View source for Dragon Quest III

{{Short description|1988 video game}}
{{Good article}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Dragon Quest III: {{nowrap|The Seeds of Salvation}}
| image = Dragon Warrior III.jpg
| caption = North American NES box art
| developer = [[Chunsoft]]{{efn|Super Famicom version developed by [[Heartbeat (company)|Heartbeat]]; Game Boy Color version developed by [[Tose (company)|Tose]]; iOS and Android versions developed by [[Matrix Software]]; HD-2D remake developed by [[Artdink]].}}
| publisher = [[Enix]] (original)<br>[[Square Enix]] (2009–present)
| director = [[Koichi Nakamura]]
| producer = Yukinobu Chida
| designer = [[Yuji Horii]]
| programmer = Kan Naito
| artist = [[Akira Toriyama]]
| writer = Yuji Horii
| composer = [[Koichi Sugiyama]]
| series = ''[[Dragon Quest]]''
| engine = [[Unreal Engine 4]] (HD-2D remake)
| platforms = {{collapsible list|title={{nobold|[[Nintendo Entertainment System]]}}|
| [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|Super Famicom]]
| [[Game Boy Color]]
| [[Mobile phone]]
| [[Wii]]
| [[Android (operating system)|Android]]
| [[iOS]]
| [[Nintendo 3DS]]
| [[PlayStation 4]]
| [[Nintendo Switch]]
| [[PlayStation 5]]
| [[Xbox Series X and Series S|Xbox Series X/S]]
| [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]]}}
| released = {{collapsible list|title={{nobold|February 10, 1988}}|
'''NES'''{{vgrelease|JP|February 10, 1988|NA|March 1992<ref name="NintendoList">{{cite web |url=https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/downloads/nes_games.pdf |publisher=Nintendo of America |access-date=August 9, 2015 |title=NES Games |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140611225644/http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/downloads/nes_games.pdf |archive-date=June 11, 2014 }}</ref>}}'''Super Famicom'''{{vgrelease|JP|December 6, 1996}}'''Game Boy Color'''{{vgrelease|JP|December 8, 2000|NA|July 17, 2001<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 17, 2001 |title=Dragon Warrior III Ships for GBC |url=http://gameboy.gamezone.com/news/07_17_01_07_20PM.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010724125452/http://gameboy.gamezone.com/news/07_17_01_07_20PM.htm |archive-date=July 24, 2001 |access-date=December 25, 2023 }}</ref>}}'''Mobile'''{{vgrelease|JP|November 19, 2009}}'''Android''', '''iOS'''{{vgrelease|JP|September 25, 2014|WW|December 4, 2014}}'''Nintendo 3DS''', '''PlayStation 4'''{{vgrelease|JP|August 24, 2017}}'''Switch'''{{vgrelease|WW|September 27, 2019}}'''''HD-2D Remake'''''<br/>'''Windows''', '''Switch''', '''PS5''', '''Xbox Series X/S'''{{vgrelease|WW|November 14, 2024}}}}
| genre = [[Role-playing video game|Role-playing]]
| modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]]
}}

'''''Dragon Quest III: The Seeds of Salvation''''',{{efn|Known in Japan as {{nihongo|'''''Dragon Quest III: Soshite Densetsu e...''''', lit. "Dragon Quest III: And into the Legend..."|ドラゴンクエストIII そして伝説へ...|lead=yes}}}} titled '''''Dragon Warrior III''''' when initially localized to North America, is a 1988 [[role-playing video game]] developed by [[Chunsoft]] and published by [[Enix]]. It is the third installment in the ''[[Dragon Quest]]'' series and was first released for the [[Nintendo Entertainment System|Family Computer]] (Famicom) in Japan and later for the [[Nintendo Entertainment System]] (NES) in North America. The game saw an [[Video game remake|enhanced remake]] for the [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|Super Famicom]] (the Japanese release of the Super NES) in 1996 and the [[Game Boy Color]] in 2001, and a port to [[mobile phone]]s and the [[Wii]] in 2009 and 2011. A version of the game for [[Android (operating system)|Android]] and [[iOS]] was released in Japan on September 25, 2014,<ref name="dq1-8-mobile">{{cite web|url=http://www.jp.square-enix.com/company/ja/news/2013/html/56a7abe635cc1de7c0719e76f250d640.html|title=SQUARE ENIX announces DRAGON QUEST titles including DRAGON QUEST VIII for smartphones (For Japan)|publisher=[[Square Enix]]|date=2013-10-08|access-date=2013-10-08|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131011112341/http://www.jp.square-enix.com/company/ja/news/2013/html/56a7abe635cc1de7c0719e76f250d640.html|archive-date=2013-10-11|url-status=live}}</ref> and worldwide as ''Dragon Quest III: The Seeds of Salvation'' on December 4, 2014. It was the first time the game was given an official English subtitle. Later in 2021, another remake of the game titled '''''Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake''''',<ref>{{Cite web |last=Giovannini |first=Alessandro |date=2024-11-13 |title=Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake {{!}} Recensione (PC) {{!}} Nascita di un eroe |url=https://www.player.it/recensioni/575019-dragon-quest-iii-hd-2d-remake-recensione-pc.html |access-date=2024-11-28 |website=Player.it |language=it-IT}}</ref>{{efn|Known in Japan as {{nihongo|'''''HD-2D Edition Dragon Quest III'''''|HD-2D版 ドラゴンクエストIII|HD-2D Ban Doragon Kuesuto Surī|lead=yes}}}} based on the [[HD-2D]] graphical style of ''[[Octopath Traveler]]'' (2018), was announced during the franchise's 35th anniversary livestream, and it was eventually released in November 2024 for [[Nintendo Switch]], [[PlayStation 5]], [[Windows]], and [[Xbox Series X and Series S|Xbox Series consoles]].<ref name="dqiii-HD-2D-RE">{{cite web|url=https://www.siliconera.com/dragon-quest-iii-hd-2d-remake-currently-in-development/|title=Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake in Development|publisher=SiliconEra|date=May 27, 2021|access-date=May 27, 2021|author=Andrew Kiya}}</ref>

The first three ''Dragon Quest'' games are part of the same story, and ''Dragon Warrior III'' is the first game chronologically, as well as the third game that features the hero [[Dragon Quest#Erdrick|Erdrick]] (Loto in the Japanese releases and Game Boy Color localization). The story follows "[[Hero (Dragon Quest III)|the Hero]]" whose quest is to save the world from the archfiend Baramos. Gathering a group of companions into a party, the Hero must travel the world, stopping at various towns and locations, and make their way to the Demon Lord Baramos' lair.

== Gameplay ==
''Dragon Quest III'' is noted for greatly expanding upon the gameplay of the original ''[[Dragon Quest (video game)|Dragon Quest]]'' and ''[[Dragon Quest II]]''. The game uses basic [[role-playing video game]] conventions such as leveling up by gaining [[experience point]]s and equipping items.<ref name="DWIIINES" /><ref name="DWIIIGBC" /> The battle system is [[turn-based strategy|turn-based]] like the other games in the series, though the remakes incorporate various interface changes from later titles. These include simpler door opening, a bag to store items instead of keeping them at a bank, quick item sorting with "Tidy Item" and "Tidy Bag" command, and a "Full HP" command to automate the process of casting healing and status restoring spells. And while earlier ''Dragon Quest'' games were [[Nonlinear gameplay|non-linear]] in structure, ''Dragon Quest III'' featured an even more [[Open world|open-world]] experience. It also allowed the player to freely swap characters in and out of their party and introduced the day/night cycle in which certain items, characters, and quests are only accessible at specific times of the day.<ref name="DQ_III" /><ref name="gspot_consolehist_d" />

=== Classes ===
[[File:Dragonwarrior3class.png|240px|left|thumb|In the picture, the player is reselecting one class for a character in Dhama Temple. The class system became a staple feature of many future ''Dragon Quest'' games.]]
''Dragon Quest III'' features a [[Character class|class]] system, in which each character has a certain class. At the start of the game, the player begins as a single male or female hero but is able to recruit members at the local tavern.<ref name="kurt" /> While the Hero always keeps the Hero class, the other characters can choose to be any of the following of either gender: Soldier (Warrior in the [[Game Boy Color|GBC]] version), Fighter, Pilgrim (Cleric), Wizard (Mage), Merchant (Dealer), Goof-Off (Jester), Sage, and Thief and Monster Wrangler which are available only in later versions. The choice of class greatly affects the character's stats and spells he or she can learn.<ref name="DWIIINES" /><ref name="DWIIIGBC" /><ref name="pgclasses" /> Furthermore, upon reaching experience Level 20, a character has the option of changing classes at the temple of Dhama, found halfway through the game.<ref name="explorer" /> A character who changes classes has their stats halved and restarts at experience Level 1, retaining their spells and, in the remakes, their personality. This allows a player to create a character that knows Wizard spells but has the defense of a Soldier.<ref name="kurt" /> Unlike most ''Dragon Quest'' parties, aside from the Hero, the party is not made up of characters involved in the story. Although only four characters can be in the party at a time, extra members of the party can be kept at the tavern, allowing room for new recruits.<ref name="manual" /> Another innovation is an arena where the player can place bets on the outcome of monster battles in order to win more gold.<ref name="pgminigames" />

In the remakes, after selecting a character, the player can change the character's starting abilities with five magical seeds, given at the tavern.<ref name="guide" /> Also, each character has a personality trait which affects the growth rate of their abilities. The Hero's personality is determined by the player's choices and actions during a dream sequence at the start of the game, while other characters' personalities are determined by their status at the end of the character generation process. Most personalities are available to both male and female characters, while a few are exclusive to male or female characters. A character's personality can be temporarily changed by equipping certain accessories, or permanently changed by using certain consumable books.

== Story ==
=== Setting ===
The game starts in the castle town of Aliahan. Like the rest of the ''Dragon Quest'' worlds, this castle is set in a [[Middle Ages|medieval]]-like time period, complete with [[knight]]s and [[magician (fantasy)|magicians]]. The party explores several caves, ruins, and castles during the adventure. The geography of ''Dragon Quest III'' largely corresponds to the actual geography of Earth,<ref name="kurt" /> and many towns correspond to their real-world cultures, including "Romaly" for [[Rome]], "Portoga" for [[Portugal]], "Assaram" near present-day [[Iraq]] (derived from "[[as-salamu alaykum]]"), "Jipang" for [[Japan]] (where the hero fights [[Yamata no Orochi]]) and even a "New Town" in eastern [[North America]] that experiences a revolution against an overbearing ruler (derived from the [[American Revolution]] against the [[United Kingdom]] in 1776).

=== Plot ===
''Dragon Quest III'' is set many years before the original ''Dragon Warrior'' in a world separate from the first two games.<ref name="brad" /> A wicked fiend named Baramos threatens to destroy the world.<ref name="king" /> The story revolves around [[Hero (Dragon Quest III)|the Hero]],<ref name="DWIIINES" /> son or daughter (the player can choose to be either male or female, with few gameplay changes) of the legendary warrior Ortega.<ref name="king2" /> On their sixteenth birthday, the Hero is summoned to the castle and is given by the King of Aliahan the challenge to rid the world of the evil archfiend Baramos, which Ortega attempted in the past but seemingly perished in a volcano.<ref name="handbook" /> The Hero then is able to recruit up to three traveling companions to help fight Baramos.

The Hero leaves their home country of Aliahan to travel the world and complete their father's quest to defeat Baramos. A major portion of the adventure is the quest to acquire the last two of the three keys needed to open doors throughout the game. After saving two people of the town of Baharata from the rogue Kandar and stealing back the King of Romaly's crown, the Hero receives Black Pepper, which they then trade for a sailing ship at Portoga.<ref name="handbook2" /><ref name="story" /> With the ship, the Hero acquires the Final Key and the six mystical orbs which are used to revive the legendary bird Ramia.<ref name="handbook4" /> Ramia allows the Hero and their party to travel to Baramos' castle, which is surrounded by mountains.<ref name="handbook5" />

After defeating Baramos in a ferocious battle and returning to Aliahan, the Hero's celebration is cut off as Zoma, Baramos's master and the game's true villain, reveals his existence. He attacks and opens a pit to the Dark World, which the Hero jumps into.<ref name="handbook6" /> The Dark World is, in fact, Alefgard (of the previous installments of the series), where the Hero must acquire several of the artifacts that were collected in the original ''[[Dragon Quest (video game)|Dragon Quest]]'', including the Sun Stone and the Rain Staff.<ref name="story" /> Rubiss, a legendary sage, has been turned to stone and is rescued by the Hero, and the Hero receives the Sacred Amulet in return.<ref name="handbook7" /> These items, as in the original game, create the Rainbow Bridge which leads the Hero to Zoma's castle for the final confrontation. Along the way, the Hero briefly reunites with Ortega as he is slain by Zoma's monsters, then continues on to defeat the revived Baramos, now turned into the powerful Baramos Bomus and later into the skeletal Baramos Gonus. With the Ball of Light given by the Dragon Queen, the Hero defeats Zoma and frees Alefgard, but Zoma boasts that evil will eventually return to the land and the Hero will not live long enough to stop it.<ref name="handbook8" /> For their bravery, the Hero receives the title of "Erdrick" ("Loto" in the Japanese version). The Hero later vanishes from Alefgard, leaving their sword and armor to be passed down throughout the ages so that their descendants can continue to protect the world from evil.

In a post-credit scene of ''HD-2D Remake'', the Dragon Queen's High Priest vows to take care of her child, revealing himself to be [[Dragon Quest II|Hargon]].

== Development ==
As with the other main games in the ''Dragon Quest'' series, ''Dragon Quest III''{{'}}s scenario was designed by [[Yuji Horii]],<ref name="imdb2" /> whereas the artwork was done by [[Akira Toriyama]], of ''[[Dragon Ball (franchise)|Dragon Ball]]'' fame.<ref name="imdb3" /> [[Koichi Sugiyama]] composed all the music for ''Dragon Quest III''.<ref name="imdb" /> Chunsoft president [[Koichi Nakamura]], co-creator of ''Dragon Quest'', stated he contributed about "10%" of the games programming.<ref name="cocreator" /> The game was released a year after its predecessor, which was finished only five months after the first installment. This reflected an ever-lengthening game development process of the series according to series creator, Yuji Horii.<ref name="originate2" /> In a 1989 interview, Horii said that developers had perfected the series' game structure in ''Dragon Quest III'', and this was reflected by the transition from one character's quest to a party of heroes.<ref name="originate" /> The password system used on the first two ''Dragon Quest'' titles was dropped in favor of a save slot due in part to Horii's dislike of the long codes that players needed to memorize or record .<ref name="originate" /> Horii had a policy of removing any features from his games that had been used elsewhere, which turned out to be unworkable during ''Dragon Quest III''{{'}}s development when the game's world map concept was used first by another game maker in ''Mirai Shinwa Jarvas'', but Horii's team was too far into development to change anything.<ref name="delete"/> Horii also preferred a silent protagonist to make the player feel like they have become the main character, but at one point in the story, Horii was forced to make the hero shout, "Leave him to us! Run! Quick!"<ref name="delete"/>

=== 1991 North American localization ===
{{unsourced section|date=August 2024}}
The game was localized in North America as ''Dragon Warrior III'' in 1991 (though not officially released until 1992). Several changes were made in this version. Among them were the addition of a new title sequence (in the original, it was on a simple black screen with the title of the game in the center), and a new prologue which depicted Ortega, who also was given a brand new sprite in this version, fighting a Dragon, and being dragged into the volcano (in the original, the player was unaware of Ortega's fate, until talking to the King for the first time). There were also brand new music cues, including one for the title sequence, and one that played after a non-player character death late in the game. To accompany the localization credits, the ending theme was extended to include a reprise of the Alefgard theme. It is unclear whether Sugiyama was brought back to score these new tracks, or someone else was brought in. The menu when starting a new or old save file also added the menu music from ''[[Dragon Quest IV]]'' (in the original, the menu was silent). Finally, most of the monsters were given a boost in experience points.

=== Remakes ===
{{Video game release table
| 1 = Famicom/NES                 | 1A = 1988 | 1B = 1992 | 1C = n/a
| 2 = Super Famicom               | 2A = 1996 | 2B = n/a  | 2C = n/a
| 3 = Game Boy Color              | 3A = 2000 | 3B = 2001 | 3C = n/a
| 4 = Cellphones                  | 4A = 2009 | 4B = n/a  | 4C = n/a
| 5 = Wii                         | 5A = 2011 | 5B = n/a  | 5C = n/a
| 6 = Android, iOS                | 6A = 2014 | 6B = left | 6C = left
| 7 = PlayStation 4, Nintendo 3DS | 7A = 2017 | 7B = n/a  | 7C = n/a
| 8 = Nintendo Switch             | 8A = 2019 | 8B = left | 8C = left
| 9 = Windows,Switch,PS5,Xbox Series X/S   | 9A = 2024 | 9B = left | 9C = left           
}}

[[File:DWIII.png|upright=1.3636364|thumb|A comparison of graphics from the Famicom, Super Famicom, and Game Boy Color versions, showing the hero outside of Aliahan]]
The [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|Super Famicom]] version, released in late 1996, during the last days of the Super NES in North America, was never brought to North America, due to [[Enix America Corporation]]'s closure in 1995. By the time Enix of America returned, the SNES had been discontinued in North America. However, the next remake, for the [[Game Boy Color]], was released in both Japan and the US.

The Game Boy Color version is based on the Super Famicom version. For the North American release of the ''Dragon Quest III'' Game Boy Color remake, Enix decided to give the packaging an [[anime]] feel, due to fan demand on Enix's message boards.<ref name="adult" /> Both remake versions of ''Dragon Quest III'' offer many new features and changes. The game received a new translation, incorporating many adult elements that were cut from its original American release, and becoming the first Game Boy Color RPG with a "Teen" rating.<ref name="adult" /> It was also one of the largest Game Boy Color game released in North America, with 32 Mb [[Read-only memory|ROM]] and 256Kb of save-state [[Static random-access memory|SRAM]] on one cartridge.<ref name="previewgame" /> A new class, the Thief, was added to the roster in each of the remakes. Many of the names of the classes were changed in the English localization of the Game Boy Color version, such as Soldier to Warrior. Also, in the new versions was the ability to change into the Jester class at Dhama, which was not allowed in the original.<ref name="DWIIINES" /><ref name="DWIIIGBC" /><ref name="pgclasses" /> New mini-games were added to the remakes, including Pachisi (called Suguroku in Japan / Treasures and Trapdoors as of the ''Dragon Quest V'' remake), which is a giant [[board game]] style adventure from which the player can win items.<ref name="pgminigames" /> This game is based on Horii's series ''[[Fortune Street|Itadaki Street]]''.<ref name="ign" /> The Mini Medal system, which lets players collect hidden medals to gain new items, seen in later ''Dragon Quest'' games (it originated in ''[[Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen|Dragon Quest IV]]''), was added.<ref name="pgminigames" /> Another medal system, Monster Medals, lets players collect medals from fallen enemies, was added in Game Boy Color remake, and two players could trade Monster Medals via a [[Game Link Cable]].<ref name="cable" /> Two bonus dungeons become available after the main quest is over. The remakes feature updated graphics.<ref name="ign" /> An overhauled introduction for the game was made, similar to the one in the original ''Dragon Quest III'', which included Ortega's battle with the Dragon Queen. Monster and attack animation in battles were added,<ref name="brad" /> a feature first introduced in ''[[Dragon Quest VI: Realms of Revelation|Dragon Quest VI]]''.<ref name="animatedbattle" /> A personality system was added to the remakes of ''Dragon Quest III''. A pre-game sequence in which the player answers moral dilemmas similar to that in ''[[Ultima IV]]'' determines the Hero's personality. The personality of the other members of the party is determined by the stat-raising seeds that the player gives them during the character generation process. Personalities determine which stats increase when a character levels up.<ref name="instructions" /> The personalities may be changed by use of special items and books.

Square Enix released both the Famicom and Super Famicom versions of ''Dragon Quest III'' in Japan on September 15, 2011, as part of ''Dragon Quest 25th Anniversary Collection Famicom & Super Famicom Dragon Quest I & II & III'', a compilation of emulated ''Dragon Quest'' games for the [[Wii]] to celebrate the series' 25th anniversary.<ref name="siliconerawii" /> A quick save feature was added to these versions, allowing for pauses at any time, but the save file is deleted upon resuming.<ref name="quicksave" />

At the Dragon Quest 35th Anniversary Livestream, a remake of ''Dragon Quest III'' was announced in the "[[HD-2D]]" style of games like ''[[Octopath Traveler]]'' and ''[[Triangle Strategy]]''.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Oloman |first1=Jordan |title=Dragon Quest 3 Is Being Remade in the Style of Octopath Traveler |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/dragon-quest-3-remake-octopath-traveler |website=IGN |date=27 May 2021 |access-date=27 May 2021}}</ref> The remake was released on November 14, 2024.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.siliconera.com/dragon-quest-iii-hd-2d-remake-release-date-set-for-november/|title=Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake Release Date Set for November|publisher=SiliconEra|date=June 18, 2024|author=Daniel Bueno}}</ref> A new class, the Monster Wrangler, was added to this remake.

=== Music ===
[[Koichi Sugiyama]] composed and directed the music for the game. ''Dragon Quest III''{{'}}s music is featured on ''Dragon Quest Game Music Super Collection Vol. 1'', ''Dragon Quest Game Music Super Collection Vol. 2'', and ''Dragon Quest Game Music Super Collection Vol. 3'', each album a compilation of music from the first six ''Dragon Quest'' games.<ref name="music" /><ref name="volume2" /><ref name="volume3" /> This game's music has also been featured on other ''Dragon Quest'' compilation albums, such as ''Dragon Quest on Piano Vol. II'', which was released in 1990,<ref name="piano" /> and ''Dragon Quest Best Songs Selection ~Loula~'', released in 1993.<ref name="songs" /> A compilation album of ''Dragon Quest III''{{'}}s music was put on ''Dragon Quest III ~And into the Legend...~ Remix Symphonic Suite'' and was published by [[Sony Records]] in 1996.<ref name="soundtrack" /> In 2011 Sugiyama played a concert focused on ''Dragon Quest III'' in his "Family Classic Concert" series he has done for many years, playing fifteen of the games songs.<ref name="concert" />
{{track listing
| all_writing = Koichi Sugiyama
| headline = ''Dragon Quest III: And into the Legend...''
| title1 = Roto's Theme
| note1 = {{nihongo2|ロトのテーマ}} Roto no Tēma
| length1 =
| title2 = Rondo Royale
| note2 = {{nihongo2|王宮のロンド}} Ōkyū no Rondo
| length2 =
| title3 = Around the World (Around the World – Town – Jipang – Pyramid – Village)
| note3 = {{nihongo2|世界をまわる（街～ジパング～ピラミッド～村）}} Sekai o Mawaru (Machi ~ Jipangu ~ Piramiddo ~ Mura)
| length3 =
| title4 = Adventure
| note4 = {{nihongo2|冒険の旅）}} Bōken no Tabi
| length4 =
| title5 = Dungeon – Tower – The Phantom Ship
| note5 = {{nihongo2|ダンジョン～塔～幽霊船）}} Danjon ~ Tō ~ Yūreisen
| length5 =
| title6 = Requiem – Small Shrine
| note6 = {{nihongo2|鎮魂歌～ほこら}} Chinkonka ~ Hokora
| length6 =
| title7 = Sailing
| note7 = {{nihongo2|海を越えて}} Umi o Koete
| length7 =
| title8 = Heavenly Flight
| note8 = {{nihongo2|おおぞらをとぶ}} Oozora o Tobu
| length8 =
| title9 = Fighting Spirits Battle Theme – In Alefgard – Hero's Challenge
| note9 = {{nihongo2|戦闘のテーマ～アレフガルドにて～勇者の挑戦}} Sentō no Tēma ~ Arefugarudo nite ~ Yūsha no Chōsen
| length9 =
| title10 = And, into the Legend...
| note10 = {{nihongo2|そして、伝説へ...}} Soshite, Densetsu e...
| length10 =
| title11 = Dragon Quest III's Original Audio Story
| note11 = {{nihongo2|ドラゴンクエストIII　ゲーム　オリジナル　サウンド　ストーリー}} Doragon Kuesuto ~ Gēmu Orijinaru sutori
| length11 =
}}

== Reception ==
=== Sales ===
''Dragon Quest III'' sold over one million copies on the first day, with almost 300 arrests for truancy among students absent from school to purchase the game.<ref name="keiser198806">{{cite news | url=https://archive.org/stream/1988-JUn-compute-magazine/Compute_Issue_097_1988_JUn#page/n7/mode/2up | title=One Million Sold in One Day | work=Compute! | date=June 1988 | access-date=10 November 2013 | author=Keiser, Gregg | page=7}}</ref> It set sales records by selling {{nowrap|1.1 million}} [[game cartridges]] in Japan within a day<ref name="DQ3-Asiaweek">{{cite journal |title=Asiaweek |journal=[[Asiaweek]] |year=1988 |volume=14 |issue=1–26 |page=35 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XCdBAQAAIAAJ |publisher=Asiaweek Limited |quote=By noon that day, they and customers across Tokyo had bought {{nowrap|1.1 million}} cassettes of the hottest computer game in memory: Dragon Quest III.}}</ref> and {{nowrap|3 million}} in a week,<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Console Yourself |magazine=[[New Computer Express]] |date=31 August 1989 |issue=43 (2 September 1989) |page=8 |url=https://retrocdn.net/images/f/f8/NewComputerExpress_UK_043.pdf#page=8}}</ref> and grossing {{¥|20 billion}} ({{US$|143 million|long=no}} at the time, or {{US$|{{Inflation|US|143|1988}} million|long=no}} adjusted for inflation) within a month.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Maeda |first1=Kazuo |last2=Hogaki |first2=M. |last3=Nakano |first3=Hitoo |title=Computers and Perinatal Medicine: Proceedings of the 2nd World Symposium "Computers in the Care of the Mother, Fetus, and Newborn," Kyoto, 23-26 October 1989 |date=1990 |publisher=[[Excerpta Medica]] |isbn=978-0-444-81327-5 |page=37 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Pa5sAAAAMAAJ |quote=In the last year, a software of family computer game, named as DRAGON QUEST III, achieved {{¥|20 billion}} gross sales, it means {{US$|143 million|long=no}}, within a month after its appearance on the market.}}</ref> It topped the Japanese sales charts from February, through March and April,<ref name="March">{{cite magazine |title=3/7～3/13 — 3/14～3/20 |magazine=[[:ja:ファミリーコンピュータMagazine|Family Computer Magazine]] |date=15 April 1988 |page=130 |url=https://archive.org/details/famimagaapril1988/page/n128 |lang=ja}}</ref><ref name="Famitsu9">{{cite magazine |title=ファミコン通信 TOP 30: 4月15日 |trans-title=Famicom Tsūshin Top 30: April 15 |magazine=[[Famicom Tsūshin]] |date=29 April 1988 |volume=1988 |issue=9 |pages=6–7 |url=https://archive.org/details/famitsu-1988-apr-9/page/6/mode/2up |lang=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |title=ファミコン通信 TOP 30: 4月28日 |trans-title=Famicom Tsūshin Top 30: April 28 |magazine=[[Famicom Tsūshin]] |volume=1988 |issue=10 |date=20 May 1988 |pages=6–7 |url=https://www.retromags.com/files/file/4157-famitsu-issue-0049-may-20-1988/ |lang=ja}}</ref> to May 1988.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=ファミコン通信 TOP 30: 6月3日 |trans-title=Famicom Tsūshin Top 30: June 3 |magazine=[[Famicom Tsūshin]] |date=17 June 1988 |volume=1988 |issue=12 |pages=6–7 |url=https://www.retromags.com/files/file/4361-famitsu-issue-0051-june-17-1988/ |lang=ja}}</ref> It became the best-selling game of 1988 in Japan,<ref>{{cite magazine |title=グーム売上ベスト10 |trans-title=Best 10 Game Sales |magazine=[[:ja:ファミリーコンピュータMagazine|Family Computer Magazine]] |date=12 February 1989 |page=116 |url=https://archive.org/details/famimagafebruary1989/page/n106 |lang=ja}}</ref> with 3.8 million units sold,<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Fujii|first=Daiji|date=2005-06-10|title=The Birth of "Final Fantasy": Square Corporation|url=http://ousar.lib.okayama-u.ac.jp/40488|journal=岡山大学経済学会雑誌 (Okayama Economic Review)|publisher=[[Okayama University]]|volume=37|issue=1|pages=63–88 (67–71)|issn=0386-3069|via=Okayama University Scientific Achievement Repository}}</ref> and the [[List of best-selling video games|best-selling game]] in Japan between 1986 and 1989,<ref>{{cite book |chapter=総合TOP50 |trans-chapter=Total Top 50 |title=ファミコン通信 〜 '89全ソフトカタログ |trans-title=Famicom Tsūshin: '89 All Software Catalog |series=[[Famicom Tsūshin]] |date=15 September 1989 |page=78 |language=ja |url=https://cdn-ak.f.st-hatena.com/images/fotolife/M/MULTi88/20200420/20200420023605.jpg}}</ref> grossing {{US$|230 million|long=no}} at the time.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Besher |first1=Alexander |title=The Pacific Rim Almanac |date=1991 |publisher=[[Harper Perennial]] |isbn=978-0-06-271524-1 |page=36 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OnxIMtAiu9UC |quote=That's literally thousands of buyers — 3,000 lined up in front of one store; 1,500 at another to buy Dragon Quest III. The game's maker, Tokyo-based Enix, sold an estimated {{nowrap|5 million}} copies for a total of {{US$|230 million|long=no}}.}}</ref> The original game sold a worldwide total of {{nowrap|3.895 million}} copies, including {{nowrap|3.8 million}} in Japan and 95,000 in the United States,<ref name="planetnint"/> grossing several hundred million dollars by 1993<ref>{{cite book |last1=Sheff |first1=David |title=[[Game Over: How Nintendo Conquered the World]] |year=1994 |orig-year=1993 |publisher=[[Vintage Books]] |isbn=978-0-307-80074-9 |chapter=Inside the Mother Brain |page=81 |chapter-url=https://file1.largepdf.com/file/2020/04/08/Game_Over_-_David_Sheff.pdf#page=81 |quote=The “Dragon Quest” sequels grossed several hundred million dollars apiece. |access-date=2021-02-23 |archive-date=2021-01-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102104823/https://file1.largepdf.com/file/2020/04/08/Game_Over_-_David_Sheff.pdf#page=81 |url-status=dead }}</ref> ({{US$|{{Inflation|US|300|1988|r=-1}} million|long=no}} adjusted for inflation).

It is often mistakenly thought that in 1988 the game's success caused the [[Government of Japan|Japanese government]] to outlaw further releases of ''Dragon Quest'' games on school days. In truth, Enix themselves decided to hold off the release of future ''Dragon Quest'' games until weekends.<ref name="threat" /> The North American release of ''Dragon Quest III'' did not meet nearly as much success.<ref name="kurt" /> The North American release's poor sales are partly due to the fact that the game was released after the release of 16-bit gaming systems, making it seem archaic to gamers.<ref name="kurt" />

The Super Famicom remake sold 1.4 million units in Japan, with nearly 720,000 units sold in 1996 alone.<ref name="magicbox" /><ref name="magicboxbest" /> The Game Boy Color version sold a lower 604,000 copies in Japan by the end of 2001,<ref name="magicbox100" /> and eventually became the fifth best selling Game Boy Color game in Japan, with 638,551 copies sold.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.famitsu.com/news/201810/21165560.html |title=【GBC20周年企画(2)】いちばん売れたゲームボーイカラー専用ソフトは『遊☆戯☆王DM4』！ では2位は？ GBC専用ソフト販売ランキングTOP10！ |language=ja |page=1 |date=2018-10-21 |magazine=[[Famitsu]] |publisher=[[Enterbrain]] |access-date=2018-10-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181021005751/https://www.famitsu.com/news/201810/21165560.html |archive-date=2018-10-21 |url-status=live }}</ref> Together with the sales of the remakes, ''Dragon Quest III'' is the most successful title in the series and one of the best-selling role-playing games in Japan.<ref name="rpgfan" /> As of November 2010, the Japan mobile phone version was downloaded more than 1,000,000 times.<ref name="4gamer" /> Wii ''Dragon Quest Collection'' sold 403,953 copies in 2011.<ref name=salestrends/> In December 2024, Square Enix revealed that the ''Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake'' had sold more than 2 million units worldwide.<ref>{{Cite web |title=" DRAGON QUEST III HD-2D REMAKE SELLS MORE THAN 2 MILLION UNITS WORLDWIDE" - Square Enix North America Press Hub |url=https://press.na.square-enix.com/DRAGON-QUEST-III-HD-2D-REMAKE-SELLS-MORE-THAN-2-MILLION-UNITS-WORLDWID#:~:text=%22%20DRAGON%20QUEST%20III%20HD-2D,Enix%20North%20America%20Press%20Hub |access-date=2025-05-18 |website=press.na.square-enix.com}}</ref>

=== Reviews and accolades ===
{{Video game reviews
| title = 
| na = true
| NES = true
| GBC = true
| iOS = true
| NS = true
| GR_GBC = 87%<ref name="rankings" />
| MC_iOS = 78/100<ref name="MCiOS" />
| MC_NS = 71/100<ref name="MCNS" />
| EGM_GBC = 7/10<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Sewart |first=Greg |date=September 2001 |title=Dragon Warrior III |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |issue=146 |page=148}}</ref>
| Fam_NES = 9/10, 10/10, 10/10, 9/10<ref name="Fam">{{cite magazine|magazine=[[Famicom Tsūshin]]|title=新作ゲーム クロスレビュー|trans-title=New Games Cross Review|last1=Famibo|first1=Tofuya|first2=Bucho|last2=Mizuno|last3=Morishita|first3=Mariko|last4=Kanaya|first4=Gascon|issue=45|publisher=[[ASCII Corporation]]|date=March 18, 1988|p=12}}</ref>
| Fam_GBC = 30 of 40<ref name="famitsu" />
| GSpot_GBC = 7.6/10<ref name="brad" />
| IGN_GBC = 10/10<ref name="IGNReview" />
| GamePro_GBC = 4/5
| NP_GBC = 4/5<ref>{{cite magazine |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=July 2001 |title=Now Playing |magazine=[[Nintendo Power]] |publisher=[[Nintendo of America]] |issue=146 |page=118}}</ref>
| rev1 = {{ill|Famicom Hisshoubon|ja|ファミコン必勝本|italic=yes}}
| rev1_NES = 4/5<ref name="FamHiss">{{cite magazine|magazine={{ill|Famicom Hisshoubon|ja|ファミコン必勝本}}|title=Fami-Com. Soft Scramble|date=May 2, 1988|issue=46|publisher=[[Takarajimasha|JICC Publishing Bureau]]|page=8|language=Japanese}}</ref>
| TA_iOS = 5/5<ref name="TouchArcade" />
| award1Pub = [[Famitsu Awards|''Famitsu'' Best Hit Game Awards]]
| award1 = [[List of Game of the Year awards|Game of the Year]] <br> Best RPG <br> Best Character Design
}}
Upon release, the four reviewers in ''[[Famicom Tsūshin]]'' gave the game scores of 9/10, 10/10, 10/10, and 9/10.<ref name="Fam"/> It was the highest scored game on average from the magazine in 1988.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=1986~2001 クロスレビュー高得点ソフト Top 10|trans-title=1986-2001 Highly Rated Software in Cross Reviews Top 10|magazine=ファミ通クロスレビュー2001パーフェクトガイド|trans-magazine=[[Famitsu|Weekly Famitsu Cross Review 2001 Perfect Guide]]|year=2002|publisher=[[Enterbrain]]|language=Japanese|location=Tokyo|ref=TopTen|p=148}}</ref> A review in {{ill|Famicom Hisshoubon|ja|ファミコン必勝本|italic=yes}} said that from the story, setting and events, the game was excellent all around and that parts of the game were even more elaborate than the previous ''Dragon Quest'' game.<ref name="FamHiss" /> In the 1988 [[Famitsu Awards|''Famitsu'' Best Hit Game Awards]], ''Dragon Quest III'' won the awards for [[List of Game of the Year awards|Game of the Year]], Best RPG and Best Character Design.<ref>{{cite magazine |title='88 ベストヒットゲーム大賞 |trans-title='88 Best Hit Game Awards |magazine=[[Famicom Tsūshin]] |date=3 February 1989 |volume=1989 |issue=3 |pages=6–9 |url=https://www.retromags.com/files/file/4567-famitsu-issue-0067-february-3-1989/ |lang=ja}}</ref> In 1989, ''Famitsu'' gave ''Dragon Quest III'' the award for the best game released since 1983.<ref>{{cite book |chapter='83〜'89 ベストヒットゲーム大賞 |trans-chapter='83〜'89 Best Hit Game Awards |title=ファミコン通信 〜 '89全ソフトカタログ |trans-title=Famicom Tsūshin: '89 All Software Catalog |series=[[Famicom Tsūshin]] |date=15 September 1989 |page=138 |chapter-url=https://cdn-ak.f.st-hatena.com/images/fotolife/M/MULTi88/20200420/20200420025318.jpg}}</ref> Writing for ''Famicom Hisshoubon'', [[Satoshi Tajiri]] complimented ''Dragon Quest III'' as the most interesting software they had played in 1988, praising the refined controls and gameplay rules and its ease-of-use for new players.<ref>{{cite magazine|magazine={{ill|Famicom Hisshoubon|ja|ファミコン必勝本}}|title=Special Review: プロが選ぶ 1988年ベストゲーム|trans-title=Special Review: Professional's Choice: Best Games of 1988|last=Tajiri|first=Satoshi|authorlink=Satoshi Tajiri|date=January 20, 1989|page=12|language=Japanese|publisher=[[Takarajimasha|JICC Publishing Bureau]]}}</ref> A survey conducted by ''Famitsu'' magazine in early 2006 among its readers placed ''Dragon Quest III'' as the third most favorite game of all time, being preceded by only ''[[Final Fantasy X]]'' and ''[[Final Fantasy VII]]''.<ref name="alltime"/>

In North America, ''Dragon Quest III'' was considered an improvement over the first two games, with critics finding the new day/night system and the addition of an in-game bank praiseworthy, but the game was criticized for keeping "the same ugly graphical style and clumsy interface" according to Kurt Kalata of ''[[Gamasutra]]''.<ref name="kurt" /> Its reputation has risen in America since its release, primarily due to its gameplay innovations, leading ''[[Nintendo Power]]'' to list it as number 176 on their Top 200 Games list.<ref name="nintendoamer" /> [[IGN]] later listed it as the 96th best [[Nintendo Entertainment System]] game.<ref name="alltimeign"/> [[GamesRadar]] ranked it the 12th best NES game ever made. The staff chose it over the other ''Dragon Warrior'' titles due to its job system which they felt had depth and was influential to video games.<ref>{{cite web |title=Best NES Games of all time |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/best-nes-games-all-time/ |work=[[GamesRadar]] |date=2012-04-16 |access-date=2013-12-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150630014007/http://www.gamesradar.com/best-nes-games-all-time/ |archive-date=2015-06-30 |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2023, Time Extension included the game on their "Best JRPGs of All Time" list.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Bell |first1=Lowell |title=Best JRPGs Of All Time |url=https://www.timeextension.com/guides/best-jrpgs-of-all-time |website=Time Extension |publisher=Hookshot Media |access-date=25 February 2023 |date=25 February 2023}}</ref>

The Game Boy Color remake received very good reviews from critics. [[GameSpot]] gave the Game Boy Color version a "good" 7.6/10, saying that "DWIII is a worthy port of its old NES ancestor, but its firm grounding in the RPG old-school means that only the hard-core need apply."<ref name="brad" /> The publication nominated the game for its annual "Best Game Boy Color Game" award, which went to [[The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages|''Oracle of Seasons'' and ''Oracle of Ages'']].<ref name=bestworst2001>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020803185618/http://gamespot.com/gamespot/features/video/bestof_2001/ | url=http://gamespot.com/gamespot/features/video/bestof_2001/ | title=''GameSpot''{{'}}s Best and Worst Video Games of 2001 | date=February 23, 2002 | work=[[GameSpot]] | archive-date=August 3, 2002 | url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Nintendo Power]] gave the remake a 4/5, while [[IGN]] gave the game a perfect 10/10.<ref name="IGNReview" />

== Legacy ==
The male Hero from this installment appears in the Japan-exclusive mobile game ''Dragon Quest Rivals''. He also appears as a guest character in the 2018 crossover fighting game ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'' via DLC and is officially voiced for the first time by [[Nobuyuki Hiyama]]. The game's director, [[Masahiro Sakurai]], explained that the Hero's inclusion was originally meant to include just the two protagonists from ''Dragon Quest III'' and ''[[Dragon Quest XI]]'', but the number would ultimately be doubled to four, including the protagonists from ''[[Dragon Quest IV]]'' and ''[[Dragon Quest VIII]]''.<ref> https://www.siliconera.com/masahiro-sakurai-and-yuji-horii-discuss-smash-ultimates-hero-dlc-director-philosophy-and-more/></ref>

== Manga ==
The [[manga]] series, {{nihongo3|Dragon Quest Saga: Roto's Emblem|ドラゴンクエスト列伝 ロトの紋章|'''''Dragon Quest Retsuden: Roto no Monshō'''''}}, was written by [[Chiaki Kawamata]] and Junji Koyanagi with artwork by [[Kamui Fujiwara]] and was published in ''[[Monthly Shōnen Gangan]]'' from <!-- September --> 1991 through <!-- July --> 1997.<ref name="saga" /> The series was later compiled into for 21 volumes published by Enix;<ref name="comic" /> in 1994, it was released on [[CD]] and was released for the [[PlayStation Portable]] on December 11, 2009, as part of manga distribution library.<ref name="animenews" /> In 1996, an [[anime]] movie based on the manga was released on [[video cassette]].<ref name="VHS" />

A sequel series, {{nihongo3|Dragon Quest Retsuden: Roto no Monshō - To the Children Who Inherit the Emblem|ドラゴンクエスト列伝 ロトの紋章 ～紋章を継ぐ者達へ～|''Dragon Quest Retsuden: Roto no Monshō ~Monshō o Tsugumono-tachi e~''}}, published by [[Square Enix]] started in 2005 and is still ongoing; as of December 2012, fifteen volumes have been released.<ref name="Roto9" /> The first four volumes were written by Jun Eishima and all the rest volumes written by Takashi Umemura. All of them have been supervised by Yuji Horii with artwork done by Kamui Fujiwara.<ref name="children" /> ''Dragon Quest Retsuden: Roto no Monshō'' is meant to take place between ''Dragon Quest III'' and ''[[Dragon Quest (video game)|Dragon Quest]]''.

After monsters possessed the Carmen's king for seven years, the kingdom fell to the hordes of evil. The only survivors were Prince Arus and an army General's daughter, Lunafrea. Meanwhile, in the Kingdom of Loran, a child by the name of is born with the name Jagan per the orders of Demon Lord Imagine. As [[Dragon Quest#Erdrick|Loto]]'s descendant, Arus, along with Lunafrea, set out to defeat the monsters and restore peace to the world.

''Dragon Quest Retsuden: Roto no Monshō ~Monshō o Tsugumono-tachi e~'' takes place 25 years after the events in ''Dragon Quest Retsuden: Roto no Monshō''. The world is once again in chaos and a young boy, {{nihongo|Arosu|アロス}}, sets out gathering companions to once again save the world from evil. ''Dragon Quest Retsuden: Roto no Monshō'' was popular in Japan, it has sold 18 million in Japan.<ref>{{cite web|title=スクエニ，PSP向けコミックコンテンツ配信事業に参入を発表|url=http://www.4gamer.net/games/085/G008539/20090924079/|publisher=4Gamer.net|access-date=24 April 2013|language=ja|date=September 24, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130514193131/http://www.4gamer.net/games/085/G008539/20090924079/|archive-date=2013-05-14|url-status=live}}</ref> Its sequel ''Dragon Quest Retsuden: Roto no Monshō - To the Children Who Inherit the Emblem'' has also sold well in Japan. For the week of August 26 through September 1, 2008, volume 7 was ranked 9th in Japan having sold 59,540 copies.<ref name="animenet2" /> For the week of February 24 through March 2, 2009, volume 8 was ranked 19th in Japan having sold 76,801 copies.<ref name="animenet" /> For the week of October 26 through November 1, 2009, volume 9 was ranked 16th in Japan having sold 40,492 copies for a total of 60,467.<ref name="Roto9" />

==See also==
*[[History of Eastern role-playing video games]]

==Notes==
{{Notelist}}

== References ==
{{Reflist|30em|refs=
<ref name="4gamer">{{cite web | url= http://www.4gamer.net/games/036/G003681/20101102006/ | title= 携帯アプリ「DQIII そして伝説へ・・・」100万DL達成記念にデコメ配信 | publisher= 4Gamer.net | date= November 2, 2010 | access-date= January 13, 2013 | language= ja | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130514192445/http://www.4gamer.net/games/036/G003681/20101102006/ | archive-date= 2013-05-14 | url-status= live }}</ref>

<ref name="adult">{{cite web |author1=Sumire Kanzaki |author2=Sensei Phoenix |author3=Citan Uzuki |date=January 1, 2001 |title=Enix Interview With John Laurence |url=http://www.rpgfan.com/features/e32k1-enix/ |work=RPGFan |access-date=April 3, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160108215419/http://www.rpgfan.com/features/e32k1-enix/ |archive-date=2016-01-08 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="alltime">{{cite web |url=http://www.edge-online.com/features/japan-votes-all-time-top-100/ |title=Japan Votes on All Time Top 100 |work=Edge Magazine |publisher=Next-gen.biz |date=March 3, 2006 |access-date=April 3, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080723051728/http://www.edge-online.com/features/japan-votes-all-time-top-100 |archive-date=2008-07-23 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="alltimeign">{{cite web |url=http://uk.ign.com/top-100-nes-games/96.html |title=96. Dragon Warrior III |work=[[IGN]] |date=January 1, 2011 |access-date=April 3, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130627045642/http://uk.ign.com/top-100-nes-games/96.html |archive-date=2013-06-27 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="animatedbattle">{{cite magazine |year=1995 |title=Dragon Quest III |magazine=Nintendo Power |issue=81 |pages=64–67 }}</ref>

<ref name="animenet">{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-03-04/japanese-comic-ranking-february-24-march-2|title=Japanese Comic Ranking, February 24–March 2|publisher=Anime News Network|date=September 3, 2009|access-date=November 9, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091124084639/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-03-04/japanese-comic-ranking-february-24-march-2|archive-date=2009-11-24|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="animenet2">{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-09-03/japanese-comic-ranking-august-26-september-1|title=Japanese Comic Ranking, August 26–September 1|publisher=Anime News Network|date=November 3, 2009|access-date=November 9, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090412065848/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-09-03/japanese-comic-ranking-august-26-september-1|archive-date=2009-04-12|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="animenews">{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-09-24/japan-sony-psp-manga-distribution-service-detailed|title=Japan's Sony PSP Manga Distribution Service Detailed|publisher=Anime News Network|date=November 24, 2009|access-date=November 9, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091124081540/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-09-24/japan-sony-psp-manga-distribution-service-detailed|archive-date=2009-11-24|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="brad">{{cite web | author=Brad Shoemaker| date=August 1, 2001 | title=Dragon Warrior III Review | url=http://www.gamespot.com/dragon-warrior-iii/reviews/dragon-warrior-iii-review-2800706/ | work=[[GameSpot]] | access-date=April 3, 2013|archive-date=July 11, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130711044703/http://www.gamespot.com/dragon-warrior-iii/reviews/dragon-warrior-iii-review-2800706/}}</ref>

<ref name="cable">{{cite book |editor=Enix|title=Dragon Warrior III (GBC) North American instruction manual|year=2001|publisher=Enix|page=35}}</ref>

<ref name="children">{{cite web|url=http://www.square-enix.co.jp/magazine/yg/introduction/rotomon/|script-title=ja:ドラゴンクエスト列伝 ロトの紋章 ～紋章を継ぐ者達へ～|trans-title=Dragon Quest Retsuden: Roto no Monshō - To the Children Who Inherit the Emblem|publisher=Square-Enix|access-date=November 9, 2009|language=ja|title={title}|archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6CJMzAT7U?url=http://www.square-enix.co.jp/magazine/yg/introduction/rotomon/|archive-date=2012-11-20|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="cocreator">{{cite web | first=Jeremy | last=Parish | title=Koichi Nakamura Interview: On the Birth of the Console RPG | date=August 5, 2012 | url=http://www.1up.com/features/koichi-nakamura-interview-console-rpg | work=[[1UP.com]] | access-date=April 3, 2013 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130512112519/http://www.1up.com/features/koichi-nakamura-interview-console-rpg | archive-date=May 12, 2013 }}</ref>

<ref name="comic">{{cite book|script-title=ja:ロトの紋章—ド ラゴンクエスト列伝 (21) (ガンガンコミックス) (コミック)|trans-title=Dragon Quest Saga: Roto's Emblem (21) (Young Gangan) (Comic)|id={{ASIN|4870252058|country=jp}}|language=ja}}</ref>

<ref name="concert">{{cite web|url=http://andriasang.com/comvek/sugiyama_on_dqx/|title=Here's What Sugiyama Said About Dragon Quest X|work=Andraisang|author=Anoop Gantayat|date=May 1, 2011|access-date=April 13, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121225044947/http://andriasang.com/comvek/sugiyama_on_dqx/|archive-date=2012-12-25|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="delete">{{cite web|author=Aria|title=Miyamoto Asks Horii: Do You Think RPGs Will Become A Substitute For Novels?|date=December 11, 2011|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2011/12/11/miyamoto-asks-horii-do-you-think-rpgs-will-become-a-substitute-for-novels/|work=Siliconera|access-date=April 5, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130325014340/http://www.siliconera.com/2011/12/11/miyamoto-asks-horii-do-you-think-rpgs-will-become-a-substitute-for-novels/|archive-date=2013-03-25|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="DQ_III">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/1902/game_design_essentials_20_open_.php?page=8|title=20 Open World Games: Dragon Quest III, a.k.a. Dragon Warrior III|first=John|last=Harris|work=[[Gamasutra]]|access-date=April 4, 2013|date=May 10, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110219100056/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/1902/game_design_essentials_20_open_.php?page=8|archive-date=2011-02-19|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="DWIIIGBC">{{cite book|editor=Enix|title=Dragon Warrior III (GBC) North American instruction manual|year=2001|url=http://www.woodus.com/den/games/dw3gbc/dw3gbc_manual.pdf|publisher=Enix|pages=3–5|access-date=2009-07-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100216025101/http://www.woodus.com/den/games/dw3gbc/dw3gbc_manual.pdf|archive-date=2010-02-16|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="DWIIINES">{{cite book |editor=Enix |title=Dragon Warrior III Explorer's Handbook |year=1991 |publisher=Enix |pages=7–8 |url=http://www.woodus.com/den/games/dw3nes/dw3nes_manual.pdf |access-date=July 23, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091122223754/http://www.woodus.com/den/games/dw3nes/dw3nes_manual.pdf |archive-date=2009-11-22 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="explorer">{{cite book|editor=Enix|title=Dragon Warrior III Explorer's Handbook|year=1991|publisher=Enix|page=48|url=http://www.woodus.com/den/games/dw3nes/dw3nes_manual.pdf|access-date=July 23, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091122223754/http://www.woodus.com/den/games/dw3nes/dw3nes_manual.pdf|archive-date=2009-11-22|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="famitsu">{{cite journal|title=''ゲームボーイ - ゲームボーイ ドラゴンクエストIII そして伝説へ...''.|journal= Weekly Famitsu|issue= 915 |page = 111 |date=June 30, 2006}}</ref>

<ref name="gspot_consolehist_d">{{cite web|first=Andrew|last=Vestal|title=The History of Console RPGs|publisher=[[GameSpot]]|date=1998-11-02|url=http://www.gamespot.com/features/vgs/universal/rpg_hs/nes7.html|access-date=2009-09-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090608134521/http://www.gamespot.com/features/vgs/universal/rpg_hs/nes7.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2009-06-08}}</ref>

<ref name="guide">{{cite book |editor=Prima Games |title=Dragon Warrior III Official Strategy Guide |year=2001 |publisher=Prima Publishing |isbn=0-7615-3638-8 |pages=3–6}}</ref>

<ref name="handbook">{{cite book |editor=Enix |title=Dragon Warrior III Explorer's Handbook |year=1991 |publisher=Enix |pages=22–23 |url=http://www.woodus.com/den/games/dw3nes/dw3nes_manual.pdf |access-date=July 23, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091122223754/http://www.woodus.com/den/games/dw3nes/dw3nes_manual.pdf |archive-date=2009-11-22 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="handbook2">{{cite book |editor=Enix |title=Dragon Warrior III Explorer's Handbook |year=1991 |publisher=Enix |pages=28 and 33–34 |url=http://www.woodus.com/den/games/dw3nes/dw3nes_manual.pdf |access-date=July 23, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091122223754/http://www.woodus.com/den/games/dw3nes/dw3nes_manual.pdf |archive-date=2009-11-22 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="handbook4">{{cite book |editor=Enix |title=Dragon Warrior III Explorer's Handbook |year=1991 |publisher=Enix |page=63 |url=http://www.woodus.com/den/games/dw3nes/dw3nes_manual.pdf |access-date=July 23, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091122223754/http://www.woodus.com/den/games/dw3nes/dw3nes_manual.pdf |archive-date=2009-11-22 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="handbook5">{{cite book |editor=Enix |title=Dragon Warrior III Explorer's Handbook |year=1991 |publisher=Enix |page=66 |url=http://www.woodus.com/den/games/dw3nes/dw3nes_manual.pdf |access-date=July 23, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091122223754/http://www.woodus.com/den/games/dw3nes/dw3nes_manual.pdf |archive-date=2009-11-22 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="handbook6">{{cite book |editor=Enix |title=Dragon Warrior III Explorer's Handbook |year=1991 |publisher=Enix |page=22 |url=http://www.woodus.com/den/games/dw3nes/dw3nes_manual.pdf |access-date=July 23, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091122223754/http://www.woodus.com/den/games/dw3nes/dw3nes_manual.pdf |archive-date=2009-11-22 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="handbook7">{{cite book |editor=Enix |title=Dragon Warrior III Explorer's Handbook |year=1991 |publisher=Enix |page=75 |url=http://www.woodus.com/den/games/dw3nes/dw3nes_manual.pdf |access-date=July 23, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091122223754/http://www.woodus.com/den/games/dw3nes/dw3nes_manual.pdf |archive-date=2009-11-22 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="handbook8">{{cite book |editor=Enix |title=Dragon Warrior III Explorer's Handbook |year=1991 |publisher=Enix |page=71 |url=http://www.woodus.com/den/games/dw3nes/dw3nes_manual.pdf |access-date=2009-07-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091122223754/http://www.woodus.com/den/games/dw3nes/dw3nes_manual.pdf |archive-date=2009-11-22 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="ign">{{cite web | date=August 1, 2001 | title=Dragon Warrior III Preview | url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2001/04/26/dragon-warrior-iii-2 | work=[[IGN]] | access-date=August 28, 2007 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140227200930/http://www.ign.com/articles/2001/04/26/dragon-warrior-iii-2 | archive-date=2014-02-27 | url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="IGNReview">{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2001/07/20/dragon-warrior-iii|title=IGN: Dragon Warrior III Review|work=[[IGN]]|date=July 20, 2001|author=Peter Sellers|access-date=April 4, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130222063939/http://www.ign.com/articles/2001/07/20/dragon-warrior-iii|archive-date=2013-02-22|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="imdb">{{cite web | year=2007 | title=Koichi Sugiyama at IMDb | url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0837543/ | publisher=[[IMDb]] | access-date=August 26, 2007 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050616023346/http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0837543/ | archive-date=2005-06-16 | url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="imdb2">{{cite web | year=2007 | title=Dragon Warrior III at IMDb | url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0302510/ | publisher=[[IMDb]] | access-date=August 24, 2007 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041128034826/http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0302510/ | archive-date=2004-11-28 | url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="imdb3">{{cite web | year=2007 | title=Akira Toriyama at IMDb | url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0868066/ | publisher=[[IMDb]] | access-date=August 24, 2007 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070912140648/http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0868066/ | archive-date=2007-09-12 | url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="instructions">{{cite book|editor=Enix|title=Dragon Warrior III (GBC) North American instruction manual|year=2001|publisher=Enix|pages=10–15}}</ref>

<ref name="king">{{cite video game|text='''King of Aliahan''': Thy enemy shall be the Archfiend Baramos|title=Dragon Warrior III |developer=Enix|publisher=Enix |date=August 27, 2007|platform=NES }}</ref>

<ref name="king2">{{cite video game|text='''King of Aliahan''': It is said thy father Ortega met when he fell into a volcano's crater at the end of a battle. |title=Dragon Warrior III |developer=Enix |publisher=Enix |date=August 27, 2007|platform=NES}}</ref>

<ref name="kurt">{{cite web|url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/the-history-of-dragon-quest|title=The History of Dragon Quest|access-date=July 20, 2008|last=Kalata|first=Kurt|date=February 4, 2008|publisher=Gamasutra|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161229191006/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/3520/the_history_of_dragon_quest.php|archive-date=2016-12-29|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="magicbox">{{cite web | year=2007 | title=Japan Platinum Game Chart | url=http://www.the-magicbox.com/Chart-JPPlatinum.shtml | work=The Magic Box | access-date=August 27, 2007 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121017061224/http://the-magicbox.com/Chart-JPPlatinum.shtml | archive-date=2012-10-17 | url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="magicbox100">{{cite web | title=2001 Top 100 Japanese Console Game Chart | url=http://the-magicbox.com/Chart-BestSell2001.shtml | work=The Magic Box | access-date=December 21, 2008 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121017061218/http://the-magicbox.com/Chart-BestSell2001.shtml | archive-date=2012-10-17 | url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="magicboxbest">{{cite web | title=1996 Top 30 Best Selling Japanese Console Games | url=http://the-magicbox.com/Chart-BestSell1996.shtml | work=The Magic Box | access-date=December 21, 2008 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081208090442/http://www.the-magicbox.com/Chart-BestSell1996.shtml | archive-date=2008-12-08 | url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="manual">{{cite book |editor=Enix|title=Dragon Warrior III (GBC) North American instruction manual|year=2001|publisher=Enix|pages=14–15}}</ref>

<ref name="MCiOS">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/dragon-quest-iii/critic-reviews/?platform=ios-iphoneipad |title=Dragon Quest III for iPhone/iPad Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=June 20, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719050851/http://www.metacritic.com/game/ios/dragon-quest-iii |archive-date=2018-07-19 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="MCNS">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/dragon-quest-iii/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch |title=Dragon Quest III: The Seeds of Salvation for Switch Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=December 23, 2019}}</ref>

<ref name="music">{{cite web | author=Damian Thomas | year=2006 | title=Dragon Quest Game Music Vol. 1 | url=http://www.rpgfan.com/soundtracks/dqmusic1/index.html | access-date=August 30, 2007 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070821141408/http://www.rpgfan.com/soundtracks/dqmusic1/index.html | archive-date=2007-08-21 | url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="nintendoamer">{{cite magazine |title=Top 200 Nintendo Games |magazine=[[Nintendo Power]] |issue=200 |publisher=Nintendo of America|year= 2005}}</ref>

<ref name="originate">{{cite web | author=Aria | date=December 10, 2011 | title=Origins Of The Legend Of Zelda: A Link To The Past And Dragon Quest IV | url=http://www.siliconera.com/2011/12/10/origins-of-the-legend-of-zelda-a-link-to-the-past-and-dragon-quest-iv/ | work=Siliconera | access-date=April 1, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130328003912/http://www.siliconera.com/2011/12/10/origins-of-the-legend-of-zelda-a-link-to-the-past-and-dragon-quest-iv/ | archive-date=2013-03-28 | url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="originate2">{{cite web | date=July 21, 2010 | title=Creating Dragon Quest |url=http://m.edge-online.com/features/creating-dragon-quest/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020050202/http://m.edge-online.com/features/creating-dragon-quest/|archive-date=October 20, 2013 |work=The Edge| access-date=April 1, 2013}}</ref>

<ref name="pgclasses">{{cite book |editor=Prima Games|title=Dragon Warrior III Official Strategy Guide |year=2001 |publisher=Prima Publishing |isbn=0-7615-3638-8 |pages=8–13}}</ref>

<ref name="pgminigames">{{cite book |editor=Prima Games |title=Dragon Warrior III Official Strategy Guide |year=2001 |publisher=Prima Publishing |isbn=0-7615-3638-8 |pages=90–95}}</ref>

<ref name="piano">{{cite web | author=Patrick Gann | year=2006 | title=Dragon Quest on Piano Vol. III | url=http://www.rpgfan.com/soundtracks/dq-piano2/index.html | access-date=August 30, 2007 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012125715/http://rpgfan.com/soundtracks/dq-piano2/index.html | archive-date=2007-10-12 | url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="planetnint">{{cite web | year=2002 | title=Dragon Quest History |url=http://www.planetnintendo.com/alefgard/dqhistory.asp | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071021081552/http://www.planetnintendo.com/alefgard/dqhistory.asp |archive-date=October 21, 2007 | work=Planet Nintendo | access-date=August 15, 2007}}</ref>

<ref name="previewgame">{{cite web | author=Frank Provo | date=March 30, 2001 | title=Dragon Warrior III Preview | url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/dragon-warrior-iii-preview/1100-2703299/ | work=[[GameSpot]] | access-date=April 3, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180219090324/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/dragon-warrior-iii-preview/1100-2703299/ | archive-date=2018-02-19 | url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="quicksave">{{cite web |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2011/05/25/dragon-quest-anniversary-collection-lets-roto-take-breaks-in-dungeons/ |title=Dragon Quest Anniversary Collection Lets Roto Take Breaks In Dungeons |date=May 25, 2011 |work=Siliconera |author=Spencer |access-date=April 3, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140821214133/http://www.siliconera.com/2011/05/25/dragon-quest-anniversary-collection-lets-roto-take-breaks-in-dungeons/ |archive-date=2014-08-21 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="rankings">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamerankings.com/gbc/450388-dragon-warrior-iii/index.html |title=Dragon Warrior III for Game Boy Color |website=[[GameRankings]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=April 14, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090630000137/http://www.gamerankings.com/gbc/450388-dragon-warrior-iii/index.html |archive-date=2009-06-30 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

<!-- unused reference -->
<!-- <ref name="releasedate">{{cite web | title=ドラゴンクエストIII　そして伝説へ… | url=http://www.square-enix.co.jp/mobile/dq/dq3/ | work=[[Square Enix]] | access-date=April 26, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121003144902/http://www.square-enix.co.jp/mobile/dq/dq3/ | archive-date=2012-10-03 | url-status=live }}</ref>-->

<ref name="Roto9">{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-11-04/japanese-comic-ranking-october-26-november-1|title=Japanese Comic Ranking, October 26-November 1|publisher=Anime News Network|date=November 4, 2009|access-date=November 9, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091107074456/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-11-04/japanese-comic-ranking-october-26-november-1|archive-date=2009-11-07|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="rpgfan">{{cite web | author=Feena | date=December 12, 2000 | title=Dragon Quest GB III US Bound! | url=http://www.rpgfan.com/news/2000/1600.html | work=RPGFan | access-date=April 3, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130523131725/http://www.rpgfan.com/news/2000/1600.html | archive-date=2013-05-23 | url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="saga">{{cite web|url=http://www.square-enix.co.jp/magazine/yg/roto/|script-title=ja:ドラゴンクエスト列伝 ロトの紋章 完全版|trans-title=Full version of Dragon Quest Saga: Roto's Emblem|publisher=Square-Enix|access-date=November 9, 2009|language=ja|title={title}|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091019235047/http://www.square-enix.co.jp/magazine/yg/roto/|archive-date=2009-10-19|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name=salestrends>{{cite web| url=http://andriasang.com/comznq/game_sales_4gamer/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120123140412/http://andriasang.com/comznq/game_sales_4gamer/|archive-date=January 23, 2012| title=2011 Game Sales Chart and Sales Trends | publisher=andriasang.com| author=Anoop Gantayat|work=Andriasang | date=January 16, 2012 | access-date=April 4, 2013}}</ref>

<ref name="siliconerawii">{{cite web|author=Spencer|title=Dragon Quest Anniversary Collection Brings First Three Games To Wii|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2011/05/10/dragon-quest-anniversary-collection-brings-first-three-games-to-wii/|date=May 10, 2011|access-date=May 13, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110514163258/http://www.siliconera.com/2011/05/10/dragon-quest-anniversary-collection-brings-first-three-games-to-wii/|archive-date=2011-05-14|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="songs">{{cite web | author=Patrick Gann | year=2006 | title=Dragon Quest Best Songs | url=http://www.rpgfan.com/soundtracks/dq-songs/index.html | work=RPGFan | access-date=August 30, 2007 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070805000825/http://www.rpgfan.com/soundtracks/dq-songs/index.html | archive-date=2007-08-05 | url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="soundtrack">{{cite web | author=Damian Thomas | year=2006 | title=Dragon Quest III soundtrack | url=http://www.rpgfan.com/soundtracks/dq3-ss/index.html | work=RPGFan | access-date=August 21, 2007 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012125735/http://rpgfan.com/soundtracks/dq3-ss/index.html | archive-date=2007-10-12 | url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="story">{{cite book |editor=Prima Games|title=Dragon Warrior III Official Strategy Guide |year=2001 |publisher=Prima Publishing |isbn=0-7615-3638-8 |pages=18–22}}</ref>

<ref name="threat">{{cite web|title=Student Arrested In Dragon Quest Death Threat|work=Gamasutra|author=David Jenkins|date=February 23, 2005|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=5000|access-date=August 15, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071113133532/http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=5000|archive-date=2007-11-13|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="TouchArcade">{{cite web |url=https://toucharcade.com/2014/12/08/dragon-quest-3-review/ |title='Dragon Quest 3' Review – The Stuff Of Legends |last=Musgrave |first=Shaun |website=[[TouchArcade]] |date=December 8, 2014 |access-date=June 20, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180620180721/https://toucharcade.com/2014/12/08/dragon-quest-3-review/ |archive-date=2018-06-20 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="VHS">{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B00005G2N6|title=ドラゴンクエスト列伝・ロトの紋章 [VHS]|date=20 December 1996 |trans-title=Dragon Quest Saga: Roto's Emblem [VHS]|access-date=November 9, 2009|language=ja}}</ref>

<ref name="volume2">{{cite web | author=Damian Thomas | year=2006 | title=Dragon Quest Game Music Vol. 2 | url=http://www.rpgfan.com/soundtracks/dqmusic2/index.html | work=RPGFan | access-date=August 30, 2007 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070819212659/http://www.rpgfan.com/soundtracks/dqmusic2/index.html | archive-date=2007-08-19 | url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="volume3">{{cite web | author=Damian Thomas | year=2006 | title=Dragon Quest Game Music Vol. 3 | url=http://www.rpgfan.com/soundtracks/dqmusic3/index.html | work=RPGFan | access-date=August 30, 2007 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070823062105/http://www.rpgfan.com/soundtracks/dqmusic3/index.html | archive-date=2007-08-23 | url-status=live }}</ref>
}}

== External links ==
* [http://www.jp.square-enix.com/dqsp/dq3/en/ Official website]

{{Portal bar|1980s|Japan|Speculative fiction|Video games}}
{{Dragon Quest series|state=expanded}}
{{HD2D}}
{{Matrix Software}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:1988 video games]]
[[Category:Android (operating system) games]]
[[Category:Chunsoft games]]
[[Category:Dragon Quest video games]]
[[Category:Game Boy Color games]]
[[Category:IOS games]]
[[Category:Japanese role-playing video games]]
[[Category:Nintendo 3DS eShop games]]
[[Category:Nintendo 3DS games]]
[[Category:Nintendo Entertainment System games]]
[[Category:Nintendo Switch games]]
[[Category:PlayStation 4 games]]
[[Category:PlayStation Network games]]
[[Category:Single-player video games]]
[[Category:Super Nintendo Entertainment System games]]
[[Category:Top-down video games]]
[[Category:Turn-based role-playing video games]]
[[Category:Video game prequels]]
[[Category:Video game remakes]]
[[Category:Video games adapted into comics]]
[[Category:Video games with gender-selectable protagonists]]
[[Category:Video games scored by Koichi Sugiyama]]
[[Category:Video games developed in Japan]]
[[Category:Video games set in castles]]