Dragon Quest IX delayed

DS News | Japan's most anticipated game moves to 2008.

What was set to be the biggest game in Japan this year will now be the biggest game in Japan next year. Dragon Quest is easily the most popular RPG series in Japan, and the latest numbered chapter was previously due out on the Nintendo DS in September. Japanese site Game watch reports that the game has disappeared from Square Enix 2007 schedule and reappeared with a 2008 date.

There are a few possible reasons for the delay, and the most likely is that Square Enix want to make room for their other games to sell, such as the recently announced Dragon Quest remakes, also on DS. The Dragon Quest producers have previously mentioned that IX was being put to the side temporarily so they could work on these re-makes (which use the same engine as IX), as well as the recently released chart-topping Wii game Dragon Quest Swords, so the delay isn't really surprising for fans who have followed these developments.

What is certain is that whenever it does get released Dragon Quest IX has a legitimate shot at becoming the highest selling individual game of all time in Japan (not counting combined Pokemon versions). Based on current sales rates the DS will surpass the PS2's lifetime sales in Japan in about three months to become the highest selling game platform of all time in the region. Combined with the always sky high popularity of the series, this release could make history.

Related Content

Pre-TGS 2007: Square-Enix TGS line-up announced
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New Dragon Quest IX screenshots
02 May, 2007 Go you good thing!

Dragon Quest IX confirmed for the Nintendo DS
12 Dec, 2006 Square Enix drops a bombshell. Updated to include the first images.

8 Comments

ret the roman

4 years ago

Quote

What was set to be the biggest game in Japan this year will now be the biggest game in Japan next year. Dragon Quest is easily the most popular RPG series in Japan, and the latest numbered chapter was previously due out on the Nintendo DS in September. Japanese site [http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/game/docs/20070827/dq9.htm?ref=rss]Game watch[/url] reports that the game has disappeared from Square Enix 2007 schedule and reappeared with a 2008 date.

Need to fix this mate.

On topic:

I can see why they delayed it, they dont want to bring it out so close to the DQ remakes.

Nick

4 years ago

I agree with retroman and as for sales - I'm going to agree with David, in that it will be the highest selling title on the DS.

Man I can't wait to get this. I'm also groovy for the remakes too since I haven't played any other's except for 8.

Skiller

4 years ago

Nick wrote

Same, well except that I've only got about 5 hours into 8

, I've got a big backlog of PS2 games I've been neglecting

mantra79

4 years ago

so when are the remakes due?

donovan515

4 years ago

Dragon Quest = instant win, so it's good they are taking their time to make sure it's quality is up top.

jecht_raiden

4 years ago

Quote

Dragon Quest is easily the most popular RPG series in Japan

you sure about that?...

Daniel Primed

4 years ago

I still wish that we would see more on it. I haven't heard anything new on this game for some time now. I'm not alone here?

It will be interesting if the remakes get released before this title. ^_^