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
8.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 383 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: 67 out of 80
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 80
  3. Negative: 5 out of 80
  1. GUe1
    Oct 30, 2010
    10
    This game is aThis game is a masterpiece!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!… Expand
  2. 2shoog
    May 20, 2012
    10
    My favorite RPG ever. Perfectly made, structured.....everything! You know how you play several games and switch them in and out as your moodMy 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
  4. Slamix123
    Sep 28, 2016
    10
    I can talk all day about this beautiful masterpiece. Everything is perfect! The story, the gameplay, the world etc. If you like turn basedI can talk all day about this beautiful masterpiece. Everything is perfect! The story, the gameplay, the world etc. If you like turn based combat (like me) or can endure it, then this is a must buy. Buy it!… Expand
  5. MasterLink
    Feb 24, 2014
    10
    This is a world that for 100+ hours will suck you in and won't let go until you're done. Beautiful graphics, extraordinary soundtrack, supremeThis is a world that for 100+ hours will suck you in and won't let go until you're done. Beautiful graphics, extraordinary soundtrack, supreme dialogue and characters and some uber-cult-epic side-quests that it's certain that you will never forget. If you're a fan of classic JRPGs, level-grinding, Akira Toriyama, Piccolo or OUTSTANDING games, then enjoy the journey and never look back.… Expand
  6. banda89
    Dec 31, 2014
    9
    Great game, different from modern versions of RPGs. Not for everyone, the cheesy british voices may not be for everyone, but IMO adds charm toGreat game, different from modern versions of RPGs. Not for everyone, the cheesy british voices may not be for everyone, but IMO adds charm to this amazing game. I've read some negative reviews, most of them saying that its to diffcult and unfair, while I admit that leveling up can be a bit frustrating it does't overshadow most of the gorgeous masterpiece that is this game. this is no final fantasy, this game's hard if you are underlevel, but not impossible, not having save points inside dungeons, well this is an "old school" rpg, not final fantasy or any of the new ones that has a save point every new screen, you need to think your battles and know when its okay to fight and when you have to flee,

    Pros: Tons of secrets, quick learning curve, hints to make better weapons, side quests, mini games, MONSTER ARENA, lovable characters, 60+ hours worth. No wonder DQ series is so loved in Japan.

    Cons: excesive grinding, until you learn zing theres no cheap way to revive a fallen comrade,    … Expand
  7. Ken
    Nov 25, 2005
    8
    Funny, involving story with great graphics. However, the XP treadmill is horrible. The average monster encountered after level 40 does not 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.… Expand
  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

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Awards & Rankings

7
#7 Best PS2 Game of 2005
10
#10 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2005
5
#5 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2005