The development of Dragon Quest XII continues without a concrete release date, while its creator, Yuji Horii, confirms his intention to continue overseeing the saga until its 50th anniversary in 2036. Fans of the franchise will need to be patient, as the twelfth title progresses at a slow pace with no major updates since its announcement in 2021.
A renewed graphics engine and changes in combat
Square Enix has confirmed that Dragon Quest XII will use Unreal Engine 5, with a focus on dynamic lighting and high-resolution textures. The classic turn-based combat system will be replaced by a hybrid real-time scheme, similar to that seen in Final Fantasy VII Remake. Additionally, a decision-making system that affects the narrative will be implemented, a novelty for the series. Horii has indicated that the team seeks to balance tradition with modernization, though without rushing the release.
Horii plans to retire... in the year 2036
Yuji Horii, aged 70, has stated that he wants to remain in charge until the 50th anniversary of the saga. In other words, if development continues at the current pace, we might see Dragon Quest XII by then, just in time for Horii to blow out the candles with a copy in hand. Meanwhile, fans can start dusting off their retro consoles, because the next major title in the series seems more like an inheritance than a release.