The Dragon Quest series hasn’t been hugely
successful in the US, often overshadowed by the Final Fantasy series in the
console RPG realm. However, in their homeland of Japan, the series is one of the
biggest there is, with each entry selling tons of copies within days of their
release. The series has also produced some off-shoots, including the Dragon
Quest Monsters series. Since debuting on the Game Boy Color several years ago,
the Monsters series has been offering up an intriguing twist between the
original series and Pokemon, with monster collecting and combat elements coupled
with Dragon Quest’s unique art style courtesy of acclaimed artist Akira Toriyama.
Now the series is getting ready to debut on the
Nintendo DS with Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker. This entry to the series ramps up
the presentation substantially, offering a more story driven experience than
previous entries, improving the gameplay, and adding gorgeous graphics in line
with the latest PS2 game in the Dragon Quest franchise, Dragon Quest VIII. For
fans of the series anxiously awaiting the ninth entry, DQ Monsters: Joker should
be a worthy way to pass the time.
The gameplay is a bit similar to Pokemon, but not
so similar that it’s a straight clone. Fundamentally, you’ll do the same things,
as in capture enemies and have them fight for you, taking advantage of their
unique strengths on the battlefield.
However, there are some key differences that make
it different. Prior to getting into a scuffle with an enemy, you’ll be able to
see them on the battlefield, and be able to decide whether or not you’ll want to
engage them or leave them be. Once in battle, you can set your team’s attack
tactics, having them attack a certain enemy or perform a given command once the
turn begins.
Drafting enemies into your group also differs a
bit from the Pokemon games. Instead of chucking a poke-ball or something at your
intended target, you’ll have to have your current crop of monsters try to
intimidate them into joining. You’ll build up a meter, and the higher the
percentage, the greater your chance for success in recruiting.
You’ll be able to outfit your monsters with
weapons and armor. Depending on their race, you’ll be able to give them
different weapons, like staves and swords.
Graphically, the game has the same kind of cel-shaded
aesthetic as Dragon Quest VIII, and looks excellent on the DS. The character
models are very well designed, and the enemies look great and are teeming with
personality. Fans of the series will recognize familiar characters from the
Dragon Quest universe.
Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker is shaping up to be
a fine entry in the series, and looks leaps and bounds beyond the previous
entries in the series. Look for a full review in the coming weeks.
