Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined Preserves Toriyama’s Cuteness in Doll Style
Square Enix’s Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined has generated significant discussion with its distinctive diorama-style art and doll-like character designs, particularly following the more traditional pixel art approach of the recent Dragon Quest 1-3 HD remakes. Producer Takeshi Ichikawa recently discussed the development team’s approach to adapting the late Akira Toriyama’s iconic character designs for this remake. The team aimed to stay faithful to Toriyama’s original vision while creating a fresh visual presentation that would appeal to modern audiences. This artistic direction represents a deliberate departure from previous remakes in the series.
According to producer Takeshi Ichikawa, the original Dragon Quest 7 was defined by Akira Toriyama’s charming, stylized character designs. The development team carefully considered how to convey that signature cuteness while still capturing the game’s unique atmosphere. Ichikawa explained that they wanted to modernize Toriyama’s designs without compromising the qualities that make them uniquely recognizable. This balancing act between preservation and innovation has been central to the remake’s visual development process.
Ichikawa revealed that Square Enix’s decision to adopt the doll-like aesthetic was influenced by observing successful movies and games featuring similar visual styles that resonated with global audiences. The team discovered that doll motifs were well-received internationally, which inspired them to combine this concept with Dragon Quest 7’s established character designs. They believed this approach would create a visually appealing style, leading to their commitment to the hand-crafted aesthetic that defines the remake’s look.
Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined is not intended to supplement or improve upon previous versions of the classic JRPG, according to the development team. Instead, the project aims to represent the game for contemporary audiences while maintaining its core identity. The doll-style visuals represent one aspect of this modernization effort, alongside other updates that will make the experience accessible to today’s players. This approach suggests Square Enix views the remake as a fresh interpretation rather than a simple graphical upgrade. The distinctive art style, while divisive among some fans, demonstrates the team’s commitment to creative reinterpretation of a beloved classic.
