‘Dragon Quest Walk’ broadens ‘Pokémon Go’ competition

The publisher behind “Final Fantasy” and “Kingdom Hearts” is preparing location-based augmented reality game “Dragon Quest Walk” for beta testing in Japan.

A mobile-only entry to the “Dragon Quest” franchise is coming courtesy of “Dragon Quest Walk”, offering another alternative to the “Pokémon Go” experience.

“Dragon Quest Walk” uses Google Maps as its foundation, as with “Pokémon GO” and “Harry Potter Wizards Unite”. Image: Courtesy of Square Enix via AFP Relaxnews

It is set to enter a round of public beta testing on June 11 and promises to blend the real world and the fantasy fiction of cartoon-style adventures in the “Dragon Quest” franchise.

Beta test registration is taking place through dragonquest.jp/walk/beta, with 20,000 places split evenly between iOS and Android users.

Just as with console game “Dragon Quest Builders”, which leveraged the popularity of creative construction game “Minecraft” while emphasizing a more linear storyline, “Dragon Quest Walk” likewise promises an emerging story for those that get involved.

Quests are oriented around local landmarks, and players can also build and decorate a room within “Dragon Quest Walk” to display belongings retrieved while out and about, per Gematsu.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbp9V_uA6_U

As it happens, the announcement of “Dragon Quest Walk” follows that of “Minecraft Earth” a few weeks earlier. “Minecraft Earth” is targeting a Summer 2019 beta for some of those that sign-up through minecraft.net/earth.

Sci-fi adventure movie “Men in Black: International” is also to receive a location-based exploration and collection game for mobiles, “Men in Black: Global Invasion”, and “Harry Potter” franchise tie-in “Harry Potter Wizards Unite” is in testing in New Zealand. RGA/NVG

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