So about three weeks ago I picked up DQ9 for my DS with the intent of beating and reviewing for all you fine people. The reason I chose this game aside from all the praise I heard about it was the fact I was going to be out of the country for a week. That’s right I went to Portugal (specifically the island Terceira) for a cousins wedding. My Thinking was of the thought that instead of embracing my culture and spending time with my family, I instead would play my Japanese game. To be fair it was a mash up of the two but by my trips end I had pumped at least 20 hours into DQ9, with no end in sight.

For all those unfamiliar with the Dragon Quest series, it follows the conventions of JRPG pretty tightly with turn-based combat at the forefront, text based dialogue and recurring monsters. The Dragon Quest games seem to take place in a pretty consistent world unlike the Final Fantasy series and even some characters are grandchildren of other characters from different games.

Now you have to understand that I actually really enjoy DQ9, it being the first RPG I’ve played in a long while is a welcome back to the genre. What I don’t like is that a handheld has now monopolized all my time. To the extent where I am so deeply buried inside quests, treasure map and alchemizing items. I play it when I’m at home instead of playing a console game. I bring it with me even if I only get a couple minutes of play.

The game is a menace with its seemingly innocent interface and then you’re swallowed whole playing it all time. Then you start reading up on forums for item drops, and proper alchemy combinations. You become a junky looking for your next fix. Then you’re collecting equipment not because it’s beneficial but just because it looks really cool (Slime hoodie).

It has come to the point where I know I’m not going to clear this game anytime soon and will probably just continue to plug hours into its apparently limitless content. This is not meant to scare people off the game, but more of a cautionary tale. To let you know what you’re getting into when start this behemoth of a game.

So I say again thanks Dragon Quest 9 for making a game that has really invoked rage and love at the same time.


  • chris

    This is truly terrifying

  • http://www.bonus-level.com Paul

    I’d fuck me. Also, I’ll make sure to stay far away from this one, I don’t need another long ass game eating all my free time. I’m looking at you FF13. Also, also, you play this in MD while we’re all hanging out and you and I are going to have words, my friend. :)