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I've never played a Dragon Quest game, where should I start?

I'd say play IV for the DS before you play V. They aren't a direct sequel but a few puns and a tiny bit of the overall charm will be lost if you haven't played IV first.
 
tl;dr: Go back and finish DQ2 and DQ3 -- NES OR GBC version?


Here's my question.

I've got plenty to play these days, but this thread on top of the the whole DQ 7 and DQ 10 buzz, has me thinking I should go back and finish DW2 and DW3.


I've started 2 about 6 times since the first time I rented it for my Nintendo. And for some reason never finished it.

I've started DQ 3 at least 2 or 3 times since this same period, but gotten less far. If I remember right 3's story is more (although loosely) connected to 1 than 2 is. Or has 1's map in it or SOMEthing that a quick google search would remind me.


Other than 7 (which I'll wait for 3ds) i have finished every other DQ available. I really should go back and finish 2 and 3. Especially since I've beaten 1 at least 10 or so times, no exaggeration, it's a short game.

So the actual question, which is the superior version, NES or GBC? I mostly care about sound/graphics. (Unless there is some other glaring difference between the two).

Thanks any replies.
 
friz898 said:
tl;dr: Go back and finish DQ2 and DQ3 -- NES OR GBC version?
Click to expand...

Play the GBC versions of these games (especially 3). They're a prettier (really nice animations), more intuitive version of the games. It's nice to just approach stairs and be able to use them without clicking "STAIRS" on the menu.
 
VARIA said:
Play the GBC versions of these games (especially 3). They're a prettier (really nice animations), more intuitive version of the games. It's nice to just approach stairs and be able to use them without clicking "STAIRS" on the menu.
Click to expand...

Although I agree with playing the GBC versions over the NES ones for several reasons, only DQ1 has a STAIRS command in the menu.
 
After not seeing a reply to this for a day or so, I PM'ed Aeana this morning before even checking here, now I feel stupid.


Thanks guys.
 
3 on the game boy color was my first game and it worked out well for me, honestly you can start with any game except maybe 1 or 2 they all hold up really well.
 
kurahador said:
DQ8 - beautiful graphic, great dubs, good story, ridiculous amount of contents and post-game.

One thing you should about DQ games, the story usually has a slow start. The games sorta ease you into the world.
There's no explosion in your face in the intro or anything.
Click to expand...


This!
 
Honestly, start with the original Dragon Quest. I never understood why people start playing series in the middle and don't start with the first title. Just like i wouldn't start playing Uncharted 2 first or watching Lost Season 3 first, for example.
 
III is the best starting point by far
ryz said:
Honestly, start with the original Dragon Quest. I never understood why people start playing series in the middle and don't start with the first title. Just like i wouldn't start playing Uncharted 2 first or watching Lost Season 3 first, for example.
Click to expand...

chronologically III is the prequel to 1 and 2
 
I started with IV on the DS and fell in love with the series, but honestly any of the recent titles are a good jumping in point.

ryz said:
Honestly, start with the original Dragon Quest. I never understood why people start playing series in the middle and don't start with the first title. Just like i wouldn't start playing Uncharted 2 first or watching Lost Season 3 first, for example.
Click to expand...

Because they're all separate stories and worlds and have little to do with each other outside of recurring themes?

Plus DQ1 isn't the easiest game to pick up and start playing today, unlike the remakes or later titles.
 
I'd say start with IV on the DS. The easiest to get into for me. VIII is my favorite but it took a minute for it to click for me.

IV got the twins, who are hot. Yes I will go there.
 
Personally I would start with VIII on the PS2. Loved everything about it and def my favorite in the series. IV, V, and VII are also good. The others I haven't played so I can't really comment.
 
IX got me to check the series out after HATING HATING HATING Dragon Warrior on the NES as a kid. I avoided RPGs like the plague until playing Chrono Trigger and after Dragon Warrior IX I realized I was missing a lot.
 
This order:

8 3 9 4 5 6 7

8 is really good, but simplistic and a good starting point. 3 is a bit more complicated, then 9 is basically 8 combined with 3. 4 5 and 6 are a trilogy and then 7 is an improved 6. I loved 1 and 2 as a kid, but they don't hold up.
 
I would say start with 4 and 5 for the DS.

8 and 9 are also amazing.

6 and 7 are big and very good for the DQ veteran, but a little harder to get into.

Also, off the main series...someone mentioned Rocket Slime earlier. Seconded. That game was super fun. Also DQ Monsters Joker 1 and 2 if you like the pokemon style games set in a DQ world.
 
Glad I found this thread. Was wondering the same thing. I played VIII and it was pretty good. Never got around to finishing it. Don't have a PS2 anymore unfortunately. Looks like I'll go with V since I have a 3DS. I really like the concept of story too.
 
Jus picked up 6 which is my first into the series. I'm about 5 hours in and I wish I would've seen this thread first :(

Still, I'm enjoying it so far.
 
Dragon Quest Swords made me fall in love with the series TBH. It was simple, accessible and it introduced me to the dragon quest charm. It made me yearn for more. But since you don't have a wii, I'd go for DQVIII
 
Depends on what you look for in your RPGs. If you're into the spectacle, 8 is the clear choice. If you're into heartfelt storylines and want something short, sweet and a bit less challenging, then go with 5. If you're into reeeeeeeeeeally long, story-driven games, 7 is the clear choice. If you like more grindy games with lots of character customization and multiplayer capabilities, then there's 9.
 
I started with 1, but it would be really really rough to go back to now and play. I would personally suggest V (DS remake), VII (I love 7, even though no one has mentioned it?), and IX. I actually picked up VIII from a gamestop bargin bin for like 10 bucks a couple years ago but still haven't tried it. I really need to do that sometime.
 
I would say 8 or 9. 8's characters are better (9 hasn't so...), and its story is more like a fairy tale IMO, less fractured than 9 with a good antagonist.
5 has a very good story too, but despite having been remade, it shows its age.

I personnally waiting for 7, which I never played. Looks very interesting.

never played 4, and liked 6, although too much old school...
 
Ok so I just bought a 3ds XL this thread has lots of ideas about what is best etc but what is best for ds? I enjoyed the two I played on gba but honestly don't remember them too much. So best one for DS/3ds?
 
Out of newer ones: IX is addictive as fuck once you get going and VIII is just magical, beautiful and infinitely lovable.

Such a great series.
 
8 isn't very realistic at this point IMO. How many people still have PS2s? I sold mine back in 2006 thinking my PS3 would have BC.. those were the good old days. Have a copy of DQ8 I never even got to play!

DQ9 was my first proper DQ after only playing Rocket Slime prior to it. Both are fantastic. I played the goofy on-rails DQ game for Wii and it actually wasn't that bad.
 
Meier said:
8 isn't very realistic at this point IMO. How many people still have PS2s? I sold mine back in 2006 thinking my PS3 would have BC.. those were the good old days. Have a copy of DQ8 I never even got to play!

DQ9 was my first proper DQ after only playing Rocket Slime prior to it. Both are fantastic. I played the goofy on-rails DQ game for Wii and it actually wasn't that bad.
Click to expand...

OP says he's got BC PS3.

Go with VIII if you have 100+ hours to spare.
 
DQ8 if you have a PS2 or IV,V,VI on DS, V is the best on the system. IX is good also I just feel it looses some of the DQ feel with the make your own character stuff.
 
I loved Dragon Warrior on the NES, even when I was a kid. That Nintendo Power Subscription was worth it. But I haven't played any of the other games...
 
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