Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies, developed by Level 5, brings together the expertise and success of the previous Dragon Quest titles. With the talents of Horii and Sugiyama on board, this installment takes a unique approach to the series. For the first time, battles occur on the field in an action-oriented style, reminiscent of the popular Crystal Chronicles game. Adding to its appeal, Dragon Quest IX also offers four-player multiplayer support, providing an immersive and social gaming experience.
While Dragon Quest IX brings a fresh perspective to the franchise, it unfortunately falls short in certain aspects. The graphics, while decent for the Nintendo DS, do not fully capture the grandeur and detail seen in other RPGs of its time. The character models may seem simplistic, lacking the intricacy that fans have grown accustomed to. However, the nostalgic feel of the game's design does bring a charming reminder of classic RPGs.
The gameplay in Dragon Quest IX is intuitive and enjoyable, with a vast world to explore and a multitude of quests to embark on. The combat system, taking place directly on the field, adds excitement and immediacy to the battles. However, some may find it repetitive and lacking the depth and strategy typically associated with the turn-based combat system of previous Dragon Quest titles. It is a departure from the traditional formula, which may disappoint long-time fans.
One of the main highlights of Dragon Quest IX is its multiplayer feature, allowing up to four players to embark on quests together. This collaborative aspect adds a new dimension to the gameplay, encouraging teamwork and camaraderie. It successfully creates a nostalgic feeling of playing couch co-op games from the past, where friends would gather around a console and embark on epic adventures together.
Overall, Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies is a mixed bag. While it introduces refreshing changes to the series, such as action-oriented battles and multiplayer support, it falls short in terms of graphics and the depth of its combat system. However, for fans of classic RPGs, it provides a nostalgic experience, evoking memories of playing with friends and immersing oneself in a vibrant world.
