A new mobile ARG from Square Enix has been revealed, and it takes the form of one of the most popular JRPG franchises around. Say hello to Dragon Quest Walk.
The gameplay loop for this game is pretty different compared to the casual-focused capture mechanics of a game like Pokemon Go. Instead of taking a stroll around and capturing monsters with simple hand motions, Dragon Quest Walk will make use of a turn-based battle system that’s pulled straight from the main franchise. Players will do battle with iconic monsters from the franchise as they level up and increase in power. And of course, the challenge increases as the levels do.
Players will build out their Bestiary as they travel around and battle monsters. Each battle with a new monster, that the player manages to win, will add those defeated enemies to the Bestiary. Adding new monsters and enemies to this list will unlock different rewards, with some of the most powerful rewards unlocked after hitting certain milestones or defeating ultra rare spawns. Players will also be able to upgrade their equipment with these rewards too.
Another gameplay aspect is a custom room which players can decorate with special items that they unlock in their travels. That way, players can have a special space to call their own within the world of Dragon Quest Walk. No word yet on whether the game will make use of microtransactions like cosmetics, although some form of microtransactions is all but guaranteed given that it’s free-to-play title.
You can see the game in a short teaser trailer down below.
Series executive producer Yuu Miyake has also been quoted as saying “[We] are currently making preparations on series developments that will connect to XII. I think it’s still too early, but we would like to announce it in some form, so please wait a little while longer.” This means that a new mainline game is on the way, although it will be some time before we see it, and that it could tie-in with this mobile title/
The new Dragon Quest title doesn’t yet have a full release date planned, but the game is getting a mobile beta next week on June 11th. And of course, this mobile ARG will so far be exclusive to Japan. There have currently been no plans announced to bring the game to Western audiences. Dragon Quest Walk will be available on iOS and Android devices.
