Dragon Quest VIII

[Xartex]

So how many of u have ever played this game, i think it is a great game, haven't finished it yet, but so far it has been really challenging, wich imo not many rpgs are, unfortunately :eek:

I almost got game over in the second battle, man was I shocked, used to everything being so easy in the beginning of the games and stuff. Beed really close to wiping a lot of times after that and has gotten slain 2 times, hard game and if u like a challange, try it

[Hydra]

Lol, I love it. I got it as a Christmas present last year. =O I beat....well..I call it "TDT", with Dragon Soul very easily. XD

[ShadowHeart]

It's a great game. Haven't finished it yet either, due to being lazy and lots of other things on my mind. I really like the higher challenge compared to most FF games, and the worlds are really huge (on the brink of being too large). Awesome game IMO!

[Hydra]

Level 60(maybe 80?) is enough to kill anything in the game with Dragon Soul and the Heros Liquid Metal Swords.

[Zeromus_X]

I thouroughly enjoyed DQVIII. I'm happy that Europe finally gets a DQ game too.

Yes, the expansiveness and exploration in this game was a great plus. There's a great sense of accomplishment and exploration in all the DQ games.

[Gumdrop]

I got the game, didn't finish it yet (just got the fourth person in your party). I enjoyed it so far though and I'll probibly try finishing it at some point but I have so many other games I didn;t bother finishing yet I can't say for sure.
It wasn't really hard for me, I got game over once but that was my fault for not resting my characters before a boss ^_^;
The voices could do with being left in Japanese but you can't have everything I guess.

[Hydra]

Lol, following my formatted memory card, I have to play through it..again.. and get everything again..so, I'll see you guys in 136 hours. :D

[Zeromus_X]

I got the game, didn't finish it yet (just got the fourth person in your party). I enjoyed it so far though and I'll probibly try finishing it at some point but I have so many other games I didn;t bother finishing yet I can't say for sure.
It wasn't really hard for me, I got game over once but that was my fault for not resting my characters before a boss ^_^;
The voices could do with being left in Japanese but you can't have everything I guess.

Omg, you're back! :):):)

As a matter of fact, the Japanese version had no voice acting at all. It was like the older games in the series. Of course, the JP version also had Midi music, so I guess the Orchestrated soundtrack is a very fair trade for voice acting. :)

[Hydra]

I didn't like the game, until I found the "King Metal Slime/Liquid Metal Slime" spawning spot. Then I LOVED it. XD I still never found the purple door where you get massaged by slimes. -_-"

[Gumdrop]

Omg, you're back! :):):)

As a matter of fact, the Japanese version had no voice acting at all. It was like the older games in the series. Of course, the JP version also had Midi music, so I guess the Orchestrated soundtrack is a very fair trade for voice acting. :)


Yup, I decided your all stuck with me again for a while :D

The no voices at all part would be good good (in the West anyway) but midi music...these days..? weird! I guess it is a fair trade.

[Hydra]

Only a while? :O

I'm glad they don't have voices..voices on a long going RPG like that might get a little annoying..especially considering how long the game is.

[Gumdrop]

We'll see, I never ment to go in the first place but I tend to drift away from forums after a while without meaning too :(

Did your copy not have voices? Lucky...:p Even the boss monsters have voices in my copy - the monster voices are the worst, King Trode probibly has the worst of the character voices and Angelo is probibly second worst.

[Hydra]

Happens all the time. For me anyway. :D

My copy did have voices, aside from Hero. It would've been better without them though. Which is why I want another copy without voices, lol.

[Gumdrop]

Ah I see :p Dunno why they have a thing about voice acting at Square/SE these days, their "voice talent" is talentless for the most part.

[Hydra]

They do it for the players. So they have something to hear while playing. But we don't really need that if it's a nice game like this one. They don't seem to see that, lol.

[Gumdrop]

Yeah I guess...and for people who can't read very well I suppose :p Personaly I enjoy imagining their voices in my head whilst reading rather than listening to some loud cheesy, typical hero type voiced, American blathering out the script (sorry if anybody is American here :p).

[Hydra]

Better than that I guess. :p If the Hero doesn't have a voice, why give everyone else voices? o_0

[Gumdrop]

That's a good question...To be honest I can't remember the hero saying anything in text either though so giving him a voice wouldn't be possible without changeing the script.

[Hydra]

I don't even remember him having any words in text either. o_0 Just expressions. It's a shame, really. Having the MAIN CHARACTER speechless, while the rest talk. That's a little odd.

[Gumdrop]

It is odd, it's even more odd how when the other characters ask him something they know his answer even though he doesn't reply (I seem to remember). The same is true for Ryu (the hero) in Breath of Fire 4.

[Hydra]

Maybe they just couldn't find a VA(Voice Actor) for him?

[Gumdrop]

I think some of their oice actors are just random people off the street so that can't be it :p
(okay that was maybe a bit harsh but some are just terrible)

[Zeromus_X]

Well, didn't they hire English VAs for the characters? I don't think they'd be American, unless they're just doing an extremely good job of mimicking that particular accent. I did hear that they had an entirely new voice cast for the European version though.

The main character in the Dragon Quest games never, ever talks (this is also another way of sticking with tradition. You can see this in alot of other older RPGs, more specifically classic turn-based CRPGs like Mother/Earthbound). This is because of the 'silent hero philosophy', that is, the hero doesn't have too much of a personality* because he's supposed to be a reflection of you. Although the main character in DQVIII had a great deal more back story then meets the eye, if you undergo a certain post-game sidequest...

*Well, they all seem to enjoy 'puff-puffs' at any rate.

[Hydra]

Well, didn't they hire English VAs for the characters? I don't think they'd be American, unless they're just doing an extremely good job of mimicking that particular accent. I did hear that they had an entirely new voice cast for the European version though.

The main character in the Dragon Quest games never, ever talks (this is also another way of sticking with tradition. You can see this in alot of other older RPGs, more specifically classic turn-based CRPGs like Mother/Earthbound). This is because of the 'silent hero philosophy', that is, the hero doesn't have too much of a personality* because he's supposed to be a reflection of you. Although the main character in DQVIII had a great deal more back story then meets the eye, if you undergo a certain post-game sidequest...

*Well, they all seem to enjoy 'puff-puffs' at any rate.
Quoted for truth. Especially Angelo. o_0

[Gumdrop]

Well, didn't they hire English VAs for the characters? I don't think they'd be American, unless they're just doing an extremely good job of mimicking that particular accent. I did hear that they had an entirely new voice cast for the European version though.

The main character in the Dragon Quest games never, ever talks (this is also another way of sticking with tradition. You can see this in alot of other older RPGs, more specifically classic turn-based CRPGs like Mother/Earthbound). This is because of the 'silent hero philosophy', that is, the hero doesn't have too much of a personality* because he's supposed to be a reflection of you. Although the main character in DQVIII had a great deal more back story then meets the eye, if you undergo a certain post-game sidequest...

*Well, they all seem to enjoy 'puff-puffs' at any rate.


It is hard to tell with DQ8 if they were English talent or not, I think Yagnus was but I believe the majority are actualy American. I was meaning voice acting in general though.
Yeah you have a strong point with the tradition part right there. Kinda nice how they decided to make it with tradition in mind.

[Hydra]

I hardly beat..I'll call it the "Secret Trial" without Dragon Soul. It ramps up with easy once you obtain that. :D

[blukazoo159]

i got for xmas last year and its not bad, a little childish at times, but not bad, still trying to beat it!!! :D

[Staircase]

I beat it, it was a great game, the only thing i didn't like about it was the music. The battle music was terrible. Maybe its just because I'm used to such great music from Final Fantasys though. :)

[Blaze]

Got it last year and already on the Dragoniven Trails right now. Those dragons are tought even at my levels.

[Phoenix Flame]

I just recently purchased this game...it's not bad for the money.

[Doctor]

I've seen this game; I've seen it be played by someone else...

It doesn't look too bad, but I don't think it's something I would buy, rather than rent...(then again, who can beat a game in the time you get to rent it, an RPG in particular?)

[Spec Highwind]

I bought this game a month ago... And it is very good, indeed. It's not like Final Fantasy, it is a quest-based RPG. I like it, even though it hasn't got a great storyline.

[Phoenix Flame]

One thing about the 'silent hero type' is that Square seems very much to like them...you all forgot about Crono from Chrono Trigger...except for a special ending - and I think the same with other games too. I never really liked the strong silent type hero. I loved Tidus' personality. I got more involved with his storyline than I ever got involved with, say Crono or Hero. I talk, my hero should talk as well :p

Edit: Even if he doesn't know what the hell's going on in Spira! ;tid


I also really liked Locke from VI. and Cloud from VII.

[Hydra]

Hehe. XD

I was messing around with gamesaves of my Gameshark, and kind of deleted my 120+ hours of Dragon Quest VIII.

......

Guess that gives me time to play it again, huh? =D

[Phoenix Flame]

I'm @ 16 hrs. only about 10% - but I game fast! =D

[Hydra]

I'm @ 16 hrs. only about 10% - but I game fast! =D
Find the purple door, and Slime Hill, and you're basically set for the WHOLE GAME.

XD It's that easy.

You got to get a great deal in the game though to find those two.

So, how far along are you? (In the game. :D)

[Phoenix Flame]

Just got to Yangus' hometown for the 1st time. I'm sorta helping my friend get through his game quickly also so we can get the second ending sooner...

[Yggdrasill]

I've played Dragon-quest VIII before and it was pretty good but it was way too old-school. The story was extremely linear and what was with the final boss?

I've played through it only once because you need to level a lot between towns to be even able to stand a chance against the boss, I'm not one who likes to power-level all the time, I like to go through a game without needing to devote hours to levelling up all the time.

[Hydra]

I've played Dragon-quest VIII before and it was pretty good but it was way too old-school. The story was extremely linear and what was with the final boss?

I've played through it only once because you need to level a lot between towns to be even able to stand a chance against the boss, I'm not one who likes to power-level all the time, I like to go through a game without needing to devote hours to levelling up all the time.
Did you fight the REAL final boss? Y'know, and get the secret ending? If you do that, it definately sheds some light on the main hero. =D

It's designed to be like the old days. To level up immensely and barely be able to beat the boss. At least "The Trails" play like that anyway.

[Yggdrasill]

Did you fight the REAL final boss? Y'know, and get the secret ending? If you do that, it definately sheds some light on the main hero. =D


Wasn't the real final boss Rhapthorne?
Or are you talking about the Dragovian trials?

[Hydra]

Wasn't the real final boss Rhapthorne?
Or are you talking about the Dragovian trials?
The Trails. =P

The metamorphing Dragonman, in my eyes, is a true final boss of the game.

Unless you're level 60-80, and have Dragon Soul, of course. =P

[Yggdrasill]

Yeah, Hero looks so much cooler in the the Dragovian armour than in his original clothing.

[Hydra]

That, and the purple door near the waterfall that rubs the slime on you. =D

THAT'S a golden place.

[Yggdrasill]

I might play it again to try and do a 100% play-through.
This time I'll just train against Metal-slimes, they give about 1000exp each. =D

[Hydra]

The best place for that is Slime Hill. All you see is King Slimes, and all the Metal Slimes. =D

[white mage]

I personally haven't played this game, is it really as good as you say?

[Blaze]

You are right Hydra that is the best place to train. That is were i train.

[white mage]

How much does this game cost and on what system? I might want to buy it.

[Spec Highwind]

It's for the PS2, and I bought it for +/- 30€ (dollar and euro have almost the same value, but it has been released here in the Europe a year later, and the price hasn't decreased much)

[white mage]

Crud. The price isn't bad, but I don't have a PS2.
Are you going to reply or not?
Well???????

[[email protected]]

Dragons Are Cool

[Lyde Lyde]

Yes I have the game as well. I haven't played it in a while. I got frustrated with it and tired of it after trying to beat Rhapthorne 12 times. Hardest final boss that I've played against.

[Seyluv]

Only 12 times, I usually be fighting boss like 78 times or so. I never give up, and I go fighting for months and months until my foe is dead.

I have this game too, I really never played it that much. Ithink it a pretty good game, and suely when I have the time I will try and play it again.

[Hydra]

I personally haven't played this game, is it really as good as you say?
Yes. Yes it is.

And Lyde Lyde, if that big oversized puff ball is the hardest boss you've ever faced, good luck getting past the Dragons if you attempt it. =D

[Phoenix Flame]

I was thinking that too (having only read about the dragons and how much of a pain in the @$$ they can be to fight - let alone defeat.) Hydra, you can only go to the Dragovian trial after beating the game, is that correct? And am I thinking about the same dragons you are talking about?

I also was curious if anyone ever completed every single alchemy recipe...and if so, what (if anything) do you get for doing so?

[Phoenix Flame]

Wow! I'm so addicted to this game it's not even funny (although I'm sure Hydra will laugh.) XD!

I just got the Grigham's Whip and MOST of the stuff I need for alchemy/survival from teh casino @ Baccarat. Man, 400K coins sure took a while procuring! ;doh

Oh well, it helps that ;l33

[Hydra]

Wow! I'm so addicted to this game it's not even funny (although I'm sure Hydra will laugh.) XD!

I just got the Grigham's Whip and MOST of the stuff I need for alchemy/survival from teh casino @ Baccarat. Man, 400K coins sure took a while procuring! ;doh

Oh well, it helps that ;l33
HAH! HAHAHAHA! HAAAA!

Yeah, I know that feeling. I'm afraid to start a new game on it, because I might block out my social life to spend time with the game. XD

[Phoenix Flame]

Totally... its just like a new DW/DQIII or IV. Those games pwned! XD

Now all I need to do is get rid of my gf and I can spend my entire weekend w/my Xavier hero. <3

*Remembers flashback to The Simpsons episode where Homer makes a giant carmel/cotton candy ball*

[Phoenix Flame]

Ok, 'got rid of' the gf. Now I can spend every waking (and non-working) hour with you Xavier <3 <3 <3 XDDD!!!

Actually, the game's getting a bit old. There's got to be a better place than the Dragon Graveyard to Lvl up. Anyone have any suggestions?

[Hydra]

Ok, 'got rid of' the gf. Now I can spend every waking (and non-working) hour with you Xavier <3 <3 <3 XDDD!!!

Actually, the game's getting a bit old. There's got to be a better place than the Dragon Graveyard to Lvl up. Anyone have any suggestions?
Progress through the story, 'till you get the ability to "fly".

Then, take a stop by Slime Hill. Take a few hours, and you'll be golden. <3

[Phoenix Flame]

Where's 'Slime Hill'?

Is that just above Farebury...where you first start?

[Hydra]

A flying spot near Rydon's Tower is where it's at. =D

[Phoenix Flame]

K, I'll check it owt. TY.

[Hydra]

Be prepared to be pissed though.

MKS's like to run. A lot.

[Phoenix Flame]

I no... I already killed 4. XD

[Hydra]

Imagine farming them to get a Dragon Soul ability for the Hero. XD

Somewhere over the level fifty, I know that much. =D

[Phoenix Flame]

Level 65... I know. I can't wait.

Just have to use executioner w/Yangus and Lightning thrust w/Xavier (hero.)

[Hydra]

Dang, use Swords with your Hero. XD

At least until his Courage and Swords are full. =D

I think it's called Courage, I haven't played it in ages. XD

[Phoenix Flame]

I no...you act like I'm a NooB! LOL XD

[Hydra]

I no...you act like I'm a NooB! LOL XD
Haha. XD

I haven't played it since I accidentally deleted my 120+ hours last year. =P

[Phoenix Flame]

I got to slime hill last night...that place is kewl. You only fight KMS's at night though :(

But I gained like 3 levels in about an hour...so Meh!

[Hydra]

Yeah, it's a great place to level up. =D

[Phoenix Flame]

Went from lvl 43-->55 today. I <3 that place XD

[Hydra]

I know, it's awesome! XD

You try the Trails yet?

[Phoenix Flame]

nope...

Thought you needed to flip the game first - then play them on the second run through?

[Hydra]

Flip it? o_O

You can do it before fighting the final boss. XD

[Phoenix Flame]

Oh, K.

@ gamefaqs they said that the Dragovian Trials were an extra dungeon you could play after beating (flipping - back in t3h day) the game... so I naturally thought I'd just do that on my next playthrough... XD

[Hydra]

I said don't trust me, for I haven't even touched this game for a year. XD

[Phoenix Flame]

Speaking of which...isn't it about time?

We could do a challenge of some sort... XD

[Hydra]

If you beat it at around level fifty or so, I'll consider you a great DQVIII player. XD

I mean all of it. Even the final form. The Multi-Dragon of Doom. XD

[Phoenix Flame]

I'll try that... 0_o

Next playthrough that is... XD

[Hydra]

I'll try that... 0_o

Next playthrough that is... XD
XD

I beat it without Dragon Soul. But then again, after the battle, I obtained it. So it wasn't by much. XD

[Phoenix Flame]

I'm working my way down the alchemy list now...I need a couple of key ingredients for several things... like the liquid metal sword (I need a slime crown) and timbrel of tension/sage's stone, etc. I'm guessing after leveling and going through whooping/stealing from baddies it should take me about another 2-3 weeks to beat the game; then another two-three months to get to the Dragovian trials @ lvl 49 or so. XD

[Hydra]

I'm working my way down the alchemy list now...I need a couple of key ingredients for several things... like the liquid metal sword (I need a slime crown) and timbrel of tension/sage's stone, etc. I'm guessing after leveling and going through whooping/stealing from baddies it should take me about another 2-3 weeks to beat the game; then another two-three months to get to the Dragovian trials @ lvl 49 or so. XD
XD

I never bothered with a bunch of alchemy.

Be SURE to beat the "boss" at the Trials a few times. He'll give you a 1337 Alchemy Pot. =D

[Phoenix Flame]

LOL!

You mean the 1337 alchemy pot that you can smok.... NM.

Yeah I eard bout it. Seems you get the items immediately after putting zem in ze pot! Kewl!

[Hydra]

LOL!

You mean the 1337 alchemy pot that you can smok.... NM.

Yeah I eard bout it. Seems you get the items immediately after putting zem in ze pot! Kewl!
Ganj....

I mean....

Yeah. ^^ You do. =D

[Phoenix Flame]

LOL!

;gra

Naw... I qwit!

[Zeromus_X]

The 'l337' Alchemy Pot was the first thing I got. No wait time for alchemy? Yes please!

Anyway, I didn't find Dragon Soul to be particularly impressive. I can do much more accumulative damage over time with attacks or weapons that hit multiple times combined with Oomph, for example.