[OT] Dragon Quest Heroes: The World Tree's Woe and the Blight Below

[Vyse]

Developer:
Omega Force

Publisher:
Square Enix

Platforms:
PlayStation 4
PlayStation 3
Microsoft Windows

Genre:
Action-RPG

Release Date:
February 26, 2015 (JP)
October 13, 2015 (US)
October 16, 2015 (EU)
December 3, 2015 (WW; Steam)

"What is Dragon Quest Heroes?"
Dragon Quest Heroes is an action-RPG spin-off of the popular Dragon Quest series that sees new protagonists Luceus and Aurora defending their kingdom from monsters that once lived in peace with humans. It features a new take on combat and exploration while also retaining well-known series traits, such as leveling up, music from composer Koichi Sugiyama and art by Akira Toriyama.

"Which characters will be returning from previous main installments?"
Fan-favorites such as Alena, Kiryl, Maya and Psaro from Dragon Quest IV, Bianca and Nera from Dragon Quest V, Terry from Dragon Quest VI, and Jessica and Yangus from Dragon Quest VIII are so far confirmed to be playable characters you can organize into your party. They will be fully-voiced too.

Additionally, check out this official character info image:

Spoiler

Alena and Kiryl's special abilities detailed:
http://gematsu.com/2015/01/dragon-quest-heroes-screenshots-show-alena-kiryls-special-abilities

Jessica and Yangus' special abilities detailed:
http://gematsu.com/2015/02/dragon-quest-heroes-screenshots-show-jessica-yangus-special-abilities

Maya and Terry's special abilities detailed:
http://gematsu.com/2015/02/dragon-quest-heroes-screenshots-show-maya-terrys-special-abilities

"I like to give monsters a good bonk on the head. How does combat work in the game?"
In Dragon Quest Heroes, your attacks are mapped to buttons like most action-RPGs. You also have a Tension Gauge that when you fill to 100 percent activates Super High Tension mode (first seen in Dragon Quest VIII) and unleash special moves like Luceus' Giga Slash to quickly defeat monsters. You can freely switch between and control all party members. You can also summon up to two monsters through the use of monster coins to help you out in battle.

"How does exploration work in the game?"
Your main hub is the Kingdom of Arba. You can travel to other areas of the world map by selecting different areas and within those areas are different stages you can choose to clear. Looking at the world map (which you can find in the link to the screenshot gallery below) we can assume there will be plenty throughout the story to keep players busy.

"My mouth is watering for some screenshots!"
Goodness! I know that feeling. You can view an up-to-date screenshot gallery here: http://gematsu.com/gallery/dragon-quest-heroes/

"Where can I find the latest trailers, gameplay demonstrations etc?"
I've collected all relevant, high-quality videos in the following spoiler tag:

2014:

Spoiler

Official Trailer #1
[video=youtube;KtkuNrzv7WM]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtkuNrzv7WM[/video]

Killer Machines Battle Gameplay Demonstration
[video=youtube;DgD-_mNA-5s]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgD-_mNA-5s[/video]

Official Trailer #2
[video=youtube;XTrDM236kWY]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTrDM236kWY[/video]

Gigantes Battle Gameplay Demonstration
[video=youtube;nJfWMXutBsI]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJfWMXutBsI[/video]

2015:

Spoiler

Airship Tour + King Leo Battle Gameplay Demonstration
[video=youtube;FH9Ek3C6XLg]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FH9Ek3C6XLg[/video]

Official Trailer #3
[video=youtube;WTXBxHMJAPg]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTXBxHMJAPg[/video]

Arena Battle + Alena and Kiryl sub-story (Free DLC)
[video=youtube;-gHhctOoEL8]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gHhctOoEL8[/video]

Fight Zoma from Dragon Warrior III video
[video=youtube;PuxhQULFpfc]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PuxhQULFpfc[/video]

Begin a New Quest (Western Release) Trailer
[video=youtube;Veul9Q8R9fw]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Veul9Q8R9fw[/video]

The Heroes You Know Trailer
[video=youtube;4wnCFZy2blc]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wnCFZy2blc[/video]

King Doric's Royal Overview Trailer
[video=youtube;wNoeF3r120s]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNoeF3r120s[/video]

A Call to Arms! - Launch Trailer
[video=youtube;XTm5kv85oS0]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTm5kv85oS0[/video]

​

 

[Vyse]

Some new details...

Locations:

Cortuda - A fortress city surrounded by a strong outer wall. Home to various development institutes, including the Magic Research Laboratory.
Elsarse Castle - The opening stage, a.k.a. "Castle of the World Tree."
Labator - A city surrounded by a desert. The center of the city has an arena and buildings can be seen throughout the streets.
Shira - A place known for its fantastic scenery. Elves live here but are rarely seen.

Characters and Combat:

Some stages will give players access to a Magic Cannon which allows players to shoot out powerful blows that take out hordes of enemies all at once. It is also effective on large enemies, like Gigantes (as shown in a gameplay demonstration before).

Defeating monsters in combat will sometimes turn them into a coin. By grabbing these coins, you'll be able to temporarily summon them and have them join forces with you in battle. Collecting a lot of monster coins will prove advantageous in battle.

While their armor and special moves are largely similar, Akuto is fire-based while Mehr is ice-based, allowing each character to learn their own unique moves.

MP refills over time automatically, meaning players don't need to be overly-cautious about expending it for skills.

Different button combinations will pull off different skills, although there are also options in the game that simplify it for less skilled players. Skills that use up the blue MP gauge tend to be stronger ones available in a character's arsenal.

 

[Tactical]

Sweet OT. Dragon Quest is such an underated series. This is probably my second most hyped game. Will import depending on its reliance on dialogue and language. I really hope it comes out west. Is this a total mousou game or is it a hybrid of sorts?

 

[Vyse]

I'll be honest, I don't even know what mousou means. Is it just the idea of fighting a lot of enemies at once? I know the developers are calling it an action-RPG so that's what I'd call it personally.

Glad to know you're also excited. Feel free to post any new info here if I miss it.

 

[Tactical]

[QUOTE="Metal King Slime, post: 6411057]I'll be honest, I don't even know what mousou means. Is it just the idea of fighting a lot of enemies at once? I know the developers are calling it an action-RPG so that's what I'd call it personally.

Glad to know you're also excited. Feel free to post any new info here if I miss it. [/QUOTE]

Yeah mousou is along those lines, just a fighting game with occasional strategy and a mass amount of enimies to kill. Also you've basically got everything here info wise so I couldnt really add anything to it. Great work as always Metal King Slime!

 

[Vyse]

Haha, thanks.

I love Dragon Quest but never played an Omega Force game so I think this will be quite interesting. A nice treat while we're also waiting for Dragon Quest XI.

 

[Tactical]

Yeah, we haven't had a proper DQ game in a while and I think this will tide me over. Don't get me wrong I love DQ9 but it feels like a mmo lite and less like a true DQ. The closest we got to a last gen console DQ was Ni No Kuni which was one of my favourites from that gen.

 

[Vyse]

Yeah, I found Dragon Quest IX to be a fun, charming adventure but one thing I like about Dragon Quest Heroes is that the party consists of original characters again. Akuto, Mehr, Dirk (Elsarse's king) and Julietta. I'm tempted to include Yangus in my party though.

 

[Tactical]

Yangus's axe could do some serious damage against the types of monsters in this game. I need to see actual analyses and good gameplay to be able to choose my party. Also I need to track down a copy of DQ V DS to get me in the mood.

 

[Vyse]

I just mean Yangus is my favorite party member from Dragon Quest VIII. I'll probably have him in my party for most of the game.

 

[Tactical]

Im just gonna replicate the party from DQ8. See how far that gets me. This is hoping they release in Europe.

 

[Vyse]

Yeah, Angelo isn't included but Mehr is kind of similar in that she also uses a rapier. I like that Bianca uses a bow and arrow so I'll likely use her along with Yangus.

 

[Tactical]

Yeah it'll be good to have a ranged attacker.

 

[Vyse]

The latest screenshots show the space for recruitable monsters on the HUD.

http://www.gamer.ne.jp/news/201412300002/image/11/

Interestingly, it looks as though the space for recruitable monsters increases and you may be able to summon more than two monsters at a time.

 

[Tactical]

Sweet! I'll get a few slimes and cyclopes, lol.

 

[Vyse]

I like the King Slimes. Haha. If they're including newer monsters, the Wight Priest as well.

 

[welshboymick]

The most important detail is s worldwide release date, which sadly hasn't materialised yet.

 

[Vyse]

Yeah, I wonder when they might announce it. It's kind of amazing to think the series will have been around for 30 years next year.

 

[TDbank24]

I've never played a Dragon Quest game. It sounds like a lot of fun. I'll give this a try when it comes out.

 

[sarlndr]

I was at the mall today and saw the silver DQ PS4 with the game. Well it comes with a code, not the actual game. I live in the Philippines btw.

 

[Vyse]

Yes, the Dragon Quest Metal Slime Edition PS4 comes with a code to download a Dragon Quest theme and to download Dragon Quest Heroes 24 hours before it releases.

You can also now pre-order the game from Play-Asia, if you're considering importing: http://www.play-asia.com/dragon-quest-heroes-anryu-to-sekaiju-no-jou-paOS-13-49-en-70-84vb.html

 

[Vyse]

Update: There is a new base area called the Airship Batoshie which flies freely throughout the world and houses various facilities.

It has a Weapons Shop where you can purchase new weapons and shields that will affect your character's appearance, an Armor Orbs shop with a variety of Orbs with special abilities, Luida's Bar, where you can organize your party, and Alchemy Pot which, as anyone who has played Dragon Quest VIII and IX knows, allows you to create unique accessories via synthesizing items but you can also use the kettle to strengthen items by putting the same type inside.

 

[KiethHoyt]

I can't believe this is the first I'm hearing of this! I'm somewhat new to Dragon Quest (started with VIII) and this is just hitting all of the right notes for me. I absolutely loved VIII and IX and even this isn't exactly the same as those, I'm a big fan of the Warriors series so I trust Koei Tecmo to put out something really enjoyable.

 

[Vyse]

[QUOTE="KiethHoyt, post: 6415564]I can't believe this is the first I'm hearing of this! I'm somewhat new to Dragon Quest (started with VIII) and this is just hitting all of the right notes for me. I absolutely loved VIII and IX and even this isn't exactly the same as those, I'm a big fan of the Warriors series so I trust Koei Tecmo to put out something really enjoyable.[/QUOTE]
That's awesome to hear, since not a lot of people seem to be interested. I wonder if we might see more gameplay before it releases next month in Japan.

 

[Vyse]

Just a heads-up that there are 16 new screenshots uploaded to the gallery linked in the OP. They mostly show Alena and Kiryl fighting and then there are a couple showing a Slime, Dracky and Killer Machine.

Additionally, Alena and Kiryl's special abilties are detailed.

Alena:
Exploding Fist - fires her firsts at a blistering pace.
Both at Once - unleashes the power stockpiling in both fists at once.
Flash Fire Fists - lunges back and launches a huge fireball from her fists.

Kiryl:
Kabuff - raises entire party's defense for a fixed period of time.
Thunder Lunge - fires lightning stockpiling in spear to break the ground and push away enemies.
Kathwack - high damage attack that channels all of Kiryl's anger.

 

[Tactical]

Props for still updating this great thread MKS! I'm growing with more hope that this is coming to the west.

 

[Vyse]

Thanks.

I did however have this nagging feeling that I was forgetting something in the OP. When I looked at the newest screenshots, I remembered it was this gameplay video:

[video=youtube;DgD-_mNA-5s]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgD-_mNA-5s[/video]

There's a month left until the game launches in Japan so maybe we'll see someone else in action, for instance, Psaro. Otherwise, I think all that's left is to see a launch trailer and hopefully a localization announcement for us.

 

[Vyse]

New screenshots were just released today of the airship that I was talking about last week. These are half of the ones that I found interesting. The rest can be found at the gallery link in the OP.

Spoiler

New gameplay demonstration as well today giving us a tour of the airship and a boss fight with King Leo:

[video=youtube;FH9Ek3C6XLg]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FH9Ek3C6XLg[/video]

You can also find it in the 2015 spoiler for videos in the OP.

 

[Vyse]

http://www.psu.com/news/25729/Dragon-Quest-Heroes-western-release-touched-on-by-Square-Enix

For anyone else interested in a western release, stay positive!

 

[welshboymick]

Still hoping! I suppose we'll have to wait on release. The warriors-style games usually sell well outside Japan too, so you'd hope it's a question of when and not if. Still won't be this year though will it?