Destructoid is a gaming discussion community updated nearly every 20 minutes by a tight-knit group of independent dirty uncles. Get involved by creating an avatar to post comments, upload videos, create your own blog, and meet new people that love gaming. Returning Dtoider? login!
Ah, it seems like we've been talking about Dragon Quest Swords: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors for forever, and now, more than half a year after the Japanese release, we finally have a North American release date.
A press release from Square Enix tells us that the Wii RPG-turned-action title will hit the shelves of North American retailers on February 26th. Dragon Quest Swords: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors lets players use the Wii Remote like a sword, attacking enemies and blocking attacks.
Square Enix also mentions new features for the North American release, including four hidden bosses and something called "Payback Mode." Unfortunately, no other details on this new mode were given.
Hit the jump to read the full release.
Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of Square Enix™interactive entertainment products in North America, announced today that DRAGON QUEST® SWORDS: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors™, the newest entry in the renowned franchise, is set to slice its way to North American retailers on February 26, 2008.
Developed exclusively for the Wii™, DRAGON QUEST SWORDS: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors fully utilizes the motion-sensing capabilities of the Wii Remote™ to place a mighty blade, protective shield and special attacks all in the palm of your hand. The latest installment of the premiere RPG franchise that has shipped over 43 million units worldwide brings the colorful world of DRAGON QUEST to life, enhancing your action-adventure experience with added levels of fun and interaction.
Story
Five years have passed since the defeat of the Deathbringer, and the kingdom of Avalonia joyously celebrates what seems to be an everlasting era of peace. However, a closer look reveals that things are amiss. Calamity arises within the kingdom, as unfamiliar and powerful monsters invade the outskirts of town. With the Deathbringer gone, what explanation is there for the onset of these monsters? And what of the queen, who has come to hide her face behind a strange mask? Make your way through the perilous journey, solve the baffling mysteries and return order to Avalonia.
Features
Delve into an unforgettable gaming experience, created by the "big three" – a team comprised of series creator Yuji Horii, legendary manga artist Akira Toriyama and renowned composer Koichi Sugiyama.
Show off your swordsmanship, block enemy attacks, and use special skills, all through the simple and intuitive use of the Wii Remote!
Combine materials to personalize your sword, allowing you to engage in battles unique to your customized abilities and powers.
Experience an epic adventure in the world of DRAGON QUEST, rendered through stunning visuals and a powerful soundtrack delivered by famed game music composers Manami Matsumae and Koichi Sugiyama.
Take on the challenges presented by all-new features for the North American release, including a "Payback Mode" and four hidden bosses!
DRAGON QUEST SWORDS: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors is rated T (Teen). Please visit the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) website at www.esrb.com for more information about ratings. DRAGON QUEST SWORDS: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors will be available at North American retailers for the suggested retail price of $49.99(USD).
This game looks pretty fun and appears to use the Wii's unique functions in a fun way...I wish the stupid Dragon Ball Z guy (also known as "all of my characters look exactly the same") didn't do the art for this series.
Seeing as I've been looking forward to this game, this is great news. I'm wondering if Square-Enix added nunchuck support though, as many people complained about how they'd prefer to use the analog stick rather than the d-pad for movement.
But February? Oh, how my wallet cries. Super Smash Bros, No More Heroes, and now Dragon Quest Swords? Those are all must-haves for me, all in a single month....
(You know, I'd love for Dragon Quest X to be on Wii and build upon/max out Dragon Quest Swords's engine, because I think it looks really nice.)
"Oh right... The North Americans probably want it too."
Yeah, gimme a call when Toriyama learns to design a new character. But I'll still give this a shot because it could be mindless multiplayer fun, like Crystal Chronicles for GC.
People can bash DQ for being "stale," but I for one enjoy people not making changes just for the sake of making changes (thank God they switched DQ IX from that awful-looking action RPG to the traditional formula). There are about a billion action RPGs--go play one of those and leave Dragon Quest and us old-schoolers alone.
This is one of the games I bought a Wii for, I've been looking forward to it that much. That said, I hope it's not on of the few NTSC titles that don't work on a PAL Wii.
On another note, if I EVER here a US gamer complain that they have to wait ages to get a game that's out in Japan released locally, I will tear off their head and shit down their neck.
Destructoid is an open discussion community. You don't need to "audition" to post a comment - just Create an avatar now - it's fast and free: PLUS you also get your own gaming blog and begin posting stories and uploading videos in our open community area that may also appear on our home page. Sign up and we'll guide you through it, it's easy and 100% anonymous.
Destructoid is an independently-run publication forged by our love of video games and the gaming industry's need of accountable enthusiast press Living the dream since March 16, 2006
-icon.gif){kind=icon}
52 comments + 134338 views
Um...what took so long again?
The Deathbringer? How original. But I'll probably still buy it.
This game looks pretty fun and appears to use the Wii's unique functions in a fun way...I wish the stupid Dragon Ball Z guy (also known as "all of my characters look exactly the same") didn't do the art for this series.
8 of us care.
DO WANT! DO WANT!
Finally another game you can use your Zelda sword and shield wii remote add-ons for.
I dont know shadow i really like akria(sp)'s art style, but im really looking forward to this game for some reason also.
Seeing as I've been looking forward to this game, this is great news. I'm wondering if Square-Enix added nunchuck support though, as many people complained about how they'd prefer to use the analog stick rather than the d-pad for movement.
But February? Oh, how my wallet cries. Super Smash Bros, No More Heroes, and now Dragon Quest Swords? Those are all must-haves for me, all in a single month....
(You know, I'd love for Dragon Quest X to be on Wii and build upon/max out Dragon Quest Swords's engine, because I think it looks really nice.)
WANT.
@ Cheeburga
9 of us now!
I read this as Dragon Quest Words.
I pine for the days of Typing of the dead ;_;
This game looked horrible when it was released in Japan and continues to look horrible/10
"Oh right... The North Americans probably want it too."
Yeah, gimme a call when Toriyama learns to design a new character. But I'll still give this a shot because it could be mindless multiplayer fun, like Crystal Chronicles for GC.
There's 10 of us.... a very proud 10. ^_^
There can never be enough Dragon Quest games.
I trust I'm one of those ten...? =P
People can bash DQ for being "stale," but I for one enjoy people not making changes just for the sake of making changes (thank God they switched DQ IX from that awful-looking action RPG to the traditional formula). There are about a billion action RPGs--go play one of those and leave Dragon Quest and us old-schoolers alone.
Well, I wouldn't have picked those colors but at least I have plenty of time to scare up the money for a Wii.
Purple is sexy...?
Make that 11 of us who want it. Can't have enough RPG. Even if it is of the hack and slash variety.
This is one of the games I bought a Wii for, I've been looking forward to it that much. That said, I hope it's not on of the few NTSC titles that don't work on a PAL Wii.
On another note, if I EVER here a US gamer complain that they have to wait ages to get a game that's out in Japan released locally, I will tear off their head and shit down their neck.
COME TO ME!
I want that out faster than Smash Bros. in our PAL area.
Yes I will buy the new dragon quest and spen a t least 80-90 hours trying to beat it and get everything without guide or tip book
What's that? No european release date? What a tremendous surprise!
Returning Dtoiders: login now to post a comment
Destructoid is an open discussion community. You don't need to "audition" to post a comment - just Create an avatar now - it's fast and free: PLUS you also get your own gaming blog and begin posting stories and uploading videos in our open community area that may also appear on our home page. Sign up and we'll guide you through it, it's easy and 100% anonymous.