By Dragon Quest VII Reimagined has officially taken center stage as the latest cover feature of Game Informer, offering fans a deeper look into one of the most visually unique entries in the beloved franchise. During a visit to Square Enix’s Shibuya offices in Tokyo, the development team showcased not only hands-on gameplay and behind-the-scenes insights, but also the handcrafted dolls that inspired the game’s striking new aesthetic.
These physical dolls, created in collaboration with a local Japanese atelier, Studio Nova, served as the foundation for the remake’s visual identity. Each party member—Hero, Maribel, Kiefer, Ruff, Aishe, and Sir Mervyn—was carefully translated into doll form, and exclusive footage was captured to highlight the intricate details that later influenced the in-game models. According to game.news, this approach marks a bold yet thoughtful evolution of the Dragon Quest visual language.
Director Masato Yagi explained that the inspiration traces back to Akira Toriyama’s original character designs for Dragon Quest VII. Compared to other titles in the series, the characters were drawn with shorter proportions, giving them a more compact and storybook-like feel. “That scale naturally lent itself to a handcrafted, doll-like interpretation,” Yagi noted, adding that the aesthetic aligns closely with the game’s narrative tone and world-building.
The diorama-style presentation extends beyond the characters to the world of Estard and its surrounding islands. As players progress through the story, new lands gradually emerge, reinforcing the feeling of exploring a carefully assembled miniature world. Yagi emphasized that this mechanic fits seamlessly with the diorama concept, making exploration feel both magical and tangible. As highlighted by game.news, this design choice helps modernize the classic while preserving its original charm.
Players will be able to experience this unique visual direction firsthand when Dragon Quest VII Reimagined launches on February 5 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2, Switch, and PC.
Until then, fans can explore more in-depth coverage in Game Informer’s special issue dedicated to Dragon Quest VII Reimagined, including a deep dive into the franchise’s history with creator Yuji Horii.
The post An Exclusive Look at the Dolls Shaping Dragon Quest VII Reimagined’s Distinct Visual Style first appeared on Mediamark Digital.
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