Advanced Search Beta »
Basic Search Fields
Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen DS
User Score
8.0 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 29 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 29
  3. Negative: 3 out of 29

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    10 out of 10
    Rate this:
    out of 10
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling

  3. Characters remaining: 5000 out of 5000

view
per page
  1. UltioE.
    Oct 16, 2008
    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
    • 0 of 1 users said yes
  2. AlexanderO.
    Sep 18, 2008
    4
    The graphics ruined everything for me.
    • 0 of 3 users said yes
  3. KeS.
    Sep 17, 2008
    9
    Great port. The nre translation is awesome, and the game is beautiful!
    • 0 of 1 users said yes
  4. cyphid
    Oct 27, 2010
    9
    It's great to see a remake of a game that is finally stateside! I remember Dragon Quest Seven's graphics and this title must be using the same engine. DQ IV is very colorful and vibrant and the characters are so well done, I care for each character as they go through their adventures. If you have yet to play a DQ game, this is a very good starting point.
  5. dragoonie
    Jan 23, 2012
    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.
  6. Emirblade
    May 1, 2011
    9
    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.… Expand
  7. Richard12
    Apr 2, 2012
    8
    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.… Expand
prev next
Page:
  • 1

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
80 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 44 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 38 out of 44
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 44
  3. Negative: 0 out of 44
  1. Game Informer
    70
    For a gussied-up remake of an NES game, Dragon Quest IV features some nice touches.
    Read full review
  2. Official Nintendo Magazine UK
    78
    A decent adventure, but it'll require persistence to get the most from it. [Oct 2008, p.94]
  3. DailyGame
    85
    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.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »