Dragon Quest Creator Responds to Censorship Controversy

Yuji Horii, the creator of the beloved Dragon Quest series, recently addressed the controversy surrounding the perceived censorship in the Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake. He clarified that the adjustments made to the game were necessary to comply with age rating regulations. Additionally, Horii shared insights into how this remake will differ from the original 1988 version.

Initially announced in May 2021, the highly anticipated remake of Dragon Quest 3 reached the gold status in mid-September 2024. Set to launch on November 14, it will be available on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Ahead of its release, some fans have expressed concerns over changes made by developer Ardink, particularly regarding the redesign of female character models for the Warrior and Gadabout classes, which now feature less revealing outfits.

Yuji Horii Attributes Censorship to Age Rating Regulations

During a recent interview at the Tokyo Game Show 2024, Horii addressed the criticisms surrounding these changes. He explained that the alterations were made due to "various regulations" and noted that retaining the original artwork by the late Akira Toriyama would have resulted in a higher age rating for the game. Horii mentioned that he personally doesn't mind how the original sprites look, according to a translation shared by Twitter user Saou0345.

Changes to Hero Terminology in Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake

The Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake has already received an Everyone 10+ rating from the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), while its PEGI rating is still pending but is expected to be PEGI 12, aligning with the ESRB’s E10+ classification.

In his interview, Horii also revealed another significant change: the game will not offer players the option to choose between a "male" and "female" hero at the beginning. Instead, characters will be referred to as "Type 1" and "Type 2." Horii expressed confusion regarding this decision, asking rhetorically, "I really wonder who's even complaining about this?"

Former Shonen Jump editor Kazuhiko Torishima, who played a pivotal role in launching the original Dragon Quest in the 1980s, joined Horii during the TGS 2024 interview. Following the discussion about censorship, Torishima criticized the United States, describing it as a "ridiculous country" for its "narrow-minded" content rating practices.

Improvements Await in Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake

Despite the ongoing censorship debates, the Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake promises to introduce numerous enhancements, including graphics reminiscent of Octopath Traveler, quest markers, and various difficulty modes. Additionally, a new vocation called Monster Wrangler will be included, alongside updated animations and status effects that reflect the loss of enemy HP. With these innovations, the remake aims to provide a fresh experience while honoring its classic roots.