1. UltioE.

   10

   Many reviews of this game convey certain connotative caveats: “This game is good ‘if’ you are a fan of old school (RPGs, NES RPGs, JRPGs, Turn-Based RPGs,) etc..., and considering that it is a fantastic remake of that genre, I give it an 8 out of 10!” As a connoisseur of great RPGs, I must say that I am generally disappointed with the many lazy reviews of this game, those which present it as ok, but nothing special. I am not here to compare DQIV to GTA4. If a gamer is young, and into today’s rich-content gaming, then “Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of The Chosen” is probably not the game for them. That would be like comparing the board game “Risk” to the film “Die Hard”. Obviously "Die Hard" is flashier, and commands more attention, however DQIV commands a certain audience of its own, and it accomplishes this by being a quality example within its genre and intended scope. When comparing DQIV to the original DWIV for the NES, it quickly becomes obvious, that this remake is more than just a repurposing of old video game code, it is a worthy entity all of its own. Clearly there is no comparison between “Dragon Quest IV, Chapters of The Chosen” on Nintendo DS, and Halo 3 on X-Box 360. Sadly, I believe that most reviewers miss this point. The reason that Square-Enix continues to re-release titles like this or “Final Fantasy IV”, is not because they don’t have great new ideas coming down the pipeline (see “The World Ends With You”, which is probably the title of the year for the Nintendo DS platform), but rather it is because they cater to a specific segment of game players that appreciate the narrative/strategic game-play approach to personal entertainment. Dragon Quest IV is one of a very few games ever released for the original NES (as “Dragon Warrior IV”) that actually had a tale to tell. “Dragon Warrior IV’s” story line was like watching a ‘talkie’ back in the age of silent films. It was truly unique and way cooler just from this standpoint. Now, this game returns for the Nintendo DS, and the story (while remaining the same) is even more enjoyable. Regional dialects add credibility and a touch of humor to a global story. Better storytelling delves deeper into the plot via a more thorough exploration of the mentality and drive of the main characters. There are many enhancements to the plot as well, which I should not discuss, as they would be spoilers. Needless to say, what is a great story is now told better, with more personal impact, and is now more enjoyable via technological and constructional betterment. Koichi Sugiyama’s symphonic suite is now sweeter from harnessing the DS’s sound capabilities. Important game-play enhancements, such as diagonal movement (this does prove a most enjoyable enhancement over the original NES’s grid system), 360 degree camera movement (need I say more), the ability to quick-save anywhere anytime, and a massively improved turn-based battle system that allows the player to now control all of the main characters during the final chapter (as opposed to the NES version’s decent but less fun AI based tactics battle system). Another interesting feature is the difficulty of battle in this remake, which has been turned-up by about 50%. This is due to massive changes in the way magic works: Spells like ‘Crackle’ can miss just as a physical attack may miss. Most weapons and armor have been made weaker than they were in the previous version, so monsters definitely get to fight with a handicap. Also though, the decisions that monsters make in battle are now shrewder. The battle system will be welcomed by anyone who is seeking more of a challenge than the original version could muster (praise the Goddess for improvements to Nintendo technology)! Overall, the DS platform, paired with some good programming on Square-Enix’s end, make this remake far superior to the original, while maintaining many of its original charms. DQIV takes advantage of what the Nintendo DS platform has to offer, without trying to take it overboard on the rich-multimedia content. In my opinion, “Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of The Chosen” has set the platinum standard in RPG remakes: An emerging genre, whose fruit you can expect gamers to pluck from retailers shelves, for many years to come.… Expand

   • Helpful?

     0 of 1 users said yes
2. dragoonie

   9

   Outstanding port of one of my favorite NES games. I was anxiously looking forward to this one when I first heard it announced, and it did not disappoint. The graphics update was sweet, and the extra post-game content, that much sweeter. The NPC's accents were laid on a bit heavy, but it does give the game a bit more character then it had the first time around.… Expand

   • Helpful?

     0 of 0 users said yes
3. AlexanderO.

   4

   The graphics ruined everything for me.

   • Helpful?

     0 of 3 users said yes

See all 7 User Reviews