if this is the beginning of an exodus for S-E. Just imagine if Sony suddenly announced a platform shift for FF13... probably the same reaction from Americans that they're getting out of the Japanese with the DQ9 shift.
Also, for playing the game for it's realism... I know completely what you mean. As I was telling a talking blue animate slime yesterday, I love how the DQ series pulls from real life so much. I mean, that's exactly how much damage I do when I cast magical spells.
OrganicShadow @ Dec 12th 2006 9:45AM
@23
@24
You guys hit the nail on the head. Sure, the DS is selling like crazy and tons of people have one, but is sales of the game worth sacrificing the depth and graphical brilliance that Level5 keeps nailing on consoles? I think not. SE/Level5 are making a very grave mistake by basically raping a franchise for it's revenue.
Yes, it WILL sell well. Yes, it WILL get good reviews. But is it worth putting on a handheld? Tiny screen? No turn-based combat anymore? Is this is even DRAGON QUEST WE ARE TALKING ABOUT?? Sure doesn't seem like it. If this trend continues we can say goodbye to console versions of FF, DQ, even Kingdom Hearts. These companies will dumb down their flagship game series just to make a quick buck on a handheld platform that a lot of people own. Nice to know SE/Level5 give a shit about their fanbase no?
I have a DS, and I am not buying this game. Farewell DragonQuest. I will miss you.
Reeve @ Dec 12th 2006 9:48AM
#12 and 13 - Okay, I stand corrected ;) Still, considering what you've said, I can't see DQIX showing up on any other platforms any time soon!
Alex K. @ Dec 13th 2006 11:42PM
Geez, I thought it'd at least be on a console.
Maybe Square isn't sure which console will win in Japan (*cough*wii*cough*) but know that the DS is hotter than every other console.
Yoshi Likes Boys @ Dec 12th 2006 9:53AM
29: You need a Fresca. I must be the only one who thinks it looks plenty good. A skilled developer can put a damn beautiful game on the DS. Graphical overload, perhaps not, but is the assertion that you can't release an immersive, beautiful game on a "tiny screen?"
"These companies will dumb down their flagship game series just to make a quick buck on a handheld platform that a lot of people own."
Link's Awakening says hi. If adapting to a different platform with different strengths and weaknesses is somehow "dumbing down," then I suppose they are.
Also, re: DQ being a success and leading the handheld RPG revolution: This is not the cause, this is the symptom. FF3DS' amazing sales started this pattern.
Don't forget the positive impact this has on dev costs across the industry, either.
JodyAnthony @ Dec 12th 2006 9:53AM
Well I dont know about you guys but I was excited about Dragon Quest 9 until they announced that it was coming out for the DS. I will never by the DS or a DS game, and I am someone that has Dragon Quest tattoos and has played every Dragon Quest game ever (except for Rocket Slime because its on the dummy DS! (Dummy System! Get it?) But I'm glad to see that I'm not the only one that had their parents raped by the DS. I can tell all of you must have had some horrific experience with the system too. It's ok my friends, we can all relax. The DS can't hurt us any more. Besides the DS will LOSE this generation bcuz Our lord and Master the Sony corporation will release PS4 this summer with DRAGON QUEST 10 and it will be a portable system because I am like you guys and I hate portable RPGs right now, but if an RPG is for a portable SONY (love you!) system then it's ok and we can like portable RPGs again. DUMMY SYSTEM! get it?
Darc Requiem @ Dec 12th 2006 9:59AM
Socrates, Organic Shadow both of you will be eating crow when this game is released. You both say that the game is going to lack depth. You both are mistaken. Dragon's Quest 6, Tales of Phantasia, Final Fantasy 6, Phantasy Star IV, and Ogre Battle 64: Person of Lordly Caliber were all stuck on cartridges much smaller than the DS carts and they did not lack depth. In fact all of those games I listed had more depth the FFVII with its dumbed down weapon, armor, and battle system. FFVII was on 3 CDs BTW. In fact, the both of you should play Phantasy Star 1 for Master System. It came out in 1987 on a 5 megabit (1.25MB) cartridge and was deeper than most RPGs released 8 to 10 years after it.
clo1_2000 @ Dec 12th 2006 10:05AM
lol @ #15
I can just see them announcing a FF series on the CW:
Tonight, on a very special episode of Final Fantasy XII...
Slaziman @ Dec 12th 2006 10:14AM
LOL JodyAnthony! Nice one
And as soon as the Wii becomes as huge as the DS, we will be having DQ 10 with motion controls, ahahahahaa, Nintendo is wiping it's ass with Benjamins right now
Musashi9X @ Dec 12th 2006 10:26AM
I love how all these raving idiots think that being on DS is going to ruin Dragon Quest considering that aside from DQVIII, the series has never boasted visual prowess. I mean, we didn't even get any battle animation whatsoever for 5 games, you just had to go off of flashes and sound effects. VII is the best selling DQ game of all time, and even for when it came out, it looked *horrible* for a PSX game. Methinks we have too many children weaned on Kitase and Nomura in here.
Natalie @ Dec 12th 2006 10:19AM
@15...Have you even played DQVIII? Yes, the characters are definitely anime based, however, my comment about realism, if you read the entire thing correctly, was based on the SCENERY, and how the environment responds to the character. NPC's turn to the Character, the sun moves if you use the first person view and stare at it, the trees sway in the 'wind', and dust kicks up when you walk on dirt. That's realism in an RPG. Character animation is never supposed to be dead on. If that was the case...there would be a middle size for women, not just super skinny/bigbreasted, and fat and ugly. But the kindergarten trees in the snapshot remind me more of my 2 year old daughter's Dora the Explorer game, then what DQVIII was like. DQVII was revolutionary in the DQ series, and this just seems like a super step back.
@29...THANK YOU FOR SAYING IT BEST... FAREWELL Dragon Quest. I will miss you.
Beaudry @ Dec 12th 2006 10:20AM
I very much like Dairy Queen also. I especially enjoy the DQ ice cream cakes.
Dan @ Dec 12th 2006 10:19AM
In a strange sort of way, I'm actually more excited to see a Level 5 game on DS than about the whole DQ exclusive. I was worried they'd b developing only for PS3, and a Level 5 Wii game would be very cool.
Jeff @ Dec 12th 2006 10:27AM
I'm still not quite buying that this is "exclusive". At the very least, it doesn't appear to have been announced that way. It may turn out to be, but does nobody here actually speak Japanese that can read this and tell us definitively if the headline here is actually correct? Because as of now, to me it doesn't appear to have been "announced as a DS exclusive", but rather just announced for the DS.
(If there aren't any Japanese speakers here, I'll try to enlist my wife's help later, if I remember to do so.)
I don't think you can go just on past history to determine whether a new game is exclusive or not. My guess is they're probably just waiting to see how home console sales shake out. It may be that the DS gets DQ9 first, but I would bet one home system or another will get it too. Square-Enix has become a lot less exclusive since the merger; it seems like the limiting factor is simply resources. (And if Level 5 develops the original game for the DS, S-E can use another team for the port(s)).
Natalie @ Dec 12th 2006 10:52AM
@35 Don't judge what you don't know. I grew up with Nintendo and Sega Genesis. I played Dragon WARRIOR 1 - 4, and I know just how horrible graphics used to be. I know what we've come from. The only thing I am saying, is that if you have improved on a game, why ruin it. i just played through the beginnings again('tis a yearly 'quest' for me), and I am still amazed at how far the series has come.
Believe it or not, your choice, I never owned a system passed an original NES, and a 32-bit Sega Genesis, until this year, when I became engaged to a man who owned a PS2. The graphics and the game play is amazing, the fluidity and realism(uh oh, I'm going to start another argument with that word :P) of the playing environment is not something that should just be tossed. Agreed, the game was not always like this, and VII is the perfect example. But my whole thing is, why ruin a good thing once you've already started it?
And, though I agree with the idea of a portable RPG like DQ, DS' screen is less than 4 inches, and I just can't see myself enjoying a game that I can barely see without magnifying glasses.
And I agree....if it was going to be on Wii, damn straight I'd buy it. Hell...I'm getting that system just for Zelda...lmao. DQIX for Wii would just make me ecstatic. Slashing away at slimes all day......lmao.
Bubble Gum @ Dec 12th 2006 10:33AM
@39, yes I've clocked over 200 hours into Dragon Quest VIII. I've also played EACH AND EVERY game in the series as they were released, even ones that remained exclusive to Japan. Most of them multiple times. I've got so many Dragon Quest toys and books and comics.. I'm a total DQ nut and I think this is the best news I've heard all month.
You are basing your claims that there is no animation or life in the game based on ONE STILL, NON-MOVING SCREENSHOT. That is amazing. That is utterly and incorrigibly amazing. That is the same level of sheer, brilliant moronity that the internet Lloyds displayed when the first screenshots of The Wind Waker were released. Seriously, please stop and think about what you've said: you have come to a complete and concrete conclusion that the game is going to suck and lose all its sense of artistry based on a single, still image. Amazing.
Muttley @ Dec 12th 2006 10:34AM
This is the headstone on PSP's grave and one less PS3 sale stimule.
Lots of fun with fanboys in denial.
Saneless @ Dec 12th 2006 10:45AM
"I'm a bit shocked that the DS stole a PS3 exclusive"
What's to be shocked about? Nintendo's DS has ONE HUNDRED TIMES the install base of the PS3. It's a slam dunk.
Sven @ Dec 12th 2006 10:42AM
>I'm still not quite buying that this is "exclusive". <
Well, the most obvious counter-argument to that is simply: where the hell else is this going to be ported to? Making it on the PS2 or PS3 would require coding a whole other game, and the PSP would seem to be incompatible with a game they're using the dual-screen setup for.
I can buy parallel development of DQX for the PS3, but at the same time... the market's shifted in Japan, and the PS3 is by no means a sure thing anymore.
For someone raised on SNES-era RPGs, this looks just fine. Screw the graphics as long as the gameplay is good (which I'll admit is an unknown quantity right now), and this has the added benefit of being portable.
- Sven