Dragon Warrior IV remake coming to the US

[08.22.01] » Enix reveals Japanese pricing and new gameplay information; confirms a North American release.

   With the first images of Dragon Quest IV for PlayStation already unveiled in this week's Shonen Jump, Enix has released new details on the remake and dropped strong hints that the game will indeed be arriving in the states.

   Originally released in 1990 in Japan, Dragon Quest IV will receive a complete revamp similar to the Super Famicom ports of the first three games. As previously reported, the game will be using Dragon Quest VII's 3D engine for an entire overhaul of the graphics. New gameplay elements from the later games will also be included, such as the conversation system from DQ VII, which allows party members to converse during battle. DQ IV's own additions to the series, such as AI controlled combat and the "carriage system" to store unused party members, will of course be returning.

   Though no firm date for the remake has been announced in Japan, but Enix plans to release the game there before the end of the year at a retail price of 6800 yen (about $56). As for the US, Enix's American branch has already confirmed the game for stateside release sometime in the next year. Expect a more exact release date to come after the release of Dragon Warrior VII.