The newest issue of V-JUMP magazine revealed that Dragon Quest VIII will have a so-called tension system. The game's battle menu will feature a charge command, which if utilized raises a character's tension level and results in his or her attack, spell or skill getting more powerful. This charge command can be used multiple times until characters enter a state of high tension. Successfully connecting an attack upon charging will also result in gaining more experience. Charge will however have no effect on the defensive capability of a character. Furthermore, certain monsters will also be able to use the command to their advantage.

The game will be released in Japan sometime this winter.