The Most Popular Dragon Quest Game, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the game you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 1, 2024 06:35
In the world of gaming, where new titles are released almost daily, understanding which games resonate with players can be a challenge. For fans of the legendary Dragon Quest series, distinguishing which installment stands out from the rest adds another layer of complexity. By collecting votes from the gaming community, a clear picture of favorite games emerges, allowing both newcomers and seasoned players to see which titles have captured the hearts of the majority.
Engaging with this interactive ranking not only informs the community but also gives each voter a voice in the evolving conversation around these beloved games. Whether you're casting a vote based on nostalgia, game mechanics, or story depth, your opinion helps shape the communal perspective, often leading to lively discussions and debates. This process reinforces the community aspect of gaming, building a shared understanding and appreciation for the Dragon Quest saga.
What Is the Most Popular Dragon Quest Game?
-
110votes
Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age
Square EnixThis game is considered the most popular Dragon Quest game due to its modern graphics, engaging storyline, and updated gameplay mechanics. It received critical acclaim and is the best-selling game in the series.Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age is the latest installment in the Dragon Quest series, developed and published by Square Enix. It is a turn-based role-playing game that combines traditional elements with modern graphics and gameplay mechanics. The game follows the protagonist, a young hero, as they embark on a grand adventure to unravel the mystery of their fate and save the world from a looming dark force.- Release Date: July 29, 2017
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo 3DS, PC
- Game Modes: Single-player
- Genre: Role-playing game
- Graphics: Stylized, vibrant, and detailed
-
238votesThis game is often considered one of the best in the series due to its memorable characters, open world exploration, and unique battle system. It was also the first game in the series to feature fully 3D graphics.Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King is a role-playing video game developed by Level-5 and published by Square Enix. Released in 2004, it is the eighth installment in the Dragon Quest series. The game follows the story of a young hero and his companions as they embark on a journey to lift a curse placed on the king and restore peace to the kingdom of Trodain.
- Platform: PlayStation 2
- Genre: Role-playing
- Release Date: November 27, 2004
- Modes: Single-player
- Graphics: 3D
-
319votesThis game is a classic in the series and is often cited as the game that solidified the series' popularity in Japan. It introduced many mechanics that are now staples in the series, such as a party system and day/night cycle.Dragon Quest III: The Seeds of Salvation is the third installment in the popular Dragon Quest series. Developed by Chunsoft and published by Enix, it was first released in Japan in 1988 for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). The game follows the story of a hero who is tasked with defeating an evil being known as Baramos. With its engaging storyline, memorable characters, and immersive gameplay, Dragon Quest III: The Seeds of Salvation became a beloved classic in the RPG genre.
- Release Year: 1988
- Platform: Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)
- Genre: Role-Playing Game (RPG)
- Game Modes: Single-player
- Developer: Chunsoft
-
421votesThis game is praised for its engaging story, memorable characters, and unique gameplay mechanics. It was also the first game in the series to feature a monster recruitment system.Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride is a role-playing video game developed by Chunsoft and published by Enix. It was initially released in 1992 in Japan for the Super Famicom and later ported to various platforms. The game tells the story of a hero who embarks on a journey through multiple generations, battling monsters, recruiting allies, and ultimately facing his destiny.
- Release Date: 1992
- Platform: Super Famicom
- Genre: Role-playing
- Single-player: Yes
- Number of Players: 1
-
520votes
Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen
Yuji HoriiThis game is notable for its unique structure, as it is divided into chapters that focus on different characters before bringing them all together in the final chapter. It also introduced a new party chat system that allowed for more character development.Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen is a role-playing video game developed by Chunsoft and published by Enix. It was first released in Japan in 1990 for the Nintendo Entertainment System. The game follows the Hero and his companions as they embark on a journey to defeat the evil sorcerer Psaro and restore peace to the world. The unique feature of Dragon Quest IV is its chapter-based storytelling, where each chapter focuses on a different protagonist before eventually converging into a single narrative. Players can recruit a wide range of characters, each with their own abilities and storylines, to join their party as they explore dungeons, battle monsters, and unravel the mysteries of the world.- Platform: Nintendo Entertainment System
- Genre: Role-playing game
- Release Date: February 11, 1990 (JP), October 1992 (NA)
- Number of Chapters: 5
- Playable Characters: 7
-
69votes
Dragon Quest VII: Fragments of the Forgotten Past
Heartbeat and ArtePiazzaThis game is known for its massive world and intricate storyline. It was originally released on the PlayStation, but was later remade for the Nintendo 3DS, introducing updated graphics and gameplay mechanics.Dragon Quest VII: Fragments of the Forgotten Past is a role-playing video game developed by Heartbeat and ArtePiazza, and published by Enix for the PlayStation. It is the seventh installment in the Dragon Quest series, first released in Japan in 2000 and later localized for other regions. The game features a traditional turn-based combat system and follows a group of adventurers as they travel through time and uncover the mystery of the forgotten past.- Platform: PlayStation
- Release Year: 2000 (Japan), 2001-2002 (North America), 2013-2016 (3DS remake)
- Genre: Role-playing
- Combat System: Turn-based
- Number of Playable Characters: 7
-
713votesThis game was the first in the series to feature multiplayer options, allowing players to connect with others to complete quests and battles. It also introduced a customizable party system and a new combat mechanic called "grottoes".Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies is a popular role-playing video game in the Dragon Quest series. It was developed by Level-5 and published by Square Enix. The game was initially released in 2009 for the Nintendo DS handheld console.
- Platform: Nintendo DS
- Genre: Role-playing
- Release Year: 2009
- Publisher: Square Enix
- Multiplayer: Yes
-
814votesThis game is notable for being the first in the series to feature a party system and a larger world to explore. It also introduced multiple character classes that could be changed throughout the game.Dragon Quest II: Luminaries of the Legendary Line is a popular role-playing video game developed by Chunsoft and published by Enix. It was first released in Japan in 1987 for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). The game is the second installment in the Dragon Quest series and follows the story of three heroes on a quest to defeat the wicked Hargon and rescue the princess of Moonbrooke. With its expanded world, improved graphics, and deeper gameplay mechanics, Dragon Quest II built upon the success of the original game and further established the series as a major franchise in the RPG genre.
- Release Date: 1987
- Platform(s): Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), various other platforms through remakes
- Genre: Role-playing game (RPG)
- Players: Single-player
- Graphics: 2D
-
911votes
Dragon Quest VI: Realms of Revelation
HeartbeatThis game is known for its unique storyline, which involves traveling between parallel worlds. It also introduced a new monster recruitment system and a class system that allowed for character customization.Dragon Quest VI: Realms of Revelation is a role-playing video game developed by Heartbeat and published by Enix for the Super Famicom. It was released in 1995 in Japan. The game is the sixth installment in the popular Dragon Quest series and features a classic turn-based battle system along with an immersive story that takes players on a journey through multiple parallel worlds. It received critical acclaim for its engaging storyline, captivating gameplay, and vibrant graphics.- Platform: Super Famicom
- Release Year: 1995
- Genre: Role-playing
- Battle System: Turn-based
- Storyline: Immersive with parallel worlds
-
1011votes
Dragon Quest X
Yuji HoriiThis game is the first in the series to be an MMORPG, allowing players to explore the world of Dragon Quest with others. It was released exclusively in Japan and has not been officially localized for other regions.Dragon Quest X is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) developed and published by Square Enix. It is the tenth main installment in the Dragon Quest series and was initially released in Japan in 2012 for various platforms. The game features a persistent online world where players can create their own custom character and explore the vast fantasy universe of Dragon Quest.- Platforms: Nintendo Wii, Wii U, Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Nintendo 3DS
- Genre: MMORPG
- Modes: Multiplayer
- Release Date: August 2, 2012 (Japan)
- Languages: Japanese
Dragon Quest X in other rankings- Position 4 of 10 in Most popular MMO in Japan
Missing your favorite game?
Graphs
Discussion
Ranking factors for popular game
-
Critical receptionCheck the reviews and ratings given by critics and review websites like Metacritic, GameSpot, IGN, etc. Games with higher scores or more positive reviews are generally considered more popular and successful.
-
Player receptionConsider user reviews and ratings on various platforms, as well as player discussion forums. This can help gauge the players' overall sentiment towards the game and its popularity within the community.
-
Awards and nominationsCheck if the game has received any awards or nominations, as this can be an indication of its popularity and success within the gaming industry.
-
Legacy and impactAssess the impact of each game on the overall franchise, the role-playing game genre, and the gaming world as a whole. Popular games often influence the direction of future games in the series and inspire other game developers.
-
Longevity and replay valueA popular game will usually have a longer shelf-life, with players continuing to return to the game for replay even years after its release. Check for game updates, expansion packs, and online communities that indicate ongoing interest in the game.
-
Online and social media presenceAnalyze the game's presence on social media platforms and gaming forums. Engaged communities and active discussions on these platforms can indicate the level of popularity of the game.
-
Spin-offs, sequels, and adaptationsA high number of spin-offs, sequels, or adaptations (such as movies, TV shows, books, or comics) can indicate the popularity of a Dragon Quest game.
-
Merchandise salesCheck the sales of associated merchandise, such as figurines, clothing, and limited-edition items, as these can indicate the level of interest and popularity of a particular game.
-
Audience demographicsIdentify who the game's target audience is and how it resonates with different age groups, genders, and regions. A broader appeal may indicate a more popular game.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Dragon Quest game. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or game is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1433 views
- 167 votes
- 10 ranked items
Movers & Shakers
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each game once every 24 hours. The rank of each game is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular dragon quest game
Dragon Quest is a popular role-playing video game series that was first released in Japan in 1986. Since then, the franchise has expanded to multiple platforms and has gained a massive following throughout the world. The series is known for its classic turn-based gameplay, engaging storylines, and colorful characters.
Over the years, Dragon Quest has released numerous titles, each with its unique storyline and gameplay mechanics. From the original Dragon Quest to the latest Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age, each game has its loyal fan base.
Despite the multitude of titles, fans have been debating for years about which Dragon Quest game is the most popular. Some argue that the original Dragon Quest paved the way for the franchise's success, while others believe that Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King is the pinnacle of the series.
Regardless of which game is the most popular, there is no denying that Dragon Quest has left a significant impact on the video game industry and continues to captivate gamers worldwide.
Explore other rankings
Check out some of the other recommended rankings on StrawPoll and make your voice heard.
