Dragon Quest 7 Remake Director Praises Persona 3 and Final Fantasy as Major Influences

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Originally debuting on the Xbox 360 in 2008 before arriving on PC in 2009, *The Last Remnant* later received a remaster for PS4, Switch, and mobile devices. It holds a significant place in history as the first Square Enix title developed using Unreal Engine. Although its experimental mechanics and deliberate pace led to polarized reviews at launch, its status as a rare JRPG on Xbox helped it garner a dedicated cult following over the years.

One can often discern a fan’s narrative preferences by which title they choose between *Persona 3*, *4*, and *5*—the modern trilogy that Atlus continues to spotlight. The more somber, melancholic atmosphere of *Persona 3* seems to resonate perfectly with Ichikawa’s design philosophy, as evidenced by his other responses.

Regarding the core identity of *Dragon Quest*, Ichikawa described the “essence” of the series as a narrative that is “epic in scope, yet fundamentally grounded and relatable.” Discussing *Dragon Quest 7* specifically, he noted: “The journey of standing against the world’s injustices and growing through that struggle is a major draw. For this remake, we have revitalized the experience to ensure that specific charm remains at the forefront.”

The influence of the *Persona* franchise is particularly evident in the new *Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined* demo. The remake integrates features common in contemporary *Persona* titles, such as the ability to strike enemies on the field to gain a tactical advantage or instantly defeat significantly weaker foes to streamline exploration.

While Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined updates a 26-year-old classic, Square Enix has issued a stern warning: sharing spoilers could lead to temporary or permanent account bans.