Yuji Horii Reflects on Backlash to Dragon Quest 9 DS Exclusivity

When Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies was announced, it broke franchise tradition by targeting a handheld platform. Franchise creator Yuji Horii recently reflected on the launch decision and the initial backlash from fans who were unhappy about the game being bound to the Nintendo DS.

Speaking to Japanese publication Famitsu during the franchise's 40th anniversary celebrations, Horii recalled the negative response following the massive 3D success of Dragon Quest VIII on the PlayStation 2 in 2004. At the time, players expected the next mainline title to release on more powerful home hardware such as the PlayStation 3 or the Nintendo Wii.

Instead, Square Enix chose the Nintendo DS. "It made for interesting gameplay, and I thought everyone would be surprised, but when we announced it, we had a lot of criticism, like 'What? On Nintendo DS?' At the time we were actually a little disheartened," Horii explained in the interview, translated via Nintendo Everything.

According to Horii, the decision to restrict the game to the Nintendo DS was driven by a desire for "quick and easy play over local networks." During that era, establishing local network connections was complex on other platforms, whereas the Nintendo DS made wireless connectivity straightforward as soon as the power was turned on. "We thought that was an amazing system, and decided we wanted to make Dragon Quest 9 using that ability," Horii said.

While early player feedback on forums like GameFAQs labeled the shift as a major graphical and audio step down, public sentiment shifted over the years. Players grew to appreciate the game's unique multiplayer tag mode, extensive post-launch DLC content, and flexible character customization options. Despite this eventual appreciation, the game remains trapped on the original Nintendo DS hardware, with Square Enix yet to announce any official plans for a modern remaster or remake.