Grazza Posted December 1, 2008 Share Posted December 1, 2008 I bought a PS2 this year, mainly for ICO, Okami and Shadow of the Colossus, which were good, but the highlight for me has been Dragon Quest: Journey of the Cursed King. I’ve played some good RPGs in my time, but this is spectacular. Everything about it is perfect. The storytelling is simple and witty, as is the in-game dialogue. Cut-scenes are kept short and efficient. The characters are not petulant, sulky teens, but entertaining and eccentric adults. Often there are flashes of sexuality in the story, which are always good-natured and humorous. The colourful visuals perfectly suit the game’s mood. The music is even better, from the dramatic title theme to the sweeping overworld music and Princess Medea’s beautiful melody. All this combines to create a wonderful feel of immersion. You really feel you are exploring olde English villages and landscapes. Talking of landscapes, the game’s overworld is amongst the best I’ve seen. There are two huge continents with hardly a load time in sight. Yes, there are loading times for the villages and dungeons, but it’s remarkable how big and fluid some of the outdoor areas are. Two of the villages cleverly act as bridges between some of the bigger areas. The mixture of large, medium and small islands sets a model that Zelda would do well to follow. There are three superb castles to explore, one of which changes the colour of its drapes at one point. This subtle detail is reflected even when you view the castle from afar. It’s remarkable, too, how accurately the overworld is modelled in 3D; for example, when you view it from the top of a tower. There are few, if any, 2D backgrounds. The 3rd-person camera is exactly the right distance from the hero, and you can flip into 1st-person at any time, if you want to inspect a chandelier or small detail. Artistically and technically, it’s flawless. Despite having finished the game once, I am now playing through it again, doing the Alchemy perfectly and not selling items, in order to be better prepared for the challenging post-game: the Dragovian Trials. Dragon Quest VIII – one of my Top 3 last-gen games, along with Wind Waker and Shadow of the Colossus. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ike Posted December 1, 2008 Share Posted December 1, 2008 I got this 2 Christmases ago and I still haven't completed it even after 80 in game hours. Although I am at the final boss and then there's the post game stuff I need to do. The game is amazing though, the best game on PS2 and one my favourite games of all time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pit-Jr Posted December 1, 2008 Share Posted December 1, 2008 I spent a ridiculous amount of time on this game, something close to 90 hours and i loved every minute of it. One of the most beautifully realized game worlds ive seen yet. Pair that with 4 likeable party members and a simple but engaging storyline that never failed to hold my interest. The battles were tough as nails and made you actually use all those items you collected just to survive..... a simple concept that many RPGs fail to achieve. Its also indirectly one of the reasons i bought a PS3, thanks to the trailer i saw for Level 5-developed White Knight Chronicles. All in all, one of the best games ive ever played and i look forward to DQ10's inevitable announcement. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grazza Posted December 1, 2008 Author Share Posted December 1, 2008 I spent a ridiculous amount of time on this game, something close to 90 hours and i loved every minute of it. I'm ashamed to say I spent about 100 hours on it first time round (including attempting the post-game) and now I'm tackling it again! This really isn't like me! However, although I admit it's addictive, I still find it thrilling. It's not like one of these things one does just for the sake of it. Its also indirectly one of the reasons i bought a PS3, thanks to the trailer i saw for Level 5-developed White Knight Chronicles. I'm also interested in that, although it reminded me very strongly of Final Fantasy XII. All in all, one of the best games ive ever played and i look forward to DQ10's inevitable announcement. So do I, and hopefully it's a PS3 or 360 game! I'm glad other people like this game. It seems to me, if it strikes a chord with you, you really like it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheikah Posted December 1, 2008 Share Posted December 1, 2008 Probably the best soundtrack to any game (or on a Par with FFVIII - it seems VIII's have all the luck) and easily one of the best visual styles. It's a marvellous game, and one that I enjoyed putting over a 100 hours into to do absolutely everything. Truly one of the best games there is, let alone one of the best RPGs. If you haven't played this before and have PS2/PS3 (with PS2 compatibility) then get this. It's a fantastic game. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pit-Jr Posted December 1, 2008 Share Posted December 1, 2008 Does anyone know how well it sold outside of Japan? Im sure it didnt sell what it deserved but hopefully enough to make sure future installments get US and Europe versions Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grazza Posted December 1, 2008 Author Share Posted December 1, 2008 Does anyone know how well it sold outside of Japan? Im sure it didnt sell what it deserved but hopefully enough to make sure future installments get US and Europe versions Thankfully, it made the "Platinum" range in Europe (ICO, Okami and Shadow of the Colossus didn't), so I assume it sold well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dazzybee Posted December 1, 2008 Share Posted December 1, 2008 I'm ashamed to say I spent about 100 hours on it first time round (including attempting the post-game) and now I'm tackling it again! This really isn't like me! However, although I admit it's addictive, I still find it thrilling. It's not like one of these things one does just for the sake of it. I'm also interested in that, although it reminded me very strongly of Final Fantasy XII. So do I, and hopefully it's a PS3 or 360 game! I'm glad other people like this game. It seems to me, if it strikes a chord with you, you really like it. Guaranteed to be a Wii or DS game. Depends on how well MOnster Hunter 3 does in my opinion! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pit-Jr Posted December 2, 2008 Share Posted December 2, 2008 Guaranteed to be a Wii or DS game. Depends on how well MOnster Hunter 3 does in my opinion! I think he means the next console version, whether it be 10, 11 or what have you. Your probably right about it landing on the Wii though, given the user base and the franchises success with Nintendo customers. It would be the logical decision anyway but i still want an HD iteration, especially after seeing how good cel-shaded games like Naruto and Vesperia look Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D_prOdigy Posted December 2, 2008 Share Posted December 2, 2008 Well IX could well be the best selling DQ game ever, and with the core FF games seeming to focus only on the HD systems, we may see DS as the home for all DQ games in the forseeable future. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tellyn Posted December 2, 2008 Share Posted December 2, 2008 I think he means the next console version, whether it be 10, 11 or what have you. Your probably right about it landing on the Wii though, given the user base and the franchises success with Nintendo customers. It would be the logical decision anyway but i still want an HD iteration, especially after seeing how good cel-shaded games like Naruto and Vesperia look Square Enix are no longer making new games, they want to concentrate on their existing franchises. Whilst there is still breath in the president, you will get a remake at some point. :p Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hellfire Posted December 4, 2008 Share Posted December 4, 2008 Amazing, amazing game. I was an am mostly tired of very classic J-RPGs, yet I still loved this. And I loved how simple levelling the characters was, yet it had some depth to it, as did the apparently simple combat. The scenery in the overworld, together with Toryama's art and the amazing orchestrated soundtrack are probably what made this game to me. It really felt like what J-RPGs are supposed to be. Dragon Quest is an amazing series and I can't wait for IX. Also, the Dragovian Trials are haard! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grazza Posted December 4, 2008 Author Share Posted December 4, 2008 It really felt like what J-RPGs are supposed to be. Exactly. It feels like all those Japanese-only RPGS I used to read about in Super Play (SNES magazine) all those years ago. Also, the Dragovian Trials are haard! My tactic is to learn Dragon Soul (level 65), then use Fisticuffs. Before that, I'm using Spears for Lightning Thrust (ie. 50% chance of critical hit) and before that I'm using Metal Slash. Agh, the tactics! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pit-Jr Posted December 4, 2008 Share Posted December 4, 2008 Yeah the simplicity of battle was one of the best parts. If you played Dragon Warrior (Quest) 1, you could immediately dive into 8. I also loved the monster team you assembled for back-up. Spent hours trying to find the perfect arena team Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grazza Posted December 5, 2008 Author Share Posted December 5, 2008 I also loved the monster team you assembled for back-up. Spent hours trying to find the perfect arena team Indeed. I've got "My Three Golems", which form a mega-powerful Golem. Only trouble is, he keeps attacking the Metal Slime in Rank S and doesn't damage it. I think I need monsters with a sword or spear. Slightly off-topic, but would Dragon Ball Z be a good anime for those who like Dragon Quest? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheikah Posted December 6, 2008 Share Posted December 6, 2008 Exactly. It feels like all those Japanese-only RPGS I used to read about in Super Play (SNES magazine) all those years ago. My tactic is to learn Dragon Soul (level 65), then use Fisticuffs. Before that, I'm using Spears for Lightning Thrust (ie. 50% chance of critical hit) and before that I'm using Metal Slash. Agh, the tactics! Easiest way is to Dragon Soul but also use 2 Timbrel of Tensions (give to Yangus and Angelo, google if unsure how to get them) so that you can boost everyone's tension by 2 levels each turn. Then get Jessica's best whip (roulette) and use Twin Dragon Lash. Heals all round, Falcon Blade + Falcon Slash on Angelo (4 hits) and keep on Dragon Souling like crazy (ignores defence). Absolutely slaughters anything thrown at you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hellfire Posted December 8, 2008 Share Posted December 8, 2008 See what I mean? So simple, yet so deep Requires lots of grinding to finish the trials though, regardless of tactic :P EDIT:DBZ asides from character design has nothing to do with DQ :P Also, start with Dragon Ball, most people don't know it or didn't see it first, and in my opinion, experience dbz the wrong way :P Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grazza Posted December 12, 2008 Author Share Posted December 12, 2008 Thanks Sheikah and Hellfire, I'll take that advice. I'm playing the game through again, so I will sacrifice both Sun Crowns. It does take a long time to replay, even when you know the game well. I find it harder to afford the latest equipment more than anything, especially for the Alchemy! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pit-Jr Posted December 12, 2008 Share Posted December 12, 2008 Thanks Sheikah and Hellfire, I'll take that advice. I'm playing the game through again, so I will sacrifice both Sun Crowns. It does take a long time to replay, even when you know the game well. I find it harder to afford the latest equipment more than anything, especially for the Alchemy! If youve got money problems, hit up the casino. It took me a couple hours but i made a fortune there on the slot machines Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grazza Posted December 28, 2008 Author Share Posted December 28, 2008 I had a good play of this last night. Basically, I've got all the best items (including two Timbrels) you can buy, find or make and have completed Monster Arena Rank S (the Dragon Robe is good for Angelo). I've made about 22,000 tokens at the casino, but haven't been able to get the best items from the counter. I kitted my Hero out in Metal King Helm, Shield and Arnour. Now, though, he's got the Dragovian Helm and Armour. What happened last night is that I bumped into four Metal King Slimes and defeated three of them! I wasn't even looking for them! I had already beaten the Vermillion Dragon at Level 50, and last night defeated the Emerald Dragon at the same level. I was Level 51 by the time I fought the Silver Dragon. My Hero was KO'd, with no way to revive him, and everyone was running out of HP and MP. Yangus was the only real attacker left, he was running out of HP fast. Desperately, I had him use "Executioner". It missed twice, then was successful the 3rd time and defeated the Silver Dragon! EDIT - No idea why there's a "thumbs down" icon on this post. I didn't mean to put one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hellfire Posted December 30, 2008 Share Posted December 30, 2008 Gotta luv Yangus ^^ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
killer kirby Posted December 31, 2008 Share Posted December 31, 2008 COR BLIMEY!!! That's one of the things which make Dragon Quest so much better then most other game series, the characters are so memorable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grazza Posted December 31, 2008 Author Share Posted December 31, 2008 Yeah, the characters are superb. I beat the Golden Dragon, by the way (which is the 4th), but I can't beat the Darksteel Dragon. I tried the critical hit method, but it looks like grinding to Level 65 is the only way to go! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grazza Posted January 30, 2009 Author Share Posted January 30, 2009 Just to wrap this up, I beat the Ultimate Dragon at Level 61. I levelled-up to 65 afterwards just for the fun of it - Dragon Soul is great! Ah, what a great game. I'm sure I'll go back to it even more, just because the characters are so good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheikah Posted January 31, 2009 Share Posted January 31, 2009 It is indeed amazing. It kind of makes me sad that the next one is going to be on DS, as I think that half of the stuff they pulled off on the PS2 can't be done on the DS. Just the atmosphere, quality of sound, the smoothed style they had going... It'll still be a great game I'm sure, but I'd have loved if it was on PS3. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts