Metascore
80 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 44 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 38 out of 44
  2. Negative: 0 out of 44
  1. Highly recommended, and something that every RPG enthusiast should definitely check out.
  2. With great pacing, clever character development, and phenomenal presentation, this relatively forgiving RPG is likely to convert fence-sitters into fully-fledged RPG fanatics. Even though it might be considered "by-the-book" by today's standards, Dragon Quest IV should be considered required playing for any role-playing fan out there.
  3. If you like your RPGs old school, yet approachable in their difficulty, you can't do much better than this.
  4. 90
    Third time is definitely the charm…
  5. The DS adaption is nothing short of extraordinary, so this expedition is more than worth the time.
  6. 88
    But I can say with confidence that Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen is a must-own for nearly all JRPG fans.
  7. ArtePiazza brings us an impressive remake of Dragon Quest IV that has a traditional RPG gameplay feeling and a superb symbiosis between past and present. If you're a role playing hardcore gamer then you must play this piece of jewellery.
  8. The game was able to fascinate gamers 20 years ago and still, it has the power to do so. Epic role-playing with a brilliant story and a very well done character design!
  9. Dragon Quest: The Chapters of the Chosen takes a little while to get on the boil, but once it does you'll find yourself absorbed in a lengthy, enjoyable, balanced and accessible JRPG that is as welcoming to genre veterans as it is to complete newcomers. There's more than enough modern polish and sheen to justify bringing this former NES classic back for yet another outing.
  10. All in all, Dragon Quest IV is an excellent addition (or duplicate) to any RPG fan's collection. I recommend checking it out if you missed it the first couple of times as it'll keep you busy until the brand new Dragon Quest IX releases later next year.
  11. If you have played it and are wondering whether it's as good as you remember, it is. It may even be better than you remember.
  12. Even gamers that never played a Dragon Quest game should be able to find the charm underneath the old-school gameplay.
  13. A quality remake of the classic, charming adventure. [Feb 2009]
  14. 83
    A more than worthy remake of a gaming great, and RPG fans should consider it a mandatory play. Remakes aren't a science -- they're an art...and Dragon Quest IV has been re-created with deft strokes.
  15. It's as a never-before-played adventure that Dragon Quest most impresses. Forgive it its age and appreciate its forward-thinking. We be tellin' yers so.
  16. While the mechanics are well worn by subsequent Quest dabbling, the narrative structure remains an interesting premise to this day. [Oct 2008, p.100]
  17. A heavyweight update of a marvellous game. Indeed, it emerges as the strongest RPG for the system, an extraordinary feat considering its long journey to get here. Blue moustache and all.
  18. For players who don't mind the overzealous translation, this game is a gem; for longtime fans of the series, it could be a bitter disappointment. What you get out of this game depends on what your expectations are going in.
  19. If you can cope with the archaic gameplay elements you'll find a JRPG that shames many of its more modern cousins with its entrancing plot and bewitching charm.
  20. A solid traditional RPG married to a refreshingly modern narrative, shot through with a lovely sense of humour.
  21. Dragon Quest IV is a classic RPG in every sense of the word, from its charming medieval atmosphere to its plucky cast of characters. Behind the cheerful exterior lies a tough and challenging game that requires lots of patience and time. The game will easily give the player their money's worth, and is a great starting point in the franchise that will have you waiting in anticipation for the next game.
  22. While Dragon Quest IV doesn't offer anything overwhelmingly new or unique, it's a solid RPG experience that any fan of the genre will have fun playing.
  23. Reserve the next 40 hours of your life for this ultimate remake. Back in 90's DQ IV was a huge hit on NES and you can bet this NDS version will catch you the same. [Nov 2008]
  24. 80
    Dragon Quest fans may still want to plop down the cash, as it's a great nostalgic package for those that haven't spent time with the Japanese remake on the original PSX, and for those itching to get into the series, it won't get much better than Chapters of the Chosen.
  25. Chapters of the Chosen is a charming, absorbing, and addictively fun role-playing game that offers the best chance Westerners have ever had to experience Dragon Quest IV.
  26. Chapters of the Chosen serves as a strong reminder of just how good some of the old times really were. It's a lengthy and deep RPG that offers a solid challenge without crushing the spirits of the non-hardcore RPG enthusiast.
  27. Ultimately, Dragon Quest IV is so steeped in retro gaming culture that it's bound to be polarizing.
  28. 80
    A fairly decent JRPG experience in Dragon Quest IV. The engine is ported from the original PSX version of Dragon Quest VII, with 2D sprites animating themselves in a 3D world.
  29. My biggest takeaway from Chapters of the Chosen is that despite it's sexy new makeover, it still feels like an old school adventure.
  30. 80
    Dragon Quest IV offers a classic RPG experience that you'd be hard-pressed to find elsewhere.
  31. The Chapters of the Chosen is a deep, well conceived, measured and expertly delivered title that is as rewarding to play as it is aesthetically pleasing. A title that is both a fascinating glimpse into the past and a wonderful vindication of the importance and durability of solid game design.
  32. 80
    But if you're looking for a good, simple RPG that you can pick up and play without chaining yourself down, you should definitely choose Dragon Quest IV this fall. [Oct 2008, p.91]
  33. This adventure isn't perfect, but stick with it and you'll discover another worthy addition to the DS's growing library of RPGs. [Oct 2008, p.72]
  34. A decent adventure, but it'll require persistence to get the most from it. [Oct 2008, p.94]
  35. Whether it sells or not, this is a great remake of a game that totally deserved one from the ground up-but at that, this isn't for everyone.
  36. With a great story and some fun classic game play as well as the new wonderful graphic updates to this classic RPG, make it a worthy single player title. The multiplayer side of things has a ton of potential if you have a few friends with the game you will have a blast for a very long time. For RPG fans this is a great title.
  37. Although this DS remake offers an attractive polygonal world and plenty of usability improvements, it still feels very much like a product of its time. [Oct 2008, p.86]
  38. 75
    Despite feeling as aged as it is, Dragon Quest IV is still one of the most engaging and endearing RPG titles in gaming history.
  39. It ingeniously updates all the problems with the original without destroying the core concept. [Dec 2008, p.109]
  40. I feel as though I should be warning you that it's not just retro but positively a step backwards, and as we all know backwards steps are not good ones.
  41. The game does a lot of things right, just like the early versions on the NES and the PlayStation. The game is easy to pick up without having a short lifespan. Nevertheless even the graphics seem to be copied from his early ancestors and the whole game concept feels a little recycled. Only die-hard RPG fans will find some pleasure in the game.
  42. 70
    It's tough to make the distinction between where Square Enix was deliberately preserving the game's nostalgic appeal, and where it was just cutting costs.
  43. For a gussied-up remake of an NES game, Dragon Quest IV features some nice touches.
  44. 60
    If you have fond memories of it or you are an RPG fanatic, definitely check out this game.
User Score

Generally favorable reviews- based on 29 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 7
  3. Negative: 1 out of 7
  1. A great game worth checking out for anyone who enjoys older RPGs, such as the Final Fantasies from 1 to 6. The writing was clever (especially with all the regional accents thrown in), the characters and their individual introduction chapters were all interesting, and the gameplay was solid. There were some downsides though: very few side quests, no auto-fight option in battles, occasional lag in crowded towns, and the game seemed especially vague about where you had to travel next sometimes. Like I said though, if you like older RPGs, this is definitely worth playing. Full Review »
  2. 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. Full Review »
  3. Oh, Dragon Quest, what would we do without your pioneering? This Chapter of the series, conveniently subtitled “Chapters of the Chosen”, improves on storytelling while delivering the tried and true Dragon Quest formula. This adventure focuses on the individuality of each character in your party. No longer will you see the world only from the point of view of the silent protagonist. Now you can be a pink warrior, a fortune-teller, a princess, a fat merchant, and more. You can even “build” your own town. With a lot of items, weapons and magic, you’ll be switching your characters quite a bit to obliterate slimes and beasts. Now onto the scores: 2.0 } Gameplay -Classic RPG. You’ll be in towns, caves, towers, and castles. Fight lots of monsters, save the world. Not much to say here other than it works and it’s fun. Oh, and you can PRAY in a church. 2.0 } Story - In this area the game excels. There’s nothing cooler than focusing on a set of characters on each chapter. The stories complement each other well if you take the time to read it and than to people. In this game you will laugh, and you will feel sad, and you will care for the events that unfold. 2.0 } Graphics - Am I the only one who loves the enemy sprites? They move fluently with different animation sprites for each attack. The background and world has beautiful colors and the ability to rotate in towns shines. 2.0 } Sound - Koichi Sugiyama delivers as always in the series with, rich instrumental music. The sound effects are good too. 1.0 } Replay Value - After you beat the game there is some replay value that gives it more life. After that you’ll feel proud of your work but there is nothing more you can do. 9.0 } Total - If you’re not careful, you can miss some hint on where to go next. Other than that, its great! Conclusion - “Let’s grind Metal Slimes” Awesome story and characters offer a Dragon Quest experience that you can tell your grandchildren about when you are old. Just change the Hero’s name and you’re good to go. Full Review »