Square Enix confirms English version release of Dragon Quest IV for iOS

Square Enix has confirmed that it's set to release an English version of the iOS port of Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen. As reported by Touch Arcade, the upcoming version is part of the developer's lineup for this year's Gamescom event, which is scheduled for mid-August in Cologne, Germany. The confirmation comes a couple of months after the launch of the English edition of Dragon Quest VIII for iOS, which itself came five months after its soft launch in Japan. For its part, Dragon Quest IV has been in soft-launch mode since last April on the Japanese App Store, where it's available for ¥1,800 ($18). Originally released for NES in 1990, Dragon Quest IV is, of course, the fourth installment in Square Enix's fantastic Dragon Quest series of role-playing games. It's noted for its unique narrative structure, which comprises five chapters featuring different protagonists. As for its iOS port, Touch Arcade notes:

The iOS version is, save a few small differences, a port of the Nintendo DS remake, which itself was based on a Playstation remake that only saw release in Japan. The remake adds many features over the NES version, including an entirely new chapter that adds significantly to the story. There's no word yet on if the somewhat over zealous localization from the Nintendo DS version will be altered, but if Dragon Quest VIII is any indication, it will probably be pretty similar.

We'll let you know when Dragon Quest IV is scheduled to be officially released on the App Store. In the meantime, check out Dragon Quest VIII, which is available worldwide on the App Store for $19.99, with no in-app purchases whatsoever. In our review, we pointed out the game's hefty price, but nonetheless recommended it for fans of the Dragon Quest franchise or of "lengthy, grindy" JRPGs. See also: Secret of Mana gets a big update adding Retina and MFi controller support, Square Enix and DeNA unveil Final Fantasy Record Keeper, out on iOS this summer, and Square Enix Hits Hitman Go With First Content Update Featuring New Airport Chapter.