With no nostalgia factoring in, I’m left viewing Dragon Quest VIII in a mixed light. I have some real issues with it, but I still recognize its quality features. I acknowledge that I’m something of an outlier among the game’s audience. On a system with as many RPG choices as the 3DS, I’m okay with that.
DRAGON QUEST VIII
Square Enix · May 29, 2014
About
Legends tell of an ancient sceptre, within which is sealed a fearsome power...
When the relic's long-dormant magics are awoken by the treachery of a malign magician, an entire kingdom falls into a cursed slumber, prompting a young soldier to embark on an unforgettable journey...
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Critic reviews
- Dragon Quest VIII is a magnificent RPG that is an absolute highlight and showcase of the entire genre. It’s a long journey, but it’s one worth taking, especially if you’ve never played it before. I know that, after getting through this game, I need to reassess my personal favorite RPGs of all time. This game is that damn good.
- 9.0While Dragon Quest VIII doesn't try anything new or stray from formula, it's a great example of how execution can outweigh novelty. It may not be the HD remaster some were hoping for, but this is - in my book - the definitive version of Dragon Quest VIII.
- 9.0Dragon Quest VIII was without question one of the best RPGs on the PlayStation 2, and 13 years later it's one of the best RPGs on the 3DS as well. If you haven't played it before, this version offers a lot of features that make it very easy to recommend over the PS2 and mobile versions. Even if you have, there's more than enough new content to make DQVIII worth revisiting.
- 9.0Dragon Quest 8: Journey of the Cursed King is an incredibly long game filled with standard offerings from the tried and true JRPG genre. While the battle mechanics remain traditional, the narrative and characters that push it forward are incredibly charming. So much so that they surround the game’s design with ample incentive to keep playing until bitter sweet farewells are made. DQ8 is goofy, charming, and endearing, but more importantly it’s still constantly enjoyable even after spending an absurd amount of time with it.
- 9.0Dragon Quest VIII itself is a standout in an already highly regarded series, but this enhanced edition is the definitive version to play through. If you’ve never given this series a shot, you’d do well to pick up this entry. It features a charming story that is remarkably well paced, and its mechanics help feel a slightly more simple RPG still feel incredibly deep.
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