Dragon Quest Composer Koichi Sugiyama Has Died

Koichi Sugiyama, composer of a few of the most recognizable tracks within the historical past of Japanese RPG titles, dies on the age of 90.

Many have been considerably stunned when the Heroes of the Dragon Quest sport sequence confirmed up as playable characters in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. A lot of these gamers have been little question American, for whereas it by no means fairly took off in america like its Closing Fantasy contemporaries, Dragon Quest has all the time been huge.

There are a lot of components that contribute to the success of the Dragon Quest titles, from their anime-inspired artstyle to their snug RPG mechanics. However one of many largest attracts has all the time been the soundtracks, composed for the reason that starting by Koichi Sugiyama. However the period of Sugiyama composing for Dragon Quest, or anything, has come to an finish.

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Koichi Sugiyama is useless at 90. He died on September 30 of septic shock, and his funeral was a small, non-public affair. His works embrace every bit of music composed for each Dragon Quest title, comprising over 500 songs whole, along with different titles for Sq. Enix, starting again when it was merely Enix. He drew inspiration from grand orchestral items and opera, pioneering music not heard earlier than through the Tremendous Nintendo period. His most well-known work is probably the “Dragon Quest Overture,” one among several video game themes played at the Japanese Olympics. It’s immediately recognizable to most gamers.

Sugiyama’s profession was illustrious, however not with out its black spots. He publicly took sides with politicians who held an anti-LGBTQ+ stance, standing with them in declaring the shortage of youngsters from LGBTQ+ {couples} a difficulty. Equally, he performed an element in efforts to downplay the importance of “consolation girls” throughout World Conflict II: girls who have been press ganged into sexual service for Japanese troopers. This isn’t the one battle crime dedicated by Japan that he denies, and it was these views that finally induced Sq. Enix to distance itself from him. His views are one thing many Dragon Quest fans no doubt wish they could forget.

The legacy Sugiyama leaves behind is undoubtedly blended. There are those that couldn’t expertise his music the identical approach after studying his views, and will expertise it in a different way as soon as extra along with his passing. The identical drive that drives individuals to buy a mega expensive Dragon Quest chess set could sway them in some way.

For now, condolences and respects are rolling one, and that’s applicable. Sq. Enix’s president reached out with condolences to Sugiyama’s household, reminiscing about Sugiyama main an orchestra in taking part in Dragon Quest music. With out him, the fate of Dragon Quest XII‘s rating is unknown.

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Supply: Dragon Quest Website

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