Dragon Quest XII: Beyond Dreams is the new title for Square Enix's upcoming role-playing game, revealed during a 40th-anniversary livestream. The game, initially announced five years ago as Dragon Quest XII: The Flames of Fate, is undergoing a significant development restart.
Executive producer Yōsuke Saitō explained that the development team encountered numerous challenges, leading to a decision with series designer Yūji Horii to reshuffle the team and begin anew. This restart means the game will require more time before its eventual release, with no platforms or release window provided.
A sneak peek trailer showcases a young hero plagued by visions, with Horii describing the game's new direction as leading toward a "bright and exciting and future" beyond dreams, a shift from the previously stated darker, adult-oriented theme. The game will feature character designs from the late Akira Toriyama and music from Kōichi Sugiyama.
Originally unveiled in May 2021, Dragon Quest XII: The Flames of Fate was intended to explore the theme 'why do people live' and was positioned as a darker installment. Horii had also previously teased changes to the traditional menu-based combat system, aiming for a worldwide release.
Source: Dragon Quest franchise's YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QsYz_CVdowA)
