Dragon Quest X

Dragon Quest X

Original cover art
Developer(s) Square Enix
Armor Project
Publisher(s) Square Enix
Director(s) Jin Fujisawa
Producer(s) Yosuke Saito
Designer(s) Naoki Yoshida
Yuji Horii
Artist(s) Akira Toriyama
Writer(s) Jin Fujisawa
Yuji Horii
Composer(s) Koichi Sugiyama
Series Dragon Quest
Engine Crystal Tools
Platform(s) Wii, Wii U, Microsoft Windows, Android, Nintendo 3DS, PlayStation 4
Release date(s)
Genre(s) Massively multiplayer online role-playing
Mode(s) Multiplayer

Dragon Quest X: Mezameshi Itsutsu no Shuzoku Online (Japanese: ドラゴンクエストX 目覚めし五つの種族 オンライン Hepburn: Doragon Kuesuto Ten: Mezameshi Itsutsu no Shuzoku Onrain, lit. "Dragon Quest X: Awakening of the Five Race Online") is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) developed and published by Square Enix for Wii, Wii U, Microsoft Windows and PlayStation 4, and is to date, the only game in the series to not be released outside Japan.[4][5][6] It is the tenth installment in the Dragon Quest series, and was called "the highest profile third-party release ever announced for Wii" by Nintendo Power.[7] Smartphone and tablet versions of the game were released on NTT DoCoMo's dGame service on December 16, 2013.[2]

A second version, subtitled Nemureru Yūsha to Michibiki no Meiyū Online (眠れる勇者と導きの盟友 オンライン, lit. "The Sleeping Hero and the Guided Allies Online"), was released in Japan on December 5, 2013. A pack containing both version one and two of Dragon Quest X, subtitled All in One Package (オールインワンパッケージ ōruinwanpakkēji) was released on August 7, 2014.

A third version, subtitled Inishie no Ryuu no Denshou Online (いにしえの竜の伝承 オンライン, lit. "Lore of the Ancient Dragon Online"), was released in Japan on April 30, 2015,[8] although this release is only for the Wii, Wii U, and Windows versions of the games. A compilation of all three was released for the Wii U on December 3, 2015.[9]

Gameplay

Dragon Quest X must be played online to access all of the content, but it can be played offline for a few hours. There is a monthly subscription fee.[10][11][12] The game utilizes cloud storage for save files and other game data.[13]

The game play is aligned with all other Dragon Quest games which include the traditional RPG game play with elements of other contemporary MMORPGs. The player has access to an open-world environment which include random towns, enemies, quests and many secrets that lie hidden. With Dragon Quest X players are able to see the enemy on the map which they're able to choose to fight or flee. Players can also form groups with up to four other people. Like many other multiplayer games, there are quests and items to be found randomly and most players will begin their quest in "starting areas". Each race has its own unique town in which the players are able to socialize, barter, investigate, and do as they will. Players can cross-play with others who are using a different platform.

Story

Setting

The game is set in a new world, Astoltia, featuring five continents and six playable races.[14]

Characters

The six races are Human, Ogre, Elf, Dwarf, Puklipo, and Weddie.[14] Players will start as a human character, but after a certain point in the game, the character will become one of the other five races.[15] In the upcoming third expansion of the game there will be a new dragon race added.

Plot

The story begins in Etene village, focusing on the protagonist, an orphan living with his/her sibling. The peace is shattered when Nelgel, the Lord of Hell, attacks the village. At this point, the story branches off into two different perspectives: first, being an extended offline campaign following the protagonist's sibling, who was sent into the past in order to be protected from Nelgel. Second, the protagonist's soul is transported to a shrine where the player designs his/her player character and chooses his/her race. Once complete, the protagonist's soul enters the body of the player character, which was formerly a corpse. After collecting 6 out of 10 sacred emblems, a sage attempts to create a bridge leading to Nelgel's lair. When it fails, he decides to separate the protagonist's soul from the body he/she was inhabiting in a desperate attempt to try another method. This proves to be successful, as the protagonist then meets the body's original owner. The protagonist's mission is made clear when he/she realizes that a sacred vessel called the Ark of the Heavens is the only thing that can penetrate Nelgel's defenses. The protagonist then travels 500 years into the past, where the Ark of the Heavens was last used in recorded history. After fighting Razban, a demon bent on bringing Nelgel to life, the protagonist forges a friendship bond with a young boy who knew the secret to using the Ark of the Heavens. Returning to the present, the protagonist entered Nelgel's lair, and after a long battle, emerged successful. After the ending credits roll by, the protagonist is greeted by the sage from before, who informs him/her that despite Nelgel's defeat, the seal he had on the central continent was still active.

Development

Game director Jin Fujisawa did not want the game's subscription service to prevent people from experiencing the game, and this lead to periods of free game access called "Kid's time".[16] Dragon Quest X was formally announced by Yuji Horii on December 10, 2008 at a Dragon Quest conference,[17] On September 5, 2011, Square Enix held a Dragon Quest conference where they showed a trailer and confirmed it was for Wii and Wii U.[18] Players of both versions have access to the same world with cross-platform interaction.[19] Upon the initial announcement of the game, Nintendo president and CEO Satoru Iwata compared the Dragon Quest series to the Brain Age series, which was also seen as unmarketable in the West, and declared that he would like to work closely with Square Enix to raise the series' international appeal.[7] To promote the game, Nissan created seven Dragon Quest branded Nissan Serenas and had a contest for someone to win one.[20] In July 2013, Square Enix announced that a PC version of the game was being developed, with a release date of September 26, 2013.[21] In early March 2013, a beta of the Wii U version of the game began in preparation for a March 30, 2013 Japanese release, featuring enhanced graphics, a partially orchestrated score, and support of the Wii U GamePad.[22][23]

Related media

Longtime Dragon Quest series composer, Koichi Sugiyama, wrote the music for Dragon Quest X. A "Symphonic Suite" album, with live arrangements and suites, was released on December 5, 2012.[24] An original soundtrack, featuring the tracks from the Wii U version, was released in Japan by King Records on July 24, 2013.[25] A soundtrack featuring all the new tracks from the Nemureru Yūsha to Michibiki no Meiyū Online expansion was released on July 23, 2014.[26] Game has a side-story manga series Dragon Quest: Sōten no Soura (ドラゴンクエスト 蒼天のソウラ), which is created by Yuuki Nakashima and still serialized by V-Jump from February 2013.[27]

Reception

Sales and subscriptions

Dragon Quest X sold 420,311 copies its first week in Japan, low for a Dragon Quest game but well for an MMORPG.[28] It was the tenth best selling game of 2012 in Japan, selling over 609,783 copies.[29] In November 2012, Dragon Quest X exceeded 400,000 subscribers.[27][30] In its first week on sale, the Wii U version of the game sold 33,302 copies, coming in as the number 6 best selling game of that period.[31] By the end of 2012, the Wii version of the game had sold over 633,000 copies, and by the end of 2013, the second Wii version had sold over 127,000 copies, the first Wii U version had sold over 72,000 copies, and the second Wii U version had sold over 70,000 copies.[32][33]

In a 2014 interview, producer Yosuke Saito said, in Japan, Dragon Quest X has 300,000 active audiences per a day.[34]

As of March 27, 2014, the game has sold one million copies across all platforms.[35]

The Wii and Wii U versions of the game sold over 95,000 and 111,000 copies by the end of 2015, respectively.[36]

Critical reception

Reception
Review score
PublicationScore
Famitsu36/40[37]

Dragon Quest X has received positive reviews. The popular Japanese gaming magazine Famitsu gave Dragon Quest X a 36/40.[37] One of the reviewers noted "It's a very well-made package; from the warmly familiar world to the story that has a tendency to wrap you up in it. It's all very Dragon Quest-like -- although it feels like leveling takes more time compared to the offline DQs, or at least requires a lot more effort. Still, it's very kind to people who aren't familiar with online RPGs, and the whole thing's designed to make it as fun and accessible as possible to work with other players and go off on adventures."[38]


References

  1. ↑ Agnello, Anthony John (April 26, 2012). "Dragon Quest X begins the unusual transition from Wii to Wii U in Japan this August". Digital Trends. Retrieved 2012-09-12.
  2. 1 2 "Dragon Quest X Heads To The Cloud On December 16". Siliconera. December 13, 2013. Retrieved 2013-12-13.
  3. ↑ "Dragon Quest X coming to PS4". Gematsu. July 28, 2015. Retrieved 2016-01-18.
  4. ↑ Crossley, Rob (October 10, 2008). "Wii Gets Dragon Quest X". Edge. Archived from the original on December 18, 2014. Retrieved 2008-10-10.
  5. ↑ Reynolds, Matthew (October 10, 2008). "'Dragon Quest X' coming to Wii". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on September 13, 2015. Retrieved 2008-10-10.
  6. ↑ Tom Sykes (June 22, 2013). "Dragon Quest X coming to PC this September". Future Publishing. Archived from the original on February 18, 2014. Retrieved June 23, 2013.
  7. 1 2 Casey L., ed. (2009). Nintendo Power volume 238. Future US, Inc. p. 14.
  8. ↑ "ドラゴンクエストX　いにしえの竜の伝承　オンライン 公式サイト - SQUARE ENIX". Retrieved December 3, 2015.
  9. ↑ Whitehead, Thomas. "Dragon Quest X Compilation Of All Three Versions Heading To Wii U In Japan". Nintendo Life. Retrieved 26 November 2015.
  10. ↑ Spencer . September 6, 2011 . 12:55am (September 6, 2011). "You Can Play A "Few" Hours Of Dragon Quest X Offline". Siliconera. Retrieved 2011-10-27.
  11. ↑ "スクウェア・エニックス サポートセンター". Support.jp.square-enix.com. Retrieved 2011-10-27.
  12. ↑ "Dragon Quest X BETA TEST in November!". Senpai Gamer. November 7, 2011. Retrieved November 7, 2011.
  13. ↑ Keza MacDonald (December 5, 2012). "Dragon Quest X Wii U Will Use Cloud Saves". IGN. IGN Entertainment. Retrieved 2013-03-13.
  14. 1 2 "Dragon Quest X Official Site" (in Japanese). Square Enix. 2011. Retrieved 2011-11-02.
  15. ↑ "Dragon Quest X's story has lots of volume; may have a last boss". Andriasang. September 27, 2011.
  16. ↑ Spencer (July 30, 2012). "Dragon Quest X Director Wanted To Add Free Play Periods For Long Time Fans". Siliconera. Retrieved April 13, 2013.
  17. ↑ Takenaka, Kiyoshi (December 10, 2008). "Square Enix to launch Dragon Quest IX for Y5,980". Reuters.com. Archived from the original on January 30, 2015. Retrieved 2008-12-09.
  18. ↑ "Dragon Quest X's game play, TGS 2011". February 1, 2012.
  19. ↑ "Dragon Quest X confirmed for Wii U". Archived from the original on October 19, 2013. Retrieved September 5, 2011.
  20. ↑ Brian Ashcraft (August 13, 2012). "Japan's Biggest Role-Playing Game Gets its Own...Minivan". Kotaku. Archived from the original on September 26, 2013. Retrieved April 13, 2013.
  21. ↑ Kohler, Chris (July 11, 2013). "Square Enix: ‘Of Course’ Dragon Quest X MMO Will Be Released Outside Japan". Wired.com. Archived from the original on March 24, 2014. Retrieved November 29, 2013.
  22. ↑ Ishaan (March 8, 2013). "Dragon Quest X Wii U Trailer Shows Off Its Enhanced Visuals". Siliconera. Retrieved April 13, 2013.
  23. ↑ Ishaan (December 23, 2012). "Dragon Quest X On Wii U To Have Orchestrated Music". Siliconera. Retrieved April 13, 2013.
  24. ↑ Jayson Napolitano (January 5, 2012). "Dragon Quest X orchestral album out today". Destructoid. Retrieved April 13, 2013.
  25. ↑ "Wii U版 ドラゴンクエストX オリジナルサウンドトラック". King Records. Retrieved May 16, 2015.
  26. ↑ "ドラゴンクエストX 眠れる勇者と導きの盟友 オリジナルサウンドトラック". King Records. Retrieved May 16, 2015.
  27. 1 2 Ishaan (December 2, 2012). "Dragon Quest X To See A Manga Adaptation". Siliconera. Retrieved April 13, 2013.
  28. ↑ Anoop Gantayat (August 8, 2012). "Dragon Quest X Sells 420,000 First Week". Andraisang. Retrieved April 13, 2013.
  29. ↑ Ishaan (January 25, 2013). "The Top-30 Best-Selling Games In Japan In 2012 Were…". Siliconera. Retrieved April 13, 2013.
  30. ↑ 2012年国内家庭用ゲーム市場規模は昨年対比98.9％の4491.9億円 ソフト販売本数トップは『ポケットモンスターブラック2・ホワイト2』 (in Japanese). Famitsu.com. January 7, 2013. Retrieved 2013-01-12.
  31. ↑ Ishaan (April 3, 2013). "This Week In Sales: Fate/Extra CCC Returns For A Second Round". Siliconera. Retrieved April 13, 2013.
  32. ↑ "2012年ゲームソフト年間売上TOP1000" [2012 Game Software Annual Sales Top 1000]. Famitsū Gēmu Hakusho 2013 ファミ通ゲーム白書2013 [Famitsu Game Whitebook 2013] (in Japanese). Tokyo: Enterbrain. 2013-05-31. p. 384. Archived from the original on 2015-06-27.
  33. ↑ Gamer. "「グランツーリスモ6」が約20万、「ドラゴンクエストX」は合算で約18万本を販売した週間ゲームソフト販売本数ランキング(集計期間：2013年12月2日～12月8日)". Retrieved December 3, 2015.
  34. ↑ Aetas Inc. "MMORPGの面白さってなんだ？――オンラインゲーム開発のあれこれを語り尽くす「DQX」「FFXI」「FFXIV」プロデューサー座談会". 4Gamer.net. Retrieved December 3, 2015.
  35. ↑ "Dragon Quest X Online Sells 1 Million Copies". Anime News Network. March 27, 2014. Retrieved March 28, 2014.
  36. ↑ "2015年テレビゲームソフト売り上げTOP1000". Famitsu (in Japanese). Geimin. Retrieved 2015-12-08.
  37. 1 2 "Famitsu Reviews Dragon Quest X, Lost Heroes and Max Payne 3". Retrieved August 30, 2012.
  38. ↑ Gifford, Kevin. "Japan Review Check 8/29: 'Dragon Quest X', 'Max Payne 3'". Retrieved August 30, 2012.

External links

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