As a seasoned gamer and longtime fan of the Dragon Quest series, I must admit that I was both excited and apprehensive when Square Enix announced the HD-2D remake of Dragon Quest III. The anticipation was immense, especially considering its status as a beloved classic in Japan. However, it seems that the changes made to character designs and gender descriptions have sparked a heated debate among the Japanese fandom, which is not entirely surprising given the game’s popularity.
The original Dragon Quest III is widely regarded as Japan’s most beloved video game ever made. Therefore, when Square Enix announced the Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake, it sparked immense excitement across the nation. However, this widespread enthusiasm also brought about a close examination of the changes in details by Japanese gaming enthusiasts.
One point of focus in their review is the alteration of certain character designs and job descriptions for gender variations within those characters. Even the creator of Dragon Quest, Yuji Horii, has brought up these topics during a live broadcast related to Tokyo Game Show 2024.
The talk about the Dragon Quest HD-2D remakes was not presented during Square Enix’s official stage show, but rather on a different live stream managed by the Japanese video game news platform DenFamiNicoGamer.
In the last part of the stream dedicated to the DQ III remake, Horii could be seen conversing with Naz Chris, a DJ who was hosting the event while dressed as the hero from DQ III in cosplay, and Kazuhiko Torishima, a former editor-in-chief of Weekly Shonen Jump and V Jump magazines. Known by his nickname “Mashirito”, Torishima is renowned for discovering the talents of Akira Toriyama, a late mangaka artist who contributed to Dragon Ball, Dragon Quest, Chrono Trigger, and more through illustrations and character designs. Neither Naz Chris nor Kazuhiko Torishima worked directly on Dragon Quest III, but Horii is undeniably the mastermind behind the entire Dragon Quest series.
Among them, the three individuals talked about the modifications introduced to the game in its latest version, with an aim to boost its market value. Notably, Horii offered a seldom comment regarding the varying language used in the characterization of the two protagonists’ descriptions for this new launch. The detailed conversation can be found from approximately 6 hours, 12 minutes, and 47 seconds into the video. Here are our translations of their discussion:
Naz Chris: This subject has sparked quite a debate lately – it revolves around whether the costumes will remain unchanged or be updated.
Yuji Horii acknowledges that numerous limitations have been imposed. For instance, it’s not permissible to reveal excessive details or content.
Naz Chris: Oh, I wasn’t planning to explore that subject too thoroughly. I thought it would be alright since it’s a work of fiction. After all, you’re the main character embarking on an adventure, so I assumed everything would be fine. But if that’s not how it is, please let me know.
Yuji Horii: I wonder, I don’t quite understand this matter either.
Naz Chris: The game is like an imaginary world offering a unique personal adventure. Therefore, I believe you could enjoy the experience it provides.
Yuji Horii: Excessive exposure might lead to a higher age rating, preventing the work from being suitable for all ages anymore.
Since regulations vary by country, if you aim for a broad market reach, it’s essential to comply with the most stringent set of rules.
Naz Chris: Back then we wouldn’t have to think about that.
Kazuhiko Torishima, in regards to compliance, I find it somewhat enigmatic… It leaves me puzzled as to what exactly it is… However, I must concede that it carries an air of supreme authority, almost divine-like. Yet, it seems to masquerade as a benevolent force, when in reality, it may bear a deceitful, disguised maliciousness. [Translators’ Note: An alternative paraphrase could be “Kazuhiko Torishima, regarding compliance, I find it puzzling… It leaves me uncertain about its true nature… Yet, I must acknowledge that it exudes an aura of unquestionable power, hinting at divinity. However, it appears to present itself as a benign entity, but could potentially be hiding a sinister intent.”]
Everyone has moments when they feel uncomfortable at times. It’s perfectly normal to feel this way in certain situations. However, it’s important to remember that what feels clean or dirty, good or bad is subjective and varies from person to person. Ultimately, there are some actions that universally should not be done, but as long as you avoid those, you can generally find your own comfort level elsewhere. But it’s not accurate to say that everyone never feels uncomfortable.
It really came from the West; a way of approaching sex education with a religious concept exists in America, doesn’t it? Their way of thinking on compliance is really very narrow. That’s why when we want to bring our comics there, we have to separate all of them by age [rating]. If Shonen Jump manga titles aren’t 13+ they cannot be published. We have to retake everything. And since lawsuits can happen, we also have to get an insurance. Having to do things with a stupid country like this is really annoying. And Japan is also getting a bad influence from that.
In a more straightforward manner: Yuji Horii: You have the option to select either a male or female version of the main character, but it shouldn’t be expressed as “choose from Male or Female.” Instead, consider using terms like “Type 1” and “Type 2.” I can’t fathom who would object to “Male and Female,” as it seems rather straightforward. I just don’t understand the reasoning behind this change.
The remarks are likely to rekindle an ongoing discussion regarding the modifications made by Square Enix, which they argue were necessary to make this updated version of DQ3 appealing and inclusive for a wide audience. Remarkably candid, these comments offer a rare glimpse into the creator’s thoughts on the topic in a straightforward manner.
The modifications to the layout and language adaptations will affect not just the English and other translations, but also the original Japanese version of the remake. Since Square Enix is planning to launch the Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake globally at the same time for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC (Steam and Microsoft Store) on November 14, it’s logical that all editions will be consistent.
In my gaming adventure, I’ve stumbled upon an interesting detail about the upcoming characters in our favorite game. As I type this, their official Japanese website describes the male Hero, who will have Nobuyuki Hiyama lending his voice to battle cries, as “Character A” appearance-wise. On the other hand, the female Hero, voiced by Junko Minaguchi, is labeled as “Character B”. This pattern seems consistent across all the professions displayed on the webpage, even the freshly introduced Monster Wrangler role.
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2024-09-30 15:56