Dragon Quest IX save data 'enormous;' only one slot allowed

by Andrew Yoon { Jul 8th 2009 at 6:00PM }

The upcoming DS-exclusive RPG, Dragon Quest IX, is massive. In fact, producer Ryutaro Ichimura notes that "the amount of freedom we give players is huge." The consequence? "The data that needs to be saved is enormous." Instead of providing multiple save slots, as found in most DS games, Dragon Quest IX is too large to fit more than one save file in the DS cartridge's limited memory.

While those who prefer creating multiple save points (before a dungeon, for example) will be disappointed, we're reminded of yet another huge DS game: Pokemon. And like Nintendo's monster collecting RPG, Dragon Quest IX will feature a backup system just in case your DS battery dies. "The scariest for save data is when the battery dies," notes DQ creator Yuji Horii. With this system in place, you'll be safe knowing a failed save won't result in hours of gameplay lost.

[Via Kotaku]

Tags: dragon-quest, dragon-quest-ix, ds, nintendo-ds, save

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

TrumpetDan @ Jul 8th 2009 6:07PM

When it come time for me to buy this eventually, and sure enough my brother will want to borrow it... I'll tell him to get his own damn copy! ;)

Nigeria @ Jul 8th 2009 6:14PM

The World Ends With You only had a single save slot as well, which was well annoying.

I lend out my games loads, but I can't bare the thought of parting with my cartridge for fear that the receiver may delete over my lovely 50+ hour save.

Meh @ Jul 9th 2009 6:49AM

I thought there were two?

Nigeria @ Jul 9th 2009 7:19AM

Nah, it was definitely one.

ecco6t9 @ Jul 8th 2009 6:16PM

This matters why?

dark_inchworm (on Steam!) dark inchworm (on XBL!) @ Jul 9th 2009 11:59AM

I have a younger sister that I enjoy sharing my games with. When we can't both have a save file on the same $35 cartridge, this poses a problem.

Giant_Gamer @ Jul 8th 2009 6:16PM

If the lack of save data space is balanced by one awesome game then I say it's worth it. But I agree with TrumpetDan, no one will be allowed to touch this game but me. Just like with both of my Etrian Odyssey games, they are not to be used by anyone else.

It would be really nice if one of the DSi exclusive features is to save data onto the SD card. If S-E could take advantage of this idea then a DSi would be bought by me, when the game comes out.

G_G

Nightwish @ Jul 9th 2009 8:56AM

It's a Supercard exclusive feature instead.

Nguyen @ Jul 8th 2009 6:18PM

so why wasn't this made for the Wii again?

Roto13 @ Jul 8th 2009 8:48PM

Because nobody knew the Wii was going to be so ridiculously successful when work started on this game. It's been in development for the standard Dragon Quest "too long."

Nguyen @ Jul 9th 2009 12:12AM

wait wait... what about the DQ games that are out for the Wii?? so those were hacked together to make use of the Wii's features (like DQ Swords) but this one just kept chugging along for the DS??

Alilatias @ Jul 9th 2009 12:38AM

From the looks of it, yes (in regards to the DQ Swords part).

However, I'm not sure if you know yet, but SE let slip that DQ X will be for the Wii last December.

S. Tiger @ Jul 8th 2009 7:33PM

Hey, check it out. They don't look like they're from DBZ anymore.

devilsei @ Jul 8th 2009 10:13PM

Yeah, now the guys look like every other guy, and the girls looks like every other girl!

S. Tiger @ Jul 8th 2009 10:26PM

I'm wondering if there's a class system we haven't been told about for that reason.

Tim @ Jul 8th 2009 11:37PM

Ironically, the DBZ style is what got me interested in DQ.

C'mon, I'd like to see the scouter as a fanservice item.

Roto13 @ Jul 8th 2009 11:38PM

I'm pretty sure those are just two characters in different outfits. :P

Alilatias @ Jul 9th 2009 12:48AM

Roto is correct. What you see in the picture represents different classes, not different characters. And there are a lot of classes to choose from.

For those curious, from left to right: Paladin, Thief, Cleric/Priest, Mage, and Warrior. The first one is an advanced class, the other four are basic. Advanced classes are unlocked through quests rather than leveling up as a certain basic class.

The other classes not seen here are Rangers, Battlemasters, Fighters, Jesters, and Magic Knights. Fighters and Jesters are basic classes, the rest are advanced.

There also appears to be two more advanced classes not yet fully revealed, one of which appears to be Sage, and the other looks like some type of Dancer.

Dio Brando @ Jul 8th 2009 7:54PM

Looks very promising.

Paper @ Jul 8th 2009 10:13PM

Yet another sign this title should have been on a console and not a hand held. Other then that fact I love the DQ series.

Meh @ Jul 9th 2009 6:50AM

"Dragon Quest IX is too large to fit more than one save file in the
DS cartridge's limited memory."
Band Brothers DX had the same problem and what did they do? They
released special cartridges with 8MB of save memory (a normal cart
has 512kB, including backup I assume the DQ save file is going to be
max 256kB).

At least it's going to be cheaper that wa- OH WAIT SQUARE ENIX.

Alilatias @ Jul 9th 2009 1:38PM

Actually, this game costs around 5500+ yen. Much cheaper than the standard SE pricetag of 8000+.

The reason why it's this cheap is because the developers figured that families would buy multiple copies, what with the single save file and the local multiplayer and all.