Earlier this month, the world discovered of the passing of legendary mangaka Akira Toriyama, the creator behind Dragon Ball, Dr. Droop, and Sand Land. On this planet of video games, he’s greatest generally known as the prolific artist behind video games like Chrono Set off and the Dragon Quest sequence, in addition to the Xbox-exclusive RPG Blue Dragon. In recognition of the latter and of Toriyama himself, Microsoft has launched a dynamic Xbox background of Blue Dragon that includes the late artist’s work.
Blue Dragon launched for the Xbox 360 again in 2006 as a part of Microsoft’s bid to garner extra of a optimistic status in Japan. Made along side Last Fantasy’s creator Hironobu Sakaguchi and his studio Mistwalker, Blue Dragon launched a small sequence, together with a pair of sequels on the Nintendo DS and an accompanying anime. The sequence was set in an unique world created by Sakaguchi, and the story follows a forged of characters who’re capable of summon “shadows” to assist them in battle.
The brand new dynamic Xbox background options Shu, the primary character of the Blue Dragon sequence, and his shadow, the blue dragon, overlooking a cliff heroically. This exact same picture was additionally featured on the field artwork for the sport. It’s a easy and chic tribute to the legend, and represents one of many final large undertakings he took within the video games trade earlier than his passing earlier this 12 months.
I received’t lie, I teared up just a little. It’s been fantastic realizing what a profound affect Toriyama has had on the world round me, and seeing his work be celebrated within the days after the information broke lifted my spirits tremendously. It’s change into a bit simpler to cope with his passing contemplating simply how a lot he left us, and I can’t wait to throw this background on the second I get house. As one of many of us who watched and beloved the anime lengthy earlier than I ever realized it was based mostly on a sport, in addition to somebody who performs his Xbox greater than some other system lately, this small gesture goes a good distance for me.
Elsewhere, Toriyama’s affect on the world nonetheless lingers. I used to be simply at PAX East the place the upcoming Sand Land sport was being demoed inside a tank ripped straight out of the sport, and the latest anime adaptation simply launched to large acclaim. And naturally, his legendary contributions to Chrono Set off and Dragon Quest might be felt for generations to come back, particularly within the forthcoming Dragon Quest XII, which can doubtless symbolize the final of Toriyama’s work in video games when it releases.
