Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen

"A Blast from the Past"

Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen in a very fun game, that suffers from a few flaws. This game is broken up into different chapters featuring different playable characters, monsters, and a diffent storyline. Every chapter is connected through one larger storyline, however.

Game play consists of walking around an over world map, visiting towns to talk to the locals and buy supplies, and journeying into caves, towers, etc. fighting off monsters and working your way to a boss. Battles take the traditional turn-based system and, classic to Dragon Quest, you can only see the monsters.. Although, this time around, character portraits and additional information is displayed on the DS' upper screen. Farming for Gold and experience is a major part of game play, and if this isn't for you, you are better off looking elsewhere. Within each town lies hidden gold and items that can be found by breaking pots and barrels. Additional and often times more powerful items can be purchased at vendors or found in a dungeon.

The graphics in Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen are beautifully drawn in 2D. The towns are lush and vibrant, the caves, creepy and bleak, and the towers tall and majestic. The monsters are always interesting to look at, and each character is unique. The backgrounds used during battles get the job done and change depending on where the battle is taking place. For example if you are battling in the forest the background will consist of green trees, but if you are in the mountains you will see giant mountains in the background.

There is not much to say about the music in Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen. You will hear classic melodies and the very familiar jingle every time a character levels up. Classic sound effects are also used to add to the classical feel of the game

Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen for the Nintendo DS is a fun trip down memory lane for any one wanting to revisit the series. It is also a great entry point of newcomers to the Dragon Quest world. However, if you are looking for something new in the series you are better off waiting for Dragon Quest IX which is in development for the DS and will be released sometime in the future. All in all Dragon Quest IV is full of classic jrpg elements and that dragon quest charm we have all come to know and love. So while this entry doesn't offer anything new, it does offer hours of good fun.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 09/25/08

Game Release: Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen (US, 09/16/08)