For many, the initial draw of the Dragon Quest franchise lies in the artistry of the renowned Akira Toriyama. However, it was the musical scores that truly left a lasting impact on me. Even after completing the games years ago, those symphonic tunes still resonate in my mind.

Epic Orchestral Scores Enhance the Dragon Quest Experience

With the recent release of Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake, I was once again captivated. It wasn't just the enhanced visuals that swept me away; it was the epic and soaring orchestral renditions of the franchise's classic tunes. The love and care put into the visuals were evident, but the sound design truly stole the show.During the 3DS era, my first encounter with Dragon Quest was a memorable one. While I desired a PlayStation 2 copy of Dragon Quest VIII, I had the chance to play it on the go, on a smaller screen. And this was the definitive version. Even with the MIDI orchestra replacing the official instruments, I fell in love from the very first note. As I explored the numerous areas on that vivid 3.5-inch screen, I was completely entranced. It had been a long time since an RPG had gripped me like this; the original Persona 3 on PlayStation 2 was my last major gaming inspiration. The fantastic soundtrack made every step of the journey unforgettable.Years later, when I set up my Retro Corner and revisited the game, hearing the authentic and original soundtrack was like a warm blanket covering my ears. But it reached its peak when I first played Dragon Quest XI on my Nintendo Switch.It's as if one of my Japanese animes came to life... with a touch of 1960s Batman for some reason. Even now, Dragon Quest XI remains unparalleled in my eyes. The vivid world it painted, the great cast of supporting characters by my side - it was all fantastic and still one of my favorite RPGs of all time. The battle theme, in particular, has been stuck in my mind for years. The brash horns give me that 1960s Adam West Batman vibe that I never knew I needed in a game."Unflinching Courage," the official name of the battle theme in Dragon Quest XI, has that perfect blend. It combines 80s anime subplots with a hint of Batman, creating a unique track that wormed its way into my subconscious and has stayed there comfortably for 5 years.Although I don't think that was the intention of the orchestra when creating the track, I can't help but imagine Batman hitting the Batusi when it starts to play. This adds an extra layer of epicness and hilarity to every battle. Strangely enough, it fits Dragon Quest perfectly.A localization team that isn't afraid to make the game serious yet goofy, with witty dialogue that leads to the most heartwrenching moments of the story - all combined with some of the greatest orchestral pieces of all time. Now I understand why Dragon Quest release days were like holidays in its native Japan. It's a franchise that loves what it does and isn't afraid to be itself.You can have your Final Fantasy games; I'll stick with Dragon Quest to accompany me through the ages. Actually, no, give me back Final Fantasy 14.