![]() The real discoveries, though, are off the beaten path. The plot has a very specific through-line and you’re told exactly where to go almost all the time, often with a clearly marked trail to guide you. I should mention here that the majority of the exploration is voluntary. New discoveries are abounding, and I heartily enjoyed the exploration. You eventually earn (and I do mean “earn”) a way to cross open water, an insanely fun way to trek across land quickly, and a very imaginative “airship” towards the end. Exploration is always rewarded with well-hidden treasure chests, both in the overworld and in dungeons. Dragon Quest VIII isn’t as pun-filled as previous games, but when puns occur they stand out due to their rarity.ĭragon Quest VIII was the first in the series to present a fully 3D open world, and every inch of it has been preserved here. The writing and localization are similarly impressive. I enjoyed all the voice acting, especially Yangus and Jessica, who get the best characterizations throughout the game. The story’s depth is absolutely driven home by the game’s impressive voice acting in every cut scene (there are plenty). The story seems straightforward enough, but eventually takes a number of unexpected twists and turns, as your merry band comes across a great many colorful characters in their travels. The 3DS version even adds two new playable characters in an organic and fun way. Before too long, your party grows to include Jessica Albert, a spitfire mage looking to avenge her brother’s death, and Angelo, a smooth-talking Templar knight who joins the cause after his superior is targeted by Dhoulmagus. ![]() Also along for the ride is Yangus, a former ruffian who joined the group after befriending the hero, who he refers to as “the Guv.” You four are on the trail of an evil jester, Dhoulmagus, who cursed Trodain and now goes around killing people. Your companions are the diminutive King Trode, who has been turned into a troll, and his daughter, Medea, who has been turned into a horse. The story seems simple enough-you are the silent hero, the only unchanged survivor of a curse that befell the kingdom of Trodain. I do not hedge my language when I say that this is one of the best games I’ve ever played. Every moment is an engaging, interesting experience. For a series that often treads familiar territory, Dragon Quest VIII feels like a breath of fresh air. By some miracle of programming, the game is now available on your 3DS and it is absolutely the best, most refined, version of this standout Japanese RPG. It’s been ported to mobile devices in the last couple years, where it enjoyed a graphical bump but a predictably terrible control scheme. Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King was already fantastic on the PlayStation 2 way back in 2005.
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