Earlier this month, the world discovered of the passing of legendary mangaka Akira Toriyama, the creator behind Dragon Ball, Dr. Stoop, and Sand Land. On the planet of video games, he’s finest often called the prolific artist behind video games like Chrono Set off and the Dragon Quest collection, 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 repute in Japan. Made along with Remaining Fantasy’s creator Hironobu Sakaguchi and his studio Mistwalker, Blue Dragon launched a small collection, together with a pair of sequels on the Nintendo DS and an accompanying anime. The collection was set in an authentic 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 collection, 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 business earlier than his passing earlier this yr.
I received’t lie, I teared up a bit. 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 turn out to be 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 residence. As one of many people who watched and cherished the anime lengthy earlier than I ever realized it was based mostly on a recreation, in addition to somebody who performs his Xbox greater than every 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 recreation was being demoed within a tank ripped straight out of the sport, and the current anime adaptation simply launched to extensive acclaim. And naturally, his legendary contributions to Chrono Set off and Dragon Quest shall be felt for generations to come back, particularly within the forthcoming Dragon Quest XII, which can probably symbolize the final of Toriyama’s work in video games when it releases.