Nintendo Dream has recently published an interview with interview with Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition producer Hokuto Okamoto, development director Masato Yagi, and director Takeshi Uchikawa. The interview has been translated by Japanese Nintendo and talks about the decision to include Hero in Super Smash Bros Ultimate and how excited the team were when they found out Mr. Sakurai wanted Hero in the blockbuster Nintendo Switch title.
ND: Please tell us your impression on the inclusion of Hero and Dragon Quest in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
Okamoto: I was quite surprised when I first heard about Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. It’s nearly impossible for Dragon Quest characters to appear in other companies’ games. We discussed many ideas, including what we’re doing with DQXI S, such as making each colour a hero of past games. Mr. Sakurai accepted both Nintendo’s direction as well as Square Enix branding, and then got on board. It was a very exciting experience.
Uchikawa: In fact, we received a special request for feedback. I quickly reviewed the material, but personally was impressed with the map being very dynamic. I was impressed at the scale of everything. It fully incorporated various series staples, such as the command selection.
Yagi: I hadn’t played Super Smash Bros. Ultimate yet, but when I saw Hero’s inclusion, I knew I had to get down to it. (laughs)
ND: Mr. Yagi will finally make his debut into Super Smash Bros. Ultimate with Hero! (laughs)
Yagi: As for how to play, is it difficult to master Hero? I’ve played Super Smash Bros. 64. The things people are doing with Hero is impressive. I’ve considered how to turn a Dragon Quest battle into an action game, but I think this was an amazing opportunity.
Uchikawa: It’s spectacular what Mr. Sakurai can find to include. I learned a lot from this project.
Yagi: I saw Mr. Sakurai in a video showcasing Hero and how he uses him, but it’s probably impossible for me to use him well. That said, I think Hero’s movement and actions are really cool.
Uchikawa: It’s natural because Dragon Quest has never really done such a major cross-over with other franchises. Seeing Hero throw a Poké Ball? That’s a radical image to imagine. (laughs)
ND: Hero talks in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate – did you attend the audio recording?
Okamoto: I did. Mr. Sakurai really does everything himself, doesn’t he? I made the cues, and we quickly decided what would be used.