The first PlayStation 2 title in the series, DRAGON QUEST VIII is the latest in the legendary franchise that has sold over 40 million units worldwide. Updates for the North American release include voice-overs, a full-orchestral soundtrack, a completely renovated menu system, new battle abilities and improved animations. These new additions greatly enhance the gaming experience for the North American audience. A bonus disc will also be included with a playable demo of the North American version of FINAL FANTASY®XII.
"We are extremely excited about DRAGON QUEST VIII's release in North America. Utilizing state of the art polygon technology, not only the map, but all of Akira Toriyama's characters are created in 3D. The player can freely run around in this wonderfully animated world as far as the eye can see," said Yuji Horii, Creator and Scenario and Game Designer for DRAGON QUEST. "While we've kept true to what made the series so popular, we've also added several elements for the North American audience and cannot wait for gamers to experience DRAGON QUEST!"
A mysterious jester. A forbidden sceptre. A fiendish curse. A once idyllic kingdom lies entangled in a web of enchanted vines, its king and princess hideously transformed, its castle and subjects frozen in time. Only one person has survived this horror unscathed: you!
Only you can save your king and country by lifting the shadow of the evil jester's curse...but it won't be easy. An epic tale of friendship, bravery and adventure awaits you on the grassy fields, snow-capped mountains and restless seas of DRAGON QUEST VIII!
Gameplay Features
Marketing Support
National Broadcast and Cable Television Advertising
The launch of DRAGON QUEST VIII is supported by a comprehensive multi-million dollar marketing campaign that kicked off in July and will run through the end of the calendar year.
A :30 teaser spot began running on major networks, focusing on the DRAGON QUEST phenomenon in Japan and the eventual takeover in America, utilizing CG vines spawning from Japan and making their way overseas. Both :30 and :15 gameplay spots will begin airing today through December (:15 spot to air starting December), using movie-trailer style messaging and character branding. In addition to the spots airing on ABC Family, Cartoon Network and Adult Swim, Comedy Central, Fuse, G4, MTV, MTV2, Nickelodeon, Spike TV, UPN and the USA Network, DRAGON QUEST VIII has secured unique sponsorships with MTV's "TRL 12 Days of Christmas", Spike TV's "Spike Likes", and Comedy Central's "South Park" and "Drawn Together" and more.
Print and Online
DRAGON QUEST VIII print advertising is supported by a captivating, character-branded 6-page gatefold and 2-page spread in major gaming magazines including: Electronic Gaming Monthly, GamePro, Game Informer, Official PlayStation Magazine, PLAY and Tips and Tricks. Additional support includes advertorial placement in Electronic Gaming Monthly and a sweepstakes in GamePro.
Online advertising began in mid-October and will run for two months. Ads will appear in a variety of major gaming and entertainment sites including 1UP, AdultSwim.com, AOL RED, Cartoon Network.com, Cheat Planet, GameSpot, GameSpy, IGN, MTV.com and UGO, among others. Rich media and takeover units have been secured on GameSpot the week of 11/20 and on IGN throughout the next two weeks.
Retail Channel
A demo disc program will be supported by a million dollar point of purchase display and co-op advertising program at major retailers. Retailers supporting the program include Best Buy, Blockbuster, EB Games, Fry's Electronics and GameStop. In addition, gamers could point to www.dragonquest8.com to register for a free copy of the demo, with a free gift included for successfully referring other gamers to register, encouraging word-of-mouth game trial.
Grassroots
The multi-million dollar marketing campaign for DRAGON QUEST VIII began in July with the launch of Slime Knights (www.slimeknights.com), a community site for the most passionate DRAGON QUEST fans. Over 2000 members joined the first day, and membership has grown to almost 7000 members to date (and counting) through word of mouth. Slime Knights is one of the most successful gamer communities for FanPimp (www.fanpimp.com), whose enthusiast platform powers the site.
The nationwide Simon DTour live mall tour (www.simon.com) gave attendees the first chance to demo DRAGON QUEST VIII at 25 Simon Malls with an additional 14 Simon Malls providing premium item giveaways. The free events featured live entertainment and promotional giveaways July through October.
Additional Info
The DRAGON QUEST VIII Official Strategy Guide by BradyGames will aid players in their epic journey. A comprehensive walkthrough and expert boss strategies give players the upper hand over their enemies. A detailed list of items that can be alchemized is also included. All side quests and mini-games are also uncovered for endless gameplay options. The Official Strategy Guide, part of BradyGames' Signature Series, will be priced at $17.99 US / $24.99 CAN. More information about BradyGames can be found at www.bradygames.com.
DRAGON QUEST VIII is available at North American retailers for a suggested retail price of $49.99 (USD). Additional information and trailers can be found at www.dragonquest8.com. The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) has rated the title "T" for Teen. For more information about the ESRB, visit www.esrb.org.
About Square Enix Co., Ltd. and Square Enix, Inc.
Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Square Enix Co., Ltd. (Square Enix) develops, publishes and distributes entertainment content including interactive entertainment software and publications in Japan, North America, Europe and Asia. Square Enix brings two of Japan's best-selling franchises - FINAL FANTASY®, which has sold over 63 million units worldwide, and DRAGON QUEST™, which has sold over 40 million units worldwide - under one roof. Square Enix is one of the most influential providers of digital entertainment content in the world and continues to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation.
Square Enix, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Square Enix Co., Ltd. with offices in Los Angeles, CA and Seattle, WA. It handles operations in North America, including development, localization, marketing, and publishing of Square Enix titles. More information on Square Enix can be found on the Internet at http://www.square-enix.com/
© 2005 SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD. All Rights Reserved. SQUARE ENIX, the SQUARE ENIX logo, DRAGON QUEST, FINAL FANTASY, JOURNEY OF THE CURSED KING, and other names of Square Enix products mentioned herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of Square Enix Co, Ltd. in Japan and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
