What an amazing game. A little background, I started Dragon Quest 8 last year and got to the point with the evil dog and then for some reason put the game down despite absolutely loving it (I guess it was around the time the Switch launched). Ever since a Japanese demo for Builders 2 was announced I've been in somewhat of a Dragon Quest mood and while I was planning to get my hands on Dragon Quest V, it made more sense to finish the game I already started.
I had no idea how close I was to the end. It took half an hour or so to remember exactly what was going on but once I found my bearings it was like returning home after a long vacation. The world of Dragon Quest 8 is so rich and charming, it's a joy to simply walking around the overworld and listen to the godlike score. It was a beautiful game on PS2 and while some compromises were made on 3DS, it's still absolutely stunning to sore in the sky with the Godbird Stone while holding this tiny little system. I didn't really mind the midi tracks either, it still sounds brilliant.
I dabbled in the PS2 version a little bit before diving into 3DS and my god do I appreciate all the quality of life improvements. The lack of random encounters are a game changer but there's also smaller elements like speeding up battles, not having to wait for alchemy and being able to save anywhere. I can take or leave the two new party members as they come pretty late in the game and don't really feel like part of the main gang.
I didn't know that the 3DS version was harder though. I challenged the final boss at around Level 36 and some of his attacks would blow my party away in one hit. It was clear I needed to grind up a bit (He has around 1000 more HP on 3DS). I went to the Casino, explored the world and battled a lot of King Metal Slimes and it was here were a grew an even greater appreciation for DQ8. Sure, I was essentially grinding but looking all around in search of materials for alchemy gives you a sense of mastery over the world. It's such a fun place to lose yourself in and being able to put the 3DS in sleep mode or save whenever I want really helped this aspect.
I wasn't too fond of when the game forced this though. Right before you challenge the final boss you have to collect 7 orbs scattered around the world, it's not a long challenge but I was already revisiting older locales to collect materials, it was a little bit of a pace killer when it became part of the story.
All in all though I absolutely adored Dragon Quest 8. The characters, the charming story that doesn't take itself too seriously and the gorgeous world that ties it all together. It's not just my favourite RPG on 3DS but it's up there with my all time favourites. I wish I played this properly back when it released on PS2 but I'm glad it's this version I ended up falling in love with.
Now if we could get a version with all the 3DS improvements while maintaining the original presentation, that would be fab.
I had no idea how close I was to the end. It took half an hour or so to remember exactly what was going on but once I found my bearings it was like returning home after a long vacation. The world of Dragon Quest 8 is so rich and charming, it's a joy to simply walking around the overworld and listen to the godlike score. It was a beautiful game on PS2 and while some compromises were made on 3DS, it's still absolutely stunning to sore in the sky with the Godbird Stone while holding this tiny little system. I didn't really mind the midi tracks either, it still sounds brilliant.
I dabbled in the PS2 version a little bit before diving into 3DS and my god do I appreciate all the quality of life improvements. The lack of random encounters are a game changer but there's also smaller elements like speeding up battles, not having to wait for alchemy and being able to save anywhere. I can take or leave the two new party members as they come pretty late in the game and don't really feel like part of the main gang.
I didn't know that the 3DS version was harder though. I challenged the final boss at around Level 36 and some of his attacks would blow my party away in one hit. It was clear I needed to grind up a bit (He has around 1000 more HP on 3DS). I went to the Casino, explored the world and battled a lot of King Metal Slimes and it was here were a grew an even greater appreciation for DQ8. Sure, I was essentially grinding but looking all around in search of materials for alchemy gives you a sense of mastery over the world. It's such a fun place to lose yourself in and being able to put the 3DS in sleep mode or save whenever I want really helped this aspect.
I wasn't too fond of when the game forced this though. Right before you challenge the final boss you have to collect 7 orbs scattered around the world, it's not a long challenge but I was already revisiting older locales to collect materials, it was a little bit of a pace killer when it became part of the story.
All in all though I absolutely adored Dragon Quest 8. The characters, the charming story that doesn't take itself too seriously and the gorgeous world that ties it all together. It's not just my favourite RPG on 3DS but it's up there with my all time favourites. I wish I played this properly back when it released on PS2 but I'm glad it's this version I ended up falling in love with.
Now if we could get a version with all the 3DS improvements while maintaining the original presentation, that would be fab.
