Square Enix, a major Japanese gaming company, once again appears to prioritize Western ESG values by needlessly censoring content as they re-release classic titles.
Square Enix unveiled new details about the anticipated Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake. However, the excitement surrounding the game has been overshadowed by the company’s controversial decisions. The character art for various job classes has been altered, with some designs toned down in terms of femininity and sensuality, seemingly to appease sensitive social media activists and hedge fund firms inside BlackRock’s pocket.
Previously, we reported on Square Enix’s shift in direction with the upcoming Dragon Quest III remake, where they appear to be following modern DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) trends by removing male and female sex terminologies.
These concerns surfaced after Square Enix CEO Takashi Kiryu stated that the company would continue making “safe” video games when questioned by investors regarding continued involvement with the nefarious cancel culture peddlers, Sweet Baby Inc.
The term “safe” obviously being an allegory for censorship, something that has become a hallmark of modern Square Enix titles. From Final Fantasy VII’s remakes to HD re-releases like Chrono Cross, censorship has become more prevalent amongst their games be they new or old.
The company has even gone so far as to patch older games post-release, removing what they now consider “problematic” content, such as the original Final Fantasy VII scene where players could collect Tifa’s panties, and the ability to look up characters’ skirts in Chrono Cross.
The iconic belly dancing outfit of Maya Mahabala has also been censored in Dragon Quest Monsters 3, with the previously revealing design now altered to include a crop top and shorts, reducing the amount of skin shown around the chest and thighs.
Censorship concerns have already surfaced with the upcoming Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake, set to release on November 14th. One example is the redesign of the iconic “Boss Troll” enemy.
The series’ primary illustrator, Akira Toriyama, the legendary mangaka, sadly passed away earlier this year, leaving his artistic legacy behind.
Square Enix has discarded decades of Akira Toriyama’s iconic designs, including the classic depiction of the Boss Troll. Originally introduced in Dragon Quest III, the Boss Troll was a humorously large, green creature with a menacing presence and distinctive thick pink lips.
This design remained consistent across various installments, but has now been altered in the upcoming remake, marking a significant departure from the original aesthetic.
In the HD-2D remake, the Boss Troll’s design has been altered, with its iconic thick pink lips now replaced by a green shade that blends with the rest of its skin. This change appears to align with a broader trend in the West to “humanize” mythical creatures like Orcs, Trolls, and Goblins as political activists have argued that such designs are racist caricatures, claiming that features like thick lips are “black coded,” prompting their removal.
In addition to the gender-neutral character depictions and previous instances of censorship in iconic franchises, Square Enix has given fans more reasons for frustration. Recent screenshots and character artwork reveal further alterations from the original designs, continuing a pattern that may alienate long-time supporters.
In a detailed Twitter article, Square Enix unveiled full artwork for all nine job classes available in the upcoming Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake, including the Hero class. Each class is showcased with fully illustrated designs and updated sprite models, giving players a glimpse of the characters they can recruit into their party.
The remake offers a visually stunning reimagining of Square Enix’s beloved classic, marking the beginning of the Erdrick Trilogy. With its fusion of pixel art and 3D graphics, the game brings the world of Dragon Quest III to life like never before. Alongside the new visuals, the remake introduces a modernized UI and several quality-of-life improvements.
However, these enhancements ultimately go to waste as the game’s authenticity has been compromised in favor of foreign agendas and design initiatives, detracting from the original experience for long-time fans.
For example, the warrior class has undergone a significant change from the original game, with the female rendition being unnecessarily censored by Square Enix. The new design adds a crop top under the armor-plated bikini and shorts, covering her chest and thighs.
This drastic redesign seems aimed at reducing visible skin, in a rather exaggerated effort to eliminate any trace of nudity or sensuality. It’s likely a move to align with ESG-driven agendas pushed by foreign corporate entities like BlackRock, and possibly to meet modern game rating requirements that frown upon depictions of sensuality.
Another clear example of censorship in the remake is the alteration of the Priest class, which no longer features a religious cross on their attire.
Instead, the cross has been replaced with a trident, as if religious symbols on clerics or healers are now deemed inappropriate. While the priests’ aesthetic and roles may have originally drawn inspiration from Christianity, the religion in Dragon Quest III was always a fictional creation meant to fit the game’s fantasy world, not a reflection of any real-world belief.
However, this seemingly minor but significant change aligns with Square Enix’s broader ESG-driven agenda, which appears intent on removing any depiction of crosses or Christian symbols from the game.
Additionally, the “Gadabout” or Jester class has undergone significant changes as well, particularly the female version. Originally depicted as an attractive blonde woman in a bunny costume, this design has been altered in the remake, further reflecting the game’s shift away from its original aesthetic.
Even the male Jester has been reworked, now featuring a redesigned outfit with fewer but thicker stripes, which I personally find more visually appealing. However, the main issue lies with the female Jester, originally depicted as a blonde in a bunny costume.
Her breast size has been noticeably reduced, and the costume now includes a white lip design that covers more of her cleavage and eliminates any “side boob” action, extending further under her armpits to drastically reduce the amount of exposed skin.
While these changes might seem minor and insignificant, they highlight the broader impact of ESG ideologies and the influence of entities like BlackRock on the gaming industry. Though these adjustments may appear subtle, likely unnoticed unless pointed out, they carry substantial political weight, reflecting how deeply these external pressures are affecting game design and content.
DEI and ESG initiatives often claim to promote diversity and support marginalized groups, but Black game developers have already confirmed that it does the opposite.
Rather than uplifting “diverse voices”, these globalist agendas pursued by companies like Square Enix appear focused on erasing traditional depictions of women and curb stomping masculinity.
The goal seems to be creating a sanitized, Christianity-free environment, free from elements like cleavage, in hopes of attracting hedge fund investments despite these investments yielding diminishing returns.
Square Enix is in a precarious position. Their high-profile AAA releases, particularly within the Final Fantasy series, have consistently underperformed in sales despite exclusivity contracts. The recent release of Final Fantasy XVI struggled commercially on Sony’s PlayStation 5, despite featuring a homosexual couple, a first for the franchise.
This was followed by an even greater financial misstep with Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, where Square Enix chose to retroactively censor Tifa’s costume design in Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade, deliberately destroying a free marketing opportunity for the game.
Consumers are increasingly frustrated with what they see as a forced inclusion of homosexual content and the removal of traditional femininity and heteronormative elements under the guise of addressing “sexism” or other concerns.
These changes are disrespectful to Akira Toriyama’s original designs. Even though these alterations might have been made while Toriyama was still alive, the subtle modifications in the Dragon Quest III HD-2D remake showcase a broader shift in priorities that speaks volumes beyond mere words.
This trend isn’t new. Square Enix stated their commitment to producing “safe” games, even as they struggle financially by alienating their core audience with a focus on progressive initiatives that appeal to only a small, vocal minority.
This vocal minority tends to conflate fiction with reality, criticizing sexualized fictional characters while simultaneously viewing platforms like OnlyFans as empowering for real-life women. The remakes and remasters of classic games that Square Enix outsources to external developers are among the few “modern” video games they release that are actually profitable, thanks to their lower development costs and the nostalgic appeal that guarantees sales.
The game looks very appealing, but it’s yet another example of a classic title being “modernized” in ways that cater to a hypothetical, overly sensitive audience.
With genderless definitions looming over its head, the altered designs following Toriyama’s tragic death are changes that aren’t necessary or desirable.
If you value authenticity, you might consider refraining from purchasing Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake. Instead, if you feel compelled to play it, you’re morally in the right to pirate the game instead. Square Enix’s decision to prioritize their “ethics department” and foreign policies over respecting the legacy of a renowned industry figure shows disregard for loyal fans, their products aren’t deserving of your financial support.
