Square Enix’s iconic Dragon Quest RPG series is no stranger to spinoffs, with titles like Rocket Slime, Dragon Quest Swords and last year’s Dragon Quest Heroes deviating from the series’ traditional JRPG roots. This year will see another experimental title for the series in the form of Dragon Quest Builders, a sandbox-style adventure with a heavy emphasis on collecting and crafting.
Previously released in Japan this past January, the game has now been confirmed for North American localization some time this October, and will be available on both PlayStation 4 and PS Vita, though the latter version will not receive a physical release. The story takes place in Alefgard, the setting of the original NES Dragon Quest, and will have players control the Legendary Builder, a boy with powers of creation necessary to restore a world decimated by evil.
If you hadn’t guessed, gameplay draws heavy inspiration from Minecraft, with gathering materials, building structures, and a similar environmental art style all present. Square Enix is promising a more robust story than Mojang’s iconic title, though, along with a cast to interact with and gain quests from.
A prerendered promo trailer has also been released to correspond with the localization’s announcement, which can be viewed above. My first impression after watching it is that Square Enix may be drawing from more than one series for inspiration, as the protagonist’s clothes and hair give off heavy Legend of Zelda vibes. Check it out for yourself though and let us know your thoughts down below.