Many were somewhat surprised when the Heroes of theDragon Questgame series showed up asplayable characters inSuper Smash Bros. Ultimate. Many of those players were no doubt American, for while it never quite took off in the United States like itsFinal Fantasycontemporaries,Dragon Questhas always been big.
There are many factors that contribute to the success of theDragon Questtitles, from their anime-inspired artstyle to their comfortable RPG mechanics. But one of the biggest draws has always been the soundtracks, composed since the beginning by Koichi Sugiyama. But the era of Sugiyama composing forDragon Quest, or anything else, has come to an end.
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Koichi Sugiyama is dead at 90. He died on September 30 of septic shock, and his funeral was a small, private affair. His works include every piece of music composed for everyDragon Questtitle, comprising over 500 songs total, in addition to other titles for Square Enix, beginning back when it was simply Enix. He drew inspiration from grand orchestral pieces and opera, pioneering music not heard before during the Super Nintendo era. His most famous work is most likely the “Dragon Quest Overture,” one ofseveral video game themes played at the Japanese Olympics. It is instantly recognizable to most players.
Sugiyama’s career was illustrious, but not without its black spots. He publicly took sides with politicians who held an anti-LGBTQ+ stance, standing with them in declaring the lack of children from LGBTQ+ couples an issue. Similarly, he played a part in efforts to downplay the significance of “comfort women” during World War II: women who were press ganged into sexual service for Japanese soldiers. This is not the only war crime committed by Japan that he denies, and it was these views that eventually caused Square Enix to distance itself from him. His views are something manyDragon Questfans no doubt wish they could forget.
The legacy Sugiyama leaves behind is undoubtedly mixed. There are those who could not experience his music the same way after learning his views, and may experience it differently once more with his passing. The same drive that drives people to purchase amega expensiveDragon Questchessset may sway them one way or the other.
For now, condolences and respects are rolling one, and that is appropriate. Square Enix’s president reached out with condolences to Sugiyama’s family, reminiscing about Sugiyama leading an orchestra in playingDragon Questmusic. Without him,the fate ofDragon Quest XII’s score is unknown.
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