[Exclusive Interview] Behind the Scenes Reveal with Dragon Quest VII Reimagined Producers

Next year, I would like to say that JRPG players will be especially happy because in addition to the 40th anniversary of the Brave franchise. The sequel, which many may be familiar with, is also about to be redeveloped as Dragon Quest VII Reimagined. We, ThisIsGame Thailand, were also given the opportunity by Square Enix Asia and BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Asia to speak with producer Takeshi Ichikawa to delve into the behind-the-scenes scenes. But what will be interesting to follow below?

• Speaking of the word “reimagined”… When you get the meaning of the word, it means that you have to add or subtract something, so what is your opinion on Yuji Horii?

The reason we chose to use the word Reimagined is because we’ve reassessed the state of the game and reworked it to reach a wider range of players. We talked to Yuji and got approval, and the team wanted to make sure that fans didn’t think of it as just a remake, but a reimagining of what it was. The goal is to keep the same basics but add to it.

As for the overall direction, I talked to Mr. Yuji and presented ideas to check first. Compared to the 2000s, the development team at that time might have thought that the longer the game, the better, but don’t forget that Dragon Quest VII is a game with a lot of content. In this day and age, the old approach to development may no longer be what players are looking for.

• The plot itself has been adjusted to be “Streamlined Progression”, can you explain this part?

Let’s not talk about changes just in the plot to prevent spoilers (laughs). It also refers to the overall pace of play. Therefore, I would like to talk about adjusting the battle instead. Our vision is to make it faster, but there is still a chance to spend time strategizing boss fights. You can change the battle speed and use the Auto Battle system, plus add enemies from the moment you see them on the scene. Like this, etc.

• How does the feeling of playing differ from the original experience?

In terms of differences, the original version of the storytelling method was built on several short stories stacked on top of each other in series, but for Dragon Quest VII, Reimagined changes the order of storytelling from the original version. This is a new part that we haven’t talked about before.

• In the original PlayStation 1 game, we found that while Aishe was part of the party, she appeared after the Wetlock content, so how difficult and challenging was it to add her to the game in the first place?

As I said earlier, there is a change in the narrative. We take the content of each scene and consider when each part should take place. If you ask me if it’s difficult, there is a sense of challenge because it has to make it feel like the original game, and at the same time, the same feeling must not drown out the new additions.

• Would you like to explain more about the Moonlighting system?

Change is an easier career switch. Previously, you had to go to a specific location called Alltrades Abbey, but now you can do so from the in-game menu. This is one of the QoL enhancement features that makes it easier to switch. At the same time, when we revise this section, it gives players the opportunity to experiment with many different professions and styles. You can have two attack characters. You can change your team to a killing machine, or you can have a utility supply line.

• Previously, Vocation in Dragon Quest VII used to be very tricky. When the Reimagined installment added the Moonlighting system, Vocation can be installed on two things at the same time and can be adjusted quickly. How did the team make adjustments so that the system could be used without feeling that the balance of the game was broken?

Yes. It’s changed a lot because we want players to feel happy with how to play and have unlimited choices. And the magic itself has been rebalanced. The goal is to make each one unique. The entire battle system structure has been restructured. Everyone will notice.

• Did the team bring any ideas or systems from other games like XI and remakes?

We tried to design the game in our own way, so we didn’t bring any elements from other installments, but we tried to listen to player feedback on what we liked or disliked. Then we will apply it.

• In the QoL story of finding the stone slab to open the map, we can see that it is quite simple. Can you tell us a little bit about the background?

Previously, the 3DS version had received feedback on this, so we really wanted to fix it so that players don’t get lost easily and can still move through the story in a path while still having the freedom to set their own pace at the same time.

• What inspired you to this graphic genre?

Let’s call it ‘craft’! We tried to match the original style that was designed to be SD as designed by Akira Toriyama, but if you notice, this part has a difference in that the original artwork is already miniature characters, so it makes them look like dolls.

• What are the steps to work with the Diorama map?

Let me explain that the first part is that the characters are real dolls that we created by hand, and then scanned them into models, and the background is all CGI, which I try to make it look like a model because this game has a camera angle from a high angle, so I want it to feel like I am playing with a toy from above. When it actually came out, it was very compatible.

• at last How do you feel about the few months left before the game’s release?

We’re very confident that all the developers have added and changed a lot of things, and we’re excited for fans to try out the Dragon Quest VII Reimagined experience because it’s something to be proud of.

• Leave a message for the fans of the game.

Dragon Quest VII Reimagined has been developed for the modern generation of players with many elements that make it accessible and fun even after a long time.

About Dragon Quest VII Reimagined

A JRPG remake of Fragments of the Forgotten Past, the story revolves around the kingdom of Estard and our brave traveling to a past world to fight the enemies that have taken over their homeland in the current world.

The game will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, as well as the first Nintendo Switch, and PC on February 5, 2026.

Source: THIS IS GAME SEA THAILAND