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Let me start off by saying this is my probably what I’d consider to be my least favorite entry in one of my favorite RPG series. This is not to say I didn’t enjoy the game, It’s just that I enjoy other Dragon Quest games more. However, I will say that it’s good this game got a remake. This updated version fixed the one major problem I had with the original, but I’ll get to that later. The Dragon Quest series has changed very little from the first game to the most current. I really have no problem with that; after all, if its not broke, why fix it? So if you’ve played any of the other games, you pretty much know what to expect in this one.
Dragon Quest is the very definition of old school Japanese RPGs. It probably seems rather minimalist compared to other RPGs, and thats because it is. No flashy cutscenes or hour long summon spell animations here. Just you, the monsters, and player data The level grind is also sometimes quite brutal. These are things all Dragon Quest games share.
Now lets get on with this game. Dragon Quest IV is split up into different chapters, hence the title. Each one covers different characters who will join you later on. Like all other games in the series, the hero’s name is chosen by the player. You see your hero at the beginning of the game briefly, and then not again till chapter five.
Combat is pretty basic, which is good, because you’ll be doing a lot of it. As I stated before, there is a fairly heavy level grind. Most battles go by pretty fast, so its not all that bad. Its all menu based, when you meet a monster, you pick commands for your team and watch the round play out. When everyone has finished their actionrinse and repeat until one side wins.
However, this is the problem I mentioned I had with the original. Once you got to chapter five in the original game, you could only issue commands to the hero character. All others were controlled by the AI. Thankfully, in this remake, they give you the option of choosing AI or manual control for all characters.
Graphically, the game looks rather good. It probably wouldn’t win any awards, but still is a major step up from the original NES version, but that goes without saying. This version is actually based on a Playstaion One remake that came out in Japan several years ago. It looks about as good as that version.
Not really much to say about the sound. There’s no voice acting, but the score and sound effects are well done. Most Dragon Quest games do have good background music. Dragon Quest also has one of my favorite title theme songs as well.
Well not much else to say, really. I played the game from start to finish in around 35 hours or so. Its fairly long. Of course a lot of that was level grinding. There was actually a sixth bonus chapter after the credits rolled. I decided not to do it, though. Maybe some other time.
Dragon Quest is not a series I can easily recommend for everyone. It requires a lot of patience. So if you are already a series fan. Yes..go ahead and get this game. It’s better than the original, and probably about the same price. Maybe a little less. For new players..you might wanna rent first.
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System: |
Nintendo DS
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| Genre: |
RPG |
| Experience: |
Finished the game in 35 hours
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