Dragon Quest has been around for over 35 years, and despite being trendsetting and innovative in its own right, critics and detractors often like to call it “traditional” - as if it were a pejorative term, something someone would say with a scrunched-up face with their nose pointed slightly up. Dragon Quest often gets called “traditional” as if it were a synonym for “boring” or “dull.” And while the long-running JRPG series certainly sticks to its big guns, it never feels weighed down by them. In fact, there’s something comforting about finding familiarity in Dragon Quest games.
Each mainline game in the Dragon Quest series has altered its formula in some way - adding in a party in DQ2 or classes in DQ3, giving characters names and personalities in DQ4, or offering monster-recruiting mechanics in DQ5. Even a game that relies heavily on past systems - like Dragon Quest 11 - can still feel fresh because of the way it blends everything before it into a new palette. Still, Dragon Quest games are often associated with gameplay elements that get called “traditional” - turn-based combat, cute monsters, and music that frequently repeats the same motifs. Similar story beats and character archetypes are also common. And this isn’t to say that Dragon Quest doesn’t repeat itself - it does - but rather that “traditional” shouldn’t be a bad word.
There’s something comforting in familiarity. It’s why people binge-watch The Office and Friends years after those shows have ended. It’s why most of us are fond of our grandmothers’ cooking. And it’s why coming home after a long trip or busy day can feel so relaxing. In many ways, Dragon Quest games feel like coming home after a long day and sitting on the couch. For me, there’s something almost therapeutic about it.
Dragon Quest's Traditions Are What Makes The Series So Endearing
Maybe it’s the lovable characters or the playful monster designs - or maybe it’s the bright colors and happy fairytale endings. In truth, it’s probably a combination of all those things. For whatever reasons, though, I’ve often found myself going back to Dragon Quest games whenever my life is especially stressful.
For example, in 2017, I had twins that ended up in the NICU for 117 days. It’s still one of the most stressful and gut-wrenching things I’ve ever had to deal with. There wasn’t a ton of time to play video games, but I spent any time at home during that period chipping away at Dragon Quest Heroes 2. The cartoony style, the jokes and puns, and the promise that there would be a happy ending were all comforting. And while Dragon Quest certainly has plenty of dark moments, it’s that promise of a happy ending with loved characters that can make it stand out.
It was escapism, sure, but it offered a (slight) break from worrying about my children’s health, wondering how long it’d be before my wife and I could hold them, or stressing over medical bills. Even if Dragon Quest Heroes 2 broke away from some traditions like turn-based combat, the series’ penchant for playfulness helped shine a light in an otherwise dark time period.
In 2020, when lockdowns in the U.S. started because of COVID-19, I replayed Dragon Quest 7 on the 3DS. I think I probably subconsciously chose the longest Dragon Quest game because I had a feeling we were going to be in it for the long haul. Again, there was something comforting about returning to DQ 7’s characters, world, and story. Time and time again, I’ve gone back to Dragon Quest games when I’ve been stressed or depressed.
The reason Dragon Quest's traditions work so well is because each game still feels unique yet familiar. Even in later entries, there's always a source of newness - like DQ7's hunting for fragments, DQ 8's skill system, or DQ 9's multiplayer options. Every title manages to stand on its own while still distinctively feeling like a Dragon Quest game. It's not just regurgitating the same ingredients over and over, but rather using those ingredients in new ways. It’s like eating a favorite food, and I mean that as the highest compliment.
For many, going back to a favorite game can have that effect. The reason Dragon Quest’s “traditional” gameplay and stories aren’t bad is that these gameplay elements and tropes are repeated so often. To go back to the comfort food metaphor - no one bites into their favorite sandwich and says, “Eww, this tastes like it did last time.” That’s why we like it. That’s why it’s so comforting. We want that sandwich to taste like it did last time. And for me, Dragon Quest is a sandwich I’m always hungry for.
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