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Universal Japan announces plans for 'real battle attraction' with Dragon Quest experience
POSTED 20 Dec 2016 . BY Tom Anstey
USJ has promised 'adventures you were formerly only able to experience in videogames coming to life around you' for the attraction
Universal Studios Japan is celebrating the 30th anniversary of Dragon Quest by announcing plans for a new visitor attraction based on the popular videogame series.

Debuting on 17 March, ‘Dragon Quest: The Real’ will equip guests with a weapon and send them on a quest through a labyrinth, working with their friends to battle monsters appearing in the dungeon.

Dubbed a “real battle attraction”, USJ has called the plan the first of its kind, promising “adventures you were formerly only able to experience in videogames coming to life around you”, with players able to “really be the hero”.

While Universal has been quiet on the details, it did say the attraction would be using its “technological and creative abilities to bring a wide range of media content to life with realistic attractions”.

The Dragon Quest series is incredibly popular in Japan, having debuted on the Famicom games system in 1986 and going on to release 10 games spanning multiple platforms. To date, the game has sold 66 million units worldwide, though it has never been released in Europe.

“The day has finally come for everyone to experience the world of Dragon Quest in real life,” said Ryutaro Ichimura, head producer on the Square Enix Dragon Quest 30th Anniversary Project.

“As a conclusion to the project, we’re working as hard as we can with Universal Studios Japan to bring you an amazing experience, so you won’t be disappointed.”
RELATED STORIES
  First images of Universal's Super Nintendo World released


Universal Studios Japan (USJ) has released the first images of its world-first Nintendo attraction, coming to the park in 2020.
  Universal confirms Nintendo presence for all of its parks


Universal will expand its Nintendo presence beyond Japan by building similar attractions in its Orlando and Hollywood theme parks.
  Political turmoil in South Korea threatens to unravel Universal park plans


Plans for a Universal Studios development in South Korea have been severely hampered after political scandal surrounding President Park Geun-hye led to uncertainty over the government and its related businesses.
  Nintendo promises immersive situations and smartphone interactivity for Universal parks


As Universal prepares for launch of its first Nintendo theme park attraction in 2020, Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime has revealed some details for the upcoming attraction, promising “immersive amusement interactive situations” and potential smartphone interactivity for the highly-anticipated addition.
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Expo 2030 Riyadh will create a permanent global destination
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NEWS
Universal Japan announces plans for 'real battle attraction' with Dragon Quest experience
POSTED 20 Dec 2016 . BY Tom Anstey
USJ has promised 'adventures you were formerly only able to experience in videogames coming to life around you' for the attraction
Universal Studios Japan is celebrating the 30th anniversary of Dragon Quest by announcing plans for a new visitor attraction based on the popular videogame series.

Debuting on 17 March, ‘Dragon Quest: The Real’ will equip guests with a weapon and send them on a quest through a labyrinth, working with their friends to battle monsters appearing in the dungeon.

Dubbed a “real battle attraction”, USJ has called the plan the first of its kind, promising “adventures you were formerly only able to experience in videogames coming to life around you”, with players able to “really be the hero”.

While Universal has been quiet on the details, it did say the attraction would be using its “technological and creative abilities to bring a wide range of media content to life with realistic attractions”.

The Dragon Quest series is incredibly popular in Japan, having debuted on the Famicom games system in 1986 and going on to release 10 games spanning multiple platforms. To date, the game has sold 66 million units worldwide, though it has never been released in Europe.

“The day has finally come for everyone to experience the world of Dragon Quest in real life,” said Ryutaro Ichimura, head producer on the Square Enix Dragon Quest 30th Anniversary Project.

“As a conclusion to the project, we’re working as hard as we can with Universal Studios Japan to bring you an amazing experience, so you won’t be disappointed.”
RELATED STORIES
First images of Universal's Super Nintendo World released


Universal Studios Japan (USJ) has released the first images of its world-first Nintendo attraction, coming to the park in 2020.
Universal confirms Nintendo presence for all of its parks


Universal will expand its Nintendo presence beyond Japan by building similar attractions in its Orlando and Hollywood theme parks.
Political turmoil in South Korea threatens to unravel Universal park plans


Plans for a Universal Studios development in South Korea have been severely hampered after political scandal surrounding President Park Geun-hye led to uncertainty over the government and its related businesses.
Nintendo promises immersive situations and smartphone interactivity for Universal parks


As Universal prepares for launch of its first Nintendo theme park attraction in 2020, Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime has revealed some details for the upcoming attraction, promising “immersive amusement interactive situations” and potential smartphone interactivity for the highly-anticipated addition.
MORE NEWS
Mubadala makes €1 billion bid for Pierre and Vacances
Abu Dhabi-based investment firm Mubadala Capital has made a binding, fully financed €1 billion offer to acquire Pierre and Vacances SA, the European holiday resort operator behind the continental European Center Parcs business.
Expo 2030 Riyadh will create a permanent global destination
Expo 2030 Riyadh is being planned as a permanent visitor destination, with organisers confirming the six-million-square-metre site will become a Global Village after the event closes.
Australian waterpark acquisition creates new leisure attractions group
The owner of one of Australia's best-known waterparks has acquired a major competitor, creating a new attractions business spanning two of the country's largest visitor destinations.
London Museum reveals 2026 opening date for new Smithfield home
The London Museum’s new site will open in Smithfield, East London, on 28 November 2026.
Toverland unveils €98m expansion plan as park prepares to launch resort development
The Toverland theme park in the Netherlands has announced a €98m expansion programme that will add a resort, new attractions and staff facilities as it pursues plans to become a multi- day destination.
Butterfly sanctuary to host hot yoga during retreat at Jersey Zoo for Hotel de France
Hotel de France, located on the British Isle of Jersey, has created a wellness retreat package that includes a hot yoga session that will take place in Jersey Zoo’s butterfly sanctuary.
+ More news   
 
COMPANY PROFILES
Taylor Made Designs

Founded in 1993, Taylor Made Designs supply corporate clothing and brand-enhancing merchandise to [more...]
QubicaAMF UK

QubicaAMF is the largest and most innovative bowling equipment provider with 600 employees worldwi [more...]
Sally Corporation

Our services include: Dark ride design & build; Redevelopment of existing attractions; High-quality [more...]
Alterface

Alterface’s Creative Division team is seasoned in concept and ride development, as well as storyte [more...]
+ More profiles  
CATALOGUE GALLERY
+ More catalogues  
DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

23-26 Aug 2026

Elevate Spa Riviera Maya Edition

The Riviera Maya Edition Kanai, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
29 Sep - 02 Oct 2026

Synergy - The Retreat Show

Pical Resort, Valamar Collection, Porec, Croatia
+ More diary  
 


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Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

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