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[Aeana]

Dragon Quest IV: The Chosen Ones
Developer: Arte Piazza
Publisher: Square Enix
System: Nintendo DS
Genre: RPG
Release: November 22, 2007 (Japan)

TVCM: http://youtube.com/watch?v=1MFBUEAayF8
TVCM (extended): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qX8-iK2p2Gw

Famitsu score: 9/8/8/9

These people hardly need any introduction, but here it is nonetheless:

Designer/Scenario director: Yuji Horii
Prior credits: creator of Dragon Quest, Chrono Trigger (scenario), Itadaki Street, Portopia Serial Murder Case

Character and monster designer: Akira Toriyama
Prior credits: worked on every Dragon Quest game, Dragon Ball, Chrono Trigger, Blue Dragon

Music: Koichi Sugiyama
Prior credits: Dragon Quest series, Shiren series, EVO

Art director: Shintaro Majima
Prior credits: Soul Blazer, Dragon Quest 6/3r, Dragon Quest 7/4r, Dragon Quest 5r, Innocent Life

Overview
Dragon Quest 4 was originally released for the Famicom in February, 1990 and then in North America in October, 1992 (as Dragon Warrior 4). It was the final entry in the Dragon Quest series to be released on the Famicom/NES, and the last entry of the series that North America saw until Dragon Warrior 7 in November, 2001.

The game was later remade by Heartbeat for PlayStation, using the Dragon Quest 7 engine, and was released on November 22, 2001. The remake had many new features, including an entirely new chapter, the ability to speak to your party members, and (perhaps most importantly) the option to turn the party AI off. The remake was advertised in the manual of Dragon Warrior 7, but sadly never made it to North America (much to many a fan's chagrin).

The DS version is an enhanced port of the PSX remake, with a completely revamped user interface and some extra features.

Major enhancements
• Takes advantage of the DS's dual screens to display a larger view of the towns, the world map or various UI elements.
• A completely new UI which has been reworked to accommodate both screens, as well as the addition of new animations for all monsters.
• The opening theme is orchestrated, conducted by Sugiyama and performed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra
• The immigrant town has been expanded to allow players to trade their town members via wireless, and send messages and stuff along with them.

Gameplay

Battles

Battles take place in a first-person perspective. Enemies are 2D sprites, placed upon a 3D backdrop. The top screen is used to show each party member's status and their portrait, as well as their AI setting or next action and its target. Commands are chosen on the bottom screen, and each action is detailed in the combat log. If Dragon Quest 8 was your first Dragon Quest game, just imagine how the battle screen looks when you're inputting commands, and that's how battles appear. A new addition in this version of DQ4 is monster idle animations. In the NES version, monsters had no animations at all. In the PSX remake, monsters only had attack animations. Now, in the DS version, monsters are animated at all times, just like Dragon Quest 5r and Dragon Quest 8. As seen above, the background of the top screen also changes colors with the battle scene.

Exploration

Towns are explorable with a full 360 degrees of camera rotation, and they span both screens at once by default. It has been said, however, that you can limit the town screen to just the bottom screen, and display a map on the top screen instead.

The traditional overworld map style of exploration returns in this game, as well. There are multiple forms of transportation available, such as the ship and something else (not spoiling!).

And, of course, there are large 3D dungeons to explore!

Sidequests and minigames
Dragon Quest 4 was the first DQ game to have both the casino and mini medals, so of course both are back in this remake... and both have been upgraded from the original NES game. At the casino, you can play poker, hit the slots, or bet on monsters at the colosseum. The mini medal system has been revamped to be more like the system from later DQ games, where you are rewarded with a prize for obtaining a certain number of medals instead of using the medals as a currency to buy items as in the original NES game. Another big addition to the remake over the original game is Dragon Quest 7's 'immigrant town' system, which allows you to build a town with people you meet all over the world (similar to Breath of Fire 2).

The immigrant town has been expanded in this version to allow the trading of townspeople with other players. When preparing to send a townsperson, you can choose their appearance, a special message for them to speak in their new home, and a special skill (like gardening, carpentry, and so on).

Below are very slight chapter spoilers. Do not read on unless you've already played DQ4, or do not care about these kinds of minor spoilers that you'd find on the back of a game box or in a manual.

Story
Dragon Quest 4 uses a chapter-based story presentation method that remains unique even today. The first four chapters are dedicated to introducing the chosen ones, who are to journey with the hero (or heroine!) in the fifth chapter.

Chapter 1: The Royal Soldiers
The soldiers of Bautland are known far and wide for their bravery. One of these soldiers is Ryan (Ragnar in the English NES version), the hero of this chapter. Clad in unusual red armor, he sets out to perform a special task given to him by the king. Just where will his duties lead?

Chapter 2: Adventures of a Tomboy Princess
The tomboy princess of Santheim is the heroine of this chapter. Discontented with being cooped up inside the castle walls, she sets off on a journey to hone her martial arts skills, accompanied by her father's trusted men, Clift (Cristo) the royal knight, and the mage Brai (Brey).

Chapter 3: Arms Merchant Torneko
Chapter 3 is a unique one. The focus of this chapter is on Torneko, who works as a merchant's apprentice in the town of Lakenaba. His dream is to be the world's most successful arms dealer, and this chapter begins with the first step towards that goal.

Chapter 4: The Sisters of Monbarbara
This chapter stars two young sisters: Manya (Mara), a dancer; and Minea (Nara), a fortune teller. They are about to set off on a journey to exact revenge on their father's murderer...

Chapter 5: The Chosen Ones
The real meat of the game, this is where all of the chosen ones join with the hero in his/her quest.

Hoimin/Healie awaits!

 

[justjohn]

now this is how you make an official thread. awesome

 

[ethelred]

Wow! Awesome job on the thread, Aeana.

 

[mutsu]

Already preordered mine a full month ago. Day one purchase for me! Being a huge DQ nut that I am, really excited to be able to play the first numbered DQ game on a handheld since DQ3 on GBC!

Simply cannot wait.

 

[TekunoRobby]

Great thread!

I personally can't wait for this game. It was flawless at TGS.

 

[Fuzzy]

I never played DW4 on the NES (I played the first three) so I'm looking forward to this.

 

[Red Scarlet]

At least 2 monsters animated somewhat in the 8-bit version! And a couple monsters had non-attack animations in the remake. I may start on my monster poster project later.

So it comes out 6 years to the day, and since that's Thanksgiving, I could get it when I get back to school from vacation..really torn.

 

[bryehn]

God, I hope this gets localized. I'm tempted to pick this up and play though it using memory and guides...and to have it sit on my shelf lookin' cool.

 

[Dragona Akehi]

I cannot wait.

 

[Aeana]

At least 2 monsters animated somewhat in the 8-bit version! And a couple monsters had non-attack animations in the remake. I may start on my monster poster project later.

So it comes out 6 years to the day, and since that's Thanksgiving, I could get it when I get back to school from vacation..really torn.

Yeah, yeah.

And I thought it was pretty cool that they're using the same date as the PSX remake, myself.
I'm looking forward to your monster poster thing!

 

[Bebpo]

Looking forward to this. Never got around to playing it on PS1 and this will be more convenient.

 

[Red Scarlet]

Yeah, yeah.

And I thought it was pretty cool that they're using the same date as the PSX remake, myself.
I'm looking forward to your monster poster thing!

I could have sworn I got this around early October, 2001, but then I checked guide dates and I guess it was late November. I hope you like the game, Bebpo! So Aeana and Bebpo are getting the game, Y2Kev said he would, I might, anyone else importing?

 

[Golden Darkness]

Say, just wondering, has there been any comparison on how the DS version looks against the PS version? Is there anything that looks ported over or does eveything look created from scratch to utilize the DS hardware?

 

[Aeana]

Say, just wondering, has there been any comparison on how the DS version looks against the PS version? Is there anything that looks ported over or does eveything look created from scratch to utilize the DS hardware?

Someone did a comparison once...

It looks like they used similar assets, but the areas have been remade to be more compact, at the very least.

 

[ethelred]

I could have sworn I got this around early October, 2001, but then I checked guide dates and I guess it was late November. I hope you like the game, Bebpo! So Aeana and Bebpo are getting the game, Y2Kev said he would, I might, anyone else importing?

Trin says he's getting it.

 

[Red Scarlet]

go Trin go.

 

[Bebpo]

PS1 version looks to have more detail in that comparison, but it's also uglier because the camera is so close up that you see all the pixelation.

I could have sworn I got this around early October, 2001, but then I checked guide dates and I guess it was late November. I hope you like the game, Bebpo! So Aeana and Bebpo are getting the game, Y2Kev said he would, I might, anyone else importing?

Yeah, I mean I loooooooooved DQVr so I expect to like DQIVr very much.

 

[Red Scarlet]

You better. I'm sure John TV will grab it too.

So are Aeana and I the only ones that have played the remake before?

 

[Link1110]

You better. I'm sure John TV will grab it too.

So are Aeana and I the only ones that have played the remake before?

I beat the remake. I'm on the fence about importing this or waiting for the off chance of a us release.

 

[Y2Kev]

I'll be along for the ride.

 

[TekunoRobby]

You better. I'm sure John TV will grab it too.

So are Aeana and I the only ones that have played the remake before?

I played the remake but I'll be waiting on the US release for the DS semi-port. My Japanese isn't strong enough.

 

[zoku88]

I beat the remake. I'm on the fence about importing this or waiting for the off chance of a us release.

I think the chance is at least somewhat lucky. 8 was fairly popular, right?

I'm with the waiting group. I'm only in my first jpn class. I know nothing

 

[Error]

i'll wait for the US version, I know what to expect.

 

[Aeana]

I think the odds of a North American release are pretty high, but probably not until spring at the earliest.

 

[Askia47]

I could have sworn I got this around early October, 2001, but then I checked guide dates and I guess it was late November. I hope you like the game, Bebpo! So Aeana and Bebpo are getting the game, Y2Kev said he would, I might, anyone else importing?

I could possibly get this with a new DS. I've been interested in this for a while now.

 

[Johnas]

I won't be importing this, but I just wanted to chime in and say kudos Aeana for a very well-done thread. I've played the NES version multiple times so I'm not worried about spoilers, so I'll keep a close eye on this thread for impressions, especially from folks who played the NES game but not the PSX remake.

I will absolutely pick up the NTSC version when it arrives.

 

[mutsu]

You better. I'm sure John TV will grab it too.

So are Aeana and I the only ones that have played the remake before?

I've played both the remake and the original on NES (both in the Japanese language). I will be importing too.

 

[charlequin]

I'm 100% on day one for this... US release, that is. But I'll be reading everyone's impressions and play experiences with strong interest!

 

[Endgegner]

God, I hope this gets localized. I'm tempted to pick this up and play though it using memory and guides...and to have it sit on my shelf lookin' cool.

Anybody who knows something about this? I loved Dragon Quest VIII, and games like that might make me pick up a DS after xmas. Does IV feel a lot more classic than VIII?

 

[Segata Sanshiro]

I'll definitely be getting the English version. I might get the JP version also depending on how impatient I get though.

 

[Aeana]

Anybody who knows something about this? I loved Dragon Quest VIII, and games like that might make me pick up a DS after xmas. Does IV feel a lot more classic than VIII?

Well, 8 is definitely more 'modernized' than the older DQ games... but it still retains the same feeling pretty well. I think that anyone who's only played 8 would be comfortable with the older games (unless they only liked 8 because of its pretty graphics).

 

[Oldschoolgamer]

Awesome thread. I'll probably wait for the english version. Its been a while since I used a guide for something like this, and, I'd rather not have to. I'll be reading impressions and such though.

 

[keanerie]

Looks great (thread and game alike). Will be waiting for the English version, myself.

 

[Jiggy]

I'll import if for some reason an English release never happens. I know how to beat DQIV anyway, language barrier or not.

 

[Loto]

Great thread!

I like seeing early hype for this game. Maybe an N/A announcement will come soon!

Any news/rumors on the inclusion of

Spoiler

Chapter 6?

 

[Red Scarlet]

I don't see why they would've taken it out. They kept 3's bonus dungeon and added another one in the GBC version.

 

[Gruco]

I think the odds of a North American release are pretty high, but probably not until spring at the earliest.

Hurry up stupid US version!

 

[Aeana]

I don't see why they would've taken it out. They kept 3's bonus dungeon and added another one in the GBC version.

Yeah, I'd be really surprised if they took it out. There are also two 'coming soon!' spots on the new DS features page at the official site, so I still have hope for some totally new things.

 

[Red Scarlet]

Please don't be monster medals.

Or connecting to other people only content (like FF3).

Looks like I'll start monster thing now.

 

[firex]

I'm seething with jealousy since I have to wait for it in English and we'll probably get another goofy British parody localization.

 

[ethelred]

...we'll probably get another goofy British parody localization.

Hopefully! I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

 

[PantherLotus]

Great job on the thread. I only ever got 80% through DQIII, and only 75% through DQVII, so this will be an awesome treat if we can ever get it localized (NA). Maybe having it on a portable and all the things that go with that will make it something I can actually beat?! I love the DQVII style that this is showing as well.

I will be watching this with baited breath.

 

[john tv]

I'm getting it day one, of course.

I finished the NES version back in the day, and I played the PS1 version, but only to like Chapter 3 or something. I got sidetracked and never got back to it. This one, I will be playing straight through to the end for sure.

 

[sprsk]

Oh shit, this is out next week? I gotta clear out my backlog.

Dude, wtf, the "british" localization was awesome.

 

[NolbertoS]

Waiting for the US release..it'll be added to my DQ collection..someday I'll make my DQ shrine bigger So did S-E ever announce when DQ V and VI will be released?? I'm guessing if the Japanese releases are for next summer 2008, than a late fall release here in North America.

 

[Askia47]

Hey i have a quick question. How hard do you think this will be to go through on beginners level japanese? Is there a list of terms that are unique to this game? Just wondering.

 

[Aeana]

Hey i have a quick question. How hard do you think this will be to go through on beginners level japanese? Is there a list of terms that are unique to this game? Just wondering.

As far as Japanese language levels in RPGs go, Dragon Quest games are really on or near the bottom rung. They use very few kanji, and are written in such a way that even children can understand them. I often recommend Dragon Quest games to people who are learning Japanese, but want to try playing an RPG for this reason.

Red Scarlet has also written translation guides for the PSX version of DQ4 and submitted them to GameFAQs.

 

[Askia47]

As far as Japanese language levels in RPGs go, Dragon Quest games are really on or near the bottom rung. They use very few kanji, and are written in such a way that even children can understand them. I often recommend Dragon Quest games to people who are learning Japanese, but want to try playing an RPG for this reason.

Red Scarlet has also written translation guides for the PSX version of DQ4 and submitted them to GameFAQs.

Thanks Alot!

 

[Cheerilee]

The remake was advertised in the manual of Dragon Warrior 7, but sadly never made it to North America (much to many a fan's chagrin).

The DS version is an enhanced port of the PSX remake, with a completely revamped user interface and some extra features.

If Enix of Japan was physically unable to insert Enix of America #2's completed DW4 translation into the DQ4 PSX remake because Heartbeat lost the source code when they quit, how did Squenix port the game to the DS? Enix just hates America and blamed Enix of America #2 for the failure of DW7.

 

[soul]

Great thread. Sadly I won't be importing this one the first day since I ran out of spending cash.