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[Lunarwhale]

But anyway, Dragon Quest 2 feels like a big improvement over the first game but there's one thing that I hate about the game. They increased the encounter rate by a lot. I'm in a tower or cave and I get into an encounter, beat the monsters but then I take literally two steps forward and another encounter occurs. It's ridiculous.

I need to give 2 another go sometime. My only attempt to play it was the GBC version after Dragon Warrior I (which I was very pleasantly surprised by) and couldn't stand it after a bit. The GBC version displaying fewer tiles at a time than the other versions really exacerbated the issues that came with the world being as large as it is - especially when I got the ship.

I played and finished VII earlier in the year and really enjoyed it, and I've previously finished IX, but that's all I've played of the series so far. I was thinking of picking up IV next but I'm a bit torn on which version to pick up. I'm assuming the mobile version is the best since it has party chat in it, but otherwise how is it in comparison to the DS version? Any other notable differences?

IV on mobile is soooo good. It took a bit for me to get used to the controls, but they work very well once you get used to the virtual joystick. After an hour or so, it was rare that they got in the way of my experience. The party chat and higher resolution make it worth the adjustment as well.

I've actually grown to love how these games play with one hand - makes it really easy to play casually during breaks, lying in bed, etc. Gotta get back to VI sometime, but after a few hours with both the SNES and Android versions, I still can't decide which I want to stick with...

 

[Kirie]

IV on mobile is soooo good. It took a bit for me to get used to the controls, but they work very well once you get used to the virtual joystick. After an hour or so, it was rare that they got in the way of my experience. The party chat and higher resolution make it worth the adjustment as well.

I've actually grown to love how these games play with one hand - makes it really easy to play casually during breaks, lying in bed, etc. Gotta get back to VI sometime, but after a few hours with both the SNES and Android versions, I still can't decide which I want to stick with...

This is exactly what I was wanting to know, thank you very much! Sounds like mobile is the way to go then. If I like it enough on there I guess I'll just also buy V and VI as well on mobile since they are so cheap, and then just buy physical copies later for collection purposes.

 

[Hasemo]

This is exactly what I was wanting to know, thank you very much! Sounds like mobile is the way to go then. If I like it enough on there I guess I'll just also buy V and VI as well on mobile since they are so cheap, and then just buy physical copies later for collection purposes.

I feel like mobile is definitely the way to go for DQ I-VII. At first I was reluctant to play longer games with a virtual joystick, but it worked surprisingly well. In the whole series, there have been maybe 3-4 instances which require actual precision, but outside of those short situations, the controls are perfectly fine.

I bought DQVII on the 3DS, but after being used to the quick save used on mobile ports, the general snappiness and better looking graphics, I ended up finishing it on my smartphone.

 

[ggx2ac]

Just finished Dragon Quest 2 on Android.

First, I should mention that DQ2 has a really awesome Overworld theme that it sucked when it changed to something else during the game:
https://youtu.be/22E-D7wG_GI

Second, damn you Cave to Rendarak.

The boss

Spoiler

Hargon was easy

, but then the boss

Spoiler

Malroth had me concerned until I noticed my spellcasters could do more damage than my Prince of Midenhall so I just kept casting Kaboom and Sizzle. It got really annoying when Malroth was spamming his flame breath that I had to keep ressing during battle until he finally went down.

 

[clay_ghost]

Just finished Dragon Quest 2 on Android.

First, I should mention that DQ2 has a really awesome Overworld theme that it sucked when it changed to something else during the game:
https://youtu.be/22E-D7wG_GI

Second, damn you Cave to Rendarak.

The boss

Spoiler

Hargon was easy

, but then the boss

Spoiler

Malroth had me concerned until I noticed my spellcasters could do more damage than my physical attacks so I just kept casting Kaboom and Sizzle. It got really annoying when Malroth was spamming his flame breath that I had to keep ressing during battle until he finally went down.

Oh yes. its the one of the 1st thing i recall when talking about DQ2.
Off topic?
I also strangely link the music to the DQM plus manga by the keroro author(as in my mind will play the music when i read it) . The Manga is really underrated , i bought one since i love DWM but i like how it unsuspectingly tied to the old DQ games too.

I remember there being a sequel of sort (one chapter?) but its not officially translated and there is no fan translation too

 

[Lunarwhale]

I feel like mobile is definitely the way to go for DQ I-VII. At first I was reluctant to play longer games with a virtual joystick, but it worked surprisingly well. In the whole series, there have been maybe 3-4 instances which require actual precision, but outside of those short situations, the controls are perfectly fine.

I bought DQVII on the 3DS, but after being used to the quick save used on mobile ports, the general snappiness and better looking graphics, I ended up finishing it on my smartphone.

VII on mobile has random encounters, right? Does it use the PS1 version's encounter rate? The 3DS version's visible encounters reeeaaaally upped the amount of battles in some areas.

 

[preta]

If I already know (DQ3 spoilers)

Spoiler

that the game is a distant prequel to 1,
features a visit to the area in which 1 takes place and the protagonist is granted the title of Loto/Erdrick at the end

does it matter at this point if I play 1 and 2 first? I tried a little bit of 1 and 3 and definitely found 3 a lot easier to get into. I'm not really sure how 2 fits into the trilogy.

 

[Aarglefarg]

If I already know (DQ3 spoilers)

Spoiler

that the game is a distant prequel to 1,
features a visit to the area in which 1 takes place and the protagonist is granted the title of Loto/Erdrick at the end

does it matter at this point if I play 1 and 2 first? I tried a little bit of 1 and 3 and definitely found 3 a lot easier to get into. I'm not really sure how 2 fits into the trilogy.

It would be perfectly fine to go straight into dq3, knowing that.

 

[Cheerilee]

It would be perfectly fine to go straight into dq3, knowing that.

There's a tiny bit of effect that is lost. Like, when you first

Spoiler

walk into the town of Hauksness/Domdora/whatever in DQ1, and it's ruined, it's a very sad and memorable moment. Then when you "return" to that spot in DQ3, it's... ordinary. DQ3 pretends not to know what comes next for this place (even though they assume that everyone playing the game already knows) to generate some feels. It's expertly done. But if you're playing DQ3 without playing DQ1 first, it's just a bland spot of nothing.

But DQ3 is much bigger than a handful of tiny moments like that. IMO, DQ3 was the first game where Enix really hit their stride (which they've maintained for decades), and if the first game feels a little rough, I think it's fine to skip straight to DQ3.

 

[Hasemo]

VII on mobile has random encounters, right? Does it use the PS1 version's encounter rate? The 3DS version's visible encounters reeeaaaally upped the amount of battles in some areas.

Yes, VII on mobile has random encounters and no visible enemies. I'm not sure about the rate compared to the PS1, since I've never played that one. I can only say that It felt perfectly fine while playing.

 

[preta]

After giving 1 another try, I think maybe I could get into it. But I still had a few questions: How long is 1? What about 2? Both SNES versions. And what terminology does the fan translation of 3 SNES use? I want to know whether to go with the Dragon Quest or Dragon Warrior version of the fan translation of I and II for consistency. It seems 3 uses the DW spell names at least, but I haven't seen enough of it to know if it goes all-in on other DW names too.

Actually, does 3 even connect to 2 or just to 1?

 

[clay_ghost]

After giving 1 another try, I think maybe I could get into it. But I still had a few questions: How long is 1? What about 2? Both SNES versions. And what terminology does the fan translation of 3 SNES use? I want to know whether to go with the Dragon Quest or Dragon Warrior version of the fan translation of I and II for consistency. It seems 3 uses the DW spell names at least, but I haven't seen enough of it to know if it goes all-in on other DW names too.

Actually, does 3 even connect to 2 or just to 1?

Timeline is 3,1,2. (DQM is also partly linked) Not sure of 11 links to these games.

 

[Lightning Lord]

After giving 1 another try, I think maybe I could get into it. But I still had a few questions: How long is 1? What about 2? Both SNES versions. And what terminology does the fan translation of 3 SNES use? I want to know whether to go with the Dragon Quest or Dragon Warrior version of the fan translation of I and II for consistency. It seems 3 uses the DW spell names at least, but I haven't seen enough of it to know if it goes all-in on other DW names too.

Actually, does 3 even connect to 2 or just to 1?

1 and 2 aren't anywhere as long as the later entries, especially if you know what you are doing. The old-school design is made to make you wander more and has a heavier emphasis on resource management.

As for fan translations, I'm pretty sure in all instances they've stuck with the DW naming conventions. I know a lot of people within the community show a disdain for the modern names.

 

[Cheerilee]

As for fan translations, I'm pretty sure in all instances they've stuck with the DW naming conventions. I know a lot of people within the community show a disdain for the modern names.

They had a choice between following the established NES standard or a more pure fan-translation.

The best fan-translation of DQ1&2 washed their hands of the issue and offered two patches, Dragon Warrior (Erdrick) or Dragon Quest (Roto).

I can't remember which style the DQ3 patch went with (different translation group). Probably Erdrick. I would go with that one for 1&2. Probably the best chance for consistency.

And then the official GBC game went with "Loto" because "Roto" implies "Roto-Rooter", a well known American poop-drilling company, and they didn't want to associate Dragon Quest with poop (although Akira Toriyama would totally endorse poop in Dragon Quest).

And then SquareEnix threw out the GBC translation standards, because if it ain't broke, fix it.

And I think the modern mobile games have even gone back to Erdrick. The whole thing is a mess.


Edit: A screenshot of the DQ3 patch shows the Hero's father's name being "Ortega". Near as I recall, that name was made up for the English version of Dragon Warrior 3 on the NES. The Japanese version had a different name. It suggests that the fan-translation of DQ3 is using the NES standards.

 

[Psxphile]

And then the official GBC game went with "Loto" because "Roto" implies "Roto-Rooter", a well known American poop-drilling company, and they didn't want to associate Dragon Quest with poop (although Akira Toriyama would totally endorse poop in Dragon Quest).

Personally I like Loto over Roto but this sounds like something you'd hear on the playground during 4th grade recess. I have a hard time believing that's the reason Enix America would favor "Loto" and not because it just sounds better.

 

[Cheerilee]

Personally I like Loto over Roto but this sounds like something you'd hear on the playground during 4th grade recess. I have a hard time believing that's the reason Enix America would favor "Loto" and not because it just sounds better.

I'd be fine with either one, but as I heard it, Roto was the more common Romanization in Japan, but then Enix America swerved and said they preferred Loto, and people suggested that Roto-Rooter was why (might have been nothing more than speculation).

I just thought it was worth pointing out, because even if you go with the fansub-accurate version of DQ1&2, it still won't match with the official-accurate version.

 

[preta]

Timeline is 3,1,2. (DQM is also partly linked) Not sure of 11 links to these games.

Well, I was aware of the timeline - what I was asking was whether there are any links specifically between 2 and 3 that make it better to play 2 before 3, or if it doesn't matter. I know it's recommended to play 1 before 3.

 

[Kirie]

I feel like mobile is definitely the way to go for DQ I-VII. At first I was reluctant to play longer games with a virtual joystick, but it worked surprisingly well. In the whole series, there have been maybe 3-4 instances which require actual precision, but outside of those short situations, the controls are perfectly fine.

I bought DQVII on the 3DS, but after being used to the quick save used on mobile ports, the general snappiness and better looking graphics, I ended up finishing it on my smartphone.

I ended up buying DQIV any you were right, the controls aren't bad at all! Much easier to move around than I thought it would be. I'm also extremely pleased that it doesn't heat up my phone, which is something I was kinda worried about.

I guess I'll just buy the whole rest of the series on there

 

[Cheerilee]

Well, I was aware of the timeline - what I was asking was whether there are any links specifically between 2 and 3 that make it better to play 2 before 3, or if it doesn't matter. I know it's recommended to play 1 before 3.

I'm not aware of any.

DQ1 was a continent.
DQ2 was a world, which included that continent.

DQ3 was

Spoiler

a different world, which connects to DQ1/2's world, but in that world it never allows you to leave DQ1's continent, so DQ3 doesn't really reference anything other than DQ1.

It should be safe to play DQ1 -> DQ3, and not really miss anything (aside from missing the experience of playing DQ2).

 

[Pepboy]

Well, I was aware of the timeline - what I was asking was whether there are any links specifically between 2 and 3 that make it better to play 2 before 3, or if it doesn't matter. I know it's recommended to play 1 before 3.

Not to my knowledge. You should be fine skipping 2. Can always come back later, because 2 is often cited as one of the weaker entries (though mobile version has a few benefits relative to 1, like keys management)

 

[TheSadRanger]

So gaf, I was able to snag a copy of both DQVI: RoR and DQIX for DS both cib for $45 total. Was that a good deal or no?

 

[Dandy Crocodile]

So gaf, I was able to snag a copy of both DQVI: RoR and DQIX for DS both cib for $45 total. Was that a good deal or no?

I don't know much about pricing in other regions but if that was in the US you got a good deal, yeah.

 

[TheSadRanger]

I don't know much about pricing in other regions but if that was in the US you got a good deal, yeah.

Yeah it was in the U.S. It was actually $40 total and around $44 after tax. I have no idea what I'm gonna do though since I'm only around 5 hours in on DQVII for 3DS which I picked up last week ;_;

I just kinda stumbled on em and I couldn't ignore the deal.

 

[Cheerilee]

Yeah it was in the U.S. It was actually $40 total and around $44 after tax. I have no idea what I'm gonna do though since I'm only around 5 hours in on DQVII for 3DS which I picked up last week ;_;

I just kinda stumbled on em and I couldn't ignore the deal.

A backlog isn't a real backlog until you question whether you have enough time left in your life to play all of it.

(Hint: You're not required to play all of it. You float from game to game on a whim, and you gather enough options to ensure that no matter what you play, you're always having fun and enjoying yourself.)

 

[Square2015]

from another thread:

Has anyone played DQIV PS? How is it in comparison to the DS and NES versions? That's one that's rarely discussed and may still lack any fan translation effort. Always was curious about it since its US cancelation.

I've got DQ4 DS but lost interest halfway through; its the only version of 4 I've really played. Wondering which is the definitive version.
It's too bad DQ4 PS still goes without a fan translation. It always looked promising like DQV PS2 or better and before the movement away from the 16-bit sprite characters.

 

[Velcro Fly]

I'm replaying DQ4 on DS

I think it might be my favorite in the series. It is really close between it and DQ5.

I love all the characters. I love their individual chapters and how everything comes together. It's just been a joyful experience this week when I've otherwise had a tough week personally.

Also had a hearty laugh when Borya of all people crit killed a liquid metal slime.

I has so much fun today I may finish the game tomorrow. But then do I play 5 again or skip ahead to 6? =(

 

[Etrian Oddity]

The DQ4 remakes have one of my favorite boss themes in Dragon Quest. So, so good

 

[Magicpaint]

DQIV is just sublime. I really have nothing bad to say about it.

Well, actually, I wish it had boomerangs.

 

[ggx2ac]

Just remembered something as I went through a teleportal in DQV. I'm glad they didn't keep the teleporting sound from DQII because I didn't like that ringing sound.

 

[TheSadRanger]

So dumb question, but does the IOS version of DQVII have the fragment finder like the 3DS version does in some form of functionality?

I'm guessing it doesn't have the bottom screen map but I was curious about the FF.

 

[Hasemo]

So dumb question, but does the IOS version of DQVII have the fragment finder like the 3DS version does in some form of functionality?

I'm guessing it doesn't have the bottom screen map but I was curious about the FF.

It has the icon shining in the corner of the screen when you're close iirc. You can also open the map at any time by pressing the icon.

 

[sibarraz]

Is the Android version of DQ8 good? I don't have access to a ps2 or 3ds and I want a non gacha game for my mobile

 

[Lunarwhale]

Is the Android version of DQ8 good? I don't have access to a ps2 or 3ds and I want a non gacha game for my mobile

I gave it a shot the other day, but the low frame rate (locked at 20-something?) and laggy UI made it a pretty poor experience. It's also the only time that I felt portrait mode was a detriment, mainly due to the camera controls, but maybe I just needed to take more time to adjust. Can't recommend it personally.

 

[Pepboy]

So I went a little overboard this evening and spent 7 hours creating a nice little CSS theme for browsing a Dragon Quest themed GAF:

I'm no expert in CSS or web dev. I created it using the chrome extension called "Stylish", which basically posts your CSS code on top of the website code.

If you'd like to try it out yourself:

1. Install Chrome Extension Stylish from Google Extension site

2. Click the top right with the little S symbol for Stylish Extension.

3. Click the top right "three dots" symbol and select "create new style"

4. Copy and paste the following code into Stylish:

@import url('https://fonts.googleapis.com/css?family=Press+Start+2P');
#main {
font-family: 'Press Start 2P';
font-size: 9px
}
.threadbit-title {
font-family: 'Press Start 2P';
font-size: 9px
}
.threadbit-pagenav {
font-size: 8px
}
.smallfont {
font-size: 8px
}
.tcat {
font-size: 9px
}
/*.postbit-details-avatar {transform: scale(5,5)}

.inlineimg {transform:scale(0.08,0.08); filter: grayscale(80%); image-rendering: crisp-edges}*/

.sprite, #headeruser > .headeruserbit > a:after, #logo, .forum-info > .forumicon, .forum-info > .forum-info-subforums > h4, .stats-whatsgoingon-icon, .tcat-tools > a.wmenu:after, .viewpost-icon, .pagenav-popup #pagenav_top, #collapseimg_forumhome_activeusers[src*="images/neogaf2/buttons/collapse_thead.gif"] + span:before, #collapseimg_forumhome_activeusers[src*="http://www.neogaf.com/forum/images/neogaf2/buttons/collapse_thead.gif"] + span:before, #collapseimg_forumhome_activeusers[src*="http://neogaf.com/forum/images/neogaf2/buttons/collapse_thead.gif"] + span:before, #collapseimg_forumhome_activeusers[src*="images/neogaf2/buttons/collapse_thead_collapsed.gif"] + span:before, #collapseimg_forumhome_activeusers[src*="http://www.neogaf.com/forum/images/neogaf2/buttons/collapse_thead_collapsed.gif"] + span:before, #collapseimg_forumhome_activeusers[src*="http://neogaf.com/forum/images/neogaf2/buttons/collapse_thead_collapsed.gif"] + span:before, [class^="toolbaricon-"],[class*=" toolbaricon-"],[class^="forumextraicon-"], [class*=" forumextraicon-"],[class^="lastposticon-"], [class*=" lastposticon-"], [class^="baricon-"], [class*=" baricon-"],[class^="theadicon-"], [class*=" theadicon-"], [class^="topicicon-"], [class*=" topicicon-"] {
background-image: url('http://i.imgur.com/Rtf7baB.png') !important;
}
.thead {
background-color: #fff;
background-image: url('http://i.imgur.com/PNuQBnM.png') !important;
background-repeat: repeat;
}
#main {
background-color: #fff;
background-image: url('http://i.imgur.com/PNuQBnM.png') !important;
background-repeat: repeat;
padding-bottom: 0px;
}
#toolbar {
background-color: #fff;
background-image: url('http://i.imgur.com/aRX1bN4.png') !important;
background-repeat: repeat;
}
#header {
background-color: #fff;
background-image: url('http://i.imgur.com/6Qig7pk.png');
background-repeat: repeat;
padding-top: 12px;
padding-bottom: 16px;
}
#footer {
background-color: #fff;
background-image: url('http://i.imgur.com/jMrIARB.png');
background-repeat: repeat;
}
.footer-links {
padding-top: 16px;
margin-top: 0px;
border-top: 0px;
}
.forum-tabs > li > a,
.tcat,
.tcat-tools,
.large-button,
a.large-button,
.left {
background-color: #fff;
background-image: url('http://i.imgur.com/TMKyYxH.png') !important;
background-repeat: repeat;
opacity: 1.0;
}
.forum-tabs > li > a:after,
.forum-tabs > li > a:before,
.forum-tabs.bot {
border-color: #fff;
border-style: none;
border-image: url('http://i.imgur.com/TMKyYxH.png') 23 round;
}
.forum-tabs > li > a {
opacity: 0.8;
}
.forum-tabs > li.activetab > a {
opacity: 1.0;
}
.pagenav > li {
color: #fff;
}
.footer-links {
opacity: 0.0;
}
.pagenav > li.pageof {
opacity: 0.0;
}
.alt1,
.alt2 {
background-color: #000;
color: #fff;
}
.threadbit-title:hover,
.threadbit-title,
a:hover,
a {
color: #fff;
}
.threadbit > td {
border-radius: 0px;
border-style: solid;
border-left-width: 0px;
border-right-width: 0px;
border-top-width: 2px;
border-bottom-width: 2px;
border-top-color: #fff;
border-left-color: #fff;
border-right-color: #fff;
border-bottom-color: #fff;
}
#threadbits_forum_8,
#threadbits_forum_2,
#threadbits_forum_20,
#threadbits_forum_3 {
border-radius: 0px;
border-style: solid;
border-left-width: 2px;
border-right-width: 2px;
border-top-width: 2px;
border-bottom-width: 2px;
border-top-color: #fff;
border-left-color: #fff;
border-right-color: #fff;
border-bottom-color: #fff;
}
.alt1,
.alt2,
tr > threadbit > alt1 {
margin-top: 2px;
margin-left: 2px;
margin-right: 2px;
margin-bottom: 2px;
border-radius: 25px;
border-style: solid;
border-top-width: 10px;
border-left-width: 10px;
border-right-width: 10px;
border-bottom-width: 10px;
border-top-color: #fff;
border-left-color: #fff;
border-right-color: #fff;
border-bottom-color: #fff;
}
.blockquote,
.quoted,
.blockquote.cite,
.cite {
background-color: #fff;
color: #000
}
.blockquote > quote,
.blockquote > quoted {
clear: right;
margin: 8px 16px 16px;
padding: 8px;
background-color: #fff;
border-width: 1px;
border-style: solid;
border-color: #000;
border-radius: 3px;
}

I tried uploading it to Stylish but it doesn't like that it imports the font from google's site. I don't have a google font API key, but if someone else wants to do that, that's fine.

There's one small "bug" -- uncited "quotes" are all white. I'm still thinking about how to fix this within the CSS.

I also kind of want to pixelate avatars or replace them with DQ monsters, but without access to javascript I'm still thinking if it's possible. Maybe I'll just have the avatars bounce around a little with CSS animations.

Feel free to ask questions but I need to sleep now, will check back later.

 

[Magicpaint]

Is the Android version of DQ8 good? I don't have access to a ps2 or 3ds and I want a non gacha game for my mobile

No it's not very good, but if you don't have any other option to play DQVIII then I guess it'll have to do.

 

[TheSadRanger]

Does DQVIII on 3DS have the sluggish menus of VII or is that something they fixed.

 

[preta]

I finished DQ1 SNES! I ended up liking it more than I initially expected. It's obviously pretty simple, but well-done for what it is. I look forward to starting on 3 SNES pretty soon - I'm going to skip 2 for now based on what I've heard about it, though I'll get back to it eventually.

 

[Hasemo]

Does DQVIII on 3DS have the sluggish menus of VII or is that something they fixed.

I feel like DQVIII 3DS is improved in comparison to DQVII 3DS. I really disliked how the latter felt compared to the mobile port, so I finished it on my phone, but I remember having no problems with 8 on the 3DS.

 

[Aeana]

Does DQVIII on 3DS have the sluggish menus of VII or is that something they fixed.

That's a problem that only the English version of DQ7 has. 8 doesn't have it, nor does the JP version of 7. But also you can fix that in DQ7 with CFW.

 

[randomkid]

That's a problem that only the English version of DQ7 has. 8 doesn't have it, nor does the JP version of 7. But also you can fix that in DQ7 with CFW.

apparently only on new 3DS though.

 

[ggx2ac]

Playing Dragon Quest V, decided to pick

Spoiler

Debora over Bianca after trying out both heading upto the desert. I guess if I feel like it later on, I'll go back and play again with Bianca using the other save file.

 

[TheSadRanger]

The difficulty spike in Rashers & Stripes is fking bs in DQVII.

 

[ggx2ac]

Is it pointless trying to win tokens at the casinos in DQV?

It feels like the only way I could get 250,000 tokens is just by farming gold and trading it for tokens rather than gambling at all.

I went to the guy that says some slot machine pays out the most buy it hasn't really changed my earnings.

 

[Velcro Fly]

Both times I've played DQV to that point I don't know that I've ever gone and played the casino very much.

Also going through my "On This Day" on facebook and I declared in 2010 that Dragon Quest IX was one of the finest games I had ever played, perhaps only behind Super Mario RPG in terms of RPGs for me.

I still remember buying it when Amazon put it on sale for like $25 or something a month after release. That seems way longer ago than just seven years though.

 

[Cheerilee]

Is it pointless trying to win tokens at the casinos in DQV?

It feels like the only way I could get 250,000 tokens is just by farming gold and trading it for tokens rather than gambling at all.

I went to the guy that says some slot machine pays out the most buy it hasn't really changed my earnings.

Whenever I've visited the casinos in Dragon Quest to try and get a casino-exclusive item like a Metal Babble Shield, what I've done is dump as much money as I can afford into tokens, save the game, and then go gamble. After I lose (of course I lose), I reset and try again. Lose reset, lose reset, lose reset. Eventually I might make some small gain instead of losing, which is when I step outside of the casino and save the game. Lose a couple of times in a row? Reset. Any win that pushes my token total higher than what I came in with? Save.

Even mercilessly save-scumming, it's a serious grind to try and squeeze tokens out of the casino. I've never had the impression that the casinos in Dragon Quest are a "minigame" pretending to be a casino, I think they're an actual casino (or at least they try to be), designed to tap into Japan's unhealthy gambling habit. The house always wins, even when the house is an NPC in a fantasy videogame and has nothing to gain in a game where the odds are stacked against you. The NPC who tells you that one machine is luckier than the others isn't an in-game hint on how to beat the system, he's a sad representation of the sort of superstitious gambling addict you can find in any casino in the world.

Oh and, I also came to the conclusion that the casinos are no easier in the late game than they are in the early game. The amount of money you'd need to change in order to "buy" endgame items from the casino is horribly expensive, even at the end of the game, which means that if you're interested in trying to bash your head on the wall to try and get those items, there's no time like the present.

 

[The n00b Avenger]

Actually the majority of Dragon Quest makes it so the statistics are in your favor so as long as you start out with enough coins and you have access to some form of auto-turbo you can just leave it and come back to a profit. That's what I did to get coins for like half of the DQ games with casinos. Resetting when you have a bad streak will facilitate the process though(and you'll have to do that early on anyway since you won't have enough total coins for the odds to line up)

The other times are just using roulette when it exists since that's faster.

There are exceptions though. Like I recall 4's slots being pretty crap. Also they get nerfed in remakes occasionally. The slots got a lot worse in 7 3DS which made getting coins in that game really annoying.

I recall 5's 100 coin slot actually being one of the easier ones in the series since it wasn't uncommon to line up 4 or 5 watermelons.

 

[Man God]

5 has the best slots, the one in your favor pays out really often.

 

[TheSadRanger]

I'm about 30 hours into DQ7 and really enjoying it so far. El Circlo was so damn good. Easily my favorite island so far.

I also got DQ8 for 3DS and wanted to try it out to see how it looks. You guys were right it's a pretty damn good port. I've already beaten DQ8 on PS2 so I'll probably jump back in on it after I beat 7 on 3DS. Thinking about going to IX or VI though.

 

[ggx2ac]

Whenever I've visited the casinos in Dragon Quest to try and get a casino-exclusive item like a Metal Babble Shield, what I've done is dump as much money as I can afford into tokens, save the game, and then go gamble. After I lose (of course I lose), I reset and try again. Lose reset, lose reset, lose reset. Eventually I might make some small gain instead of losing, which is when I step outside of the casino and save the game. Lose a couple of times in a row? Reset. Any win that pushes my token total higher than what I came in with? Save.

Even mercilessly save-scumming, it's a serious grind to try and squeeze tokens out of the casino. I've never had the impression that the casinos in Dragon Quest are a "minigame" pretending to be a casino, I think they're an actual casino (or at least they try to be), designed to tap into Japan's unhealthy gambling habit. The house always wins, even when the house is an NPC in a fantasy videogame and has nothing to gain in a game where the odds are stacked against you. The NPC who tells you that one machine is luckier than the others isn't an in-game hint on how to beat the system, he's a sad representation of the sort of superstitious gambling addict you can find in any casino in the world.

Oh and, I also came to the conclusion that the casinos are no easier in the late game than they are in the early game. The amount of money you'd need to change in order to "buy" endgame items from the casino is horribly expensive, even at the end of the game, which means that if you're interested in trying to bash your head on the wall to try and get those items, there's no time like the present.

That's what I was thinking at one point that it was more representative of casinos in real life. Compare it to playing slots on Pokémon Blue/Red and it's so much easier to win in that game.

I'm at end game now so I don't really need to get those casino items anymore.

 

[ggx2ac]

Just finished Dragon Quest V.

I was using Debora for the final boss fight but she kept missing with the Hela Hammer and I didn't have another weapon that was as strong so I swapped her for my Golem.

Golems are ridiculous, my one had 446 HP, equipped with a double edged sword and when buffed + muster strength he could do 400 dmg on the boss. This isn't including how he can just heal himself to 100% for free with Meditation.

Now to go over some random thoughts.

Spoiler

I guess it was to be expected that Pankraz would die especially when your future self would tell you to keep your head high no matter what happens.

Quite interesting how the MC ended up becoming a child slave for 10 years or so. Then it was interesting watching how MC and Wife end up becoming statues for 10 years and you get a glimpse of what happens during that time.

Dr Agon, the Zenithians not knowing where the Zenithian Dragon is, the Zenithian telling you he's never heard of Dr Agon. Becomes so obvious that the guy that speaks like Ned Flanders and has a pun for a name would become a dragon.

Next you'll tell me Alucard is the son of Dracula with his name backwards. /jk

Debora is funny, she has a lot of funny lines. Especially funny at the ending where she leads the MC when they're dancing.

Madalena reminded me of Ortega from Dragon Quest 3, you finally find her only to end up seeing her get killed. Couldn't feel any attachment to her, that's why it ended up being funny seeing her get struck down with that fire ball and then lightning. Enix, I need to spend time with these characters to feel something if they suddenly die.

Now I'll mention first that along with this I've only finished DQ 1,2,3.

I didn't mind the monster collecting in DQV but, I'd so prefer what was in DQ3 which was choosing your classes, especially how awesome it was that you could change classes and keep the spells that you learned.

I am going to move onto Dragon Quest 7 next on 3DS, I have bought DQ8 for 3DS, I will play DQ4 later on on mobile, I don't know about DQ6 and DQ9 yet.

Edit: Forgot to mention that I like having AI allies, the AI options seem to work well enough that I don't have to repetitively tell my allies what to do.

It's better than me having to command Attack four times.

It's only when I've had to fight really tough bosses especially the final boss fight that I had to take control of almost everyone.

I let the Golem do his own thing because he knows what he's doing, even when he needs to heal.