It isn’t entirely clear how the majority of Japanese gamers feel about Dragon Quest X, but to say the least, it probably wasn’t what most people had expected. In fact, some fans have already voiced their displeasure over the fact that the title will be a MMO.

So here comes Smash Bros. creator/Kid Icarus: Uprising designer Masahiro Sakurai to the rescue! Sakurai seems to be in favor of Square Enix’s approach, saying the following on Twitter:

“After hearing that it’s online, the number of people who say the classic style Dragon Quest would be better is probably not low. However, in a game industry where evolution and sudden changes are tolerated, even considered expected, just treading the same path would be be troubling. It’s being made by people who’ve made sound titles in the past, so I’m greatly looking forward to it.”

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A few more details from Square Enix’s Dragon Quest conference are now available. You can find a ton of information here and watch in-game footage here and here

– Five continents of Astordia: the mesa-like Ogrelead, Eldona, a mountainous region called Dwachakka, Pukuland, and an island area Wena
– Ogres are known for their strength and courage
– Wedi (the blue water-like creatures) express themselves with songs of love
– Elves honor nature
– Dwarves value craftsmanship and wealth
– Pukuripos live to dream and laugh
– Travel with up to three characters
– Game doesn’t have a transition to a battle screen
– A monster’s name changes color as its takes damage
– Can leave your character at a bar when you log out
– Alchemy: enhance weapons/armor with special effects
– Sewing: make a template for equipment

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If you’d like to play all of Dragon Quest X, you’ll need an Internet connection. According to a Square Enix support page, “It’s possible to play offline for the first few hours after the start of the game. However, to play all elements of the game, an internet connection is required.”

Even though an Internet connection is required, the game’s producer did say earlier today that players will be able to tackle the game on their own.

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The 3DS price drop has worked out favorably for Nintendo in Japan thus far. According to Enterbrain, the handheld moved more than 384,000 units in August, which is 2.6 times the amount of units that it sold in July.

That’s the second best-performing month for the 3DS. In March, when the 3DS first launched, the system sold 430,000 units.

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