Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King

 PlayStation 2
Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King Image
Metascore
89

Generally favorable reviews - based on 63 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 339 Ratings

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  • Summary: The world of Dragon Quest VIII is created with breakthrough 3D graphics. The world, which includes fields, towns and dungeons, allow players to move around seamlessly. The graphics are of a high-quality animation, and players can feel as if they are walking around inside the world created byThe world of Dragon Quest VIII is created with breakthrough 3D graphics. The world, which includes fields, towns and dungeons, allow players to move around seamlessly. The graphics are of a high-quality animation, and players can feel as if they are walking around inside the world created by Character Designer, Akira Toriyama. The battle scenes and monsters make users feel as if they were actually facing them All of the monsters and characters are transformed with 3D graphics. Battle scenes provide astrong presence of characters and monsters due to its stunning visuals. Moreover, both new andfamiliar monsters have been recreated with uniquely detailed animation. Characteristic monsters popular among fans of Dragon Quest VIII come alive with a fresh breath of life. An entirely new original score by Koichi SugiyamaKoichi Sugiyama, the composer of Dragon Quest VIII and all of the music from previous titles in the series, composed an entirely original score. A classic and elegant score, the music is also memorable and will leave people humming the tunes. The impressive score makes the journey much more adventurous and paints each scene with emotion. [Square Enix]… Expand
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Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King Official Trailer 2

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 59 out of 63
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 63
  3. Negative: 0 out of 63
  1. Play Magazine
    100
    DQ8 is the epitome and ultimate maturation of traditional role-playing, nothing more, nothing less. [Nov 2005, p.26]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. My Gamer
    96
    But those willing to give it a chance will find the best role playing GAME -- emphasis on the game part -- they've played in a long time. It might just be enough to make a fan out of you.
  3. GameCritics
    95
    Dragon Quest VIII succeeds brilliantly by taking time-tested traditional-RPG gameplay and placing it in a uniquely vast and beautiful world that is a pure joy to explore and inhabit.
  4. PSM2 Magazine UK
    90
    An absolutely massive game world, an amazing soundtrack, gorgeous visuals, and some of the best RPG combat we've ever tussled with. Social Life? What's that? [May 2006, p.60]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. DarkStation
    90
    Dragon Quest comtinues its tradition of excellence with this perfect blend of strong storytelling, enchanting visuals and solid combat system.
  6. Game Informer
    88
    Continually baffles the mind with its visuals. [Dec 2005, p.168]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. Thunderbolt
    60
    While I did get some enjoyment from playing it, especially the first 20 hours or so, I’m left craving something more substantial, probably something that invloves the words "Fantasy" and "Final".

See all 63 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 61 out of 74
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 74
  3. Negative: 5 out of 74
  1. GUe1
    Oct 30, 2010
    10
    This game is aThis game is a masterpiece!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!… Expand
  2. omegaferrari
    Jul 25, 2012
    10
    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. thethis 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
  4. Player999
    Jul 1, 2017
    10
    Great story, great graphic, great music and nice classic combat system.

    Probably best jRPG ever produced. PS. PS2 version have best    Great story, great graphic, great music and nice classic combat system.

    Probably best jRPG ever produced.

    PS. PS2 version have best music, which is a big part of playing emotions in that title.    … Expand
  5. vahn
    Oct 24, 2015
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I gave it a 7 because of how cheap it was, being a game only playable with a guide.

    But tonight this game raises up to a 10 for one reason: my dearest pet parrot loved its music, it was "our" game, we loved its music and we spent days listening to the intro theme.

    I only wanted to re-write this review because I felt the need to say that for as much as it's flawed, it'll have a special place in my heart because of my pet, who passed away after 13 years together. You loved this music and I made you listen to it before you left me.

    Rest in peace, dear friend Chico. Your journey has ended, and now you deserve your rest.    … Expand
  6. Kaprawiec
    Oct 13, 2014
    9
    Great game! One of the games i look foward to play again - would love to see HD remake on PS Vita.
    When playing this game You can almost feel    Great game! One of the games i look foward to play again - would love to see HD remake on PS Vita.
    When playing this game You can almost feel the atmosphere of great adventure in the air + i loved concept of collecting monsters to add them to Your team. And the alchemy was also fun. Only true flaw for me was the idea of silent main character.
    I sold my PS2 and now this is the one game that I soo miss.. This and Odins Sphere.
    Graphics 9/10
    Sound 9/10
    Gameplay 9/10
    Verdict: It doesnt get full 10, because it hasnt got that good story, it makes You fight silly thing like slimes, but its really so damn fun and You get to appreciate this title after You finish it and when You think of this game You feel that You miss that something what You had when You played it..    … Expand
  7. GaryM.
    Nov 17, 2005
    9
    Great game! Fun! Much, much better that the FF XII demo..
  8. [Anonymous]
    Jul 16, 2006
    0
    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 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

See all 74 User Reviews

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Awards & Rankings

7
#7 Best PS2 Game of 2005
9
#9 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2005
5
#5 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2005