3DS remake of Dragon Quest VII dated in Japan, western release being "evaluated"

ArtePiazza's fourth Dragon Quest handheld remake now has a release date, err... for Japan. Dragon Quest VII: Warriors for Eden, the 3DS remake of the 2000 PlayStation title Dragon Warrior VII, will be put out on February 7. Upgrades include a complete visual reworking, as well as a full orchestral score from the Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra. The addition of 3D is certain too, with the move from the DS to the 3DS, but otherwise nothing else is really necessary beyond more Dragon Quest.

Joystiq received an update from Square Enix confirming Dragon Quest VII was being "evaluated" for western markets. A little bit of research can lend better lite on the subject. ArtePiazza has done three other Dragon Quest conversions to the DS and each one reached western markets rather slowly. The latest, Dragon Quest VI, was released over a year after the Japanese version. Whether the transition to the 3DS, or Square Enix's lowering profits affect the release is yet to be seen. Don't expect any news relatively soon.

The quick recap is that Dragon Quest VII for the 3DS is being released in Japan on February 7. History says a western release could follow within a month of that, but until the official word comes from Square Enix it's best not to mark your schedule.