The sequel that let players build their own party from a tavern, change classes and play through day and night — and then revealed itself as a prequel to the first game. It sold a million copies on its first day.
Follows: Dragon Quest II
What Changed
Players created their own party by recruiting companions at a tavern
Introduced a class system, with class changes at the Dharma Temple
Added a day-and-night cycle that gated certain items, characters and quests
Revealed itself as a prequel, turning the hero into the legendary Erdrick (Loto)
Key Facts
Released in Japan on 10 February 1988; developed by Chunsoft, published by Enix
Sold more than a million copies on its first day
Almost 300 students were arrested for truancy around its launch
Sold 3.8 million copies in Japan in 1988
Enix — not the government — chose to release later Dragon Quest games on weekends
Released in North America as Dragon Warrior III in March 1992