Square Enix censors iconic Dragon Quest designs

UPDATE: A reader has informed us that the changes to the Priest may have been done to more accurately represent the setting’s religion in Dragon Quest, as opposed to being done to avoid offense.

Square Enix has seemingly made the decision to censor multiple character designs in the upcoming game Dragon Quest III HD-2D, most notably the female Warrior and the Priest.

The Warrior has notable had a pair of stats added to her iconic armor, covering up more of her thighs. Meanwhile the Priest had her cross switched out for a trident, presumably to avoid a reference to real world religions (unless you count Poseidon?).

The censorship in Dragon Quest III HD-2D is similar to the recent censorship of Dokapon Kingdom which also received a remastered release and also had its character designs covered up. Critics of the change are quick to blame “western audiences“, but the changes were most likely done to accommodate Japan’s CERO rating’s board which has become more draconian and strict in recent years.

One Japanese user also mentioned the female Jester/Gadabout having her bodysuit extended at the legs to cover the area between her thigh and pelvis.

ドラクエ3HD2Dのポリコレ対策。

女戦士はビキニアーマーにダサい肌色パンツ履いてるし、
女遊び人はハイレグじゃない。

マーニャにもスパッツ履かせてたけど、普通に可愛くなくね？

誰得なの？ pic.com/DcwGdQDi1r

— kito@仕事人 (@kitokito1979) September 4, 2024

The Dragon Quest series is known for its iconic character designs from none other than Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama who passed away earlier this year.

Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake is launching November 14 for Windows PC (via Steam and the Microsoft Store), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, PS4, and PS5.