Dragon Quest Creator Addresses ‘Censorship’ Controversy

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Dragon Quest Creator Addresses 'Censorship' Controversy

Key Takeaways

  • Some fans have recently criticized Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake for censoring certain character models to show less skin compared to the original game.
  • Dragon Quest creator Yuji Horii attributed these changes to age rating compliance.
  • Horii suggested that he personally doesn’t have an issue with the original artwork authored by the late Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama.

As a long-time gamer who has grown up with the Dragon Quest series since its inception, I find myself torn between nostalgia and understanding regarding the recent changes in the Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake. On one hand, it’s disheartening to see some of the original artwork being altered due to censorship and age rating compliance. The iconic sprites authored by the late Akira Toriyama hold a special place in my heart, and I can’t help but feel a tinge of disappointment at their modification.

In a recent update, Yuji Horii, the creator of the renowned Dragon Quest series, disclosed that the modifications in censorship for the Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake are necessary to meet age rating standards. Additionally, Horii has shared insights on various minor alterations that set the remake apart from the 1988 original.

First unveiled in May 2021, the remake of Dragon Quest 3 was finalized for release in mid-September 2024. The game is set to debut on November 14 across various platforms including PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, and PC. However, prior to its launch, some fans have expressed disapproval towards developer Ardink for modifying certain character models in the game. Particularly, they’ve updated the female sprites of Warrior and Gadabout classes to display less skin.

Dragon Quest Creator Attributes DQ3 HD-2D Remake Censorship to ‘Regulations’

In a recent interview during Tokyo Game Show 2024, Dragon Quest creator Yuji Horii acknowledged and addressed complaints about changes made to the game. He explained that these alterations were due to “different rules and regulations,” as keeping the original artwork by the late Akira Toriyama would have resulted in a higher age rating for the game. Despite this, Horii stated that he personally doesn’t find any issues with how the 1988 sprites appear, based on a translation of the interview shared by Twitter user Saou0345.

Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake Won’t Have Male/Female Hero Terminology

Previously, the Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake received an ESRB rating of Everyone 10+. As of October 1, its PEGI classification is still unpublished, but it’s expected to be equivalent to the ESRB rating, which would make it suitable for players aged 12 and up. During his TGS 2024 interview, creator Horii mentioned some alterations in the remake. One such change is that instead of offering a choice between a male or female protagonist at the start, the game will now label them as Type 1 and Type 2. This confuses Horii, as he questioned who might be causing the issue since it’s unclear if anyone is complaining about this particular aspect.

Previously at Shonen Jump magazine, Kazuhiko Torishima – a key figure in initiating the original Dragon Quest series in the ’80s – was among those interviewed during TGS 2024. During the discussion about the censorship of the Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake, Torishima expressed his dissatisfaction with the U.S., describing it as “overly restrictive” when it comes to content ratings, using terms like “ridiculous country” and implying a lack of open-mindedness.

I really wonder who’s even complaining about this?

Regardless of debates surrounding censorship, the Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake is eagerly anticipated for its array of enhancements. These include graphical improvements akin to those in Octopath Traveler, as well as features such as quest markers and adjustable difficulty levels. In addition, a fresh vocation called Monster Wrangler will be introduced, accompanied by updated animations and status alterations that mirror the reduction of enemy health points.

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2024-10-01 19:43