Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King

"One of the best games in the Dragon Quest series"

I truly have to say that it was because of the dragon warrior titles that I got into rpgs in the first place. I have always loved and admired the classic turn based battle system that the dragon warrior/quest series has offered from the very first Dragon Warrior released so many years ago. Though the series has never been blessed by a great story or graphics, it's the outstanding gameplay and difficulty that caught my attention. There are so many improvements in this game of the series, including graphics, story, and extras. If you enjoy a game that will keep you busy for hours, then you won't be disappointed. It's not the longest rpg I have played, but it ranks up there. So is it just the improved graphics and story that make this game a hit, or is there more to this game than that, read on to find out more information.

Story/Characters 9/10
The story starts out with an evil magician Dhoulmagus turning a once prosperous castle into a castle of thorns as well as its people. It's scepter stolen, and only one young boy unaffected by the outcome. So just how does this young boy not get affected. Eventually the boy and the king and princess embark on a journey to pursue this Dhoulmagus and release the curse that has been set. Along the way they will meet characters who will join by many different motivations, but ultimately the same goal. I absolutely loved the story. If you are familiar with any of the previous installments, than you will find this one to be quite refreshing. The plot is simple yet, catches your interest, although it can be considered a bit cliched. It does take a while to pick up at parts. I almost couldn't put the game down, and that rarely happens. The characters represented in this game each have their own personality, and are well developed, and have their own motivations for joining the fight. And not to mention that each of the playable characters have very good voice actors, adding the perfect touch to their individual personalities. Even the villains seemed to have great development. There are a few plot holes, but they weren't obvious unless you look pretty hard. Not the best story I have heard (That would go to Xenogears), but solid nonetheless.

Graphics 10/10
This is one aspect of the game that really caught me off guard. I have played and finished every Dragon Quest game ever printed, and this is the first time the graphics ever stuck out in my mind. The overall landscape and characters were very impressive. The characters are done by the artist who did Dragon ball, and are cel shaded. Normally I not a huge fan of these type of graphics, but the detail that was done with creating them was more than I would ever have expected. If you like eye candy then you absolutely love the work that was put into them. And who wouldn't fall in love with Jessica, who has the best character detail of all the characters. If I could rate this aspect higher I would in an instant.

Music/Voices acting 10/10
This was one of the better aspects of the game. Many of the scores in the game, especially in towns and story scenes, went almost perfectly with the atmosphere. Even the battle themes fit in quite nicely. Definitely an improvement over previous installments. Then come the voice actors. This is the first in the Dragon Quest series that even had voice acting, and it didn't disappoint. Many of the voice actors has British and Australian accents, and added a breath of fresh air from the dry voices you see in many typical voice actors.

Gameplay/Controls 10/10

Alchemy System 10/10
Combat system 10/10

If I could rate this aspect of the game higher I would. There is so much detail that went into this game, including one of the best world maps I have ever seen. There is just so many areas to explore, you could actually get lost, and I have never gotten lost on a world map. Then there is sidequests. If you enjoy a few extras than you will definitely enjoy the sheer amount of extra quests they added to the game. There is just so much stuff to find. I had to play through three times just to find everything. Then there is the combat system. It's the classic turn based game, like seen with many rpgs (especially the older ones). I have always like the combat system, but the only problem I ever had is the amount of random battles in the game, but if you are familiar with the series, then you know that the series thrives on the sheer amount of battles. Absolutely amazing and a total improvement over the previous installments. If there was one problem I could say about the combat system would be level grinding, and the difficulty of random enemies. At times it can take quite awhile to gain that one level to beat a boss, but thankfully with the amount of battles it doesn't take too long, but with some random enemies that at times can be even harder than some bosses, that can be a bad thing. Last but not least is the new alchemy system that was added. If you enjoy being able to make and customize weapons and various other items, then you will love the broad amount of thing to make, some of which will be really helpful.

Replay Value/ Extras 7/10
I really wouldn't say there is much for true replay value unless you are like me and like to find everything. This game is quite long so you may not want to play it again for a little while, but the second time was just as good as the first time I played. And then comes extras. There are many elements carried over from previous installments, such as the popular casino, as well as a post game that unlocks some of the main character's past. For all you treasure lovers, there's something for you as well. Among the world there are huge amounts of items to be hoarded. Have fun hunting.

Pros
+ Excellent story, with a great cast of characters
+ Many sidequests including the classic casino
+ Loads of extra treasure to be found on world map
+ Excellent world map, with many areas to roam
+ Great voice acting
+ Truly amazing detail, especially with the world map
+ New alchemy system, allowing you to make and customise a great deal of weapons and items
+ The classic battle system returns
+ 60-70 hours of playtime
+ Collect and battle you own monster in the colleseum

Cons
- Battles can become repetitive
- Some minor plot holes
- Can be ridiculously hard to gain levels at times
- East to get lost, with the world map being so huge.
- Some random enemies are quite overpowered

To buy or rent
I wouldn't even recommend renting this game, unless you want to speed through the game (it's that long), and not enjoy what is has to offer. This game is worth every penny buying. Very rarely will I ever say to just go ahead and buy it, but this is definitely a title you won't want to miss out on. A definite improvement over the previous titles. Even if this game never makes greatest hits, it would still be worth getting.

Overall 9/10
This game has been a treat to play, with all the improved aspects of the game, it has rekindled my interest in the series. This game gives a breath of fresh air from many of the other flashy rpgs you see today. It now sits proudly with the rest of the series. I am almost willing to say that this is one of the best rpgs I have ever had the honor of playing. Get the game now and I almost guarantee you will fall in love with it.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 09/20/06