Dragon Quest X Online has been unveiled, though the news that it is apparently both an MMORPG and developed by Square Enix has prompted a great deal of scepticism.
The game is said to be due in 2012 for both Wii and Wii U (with 3DS combined play possible), with play data portable across the two platforms.
Gameplay details released include the fact it is based around 5 races, has job, skill and housing systems, along with the usual generic RPG and MMORPG staples. An unusual feature mentioned is the ability to gain levels whilst renting a character to another player. A USB keyboard is “recommended.”
What kind of charging system the game will incorporate has not been revealed, and the announcement is oddly reticent about describing the game as MMORPG or similar, although an Internet connection is definitely required and it not clear whether there is any offline play (although it is promised the game can be enjoyed alone).
Financial markets seem less than convinced – Square Enix stock plunged on the announcement:
2ch is less than convinced also, although the reaction is far from universally negative:
“Online…”
“What the hell, it’s online?”
“Online…”
“Online…”
“It’s for the Wi!!!”
“Online and for the Wii…”
“Seriously, it’s online?”
“Seriously, 5 races?”
“It’s an online game…”
“An MMO…”
“Not an online game, please.”
“I can forgive it being online. But an online game for the Wii? No.”
“The leak was right then.”
“This is a total online game!”
“Looks good, for the Wii.”
“Scary ogres!”
“Ogre is quite hot…”
“This looks good!”
“Calling it ‘online’ – it must be an MMO, right?”
“So how much are the monthly charges?”
“There’s sure to be monthly charges and item charging.”
“I was excited, but the thought of a Square Enix online game fills me with uncertainty.”
“It’s really a full MMORPG?”
“Is this an MMO or more of a MO game?”
“What are they going to do about updates for Wii with no HDD?”
“Aren’t there any normal humans in the game or what?”
“Can you even play solo?”
“They do say you can enjoy it alone.”
“They’ve abandoned true single player fans…”
“Can’t we have a normal sequel to DQ8?”
“I love DQ but there’s no way I’m playing an MMO.”
“Dragon Quest is now done for…”
“At least there’s a Wii U version!”
“The Wii is finished and so is Square Enix, why does it have to be these two?”
“Will they make this one in China too?”
“So they made such a mess of FFXIV that they are now trying to drive everyone onto another MMORPG using Dragon Quest?”
“Square Enix are making it themselves, what could possibly go wrong?”
“Square Enix…”
The apparent reluctance to openly describe the game as being a MMORPG seems to be regarded as highly suspect by most – presumably there is sensitivity over the fact both Dragon Quest fans and Wii owners may very well want nothing to do with an MMORPG, and that Square Enix is developing it.
the first day: 1 million people
the second day: 100 thousand people (rest went back to playing wow, where they are actual girls in the guild)
How is an MMORPG even appealing to the Wii-fanbase?
SE better be careful not to ruin the DQ freanchise! Their DQ franchise skyrocketed internationally when IX came out; learn your lessons from what happened in the FF MMOs. Also note the competitive popularity against Monster Hunter 3.
Dragon Quest?!
more like World of Weeaboos, amirite?
f♥♥k Squeenix.
They couldn’t come up with a decent RPG even if their life depended on it…oh wait..their lives should depend on it by now.