Issue #41: The Quest for Success in the West – September 2019

If it’s ever going to happen, the time is now.

The Dragon Quest series truly taking off outside Japan, that is. It’s been the most consistent, most beloved franchise across the entire video game industry there in that nation where so many of the games we love are born, but it’s been hit or miss in the rest of the world for decades. (A handful of hits, really, surrounded by a whole lot of misses . . . and missed opportunities.)

But the stars all seem to be aligning this time.

First up, fan reception toward the recently released Dragon Quest Builders 2 has been somewhat surprisingly positive. We expected a solid sequel following up on the foundation that was laid down by the original Builders years ago, but effusive praise is pouring out for this second installment, with some players already declaring it to be among their favorite games of all time! The official NF review lies ahead for you in this issue, and we asked a friend of the Force, Shesez of Boundary Break fame, to take charge of writing it for us. After all his hours poured into Builders 1 and his quest back through the first six DQ sequels over the course of the past two years, he seemed the perfect player to take on the task!

Second, the Dragon Quest series is poised to take advantage of the Super Smash Bros. popularity push like few others have. When Simon Belmont was revealed last year and everyone got hyped to replay Castlevania games . . . Konami drug their feet. The Anniversary Collection didn’t go on sale until nine months after his hype Newcomer trailer. When Joker was confirmed to be the first DLC fighter? No Persona 5 port appeared on the Switch to ride that wave – and we still don’t know if it ever will. But Dragon Quest? There’s a series that’s getting it right, as “The Hero” was revealed as a fighter at E3 in June, he went live in the game at the end of July and Dragon Quest XI S is just over the horizon, ready to capture Smash fans’ piqued interest on September 27.

And Dragon Quest XI S in and of itself is helping its brand gain more recognition here in 2019 than it has perhaps ever enjoyed before. A Switch-exclusive Definitive Edition of a confirmed great JRPG adventure, packed with fresh new features, content and music? I’ll say it again: If Dragon Quest is ever going to turn the corner and become beloved in the West like it is in Japan, the time is now.

It’s been a pleasure putting together this 41st edition of NF, and I hope existing Dragon Quest fans enjoy it, while those of you who’ve never gotten into the series hopefully get inspired to try it!

As always, print copies of this issue ship with a double-sided wall poster! On one side, a map of the land of Erdrea will help you chart your progress through Dragon Quest XI S. And on the reverse, the key art for the adorable new remake of The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening!