Dragon Quest VIII
- October 24, 2005 11:15 AM PST
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Dragon Quest VIII is visually enthralling, aiming to please old and new players alike.
The renowned Dragon Quest series is back with its first PS2 installment, Dragon Quest VIII, featuring an all-new storyline and a visual overhaul. Here you play a hero whose kingdom is under a curse that transforms people into thorns and whose king and princess are transformed into beasts. With the assistance of quest-mates Yangus, Jessica, and Angelo, you journey through this vast 3D land to find the perpetuator of this curse and save the kingdom.Perhaps the most obvious change in DQ VIII from its predecessors is the transition from a 2D world to a completely 3D world. Level 5's cel-shaded graphics actually work out pretty well--the fluid movement and the crisp clarity of the characters immerse you in its visual splendor. As with any other 2D-turned-3D game, the transition may take a bit of getting used to, but even the preview version does not disappoint.
A new feature of the game is the Skill Master System, which upon leveling up awards your characters with points for allocation to a skill of choice. As you gain skill points, you also earn the right to learn new abilities and gain the potential to master them. For example, one such skill you can obtain is Gigaslash, a devastating sword technique. There are also non-fighting skills you can build up that are specific to each character, including courage and charisma. You need all the help you can get, too, because love it or hate it, plentiful random encounters return intact, remaining true to Dragon Quest tradition.
Overall, the game play so far is simple and smooth. Despite the aesthetic makeover, old fans and newcomers alike will find the classic mechanics very approachable and not too traditional. Hopefully the full release of this game will be as promising as it looks.
