SLADE775
01/19/06, 04:07 PM
DRAGON QUEST 8 (PS2)
GRAPHICS - 10/10
All I can say is that when I think of how an RPG should look, this is exactly it. Cell shading done to perfection with Akira's magnificent touch. The landscapes are just enchanting, it doesn't get any better than this
SOUND - 10/10
Out of all the animation i've ever seen, i've never heard better voice acting anywhere. A cast of Brittish actors have taken these already vibrant characters and made them truly come alive. Yangus and Jessica are the characters that really stand out in my mind
MUSIC - 10/10
Sorry to sound like a broken record but the word perfect has never applied better. I know that most RPG's usually have good soundtracks, but the orchestral bliss that is DQ8's soundtrack is mind blowing. From the world map soundtrack to the battle score, and the eerie music heard at night, it's all fantastic.
CONTROL - 10/10
When you buy this game (notice the word "when") pick up the blue slime controller, if you can find it. The control is just how you'd want it to be, easy menus and smooth movement makes playing DQ8 a breeze.
STORY - 10/10
The only negative thing I've heard about this game concerns the stroyline. RIDICULOUS is that claim, the story is captivating and motivating without straying from its initial purpose. Everything comes together in epic fashion as the game progresses.
VALUE - 10/10
The gambling mini-game alone is more fun than some of todays games. Between the monter arena, collecting medals, finding treasures, creating new weapons and items and searching out rare monters it's easy to see that this game is full of extras. I have about 30 hours logged in from sidequests alone. It can take over 150 hours to complete everything in this game. Now that's value.
OVERALL FUN FACTOR - 10/10
What do you get when you combine a fresh yet simple battle system with strong colorful characters and spectacular visuals? You get the greatest RPG ever made. Yes folks, this is the pinnicle in gaming. From the first random battle I knew that I would fall in love DQ8 as so many people did in Japan. What I really want to point out that I have yet to mention is the challenge this game displays. This is not an Easy game by any means, a true challenge is rare in todays (pansy like) gaming world. One can't just fly through this game effortlessly, tons of leveling is required but honestly, it only adds to the fun. I have been playing video games for over 15 years and I can fully say that this is my favorite video game ever released. If this review provokes one person to even rent this game then it was well worth it. Take my advice and play this game already, you won't regret it.
GRAPHICS - 10/10
All I can say is that when I think of how an RPG should look, this is exactly it. Cell shading done to perfection with Akira's magnificent touch. The landscapes are just enchanting, it doesn't get any better than this
SOUND - 10/10
Out of all the animation i've ever seen, i've never heard better voice acting anywhere. A cast of Brittish actors have taken these already vibrant characters and made them truly come alive. Yangus and Jessica are the characters that really stand out in my mind
MUSIC - 10/10
Sorry to sound like a broken record but the word perfect has never applied better. I know that most RPG's usually have good soundtracks, but the orchestral bliss that is DQ8's soundtrack is mind blowing. From the world map soundtrack to the battle score, and the eerie music heard at night, it's all fantastic.
CONTROL - 10/10
When you buy this game (notice the word "when") pick up the blue slime controller, if you can find it. The control is just how you'd want it to be, easy menus and smooth movement makes playing DQ8 a breeze.
STORY - 10/10
The only negative thing I've heard about this game concerns the stroyline. RIDICULOUS is that claim, the story is captivating and motivating without straying from its initial purpose. Everything comes together in epic fashion as the game progresses.
VALUE - 10/10
The gambling mini-game alone is more fun than some of todays games. Between the monter arena, collecting medals, finding treasures, creating new weapons and items and searching out rare monters it's easy to see that this game is full of extras. I have about 30 hours logged in from sidequests alone. It can take over 150 hours to complete everything in this game. Now that's value.
OVERALL FUN FACTOR - 10/10
What do you get when you combine a fresh yet simple battle system with strong colorful characters and spectacular visuals? You get the greatest RPG ever made. Yes folks, this is the pinnicle in gaming. From the first random battle I knew that I would fall in love DQ8 as so many people did in Japan. What I really want to point out that I have yet to mention is the challenge this game displays. This is not an Easy game by any means, a true challenge is rare in todays (pansy like) gaming world. One can't just fly through this game effortlessly, tons of leveling is required but honestly, it only adds to the fun. I have been playing video games for over 15 years and I can fully say that this is my favorite video game ever released. If this review provokes one person to even rent this game then it was well worth it. Take my advice and play this game already, you won't regret it.