never had this much fun in YEARS...

It is an awesome game. It's the most fun rpg I've ever played. The music brings the game to life. I have the music stuck in my head because its so awesome. It's the best Square Enix game yet!

If there's one thing the Dragon Quest/Warrior series has never done, it's screw with tradition. Sure, the world is 3D now, a la "Ocarina of Time", except HUGE, and the battle interface has crossed into the Final Fantasy style of being able to see your own characters. But these changes add to the spirit of the game, rather than trying to overpower it. Fans of the series will recognize most of the sound effects, and even the title theme, from the early NES games, re-orchestrated from 4bit midi. :) A masterwork, and a must have for any RPG fans who knows there is more to the genre than "Final Fantasy"… Expand

Incredibly addictive. Everything Dragon Warrior was and more, it lives up to the name far more than DW7. It also seems better than FFXII will be (and definately trumps FFX-2) -- I did not expect that at all.

I couldn't even get past a couple of hours playing this game. Yes, it's difficult; but more importantly, it's tedious. Right off the bat the game seems to demand a huge amount of fight, heal, save grinding. The healing and saving part means you have to head back to town, go to the inn, sit through the dialogue and animation, head to the church, sit through the dialogue, wait for it to save etc. Where's the fun in that? On the plus side, the graphics and music are excellent.… Expand

One of the best classic rpg's I've ever played! Plus it has a nice sense of humor and one evil looking villian! The music, graphics,story, and voice overs are well done. The night and day cycles are perfect and it's fun to explore the large environment. The camera controls are great as well.

This game is soo fun! You wont be dissapointed.

Great game! Fun! Much, much better that the FF XII demo..

Awesome game! It's been a long time since I saw an RPG this good. Music, simple yet engrossing character development system, graphics, the works! The included FFXII demo was a really nice added bonus.

Growing up on Dragon Warror games, I have always loved them. Even the worst Dragon Warrior (I can't seem to find one) game is better than the best Final Fantasy. Dragon Quest VIII is no exception. Extremely fun, and over 90 hours of gameplay with still more left to do. Dragon Warrior VII was the best RPG I had ever played. This may have beaten it.

Great Game. Lots of play time and a great plot and characters is what this game is all about.

I can't recommend this game enough! I turned into an RPG fan after playing Final Fantasy X a couple of years ago. And after finishing FF-X, I longed for another game that would take its place. I finally found it! Engaging storylines and superb graphics, great gameplay. When playing it, you can just feel the effort of time and effort it took to develop this game, and it paid off in the end. If you're into RPG games, this is certainly one to get!… Expand

Dragon Quest Viii is one of those sleeper hits. This game will give you sex appreal, humor, and an epic adventure all in one package. The graphics are anime done what adds to the game play. The battle system is turned base so it is made up of you hitting the enemy then they hit you. The boss battles are fun and challenging as long as you dont build up to an extreme hight level. After you beat the game their are a few area that you can go to and get more of the story which just adds more replay value to this game. You get 4 characters with one being a really sexy girl that does moves to add to the sex appreal. So with final fantasy XII out already and beaten with why dont you go grab this gem and give it a shot highly recommonded.… Expand

I'm a big fan of the 'Dragon Quest/Warrior' series, and when i heard about a PS2 version, i was understandably excited. This game did not disappoint me at all. i'm very picky about what games i buy and this is probably one of my top games that i own. Now, my saying this may be confusing since i didn't give it a ten, but then again, i'm not a hardcore gamer. The main reasons i didn't give this a ten was that the game doesn't have great replayability and there's not much to be done after the main storyline is completed. Besides that, it's amazing.… Expand

Should have been called Dragon Grind VIII. If I wanted to play a game with shallow characters, non-existent plot, and a combat system that feels as tedious as a grind, I would have played an MMO.

Tedious, lame story line, obvious expectations from people you need stuff from ie you have to go out of your way to get a lame item. Unlike the final fantasy series with a balanced level up period, dq8 presses for long level up time or be owned by our nasty sea ocean monsters. The dialogue seems to be read out, majority characters lack emotion in their voice and lack personality. game gets unfairly difficult in a short distance in certain areas which calls for a night at the inn. If a good lvl up is wanted you have to prepare yourself almost a few days of playing ( if you are playing 8 hours a day) to start gaining levels at a good pace due to the building of items that can give you some hope of not starting at a save point again or losing your gold. I dont think anybody would want to spend a day just leveling up. it gets really really boring. Some items are almost completey unused by the hero since he got its effects built in his spell list... lame! Resurrecting a character is more %&$% $&^# rather than a phew. The battle system was abit different with funny monsters and a few unique status effects which i liked. The area design and layout of towns and the surrounding nature was good to look at. Other than that not much positives. just another rpg with the same turn based system. Its nowhere near close to even ffx nor as gripping but it does manage to keep you interested.... that is if you dont get pissed at the level up time you spend then its ok. Not a complete fail and worth the buy at a bargain price.… Expand

Great, GREAT RPG. While Dragon Quest VIII does not re-invent the wheel, it definitely has perfected it. It just gets so much right, and it's no surprise considering the creators behind it. The combat is consistently challenging with some awesome boss fights that will really challenge your RPG skills. You absolutely have to pay attention, which is refreshing for an RPG. The story is simple yet wonderfully told with some touching moments throughout. The graphics, while simple, are carefully crafted with heavy attention to detail. Every room, enemy, and scene is crafted with care. The game is also huge. Lots of secrets, lots to see, lots to do, and a long story to play through. It will take you 60 hours easily to finish the main quest. My only criticism is that the skill system is quite vague. While I enjoy the surprise of finding out that next ability, you never know how many points you need for the next ability or what you're going to get. It really makes planning your party out a bit more arbitrary than I'd prefer. So it's always a shot in the dark when you choose to go with swords versus scythes, but a minor gripe to be sure, when the combat and game play is so expertly done and consistently entertaining. I'm currently doing my second play through and I'm having as much fun as I had the first time through. A true sign of a wonderfully crafted RPG. It's just plain FUN.… Expand

This game was my childhood. Between me, my brother and a close friend we logged about 300hrs into this game. I only wish the ps3 would remake this game so I could have no life all over again.

Having been a HUGE fan of DQ since the very early 90's, I can say that this is the absolute pinacle of the jrpg. It is a semi-slow grind-fest, but if you're into jrpg's that's probably what you like anyway. A twelve year old obsessed with Skyrim (which is great btw) may find this game terribly boring and unrewarding, and that's okay. This game,despite the cel-shaded graphics was not made for them. It is an homage to DQ's fans, and a spectacular one!… Expand

Does anyone else notice the horrible English in the brief about this game (under the picture and score)? It doesn't even make sense. A lot of Japanese games are like this now. Whatever happened to real translators instead of people using google language tools to translate everything. Also, this game is no different than any other japanese RPG, long, boring and the story is retarded (See Star Ocean, FFX, etc.). Want to play a good game? Check out Shadow of the Colossus, Star Wars: KOTOR, Neverwinter Nights, Morrowind, or Fable.… Expand

This game goes up with Final Fantasy XII and FF IX on my list of favorite RPG's. The sense of scale and high-quality quantity of exploration should be reason enough for any RPG fan to spazz out and obsess over for years to come. The amount of content in this game is just amazing.

Story:
The story is almost nonexistant in the beginning of the game and takes too long to reveal itself, and when it does, it remains just an average story. Although there are only 4 party members, each member is as shallow as if the party had 12 members.
Gameplay:
Dragon Quest VIII's gameplay is very old school which isn't a bad thing but i would've liked some twist to it. The saying, "if it ain't broke don't fix it," remains true here. So if you're tired of the same old thing look elsewhere. This game is also very tedious. You can only save at churches which are only in towns. Going back to town just to save wastes a lot of time. Make sure you won't have anything to do later while playing this game or else you'll have to backtrack a lot.
Graphics:
The graphics are beautiful, vibrant and pleasing to the eye. So even if the difficult and tedious battles piss you off, you can at least enjoy the view. The character designs were also done by the same person who drew Dragon Ball. If that kind of art isn't your style then you may have a problem.
Music:
Like the graphics, the music ids actually pretty good. However, most of the better tracks are either underused or overused to the point where it gets annoying (I'm looking at you overworld theme).
Overall this game is somewhat fun but it doesn't really bring anything new to the table. Think of it as an enhanced remake of preivous RPGs. Same battle system, with better production values.… Expand

ugh...the game was fun....and ugh....it was good but i only got like a lv41 in everyone and i cant pass rhpathorne i just want to kick his fat ass to hong kong but noo there arent any hacks or stupid weird dances but overall it is a....ownage game!!!!!!!!!i tried to convince my friends to play it hehe i think its working im soo close to teh end but i dont have a slime crown i wonder if u can find one im still working on beating rhapathorne and ppl i have a little tip u know ridons tower theres a hill next to it use the god birds stone tht makes u fly and land there u fine every slime known to man so ugh... thtll make it easier to increase and u know the red slot machine in baccarat use it but its a 100 coin slot machine i got like 30,000 coins off it lmaooo… Expand

A strong RPG that is only superficially compelling, DQ8 doesn't do alot to RPGs that hasn't already been done so much as it synthesizes the formula. It's a mostly engaging experience all the way through, but, with so many RPGs that are catering to more specialized crowds, DQ8 will probably appeal more to the standard player than it will the progressive RPG enthusiast.

I'm kinda conflicted about it. I do enjoy it, but I also get tired of it quickly because the non-boss battles tend to just turn into attacking over and over, and it gets tedious because the encounter rate is so high. But nonetheless, great classic gamer experience.

Funny, involving story with great graphics. However, the XP treadmill is horrible. The average monster encountered after level 40 does not give you nearly enough XP. Leveling after 40 is so rare you begin to wonder if you're playing a MMORPG.

Awesome! This is game is simply awesome, I pity the reviewers who gripe with the games old school classic RPG fundamentals that is what makes RPGs so good, that is why FF7 and FF3 and old DQ titles trump FFX and FFX2... don't fix what is'nt broken, what makes DQ8 so amazing is the shear size of the game, it is a very big game.. travel is almost real time which I like, traversing from town to town is an adventure in itslelf as you have very far too go with many dangerous monsters lurking about, the Night and Day system is cool too, all RPGs should have that system. I enjoy the weapon proficency and skill system it reminds me of Dungeons and Dragons a bit, the graphics and sound are great, nice soundtrack and the game is absolutely beautiful in design, the mechanics may be old school but the graphics smash any other modern RPG game! I have not had this much addictive fun playing an RPG since Zelda: Ocarnia of Time! Buy it now over anything else!!… Expand

While I'm really enjoying this game and I would highly recommend it to any RPG fan, it does have its warts. The "load times" after every battle are noticeable and really breaks the flow of the game. In stark contrast to every review I've read, I didn't like the voice acting and ended up turning it off.

amazing game. best traditional rpg ever made and one of my favorite games ever made. the battle music sure could have changed at least one in game, but that all i can really think to complain about. the characters are awesome, the story isnt the best but its still good and loads of fun to play through.

One of the best RPG's for any console game. The world is huge, the characters are hilarious, and the battle system rocks! You can get 80 to 100 hours out of this game easy. My one complaint is that the ending was somewhat weak, but a person disappointed with this game is a gamer who doesn't like RPG's.

Simply amazing. Dragon Quest has stuck to its series roots and improved them like never before. Stunning visuals and a great story make this a exceptional game. This game needs to be added to and RPG players game library!

Tho this game story line, is over done, what RPG to date dosnt fallow it and is good? Its simplistic but balenced battle system makes it easy for anyone to play. And the fact that the story is that a story, that u will get caught up in as if u were reading a really good book. Makes this game one of the best RPG's ive ever played. The enjoyable long time it takes to beat the game and the rewarding expernces of complateting task threw out ur quest only makes it that much bette.… Expand

If your asking yourself, is that his real name, then yes, yes it is my real name. If your asking yourself, is Dragon Quest VIII under rated, then yes, yes it is under rated. And finally if your asking yourself, is Dragon Quest VIII the best RPG this console generation, then yes, in my honest opinion yes it is. Dont be a fool and buy, dont rent, this fabulous game...

I've played this game over a year, and iml VERY pleased! The graphics are great, so is the gameplay, ten thumbs up ;) I recommend you buy this game and try it for yourself.

This game is really disappointing. First of all you only see the monsters you are fighting. There are only Four characters. And how the hell can you have an RPG when you can only save in a town church which there are very few off. I took this gmae back the morning after buying it as i was frustrated. I can't imagine goin threw the entire final dungeon ( if that is what the end is like) without saving. Take my advice stick to Final fantasy coz dragonquest is miles away.… Expand

Visually amazing, sound is awesome, battles are great, simple gameplay, yet highly addicting, an awesome RPG all around. If you can get past the cartoonish animation which fits the game perfectly but can put off some people, this game is very fun, the reason that I did not give it a 10 is the lack of magic/summons and the troublesome saving system. But other than that this is the best RPG I have played in a long time, probably since Final Fantasy VII, it is no where near as good as FFVII but is definitely up there on the best RPG list.… Expand

One of the best RPG of the of 2005.

This was about the best RPG I've ever played! I miss the older RPGs, and this really brought me back. I'm not a big RPG fan anymore - all the new RPGs just seem stupid or boring or both. But this game was worth at least twice what I paid for it!

Great RPG. I had a freind who HATED RPG's, but he even loved this game, and that's saying something. Anyone looking for a good RPG, no, a GREAT game, should without a doubt check out Dragon Quest 8.

Gameplay delivers a nice classical feel and thats a good thing although in my opinion it could have been better. It also has colorful and amazing graphics that pleases the eyes. However it also has many shortcomings. The story is extremely dull in contrast to its world and its characters are very shallow and boring. The music isn't bad, but not particularly great either.

Dragon Quest VIII looks great, feels refreshing, and isn't just another anime-influenced turn-based RPG. Pros: Fantastic graphics; colorful visuals; variety of characters and secrets. Cons: The storyline is a hit-or-miss; a tad bit long of a quest for some gamers.

Dragon quest 8 is an ambitious game, Audio/video is incredible, but the gameplay... It feels like it's a game from the early 90's with modern graphic. You can save only in churches, and I mean, only! This means that you have to explore whole dungeons, and the more you go forward the more you are afraid to die and do it all over again. This would have not been an issue if combat was faster paced, instead we can spend lots of minutes for the lesser battles, and the reward is... well few money and who-knows-how-much exp.
Yes because if you want to know how close you are to leveling, you have to go back to a church and ask to a priest. when I wanted to grind I had to take pen and paper and calculate the exp after every battle. Not exactly user friendly.… Expand

This game is FANTASTIC! I really wish Metacritic had a 0-100 rating scale, since I don't give out perfect scores, but this game deserves a 97. I have been a fan ever since I beat the original Dragon Quest (Dragon Warrior) on NES when I was a kid. I then beat 2 and 3, and forgot about the series until now. I'd heard good things about this game, but I had no idea what I was in for when I picked it up. The graphics (for the PS2) and music are utterly astounding. The characters fit in the game, and can be quite hilarious at times. Everything in this game is highly polished, and as good as it possibly can be. I beat this game over the course of a few weeks, and it wasn't until I was finished that I realized I put in over 80 hours on this game. Some games take a long time, and you really notice it. THIS game, however, takes a long time, and you're none the wiser. Isn't that exactly what we want in video games? Brand new worlds so immersive that we forget about ours?… Expand

My favorite RPG ever. Perfectly made, structured.....everything! You know how you play several games and switch them in and out as your mood strikes you? This is the ONLY game EVER that once I stuck it in I never took it out until the end. I never wanted to play anything else but this for weeks. There is a lot of battles but that's what the Holy Water is for to keep those pesky monsters away when your really just trying to find something. It's got everything you couldever want in there...like Ragu: "It's in there!"… Expand

Its a shame that not enough people know about this game, because it is simply phenomenal. I get nostalgic just thinking about it *sniff, but I will try to stomach it while I get through this review. Dragon quest 8 is a very traditional rpg that uses turn-based combat. WAIT ! Before you automatically write this game off as another boring old traditional RPG keep reading this review. DQ8's combat system always keeps things fresh, funny, and exciting. You'll have fun level grinding in order to accomplish various tasks and earn money for better weapons. Now as far as the story goes....Its Great! That's all Im gonna say because I don't wan to spoil anything. The music is also excellent in this game and really sets the tone for the adventure your about to embark on. All I can say is that if you haven't played this game before than you need to do it now because its too good to miss!… Expand

this game just reminded me of how much we pc gamers need good jrpgs, i owned this game on my ps2 and it looks gorgeous now in HD,emulated. the story is great its probably the way lunar the silver star would look like if it was released in 3d ,a complete fun and involving story, great and varied enviroments , its really good! and the psyche up is so cool , the fights and battle system never gets boring, so fun , recommended 1000%… Expand

A great ps2 game, probably one of the fewest on the console who had an interesting story with unexpected twists, a classic yet always fresh combat system and, most importantly, an actual world map to explore by sea o flight : I really loved to play this game and gave so much fun until I finished. However I can't simply put a 10 for one big reason (at least to me): this game is insanely and extremely HARD....without a guide. That's right, I used a guide for this game, but I want to mention that the first time I played this game, and reached about 70% of the game, I didn't use the guide but I barely managed to pass some bosses: some of them require so much preparation that you won't be able to figure out right away, unless you die often or unless, yes, you use a guide, and the preparation mentioned isn't about levels or else it would be easy...actually it wouldn't, because griding normal enemies is out of the question: you will NEED to grind one specific enemy (metal slimes) in order to level up properly and, in order to beat one, you need either a crit or a ton of luck...but you know what it's best to kill them only with a guide. Again. But even with that, it's not always about the levels, it's usually about the skills: the first time I used different weapons (sword-hammer-bow-whip), but this setup wasn't actually any good because most of the bosses were extremely tough and my weapon skills were completely useless. On the second playthrough however, using the specified set "it" told me (Lance-axe-sword-whip), the game became soooo easy , mainly because these skills are the ONLY ones that are actually any good, while others MIGHT or MAYBE could work (scythe, for instance, is good for stealing items, but axe is far better because it decreases defense...isn't that a huge difference?): this means that there isn't much freedom in the skills and if you fail at putting those points (which is easy because you WON'T know what skill you get. Without a guide that is), you might make an easy boss fight into a nightmare. I'm sorry to say this but this game was one of those that, without a guide, was almost an nightmare to play and even though you CAN play without a guide you might have some problems to play and you could encounter some hard parts that, without a proper preparation (or a walkthrough) will be hard. However, even with this (personal) flaw, in my opinion this game is still valuable and still a good piece of jrpg that showed what the ps2 was capable of. With or without guide, it's worth a try.… Expand

Dragon Quest VIII has a traditional turn based battle system, an orchestral soundtrackm and good voice acting (Yangus). But most of all i like the world in which DQ VIII takes place.