You'd be hard-pressed to find a video game series more influential to the Japanese RPG genre than Dragon Quest. Although the constantly-evolving Final Fantasy titles have generally remained more popular over the years, the former has stayed a favourite among long-time fans for its uncanny ability to retain the old-school console RPG feel of its humble beginnings. Sentinels of the Starry Skies marks the main series' first exclusive release on a portable system, and despite some of its more modern gameplay conveniences, it still manages to feel like a good old-fashioned Dragon Quest experience.
Since prior sequels have remained very similar in design and execution over the years, it comes as no surprise to see the standard formula still intact in this newest instalment. You'll spend the majority of your time travelling around world maps, venturing from town to town and delving into dungeons. Not even the combat system has changed much over the years, sticking to a traditional turn-based style similar to that of past releases.
There are no active-time battle gauges to deal with; rather, the game allows you to carefully pick and choose your commands with as much time as you deem necessary. It's during these many skirmishes that you'll earn experience points to level up your player's attributes and gold to outfit and customise them with improved equipment, something that plays a rather focused role throughout. You'll also gain skill points that can be applied to a variety of your individual character's features, giving you an almost unlimited amount of freedom in how they develop.
But even as traditional as the game tends to remain, the developers have tossed in a few more modern RPG conveniences, and thus given it a fresh feel. Unlike the random enemy encounters of old, Dragon Quest IX makes the bad guys visible and allows you to get in a surprise attack or attempt to avoid them altogether. Some will plant their feet, others will run away from you, and some will aggressively give chase. Those who you've defeated in battle will shortly thereafter re-spawn in front of your very eyes, so you won't be able to stop in one spot for long unless you want to get attacked again. While this can make level grinding much easier, it can get somewhat annoying when you're trying to take a long look at your map screen or plan out your next move while battling a particularly difficult group of monsters.
In addition to the main adventure, the game offers up a variety of side-quests in which you can take part. You'll pick these up in various towns by speaking to people or download them; new mini-adventures are to become available on a continual basis via Wi-Fi. You can even set up "Canvassing Mode", which will allow you to locate other Dragon Quest IX players, not to mention pick up new treasure maps.
Multiplayer action is another aspect that the developers obviously spent a lot of time planning and implementing, and it can be very enjoyable for those who take the time to explore it. Once you reach a particular town not too far into the game, you'll be allowed to ask others within Wi-Fi range to join you in your quest. Of course, there's almost complete freedom when it comes to how each player takes part. Invitees can choose to wander off and do their own thing or to assist the host in battle when called. You can even walk up on a fight already in progress and join. While your play inside another host's game won't advance your own storyline, you're able to keep all of the experience points that you earn as well as any items that you find hidden in blue treasure chests. Not only is it a lot of fun to adventure with other players, it can be very beneficial as well.
You can't help but appreciate the extremely well-crafted play control that Dragon Quest offers. Whether you choose to use the touch screen or the button controls, manoeuvring through the game is simple and intuitive. Even the menu systems in both of the main areas and in battle are laid out perfectly and allow you to focus on the tasks at hand without worrying about clunky controls. There's just one save slot, something that will likely annoy players who like to save and return to previous sections, but this is a minor complaint. Otherwise, the gameplay mechanics stay quite solid throughout.
The DS might not have the graphical horsepower of a home console, but you'd hardly know it from the impressive cel-shaded visuals that the developers have concocted. The scenery comes alive with vibrant colour schemes and the level of detail in your surroundings never ceases to amaze. The sheer variety in the adventure's various areas are equally remarkable, and you'd be hard-pressed to find two locales that look even remotely similar. The characters and enemies are another notable facet of the visuals and are every bit as detailed and colourful as the surrounding backdrops. Each enemy features its own unique animations, really bringing them all to life onscreen and rounding out what is easily one of the more impressive visual presentations available on the system.
The musical stylings of the Dragon Quest releases are almost as representative of the series as the gameplay itself, so it comes as no surprise that the score never strays too far from this norm. The orchestrated tracks carry the mood perfectly, and even with the lack of any type of voiced dialog, the audio package never has any trouble setting the varying tones that the game's storyline brings to life. As well as the myriad new musical pieces to behold, there are still enough classic tunes here to conjure up feelings of nostalgia and familiarity that long-time fans of the series will surely appreciate.
Conclusion
You can't help but marvel at how the developers were somehow able to squeeze a console-sized RPG epic onto the diminutive DS, especially given how mammoth the quest itself is. On top of this impressive feat, they found a way to toss in a wealth of new gameplay features and multiplayer action as well. It's perfectly clear from the moment that you begin - absolutely no corners were cut. If ever there were a title to truly show off just how far portable gaming has come over the years, it's this one. It might have been a long wait, but Dragon Quest IX proves to be everything that followers of the series could have hoped for, not to mention a game that no RPG fan should miss.
Comments 107
Not for me (turn based... bleh...), but sounds good for those who enjoy the genre.
No surprises here. Still seems as boring as ever. Pass. I'll just wait for FF: 4HoL and Etrian Odyssey 3 if I want some real good RPG action.
Wow, now i am really interested in this one, the graphics, the style, the everything, maybe i should buy it as my first dragon quest ever?
Turn based rpg are the only rpg games i like, actually.
I'm just not sold on Etrian Odyssey 3 yet. I'll wait and see...
@abgar I like turn based RPGs very much as well. If only I knew more people with DS systems - the multiplayer function sounds incredible.
It looks awesome in multiplayer mode..,too bad no one I know buys DS games any more aside from me.
Nice, can't wait for this game and Corbie is usually right on the mark with these things.
Can't wait to see DQX and the 3DS Dragon Quest!
Perfect game ,i love it
to bad that when I get this, I'll probably never find anyone else that has it too.
I won't be buying since, sadly, it's not my cup of tea.
But I'm glad such quality releases are continuing even now at this late stage in the DS's lifecycle. Great review btw.
Woo! I'll definately be getting this one.
Thanks for another great review Corbs
I will be getting this tomorrow!!!
Ok, there somthing that has completely baffled me here at NintendoLife. When people comment, "great review", it tends to be when a game gets a high score. So are they really saying thanks for giving a game I was looking forward to high marks, or thanks for taking the time to play the game and do an excellent write up on how you feel about the game? I just ask this because I dont recall ever seeing "great review" on a game that got low marks.
wifi multiplayer? friends only or random match ups?
Great review Corbie.
It has DLC?
is it Free?
@Mickeymac
I dont see how english scholar relates to my comment, but I figured that. Genrally if im going to say great review it would mean thatks for playing the game, pointing out what you saw as good, what you saw as flaws, and giving an honest rating.
Sweet. I'll be picking this up ASAP. :3
@zionich
Normally it's just a common courtesy thing for me, but I will say it if I find a low-scoring review to be funny enough, over-the-top, etc. etc. Basically, if it entertains me, it's a good review to me.
Huh. I really might want this..
Pre-ordered it, should get it in a couple weeks.
And yay, a friend of mine reserved a copy, so multiplayer is a yes for me!
JumpMad- The downloadable side quests are free, but the shop items cost in-game currency.
I haven't played any dragon quest before, I might get this one
Hmm, might buy this in the future.
@zionich When I tell someone great review, it's because I find it particularly well-written, no matter how the game scores.
Methinks I just found my first Dragon Quest game!
If I lived in Japan, I would buy this in a heartbeat. But here in the US, I feel like Im missing out on a big part of the game, and would rather buy FHoL (which is also much prettier :3)
Ive also never fell in love with dragon quest, FF is the way to go for generic DS rpgs IMO.
@Corbie
Its an niche game, so I wouldn't be surprised if you don't like it, a lot of people probably wouldn't go for that type of game. I just know that its the kind of game for me and I can't wait for it. Of course, its that same intuition that tells me that DQ9 isn't my kind of game.
It looks sweet, and I'm sure I'll like it, but I thought the 2nd one was a bit slow pacing-wise. I think the art style of the game appeals to me more than anything. I would like to go back and review all the Etrian Odyssey games for DS at some point. Just finding the time...
@7: There's a 3DS one?!?
@Corb - out of curiousity, what would you say kept it from being a 10?
Given the review it's not like I read it and said "WHAT!? That deserves a 10!!" ...I'm just curious and I didn't read any specific negatives. What kept it from perfection (as I recall DQ5 got a 10)
The enemies being able to attack all over you while you're in the submenu was a bit annoying to me. I also thought the cursor movements through the menus themselves was a bit sluggish. It was so close to getting a 10 it's not even funny, but ultimately I went with my gut and it said 9.
@Corbs
No doubt the art style's probably the most appealing aspect, but personally, I just want a good Wizardry style game for the DS, and since I missed out on the first two, the 3rd will have to do.
And you sure there isn't an option to make enemies wait while you're in the Submenu, like there is in Final Fantasy?
If there is, I can't find it. And believe me, I looked. Once I hit some of the more difficult dungeons, every time I stopped to heal up, I had three enemies on me just waiting for me to exit the sub-menu. LOL.
I AM GETTING THIS TOMORROW! I LOVE DRAGON QUEST!
1 save slot?? c'mon... I hate how they're basically telling you: If you want two people to play the game, you have to buy 2 copies of it...
Looks like a decent game to hold me off until Etrian Odyssey 3. By the way, anyone going into any Etrian Odyssey game for the first time... a word of warning: you will die. Many times. It is an inevitability.
I'm still a bit bothered this game doesn't have a Wi-Fi multiplayer, but honestly, the fact that this game has any multiplayer in the first place is rather astounding. I'm hoping this can fulfill my need for multiplayer RPGs on the go, since I don't have a PSP and thus, can't play Monster Hunter away from home.
Heh, reading this comments thread, I find it hilarious that the arty style of Etrian Odyssey entices some people, because I'm the exact opposite. The art is lush, definitely, but I really don't "do" Japanese art styles. Personally, my favorite DS game is still the Dark Spire. Gameplay-wise, it's equivalent to Etrian Odyssey, but the visual style and overall tone just reek of DnD and the like. In fact, I love it so much, I own multiple copies...
I wanted this before. 9 out of 10 and now I don't know if I want this or SSBB more... Stop making me want to spend my money, Nintendo Life!
After reading this review and looking through the latest Nintendo Power, I think I decided to wait for FF:4HoL, which has a weird acronym...
best rpg coming out this year and should be a must buy for everyone
I've always found Dragon Quest much more appealing than the Final Fantasy games. If I were to get one RPG this year (excluding Pokemon), it would be this game.
Plus, the DQ series is the closest I'll ever get to Earthbound-like gameplay. But there's more as to why I like DQ games besides that.
DQ>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>FF
Ah can't wait, I loved DQ VIII, tomorrow morning!
@Jumbif
From what I hear you set up your own shop, which is cool!
This will be epic, my bro is getting this, and I think my little sis wants it too ^^
Great review!
I have my copy pre-ordered and somebody else I know has one pre-ordered. Its going to be great playing the multiplayer & trying out the tag mode! Also, just got the guide the other day and it looks so great. Looking forward to DQ9 a lot!
@Mickeymac
You think DQ9 is boring and not Etrian Odyssey? Complete opposite for me.
Anyway I suggest holding judgment until you are able to try it. Its a really good game. Enjoying it.
Thank you for the brilliant review Corbie. I can tell that you really enjoyed playing this game. I am certain that I am going to love it too. I expected this game to be great and I'm very happy to see that I will not be disappointed by it. I remember when this game was first announced for the DS. I wasn't sure that Square-Enix could possibly top the excellent Dragon Quest VIII but it sounds like they did a pretty incredible job on this game. I've waited a long time for Dragon Quest IX and I'm really looking forward to hearing that awesome level-up anthem again. Then it will truly be slime time.
Oh wow. I wasn't planning on getting this but now I might, in a month or two.
@GumbyX84
There's just something about the DQ series that rubs me the wrong way, and DQ9 takes it in a direction that I simply can't appreciate. Meanwhile, I love first-person RPGs like Wizardry and Shin Megami Tensei, so a Wizardry-style game from the makers of Shin Megami Tensei is just perfect for me. Plus it has an overall style and flow of gameplay that I can appreciate.
looks like this is my next purchase
@labrat7: Dragon Quest was on the list of franchises slated for the 3DS and after the massive success on the DS they're definitely going to make 3DS DQs.
This year the Dragon Quest brand has sold over 2.5 million copies on the DS in Japan.
Hey Corbie, isn't Nintendo publishing DQ9 in the States?
Good catch lz. The game page was created back before we knew Nintendo were going to publish here in North America. It's been fixed.
It's times like these I really wish I was into traditional JRPG's. The game seems like a blast, but just not for me. I have 40 bucks credit to Gamestop I wouldn't mind using on this...but maybe it's better to hold off for Metroid: Other M.
Hmm.. Might just have to pick this one up! Never played a Dragon Quest Before...
I got it i got it! I love etrain odyssey to. As well as most good rpg games. The style of game is not important to me. Just as long as its a good game.
@Corbie: Awesome. I just remember telling Club Nintendo that I was intending to buy it
I went against my Seth Green hatred and picked it up just now. It helped that TRU has a special this week that gives you a $15 gift card if you buy it from them, so even if I don't like it I can sell it for 20 bucks and get my money back.
I cant wait to play this game
@RowdyRodimus
Just wanted to point out, that as far as I know that Toys R Us deal is for TODAY only. But please, someone correct me if I'm wrong.
Anyhow, picked the game up today and am about to start it!
Anyone pick up the strategy guide? I was curious as to how thorough it was as I'd like to go back and do some of the side-quests I missed later on in the game.
graphics look really good for the ds
This will be a day-one buy for me, meaning a 23rd of July day one. All the reviews weren't necessary to convince me of that. I like the writing here, by the way.
Strategy guide of this one is something I want to look into as well; I'm curious if it has any depth. This game deserves to be delved into deeply.
@HMS Just went and checked the ad, and it is all week long. So really, that is the best place to pick it up if you plan to get it this week. The only downside is that it takes six hours for the Gift Card to be activated. Luckily I know a guy that works at ours and he put back the Transformers set that's on clearance in the office for me until tomorrow.
hmmm. i might get my first ever DQ game this year (once the price drops, of course )
What im liking about the game so far is they kept enough of it the same to be reconized as Dragon Quest, but at the same time updated enough to make it feel new. Wish pokomon would learn that lesson and get some better animation into its combat.
yeah I want to try these one because it look really good but actually im waiting for the games to come out and the reviews of the new FF and GS
What's interesting is that the game is $35, not $40 like other SE games. Now I have a feeling that Square Enix has been overpricing their games just because it's a quality title (which a whole bunch are, some more than others). Now that Nintendo publishes the game, I'm glad it isn't $40, or else I probably would not be able to get with the money I had.
Anyways, I'm so satisfied with this game. Ironically, none of my Party Members died, not even once and I'm actually doing much better here than I did in other DQ games- yet, SE said this game was made to be much more harder than the other games. 8 hours into the game and Lv.16; it's not hard... But it is still challenging. Guess I'm skillful and cautious now?
Now I can't decide which is my favorite DS game this year- DQIX or Pokemon HG(SS)....
@Rowdy
My apologies then! I had heard that it was one day only in an article, sorry!
I was sure to pick up this game and stragedy guide too As a long time fan of the Dragon warrior games, I'm really looking forward to trying this one out. Not fond of the multiplayer aspect though
Don't worry, the game plays amazingly even as a single-player experience. So you're all good.
corbie_dillard
"60. Corbie United States 12 Jul 2010, 00:18 BST
Anyone pick up the strategy guide? I was curious as to how thorough it was as I'd like to go back and do some of the side-quests I missed later on in the game."
Glanced though the guide from Bradygames. Its a massive 432 page book. Seems to cover the game quite well as well as the extra content.
The extras for after the games beaten are just briefly touched on.
Well I think I might go ahead and grab it. Especially since it will likely be harder to find by the time I get to go back and finish this during the Christmas holidays most likely.
Another Great Review and another game ive got to get that and the other 3 for DS well when VI comes out here of corse
The ESRB mentions that this game has animated blood. My 9 year old doesn't like to see blood in games. Is, by chance, there a way to turn the blood off in this game? He's otherwise interested in it.
@Crunc-haven't tried yet (I will soon) but in an e 10+ game i there's blood it is VERY minimal, also somegames i've played (like TP, say htey have blood but I din't see it. If your still worried, just play into an hour or two and you should get a good idea of if your son wouldn't like it. (It's animated too, so it won't look super realistic).
cant wait to get this game. need 2 talk my freinds into getting it so i can do some multiplayer.
next game
Twilight Princess apparently had blood during the final battle, but it was really hard to see. I think that I will get this game, right after I pass my exams.
This game is worth it. And that's coming from a guy who normally dislikes RPG's.
@Corbie:
Great Review, Corbie. It really doesn't matter a 9 or a 10 in a game, both are great marks. I need to say that there is a reason for enemies moving when you are in the menu, and that's the multiplayer. If all actions were stopped when you enter the menu in multiplayer, all people will be screwed because of that.
Yes, they could quit that feature in the offline version, but that would make developers to program the game in a different way, maybe taking more capacity... and they already took out some things because of its lack (the casino, for example, was about to be included in this game at first).
I would say that this is the best rpg game on the ds. Great review
best ds game right now
Should I buy this?
@Ibrat7
Yeah this is a must buy I think this dragon quest is one of the best rpgs for the ds. It's very accessible for veterans of dragon quest and newcomers alike. And it has a great story and great graphics too.
What was that about?
@dsmaster: Yeah, im a newcomer.
I have been playing DQ9 a lot. The DQ series has evolved the way games of all genres should imo. The core gameplay is exactly the same, but everything has been refined and added to.
I absolutely love downloadable quests and items. There are almost infinite possibilities with DL's which gives it that much needed replay value.
If you don't like turn based RPG's, you won't like this, but if you do, this is a MUST-BUY. I bought it twice, and might buy 2 more copies and DS's just because of this game. That's how much I enjoy this game.
I found it for 25 euros
I absolutely love it.
bought 2 copies to play with my girlfriend, we are loving it so far
This game has eaten up a ridiculous amount of my time.
Thumbs-up.
monster hunter tri style multiplayer quests on wi-fi would have been nice but i still give this game a 9. the amount of content is just amazing and its really fun too.
Is turn based what pokemon uses
I've beaten the final boss, and I STIIL love play it. I love playing in undescovered grottos and finding and alchemising new and rare items. Not to mention playing this with one of my best friends! And all the side quests to play.
Also, if you play the right side quests, you get a "second after-game story", as I like to call it. This is one of my all time favorites!
This game is AMAZING!!! Just got it today!! Everyone has been saying that it sucks playing it by yourself, but it rocks!! I love it!!! I mean I would love to play it with someone but it is really fun. It's like zelda meets pokemon.
@triforceofcourage,
yea me too. My friends suck and they won't buy it.
I nearly passed on this, as I'm not a huge RPG fan, but I ended up getting it anyway.
And holy crap am I glad I did. It's awesome. Very much enjoying this.
wow ! a game that tie with my favorite RPG,dragonquest 7!
and its another dragonquest !!!
and yet, i didnt even touched half of the post-game part. This game is huge. even when you finish it, it seems to never want to end. new quests keeps poping in, more alchemy, more dungeons...more...MORE! kill those metal slimes !!!!
Think i gotta buy it. turn-based is not my first choice, but the endless wifi-quests and the long story sound good. maybe i‛ll get final fantasy too.
I think I'll buy it, but do I have to play the first Dragon Quest games to understand the plot? It's my first RPG game!
i've played this for over 600 hours and i'm nowhere nearly done with it love DQ
hmmm might pick this up seems like a good rpg for my ds
great game and my first dragon quest game
Great game...great review!
One of the very best RPGs on the DS system
Bought it today... a week to get it. Can't wait that long!!
Just got it new and sealed for 4pounds! Can't go wrong for that price
In my opinion Dragon Quest IX - Sentinels of the Starry Skies DS is one of the best games available on the Nintendo DS (my other favourite is Grand Theft Auto Chinatown Wars).
DQ 9 offers stunning visuals, great musical scores and a very deep and interesting storyline. Apart from the main story there are additional Quests, which deliver more adventures and backgound information about the main story characters.
If you begin the adventure in the world of DQ 9 you will get acquinted with many interesting characters, so you will surely want to read the conversations with them. Furthermore, it's uncommon, but in this game it's pretty rewarding to talk to the many side characters, because during the flow of the story their commentaries change and you often get new details.
I liked that most of the game flows in real time, like you guide your party on the bottom screen using the stylus to explore new and exciting locations, to find tresure chests and to evade or maybe to battle certain groups of monsters. The map on the upper screen and even the world map is very accurate and useful. When you engage in combat, time stops and the battles are turn based. It could get very time consuming (like to heal your party members or to target the enemies or to use items in battle), but fortunately you are able to automate the actions of your party members.
Expect no random battles (except on see, but after completing the main story you are able to fly over oceans using the Starflight Express).
One of the best aspect of the game is that you can truly shape the look of your main hero and all other 3 party members. Not just their appearance, but also their clothes and equipment. They look absolutely distinctive during the whole game, not just during the world map exploration, but also during the turn based battles, which are animated in a 3D rotating perspective on the upper screen! It's very impressive to SEE how magic and special abilities work on COLOSSAL enemies and bosses.
Becuse the game is extremly complex, you should check the available guides on the net for hints and tips (Links: http://walkthrough-wiki.com/dq9/ or http://dragonquest.wikia.com/wiki/Dragon_Quest_IX).
Some of the below details became clear to me after only long hours of gameplay:
Unfortunately Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection has been shut down in May 2014, so the following 3 net based portions of the game can not be reached:
Some relief is that during local multicard multiplayer games, you can acquire the bonus DLC quests and visit the DQVC-shop of the other player who previously connected to Nintendo WFC.
The completion of the main story took me 120 hours (including some grinding).
It took me 240 hours to reach all of the 6 post-game bosses, after completing the main story. I stopped playing it after two years (2014-2015), with a total of 260 hours of gameplay (and could defeat only the weakest of the legacy bosses). The 6 post-game bosses are the following:
1 - the real Leviathan
2 - Nodoph (at the top of the Tower of Nod)
3 - Rover (under Gleeba)
4 - Tyrannosaura Wrecks (at the secret room of Stella, which is located in the third Carriage of Starflight Express)
5 - Yore (under Stornway Castle)
6 - King Godfrey (at Gittingham Palace)
There is a secret shop at Dourbridge and you can obtain special keys to open closed locks (it means some backtracking). Even after completing many Quests and defeating the above listed 6 bonus post-game bosses, you can battle extremly powerful legacy bosses (for orbs and special equipment), explore random high-level tresure map grottos (for rare enemy types and equipment rewards from blue chests), for alchemy recipes (for rare equipment), for Erdrick's full equipment or for a full wardrobe, full defeated monster list or full performed alchemy list.
Unfortunately, I couldn't try out the local multicard multiplayer experience or the tag mode treasure map exchange (in which case the clone of the main hero of the other player remains at the Stornway Inn, similarly to Mii Plaza).
To conclude, DQ 9 has a wide palette of magic, skills and abilities and you are able to forge rare items through alchemy and battle hundreads of cute or even colossal enemies based on fantasy tales (like dragons, slimes, etc.). A true masterpiece of video game from Japan in English language.
By the way, regarding grinding, I would opt for hunting down the members of the metal slime family, because they are worth a ton of EXP each. They generally lurk the in the dungeons, avoid contact with the player's party, as they notice you, they try to run away and if they reach any walls, they simply vanish into thin air. They often flee from battle, if engaged in combat, but it's worth all the fuss to slay one. You need a sword equipped and to use the Metal Slash ability to harm them (they are immune to magic and the attack of other weapons misses them most of the time). My favourite places for hunting metal slimes: the Quarantomb, the Bowhole, the Tower of Nod (metal king slime at level 3) and of course the slime plateau near Angel Falls (the last two locations are reachable only by using the Starflight Express).
I recommend you to have at least one warrior or gladiator in your party and to equip him/her with a Falcon Blade or Über Falcon Blade (it offers two attacks per turn). You can even double its effect by using the Falcon Slash ability (reaching a total of 4 attacks per turn), or use the Egg On minstrel ability on your soldier (and chose defend for him/her for some turns), to charge for a devastating attack set loose later (with Falcon Slash and a Falcon Blade performing 4 consecutive attacks at once). You can find a Falcon Blade in the cargo bay of your ship in a red chest and buy more after the completion of the main story at the upgraded weapon shop in Stornway. Of course, I would happily receive a Supernova or Hypernova Sword (in exchange for my Über Falcon Blade).
I have been thinking in selling my copy (good prices right now) because I miss the online aspect so much.
Still believing in a Switch 2 remake in a couple of years.
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