35 Years Ago, A Legendary RPG Series Took Its Most Groundbreaking Risk
Briefly

Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen marked a significant evolution in JRPGs with its chapter-based storytelling, allowing players to experience different heroes in unique gameplay styles. Released initially in 1990, the game broke traditional RPG conventions by not following a single protagonist. Each of the five chapters presented varied narratives, enriching player experience and offering fresh perspectives. This innovative approach has inspired many modern games, establishing interconnected stories with ensemble casts, making Dragon Quest IV a cornerstone in video game history despite its initial struggles in the West.
Video game history is a living history. Some franchises have been with us for so long that it’s possible to trace their legacy and influence across decades.
Instead of placing the player in the shoes of a single protagonist, the game unfolds across five chapters, each focusing on a different hero.
This approach provided a more diverse narrative experience, gradually introducing the player to the ensemble cast before bringing them together for the final chapter.
This design choice gave players a fresh perspective on the world before uniting the characters under the banner of a silent hero.
Read at Inverse
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