The Dragon Quest series is more popular in Japan than Final Fantasy. And not until I played this game did I notice why. This is one of my favorite RPGs of all time. Dragon Quest VIII just has a particular charm about it that kept me hooked to this long, long adventure. Let me break it down for you a little: The story is not the best, but it gets the job done, and has to do with a cursed kind and stuff, but I'm not gonna get into too much detail in that aspect. The graphics are gorgeous, and at times you will genuinely think you are looking at a cartoon. The cell shaded, and well detailed graphics are an awe to look at, and the over world is huge, with no load times. The voice acting is good, and the characters are well animated. This is a simple RPG that contains most elements of classics like level grinding, but it has a great refreshing look an feel to it that is top notch.The customization and battle elements are great, and the mini games and side quests call out your name. The audio productions are masterful, and well orchestrated; you'll be humming some of the tunes as your explore this colossal world of dragon quest.Be prepared to spend 60-89 hours of your life playing this beauty. The boys at Level 5 sure do know how to make an RPG, and if this type of game is your cup of tea, there should be no excuse for not playing it.

ever since i played dragon quest 8 i've fallen in love with the dragon quest series. this game is hands down one of the best rpgs ever made. the game is epic! it took me 85 hours to beat it on my 1st time through. the game has a great story line, great music, a fun battle system, great graphics, and lovable characters each with their own distinct personality and backgrounds. and don't think the game isn't fun just because it has a simple turn based battle system. in fact, dragon quests battles are just as fun as any other turn based rpg for the ps2. sure other rpgs have unique ways of leveling up or learning new abilities such as final fantasy 10's sphere grid or something along those lines, but dragon quest is just as fun as those rpgs. i have nothing bad to say about this game. so if you like rpgs and still haven't sold your ps2 then buy this game now.

Bored? Really bored? Need a old style rpg to tide you over till the great final fantesys, fire emblems,and legend of zeldas come out? This is that game.What makes this stand out over other rpgs is the world of dragon quest VIII. This games map is free roaming. See that mountian in the background? Climb it. See that island in the background? Sail to it. It has a story line fit for its style of game. The story its self is enough to make one feel a sense of accomplishment at its end. One of the greatest underloved rpgs of all time. Thsi game deserved much more spot light than some of its competitors. The battle system is uned based and truns are delt by agility. Basic commands for attack and magic. You think this would get boring right? Wrong. Each time you level up, after battle you are awarded points in a certian style of your choice. With over 80 hours of gameplay, two endings, and 15 mini quests this game is a great killer of time in between major games. my only complian about this game is the fact that soem enimes apper twice in this game, only a different color and stronger. Other than that I would pick this game up today.

OK, new leveling sytem for the console gaming(if you ddon't count Diablo for PS1). You get to drop points into certain areas, each different for each character. I haven't seen that in a console game yet. Its much like the leveling system of Diablo. Basically, your cut and dry RPG, cartoony and cell-shaded. Fun as all get out, if you don't mind taking hours to make a little headway. Definately a must play for RPG lovers!

Square-Enix finally got around to upgrading the graphics to the previously ugly Dragon Quest series, however the stories have always been great in all the Dragon Quest games including this one. The music continues to flourish with the symphonic sounds that fans have always loved. This game is a must play for RPG gamers everywhere.

One of the coolest rpg I ever played in my life of course before final fantasy or kindom hearts, and the visuals are awsome

Where does one begin when reviewing a game of this magnitude? Let's start of with the controls! Also let me warn you that I am in no way a pro with writing reviews and I am just a hardcore RPG player and want to share my thoughts on the game with everyone! Having played DW games since the NES days I had a fair idea as to how the controls would handle. Being the game is the first fully 3-D game and with the addition of the Cel- shading I was wondering how this game would handle. The character movement is sharp and the response time for the commands is just right. I found that the controls have a fluid feel and the menu and such is well laid out. The Menu has been redefined and it takes some getting used to but after a half hour it was like second nature to me. Controls Rating = B+ Next up Visuals. The game looks beautiful. This is some of the best cel- shading I have ever seen in a game. The look and feel of the world is breathtaking. One of the neat features is the ability to go into first person viewing and take a look at your surroundings. I highly recommend running around the lush environment and taking peeks at all there is to see. Visual Rating = A+ Voice Acting. Superb from what I have seen so far. This is also the First Dragon Quest game to have voice acting and it is spot on. Pleasant voices seem to capture the emotion of the characters speaking. Voice Acting = A Interest value. This game has set the stage for a mystery or two. The opening intro leaves a lot of question to be answered and during the first mission to the waterfall cavern still much is left out in the open. After a couple hours the game still has not really explained the relationship to the other members in your party. I believe these relationships will be slowly introduced as time goes on though. Interest Value = B-

I am a big fan of the Dragon Warrior series and I thought this one just blew them away. It was a fun game to play but wasn't challanging enough. Putting that aside the gameplay was excellant and the graphics were pretty good as well. The total game play hours can easily reach around the 90 hour mark if you really get into it. I think it was well worth the buy and give it two thumbs up.

Graphics suit the game. Excellent storyline. Characters are kool. Just greatly constructed game. The monster arena is one of the best thigns i like about this game along with the Physcy up. only thing, i would've wanted to give the party a name of my own. and that it would of been kool if the character's clothes changed with the equiped he wears. other than that its a very wicked game.

Draqgon Quest VIII is one unique game. The battle and level up mechanics, the story plots, everything: is so... old school. Sticking to tradition, these things were nicely put together. However, the Dragon Quest series didn't come around without learning a few tricks. For one, there was a massive overhaul on the graphics with beautiful cel- shading and wonderful fully orchestrated music brought out sweet emotion. Another great asset is the number of enjoyable side quests. From collecting Mini Medals to becoming the Monster Pit champion, the fun won't stop. By far the most enjoyable feature is the grand old early role- playing mechanics from the 80's. It's a little hard to spot, but after playing for a while, it's noticable. Collect the sacred object/ key and bring it to such and such place or talk to the old man in a house in the middle of nowhere to learn learn how to defeat the ultimate foe. In the end, old school gamers and newcomers will enjoy the beautiful graphics, the all too wonderful side- quests, and the hours upon hours of leveling up the characters just to defeat the harder monsters.