Dragon Quest III Remake: A Censored Mess?

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The remake of Dragon Quest III has sparked frustration among fans, especially due to censorship. When the remake was announced, long-time players were excited for the return of classic elements, such as iconic characters, outfits, and humor. However, as new details emerged, some fans quickly noticed changes they didn’t appreciate.

What’s the problem with the remake?

One of the biggest complaints concerns the censorship of certain aspects of the game. Characters that once had more revealing or quirky outfits are now covered up. For example, female warriors, who originally had recognizable designs, now wear more conservative costumes, which fans consider unnecessary censorship. This change has sparked discussions about why the developers made these decisions.

Some fans believe that Square Enix, the company behind the game, made these changes to avoid offending certain audiences, especially in the West. In recent years, companies have faced increased pressure to remove or tone down content that might be considered inappropriate. This has resulted in some games featuring less “risky” content, with characters and stories altered to fit contemporary standards.

Censorship in video games, a persistent issue

Censorship in video games is not a new topic. In the past, games have been edited or altered to avoid controversy, whether due to violence, language, or depictions of certain characters. However, what sets the Dragon Quest III remake apart is the reaction from long-time fans. They feel that the changes take away from the original game’s charm and humor, which was never meant to be taken too seriously.

Some players argue that this is yet another example of Japanese developers “giving in” to Western activists. In the 1980s, rock music was targeted for allegedly corrupting youth. Then it was video games, accused of promoting violence. Now the debate has shifted to how characters are portrayed and whether certain costumes or themes are appropriate.

What’s really at stake?

For many fans, it’s not just about covered-up costumes. It’s about preserving the original vision of the game. Dragon Quest III was known for its playful and sometimes cheeky tone. By changing these elements, fans fear the remake loses what made it special.

It appears this remake is part of a broader trend of altering games to fit modern sensibilities. This has led to debates about how much external pressure should influence a game’s creative direction. Some believe companies make these changes simply to avoid criticism, rather than stay true to their original vision.

Can the game still be fun?

Although the censorship has sparked debate, it’s important to remember that the core mechanics of Dragon Quest III remain unchanged. Fans who loved the original for its story, characters, and gameplay will likely still enjoy the remake. However, for those who value preserving original designs and humor, these changes may be hard to overlook.

This article was inspired by this video.