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[Novel Mike]

You have to talk to people in Dragon Quest games. You aren't going to escape that in any game in the series, not even in 8. There's nothing "archaic" about talking to NPCs. That's kind of absurd to even suggest. If you don't like it, cool, but you should at least take responsibility for your own tastes.

It's not about just talking to people though. Several times in DQ7 you can advance the story by talking to very specific people, other times you have to talk to EVERYONE before an event will trigger the latter ones being rather annoying because if you miss that one person you can find yourself trying to talk to everyone twice just to make sure you didn't miss anyone. It's an archaic system that just isn't needed at all and is profoundly annoying when your not sure what the game wants since some of the time it seems like it'll want you to talk to a specific character but it actually wants you to talk to everyone.

I don't really have a problem with a requirement of having to talk to everyone if the game is being direct about that but DQ7 is very inconsistent and its highly annoying at times because of it.

On the whole I found DQ7 to be a pretty fun game but with some major pacing issues and lackluster characters. It's crazy to me that you have to play for 20+ hours to unlock jobs I guess it would have been one thing if jobs had been super impressive but I found them to be rather limited and lackluster. You get some cool abilities from some jobs but many of the level 1 jobs feel unneeded or should have had other second and third level jobs to compliment those styles. Again, not a bad game but DQ7 has its problems.

As for DQ8...

Okay so the text you do get used to after awhile its just really off putting at first. The main complaint I have so far is that the pop in is really jarring on the world map. I'll be heading towards an area where I think I might see a chest in the distance only for it to load in and isn't the case at all. The option to speed up battles is wonderful as well. The music sounds fine so far, I was worried it would come off as feeling different but it all sounds relatively familiar but maybe thats because I just finished DQ7 like a week ago. Overall really liking it, the beginning wasn't as slow to start as I remembered.

 

[fester]

Replacing the music appears to be about as simple as it was to do with DQ7.

Ok, feeling pretty dumb that I can't figure this out. Amazon copy arrived today and after dumping the cart to the sdcard I spent the next couple hours trying to find the right steps to take. I never replaced the music with DQ7, but I seem to recall reading it was just swapping some files 1:1? Can anyone help?

 

[Aarglefarg]

Better having to talk to people for quest progression than simply following waypoints marked on a map like so many "more modern" RPGs.

I really don't know how anyone could think "talking to NPCs" is archaic...

I can't think of it being relevant to DQ8, but it can be done very badly. It needs to make sense to talk to a particular person to continue the main story. Like talking to a mayor when arriving at a new town and talking to someone involved in a vignette make sense. But needing to talk to seemingly-ordinary NPC #255 to acausally move the story forward, or tracking down the missing ordinary NPC, is bad design (or at least not fun).

 

[Textured Monk]

Today's the day.

I've never played this one before, so I'm looking forward to it after hearing good things all these years.

 

[Rizzi]

I bought VII and VIII digitally and I just know I'm going to regret that in like, two years time or something.

 

[Emitan]

Does the Hero get spiked hair? The trailer shows otherwise.

No. IIRC that was only for the western PS2 version and none of the changes from that are in this.

 

[Branson]

I bought VII and VIII digitally and I just know I'm going to regret that in like, two years time or something.

Why?

 

[enigmatic_alex44]

I can't think of it being relevant to DQ8, but it can be done very badly. It needs to make sense to talk to a particular person to continue the main story. Like talking to a mayor when arriving at a new town and talking to someone involved in a vignette make sense. But needing to talk to seemingly-ordinary NPC #255 to acausally move the story forward, or tracking down the missing ordinary NPC, is bad design (or at least not fun).

What's wrong with that?

One of the things I love the most about RPGs is getting to a new town and running around talking to everyone. You'll never miss anything that way and it's fun and just part of exploring the town for the first time.

 

[Dandy Crocodile]

What's wrong with that?

One of the things I love the most about RPGs is getting to a new town and running around talking to everyone. You'll never miss anything that way and it's fun and just part of exploring the town for the first time.

Exactly. Might as well do that while you check every single cabinet and cupboard for loot.

There's so much charm and character in Dragon Quest's NPCs.

 

[spiritfox]

Man boob physics.

 

[Rizzi]

Why?

Why will I regret it, or why did I buy them digitally?

 

[Magicpaint]

Fast speed battles are so awesome. That's the main thing that ensures this is the version I replay the most, despite it being nowhere near as good looking as the original. The photo quests are neat but not really the thing I look for in DQ. New Jessica VA isn't bad at all, though I still prefer the original.

I bought the PAL version for collection's sake and it was not included.

The DQ wikia also says the same: http://dragonquest.wikia.com/wiki/Dragon_Quest_VIII
"Unlike the North American version, the European version does not contain a Final Fantasy XII demo."

Perhaps this is just for non-UK versions, I don't know. I have no idea which country my copy of the game ended up coming from. It's English and it says 12+ on the cover where the rating goes.

Pretty sure the demo wasn't included in any European version. I bought the UK version day 1 and it didn't come with it. I know I would have imported one of the other versions if I'd heard about them having the FFXII demo.

 

[Rizzi]

Fast speed battles are so awesome. That's the main thing that ensures this is the version I replay the most, despite it being nowhere near as good looking as the original. The photo quests are neat but not really the thing I look for in DQ. New Jessica VA isn't bad at all, though I still prefer the original.


Pretty sure the demo wasn't included in any European version. I bought the UK version day 1 and it didn't come with it. I know I would have imported one of the other versions if I'd heard about them having the FFXII demo.

Australian version didn't have it either.

 

[meltingparappa]

No. IIRC that was only for the western PS2 version and none of the changes from that are in this.

I had no clue that was western exclusive, but I guess there's an obvious thought process behind it.

That doesn't sound like it was high on the list of Richard Honeywood's localization suggestions though.

 

[Dandy Crocodile]

Waterfall Dude: "Find my tool bag under the only red tree in the area."
Me: *is colorblind* 😐

I found it eventually, haha.

 

[Velcro Fly]

Oh god skill points

I'm guessing swords is good for the Hero.

What about Yangus? Is it worth it trying to get him the Heal spell too? Or can I just tough it out with medical herbs while my party is still small.

 

[Zesh]

Oh god skill points

I'm guessing swords is good for the Hero.

What about Yangus? Is it worth it trying to get him the Heal spell too? Or can I just tough it out with medical herbs while my party is still small.

I'd recommend getting Heal early. As for weapon choice, Axes are good for Yangus.

 

[Rizzi]

Oh god skill points

I'm guessing swords is good for the Hero.

What about Yangus? Is it worth it trying to get him the Heal spell too? Or can I just tough it out with medical herbs while my party is still small.

Swords or boomerangs are good for the Hero. Don't bother getting Yangus to heal, the Hero can manage that until you get Jessica.

 

[Dandy Crocodile]

Oh god skill points

I'm guessing swords is good for the Hero.

What about Yangus? Is it worth it trying to get him the Heal spell too? Or can I just tough it out with medical herbs while my party is still small.

I like boomerangs. They're my favorite DQ weapon just because they can hit EVERYTHING in a battle each turn. In other games I'll sometimes have two or three characters on whips/boomerangs just to deal with mobs swiftly. They're amazing for early to mid game.

 

[TimeEffect]

Just wanna say, I started DQ5 as its my first DQ game

I loved RPGs like dark cloud 2 and golden sun but never really found myself getting into others like ni no kuni or ff 13.

I am LOVING DQ5. Hate random battles a lot but I stuck through it and am really loving the story and getting very comfortable.

Just got to Nera. Anywho, Im hearing DQ8 is considered one of the best so Im excited to eventually play it. And then maybe Ill finally give games like Chrono Trigger a try

 

[Aeana]

I recommend that everyone put at least some points into boomerangs. You're really just handicapping yourself if you're not using them for regular battles.

 

[enigmatic_alex44]

I recommend that everyone put at least some points into boomerangs. You're really just handicapping yourself if you're not using them for regular battles.

They're pointless for bosses though and that's where the actual challenge is (if I'm remembering the PS2 version correctly).

 

[tryptobphan]

I bought VII and VIII digitally and I just know I'm going to regret that in like, two years time or something.

You can do what I do and buy them digitally, wait for a sale on the physical copies from retailers, and then get them when they're like $20 or in a Buy 1 Get 1 50% deal or something.

 

[Branson]

Why will I regret it, or why did I buy them digitally?

Regret lol. I support digital on portable stuff more so than physical.

 

[Aeana]

They're pointless for bosses though and that's where the actual challenge is (if I'm remembering the PS2 version correctly).

The ratio of regular battles to bosses is enormous. And it only takes a handful of points in bomerangs to make them useful. Boomerangs speed up regular battles immensely.

For bosses, you can get by through the entire game with just enough points in spears for multithrust. And then you have tons of points to put wherever you like.

 

[spiritfox]

What weapon should Jessica go for?

 

[kunonabi]

You can do what I do and buy them digitally, wait for a sale on the physical copies from retailers, and then get them when they're like $20 or in a Buy 1 Get 1 50% deal or something.

Too bad that no longer applies DQVI.

 

[tryptobphan]

What weapon should Jessica go for?

I split her between Whips and Staff in my favorite play throughs. Whips to help get through the majority of the game, similar reason to why I like using Boomerangs for the Hero even though I don't have him specialize in Boomerangs.

Staff at some point has an ability that lets you cast magic for a fraction of the MP or something. It's useful.

You should look up the skill list for each weapon and decide for yourself what you think you'd like.

 

[Rizzi]

You can do what I do and buy them digitally, wait for a sale on the physical copies from retailers, and then get them when they're like $20 or in a Buy 1 Get 1 50% deal or something.

No chance of that in Australia lol.

Regret lol. I support digital on portable stuff more so than physical.

Nintendo's lack of an account system for digital purchases seems like its going to be a bad time in a few years.

 

[Aarglefarg]

What's wrong with that?

One of the things I love the most about RPGs is getting to a new town and running around talking to everyone. You'll never miss anything that way and it's fun and just part of exploring the town for the first time.

I just think it is better when the way to progress makes better sense than it just being locked behind one 'door' (NPC) among many. At least communicate that they play some major part in what is happening and have the act of talking to them propel the story forward rather than have progress 'coincidentally' (as far as the story goes) happen.

 

[enigmatic_alex44]

I just think it is better when the way to progress makes better sense than it just being locked behind one 'door' (NPC) among many. At least communicate that they play some major part in what is happening and have the act of talking to them propel the story forward rather than have progress 'coincidentally' (as far as the story goes) happen.

If I get what you're saying, I partially agree.

I hate nothing more than missing out on unique dialogue, and talking to the person who advances the story before you've finished talking to everyone else pisses me off. I love what certain RPGs do with it, like in the recent Tales games (Zestiria at least) there are emoticons over everyone's heads, the ones whom you've already talked to are greyed out, and the ones who still have unique dialogue still have an open mouth expression lol. Plus I believe important NPCs have a different emoticon color? I know some RPGs give you fair warning, but most don't.

 

[Ryzaki009]

Amazon and their constant pending status annoyed me so I ended up running to best buy. Happy to say I got it immediately.

 

[Pancake Mix]

Pretty sure the demo wasn't included in any European version. I bought the UK version day 1 and it didn't come with it. I know I would have imported one of the other versions if I'd heard about them having the FFXII demo.

You're correct.

http://www.mobygames.com/game/dragon-quest-viii-journey-of-the-cursed-king/cover-art

I wouldn't say the demo didn't matter to sales. Isn't France big on Dragon Quest? Who knows how it would have sold without that demo in NA, the gap could have been larger. Besides, once it hit a certain mark it was re-released in Europe as a platinum title anyways.

 

[J_ToSaveTheDay]

Unlocked my digital copy last night and got to the end of the first dungeon (waterfall cave). I know it's pared down compared to the PS2 original when it comes to its graphical assets and music, but for a 3DS game, this still is very impressive. I did own it for PS2 way back but didn't play it a whole lot -- almost everything about this intro sequence feels completely new to me.

Looking forward to it. One of my gaming goals in 2017 is to beat as many DQ mainline games as possible as sort of a year-long side project. I think VIII will be my initial focus, even though I've already put about 5 hours into DQI on iOS -- having a hard time staying interested with the latter with how old-school non-linear the game is, though. I just didn't grow up playing games like that, so I don't feel I have an adequate baseline appreciation for that style built into my preferences.

 

[Teriyaki Blues]

Everybody who is pissed about having to talk to NPCs in 2017 is going to get stuck on

Spoiler

Wishing Hill

, aren't they? Good, because

Spoiler

Pickham is even worse

.

I'm in the first Casino and Slime Bingo is the way to go once you've built up around 300 tokens from slots. I'm really upset they added no apparent QoL changes to those slots although Quick Save feels like cheating. My token empire started with 10 around lunch and I'm closing in on 30,000 as of supper.

Making zero story progress today.

 

[Dark Cloud]

Alright I just picked the game up! I'm playing right now.

 

[Aeana]

You're correct.

http://www.mobygames.com/game/dragon-quest-viii-journey-of-the-cursed-king/cover-art

I wouldn't say the demo didn't matter to sales. Isn't France big on Dragon Quest? Who knows how it would have sold without that demo in NA, the gap could have been larger. Besides, once it hit a certain mark it was re-released in Europe as a platinum title anyways.

DQ8 was the first DQ released in Europe period, so there was no history for anyone there to work from unless they imported from elsewhere.

 

[EricB]

I'm really happy to finally be playing this game on 3DS. I've owned the original PS2 version since its release, but despite putting 50-60 hours into it I could never find the time to finish it off. It remains my only unfinished mainline DQ game.* I've been (im)patiently awaiting this release (I already purchased a Japanese copy a while back) and now have both a digital copy of the English version, and physical copy on the way. The Dragon Quest series is the only series I really collect physical versions of, so it is really great to be able to complete my 3/DS collection (just missing DQ Monsters 3D 2 and Joker 3 now).

As for this game, I was slightly afraid I wouldn't be able to get back into it. RPGs, for me, require the right set of circumstances in order to get absorbed. Thankfully, I'm already there. I'm playing with the orchestral music patched from my Japanese copy and I absolutely adore being in that world with my headphones on. Looking forward to finally playing this from start to finish on my daily commute.

*Excluding X and the ending credits of VII.

 

[Pancake Mix]

DQ8 was the first DQ released in Europe period, so there was no history for anyone there to work from unless they imported from elsewhere.

Well, it was the first mainline one, sure.

At least one spin-off had made it before: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_Warrior_Monsters

Impressive that it sold more in Europe without the FFXII demo, that's insane.

 

[robotzombie]

So Bows are really good for Angelo right? I never used them my first time around, so I'm definitely going to try them this time. Are they good to dump points into right away? Or should I first go for staff/unique stuff first?

 

[Linkura]

Just got the instant alchemy pot.

 

[Aeana]

So Bows are really good for Angelo right? I never used them my first time around, so I'm definitely going to try them this time. Are they good to dump points into right away? Or should I first go for staff/unique stuff first?

Bows are pretty fun. You won't do as much damage as you would with a sword, but you do get some fun abilities and he'll hold his own. You should not neglect staves even if you do go for bows, though. Lots of great abilities there.

 

[Rizzi]

For the folks playing DQ VIII for the first time, don't forget to check all the bookcases.

 

[Rpgmonkey]

Got my copy, finally home to play it.

Only played VIII once (long game and the story and game design is so straightforward compared to a lot of previous DQs that I never felt compelled to go through it more than once), so it'll be fun to play this for the first time in about a decade.

 

[Dandy Crocodile]

For the folks playing DQ VIII for the first time, don't forget to check all the bookcases.

It's the best.

 

[tryptobphan]

Just got the 4th party member in 5 hours. There was no way I could've done this on the PS2 release so the quality of life improvements are helping a lot. The game is way easier than before, but very nice improvements.

For anyone still on the fence and heard Dragon Quest games may be difficult or repetitive or requires grinding, I urge you all to try this release. It's amazing.

 

[Knurek]

So, spears are better than swords for MC?
God, my original PS2 run was such a disappointment, mained in Swords for both MC and Angelo, Clubs for Yangus and didn't use Whips as Jessica.

Spoiler

Still beat the game with no problems

 

[Jacobbles]

What are these photography challenges you guys are talking about? How do I access them?

Just cleared Alexandria tower.

 

[Emitan]

What are these photography challenges you guys are talking about? How do I access them?

Just cleared Alexandria tower.

You unlock them in the next town.

 

[MaxDOL]

Is there a way to reset your skill points in the 3DS's version?

I wish to experiment with the skill distribution.

If there is none then i will use the same old setup.

Hero Boomerang/Spear
Yangus Axe
Jessica Whip
Angelo Sword/Staff