Dragon Quest III: The Seeds of Salvation is a classic role-playing game developed by Chunsoft and published by Enix in 1988 for the Famicom (later known as the NES). It is the third entry in the legendary Dragon Quest series and is widely considered one of the most influential RPGs of its time. With its rich world, customizable party system, and groundbreaking narrative, it set a new standard for the genre and inspired countless future games.
The story follows a young hero, the child of the legendary warrior Ortega, who must defeat the evil archfiend Baramos and save the world. However, as the journey unfolds, the hero discovers that Baramos is only a servant of an even greater evil—Zoma—leading to an epic final battle that reveals the true origins of the Dragon Quest saga. This surprising twist connects the game’s ending to the first Dragon Quest, making it a beloved prequel for long-time fans.
Dragon Quest III expanded on the series’ traditional turn-based combat by introducing a deep class system. Players can create a fully customizable party of up to four members from various vocations, including warriors, mages, priests, merchants, and even jesters. Later in the game, characters can change classes, carrying over some of their previous abilities, allowing for flexible and strategic party builds.
The world of Dragon Quest III is vast and open, featuring multiple continents, hidden dungeons, and secrets waiting to be discovered. Players can explore towns, talk to NPCs for clues, and embark on side quests that enrich the lore of the game. A day-night cycle adds realism and affects events, NPC behaviors, and available quests, making the world feel more alive.
The game’s charming 8-bit graphics and iconic music, composed by Koichi Sugiyama, create a nostalgic yet timeless atmosphere. Memorable themes like the adventurous overworld music and the dramatic battle themes became hallmarks of the series. Its balance of freedom, story, and strategic depth made it a masterpiece of the RPG genre.
Dragon Quest III was a massive success in Japan and helped solidify the franchise’s legendary status. It has been remade and re-released on various platforms, introducing new generations of players to its classic adventure.
Technical Details
- Developer: Chunsoft
- Publisher: Enix
- Release Date: February 10, 1988 (Japan)
- Genre: Role-playing game (RPG)
- Mode: Single-player
- Platform: Famicom/NES (later remade for SNES, Game Boy Color, mobile, and Switch)
- Graphics: 8-bit top-down pixel art (enhanced in later remakes)
- Sound: Classic orchestral-inspired chiptune soundtrack by Koichi Sugiyama
- Key Features: Class and vocation system, open-world exploration, day-night cycle, twist ending connecting to the original Dragon Quest