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Could Dragon Quest XI Rejuvenate The Flagging JRPG Genre?

Remember Dragon Quest VIII ? JRPG lovers kinda love that game.

It came out during a time when JRPGs were just starting to decline, in my estimation. The golden era was between the SNES and original PlayStation days (with a few years of carryover into the PS2 generation) and DQVIII sorta reminded us of those days.

I'm wondering if the newly announced Dragon Quest XI will do the same thing. Of course, it's much more difficult now, as the JRPG – and unfortunately, Japanese games in general – have definitely declined in terms of appeal and in some cases, quality. Perhaps it falls to Dragon Quest to once again rejuvenate an ailing genre, which is ailing now more than it ever has. I think the new Star Ocean could help as well but for some reason, I believe the next DQ has a better shot. It fits the mold.

There's just something about these games, you know? They have that traditional fantasy vibe mixed with Japanese influence and it makes for a perfect role-playing adventure. If done correctly, if the gameplay is there, if it's distinctly Japanese and an updated RPG (yeah, I know it has to have a modern combat mechanic), I think it'll work. I believe it could go a long way toward resurrecting my interest in the genre, that's for sure. Can't count on Final Fantasy to do that anymore.

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WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
8 years ago

If it stays turn based then we got a winner. Star Ocean is lovely but it's action RPG. I want that little extra bit of strategy in my battles most of the time. I can't believe the twits of this generation misunderstood the whole concept and ended such wonderful fantasies.

I'm on a kick right now. Just bought Suikoden III on the store, and I'm Playing Suikoden II and Legend of Dragoon all on a 70 inch. Like goin' back in time…


Last edited by WorldEndsWithMe on 7/28/2015 11:35:36 PM

Jbumi
Jbumi
8 years ago

I agree – that's why I'm really looking forward to Divinity Original Sin, Persona 5 & Wasteland 2 on PS4. It's been a looong time since I could list off that many big name turn based RPGs scheduled for release!

My biggest problem with many of the newer JRPGs is this juvenile obsession with very young, practically naked girls. I think the Ar Tonelico series was the first big main JRPG series to go down this road (the sexual innuendo was ridiculous), & things have only gotten worse.

Here's hoping things are taking an upswing! 🙂

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
8 years ago

heh, a dig at my avatar? You'd be surprised at how fun the turn based combat in Omega Quintet is.

Jbumi
Jbumi
8 years ago

? I honestly have no idea what I said has to do with your avatar. I was just talking about where I feel JRPGs have gone in the last decade. I bought the first Ar Tonelico when it initially released not realizing how puerile is was going to be. After the first "insertion" scene I traded the game off.

I really thought this type of thing would be a quickly passing phase. I never dreamed it would expand & encompass mainstream anime as well. I just feel it's brought both mediums down.

Jawknee
Jawknee
8 years ago

We may never know. Seems Squenix doesn't yet know if they wil even release it in the west.

Snaaaake
Snaaaake
8 years ago

The JRPG genre itself was never in decline, in fact, nothing was wrong with it.

The JRPG genre could have stayed on top had SE not messed up big time and I'm sure everyone know how they messed up.
Some other reasons would be Mistwalker NOT making anything for PS3, Suikoden's last main series was in 2006 for the PS2, Xenosaga died and only Namco knows why, Level 5 making the decent-only WKC and then Dragon Quest went into handheld mode and I don't know why it did.
These are some of JRPGs biggest pillars and when they're gone, it was bound to fall.

So you asked if DQXI would rejuvenate the JRPG genre?
I answer would be no unless it's FFX or DQVIII all over again.


Last edited by Snaaaake on 7/29/2015 9:09:12 AM

Bio
Bio
8 years ago

So nothing was ever wrong with the genre except for all the failures and missteps you just listed?

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
8 years ago

We lost Xenosaga, Suikoden, Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, Grandia, Shadow Hearts. I'd say we had a problem.

Bio
Bio
8 years ago

I don't think any one game can resurrect any genre, and JRPGs face a bigger obstacle than most in that in order to attract new buyers the games has to have at least some modern sensibilities but the diehard fans want it to stay 1997 forever.

If any one game has a shot at it, it's the FFVII remake for PS4, which will be delayed to PS5, so well find out if I'm wrong or not in about 12 years.

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
8 years ago

The thing about that is there's a misunderstanding that elements of classic jrpgs can't be updated for the new age without destroying the core experience.

By all means keep it 1997 in the sense that every jrpg had its very own combat system, big story, deep characters and all that. The games just need all the polish and innovative advancements that tech brings today.

xenris
xenris
8 years ago

If it can have the same vibes as Dragon quest 9 then I think it is going to be a huge hit.

Sure they can add some modern features to the game, for example Dragon Quest 8 was a huge grind, and save points were really spread out sometimes.

But other than that it is my favourite RPG on the PS2 easily. Beats out all the PS2 Final Fantasys hands down in my opinion.

I'm looking forward to this.

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
5 years ago

The thing about that is there&#39s a misunderstanding that elements of classic jrpgs can&#39t be updated for the new age without destroying the core experience.

By all means keep it 1997 in the sense that every jrpg had its very own combat system, big story, deep characters and all that. The games just need all the polish and innovative advancements that tech brings today.

Bio
Bio
5 years ago

I don&#39t think any one game can resurrect any genre, and JRPGs face a bigger obstacle than most in that in order to attract new buyers the games has to have at least some modern sensibilities but the diehard fans want it to stay 1997 forever.

If any one game has a shot at it, it&#39s the FFVII remake for PS4, which will be delayed to PS5, so well find out if I&#39m wrong or not in about 12 years.

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
5 years ago

heh, a dig at my avatar? You&#39d be surprised at how fun the turn based combat in Omega Quintet is.

xenris
xenris
5 years ago

If it can have the same vibes as Dragon quest 9 then I think it is going to be a huge hit.

Sure they can add some modern features to the game, for example Dragon Quest 8 was a huge grind, and save points were really spread out sometimes.

But other than that it is my favourite RPG on the PS2 easily. Beats out all the PS2 Final Fantasys hands down in my opinion.

I&#39m looking forward to this.

Jbumi
Jbumi
5 years ago

? I honestly have no idea what I said has to do with your avatar. I was just talking about where I feel JRPGs have gone in the last decade. I bought the first Ar Tonelico when it initially released not realizing how puerile is was going to be. After the first "insertion" scene I traded the game off.

I really thought this type of thing would be a quickly passing phase. I never dreamed it would expand & encompass mainstream anime as well. I just feel it&#39s brought both mediums down.

Jbumi
Jbumi
5 years ago

I agree – that&#39s why I&#39m really looking forward to Divinity Original Sin, Persona 5 & Wasteland 2 on PS4. It&#39s been a looong time since I could list off that many big name turn based RPGs scheduled for release!

My biggest problem with many of the newer JRPGs is this juvenile obsession with very young, practically naked girls. I think the Ar Tonelico series was the first big main JRPG series to go down this road (the sexual innuendo was ridiculous), & things have only gotten worse.

Here&#39s hoping things are taking an upswing! 🙂

Bio
Bio
5 years ago

So nothing was ever wrong with the genre except for all the failures and missteps you just listed?

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
5 years ago

We lost Xenosaga, Suikoden, Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, Grandia, Shadow Hearts. I&#39d say we had a problem.

Snaaaake
Snaaaake
5 years ago

The JRPG genre itself was never in decline, in fact, nothing was wrong with it.

The JRPG genre could have stayed on top had SE not messed up big time and I&#39m sure everyone know how they messed up.
Some other reasons would be Mistwalker NOT making anything for PS3, Suikoden&#39s last main series was in 2006 for the PS2, Xenosaga died and only Namco knows why, Level 5 making the decent-only WKC and then Dragon Quest went into handheld mode and I don&#39t know why it did.
These are some of JRPGs biggest pillars and when they&#39re gone, it was bound to fall.

So you asked if DQXI would rejuvenate the JRPG genre?
I answer would be no unless it&#39s FFX or DQVIII all over again.

Last edited by Snaaaake on 7/29/2015 9:09:12 AM

WorldEndsWithMe
WorldEndsWithMe
5 years ago

If it stays turn based then we got a winner. Star Ocean is lovely but it&#39s action RPG. I want that little extra bit of strategy in my battles most of the time. I can&#39t believe the twits of this generation misunderstood the whole concept and ended such wonderful fantasies.

I&#39m on a kick right now. Just bought Suikoden III on the store, and I&#39m Playing Suikoden II and Legend of Dragoon all on a 70 inch. Like goin&#39 back in time…

Last edited by WorldEndsWithMe on 7/28/2015 11:35:36 PM

Jawknee
Jawknee
5 years ago

We may never know. Seems Squenix doesn&#39t yet know if they wil even release it in the west.

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