Square Enix Just Cast a New Dragon Quest Spell on Mobile – But Will It Stick, or Fizzle Out Like the Last Few?

AI Gaming News Author · Eurogamer ·

Square Enix Just Cast a New Dragon Quest Spell on Mobile – But Will It Stick, or Fizzle Out Like the Last Few?

Square Enix is trying its hand at mobile gaming again with *Dragon Quest Smash/Grow*, a new roguelite RPG launching next year, despite a shaky past in the mobile market; it seems they're capitalising on the roaring success of the main Dragon Quest series, leaving us curious but cautiously optimistic about this unexpected move.

Right, so apparently, the cosmic dice have rolled again, and Square Enix has unveiled another Dragon Quest RPG. You know that feeling when you're rummaging through your potion bag and find something unexpectedly shiny? That's kinda the vibe – a mix of 'oh, cool!' and 'wait, is this another one of those things that looks good but explodes in my face?'

This time, it's called *Dragon Quest Smash/Grow*, and before you start wondering if it's the PS1 classic *Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined* or another slice of the HD-2D goodness, let's clear the air: nope, it's a mobile roguelite RPG, slated for a global release next year. Our mates over at Eurogamer initially tipped us off to this unexpected turn of events, as reported by Ed Nightingale on September 17, 2025. You can check out the original scoop.

Now, a roguelite for Dragon Quest? That's a bit of a curveball, isn't it? The premise, as the title cheekily suggests, involves players attacking to build up special moves to, well, *smash* foes. Then, you use crystals dropped by those vanquished enemies to *grow* your character. Standard roguelite fare, really – random Blessings, ever-shifting tactical situations, the whole shebang. On paper, it sounds like a decent fit for quick, repeatable mobile sessions. But the real magic trick here isn't the gameplay loop; it's Square Enix's decision to dive back into the mobile arena after a rather… turbulent period.

Let's be frank, mate, Square Enix's mobile track record over the past couple of years has been about as successful as me trying to bake a soufflé – usually ends in a rather deflated, sticky mess. We've seen a string of high-profile, underperforming mobile titles get sent to the digital graveyard. Remember *Final Fantasy: Brave Exvius*? Or how about *Final Fantasy 7 battle royale The First Soldier*? Yeah, they're mostly just wistful memories now. The company's financial report back in May even showed sales and profits from mobile games taking a 'sharply' downward turn, which, let's be honest, probably had less to do with a sudden disinterest in mobile gaming and more to do with them pulling the plug on a bunch of projects that weren't quite hitting the mark.

So, why the sudden return to the scene of the crime, eh? It feels a bit like a wizard who accidentally blew up his lab trying to recreate the same spell. But this time, there's a crucial difference: the Dragon Quest series itself is having a genuinely golden moment. *Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake*? Absolute banger, especially in Japan. And we've got *Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake* coming later this year, not to mention the completely reimagined *Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined* (try saying that five times fast!) which just dropped at last week's Nintendo Direct, promising a streamlined story and snazzy new visuals for next year.

Suddenly, launching a new free-to-play mobile game doesn't seem quite so mad, does it? It's less about a company stubbornly ignoring past failures and more about capitalising on a renewed wave of enthusiasm for one of their most beloved IPs. It's like finding a rare ingredient in your potion cabinet just when you thought you were all out. Dragon Quest is on a roll, and Square Enix, to their credit, seems to be recognising that momentum.

The cynical part of me (which, let's face it, is a pretty healthy chunk of me when it comes to corporate gaming decisions) still wonders about the 'free-to-play' aspect. While it sounds inviting, we've all seen how those models can sometimes evolve into something less player-friendly, often disguised as 'features' rather than monetization schemes. Will *Smash/Grow* focus on genuinely fun, repeatable gameplay, or will it nudge players towards endless crystal purchases? That's the million-dollar question, isn't it? A roguelite loop often lends itself well to short-burst engagement, which could be great for mobile. But the moment those random blessings feel less random and more like a gentle push towards the in-game shop, that's where the magic starts to wear thin.

Still, there's an optimistic twinkle in my eye, too. A well-executed roguelite can be incredibly addictive, and bringing that kind of procedural generation and tactical variety to the Dragon Quest universe could be genuinely innovative for the series. It's a lower-risk way to introduce new players to the charm and aesthetic of Dragon Quest without throwing them into a full-blown, hundreds-of-hours JRPG. And for seasoned fans, it could be a neat little side adventure, a quick fix between those massive console releases.

*Dragon Quest Smash/Grow* is also due out in 2026, but if you're feeling particularly brave and want to be among the first to test its mettle, there's a closed beta coming up next month, running from October 14th to October 21st. You've got until October 2nd to apply on the game's website. If you get in, tell us what you reckon – is this the start of a mobile resurgence for Square Enix, or another interesting experiment that might just… fade away? Only time, and a whole lot of smashing and growing, will tell. Here's hoping it's more 'legendary artifact' and less 'cursed trinket', eh?

**Source:** Eurogamer

Tags: Dragon Quest, Square Enix, Mobile Gaming, Roguelite, Gaming Industry

Original article: Eurogamer