Yuji Horii, the creator of the Dragon Quest franchise, has provided new insight into the development history of Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies. In a recent discussion with Famitsu, Horii explained that the decision to release the 2009 title exclusively on the Nintendo DS was driven by a desire to prioritize network-based social gameplay.
Focusing on Local Connectivity
While the series had previously favored home consoles—notably with the 3DCG evolution seen in Dragon Quest VIII—Horii felt the Nintendo DS offered a unique opportunity for player interaction. At the time, network gaming was often considered inaccessible or technically cumbersome. The DS hardware allowed for immediate, simplified local network connections, a feature Horii described as an "amazing system" for the series.
The Initial Reception
Despite the technical advantages provided by the hardware, the shift from high-fidelity home console graphics to the portable DS format was met with resistance from the gaming community. Horii admitted that he was "a little discouraged" following the announcement, as many players questioned the move away from traditional console platforms.
Quick Facts
- Game: Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies
- Platform: Nintendo DS
- Original Release Date: July 11, 2009
- Metacritic Score: 87 (based on 65 publications)
Today, the title remains a notable entry in the franchise, recognized for its experimental approach to connectivity. While some fans have expressed interest in seeing the game modernized for current systems like the Nintendo Switch or its successor, no such plans have been confirmed by the developer.