DQ6 finally arrives in the States after 15 years, how does it stack up to it's predecessors?
This game was originally released on the SNES, and despite that, it is a very long game for an old-school RPG. I logged in over 50 hours and that was just from mostly doing the main story and the grinding needed to be able to defeat the bosses along the way. Of course there is plenty of sidequests and optional things to do, as well as postgame content.
The one thing that keeps cropping up though is that the difficulty curve is not constant. One boss might be quite easy, and the following might take several tries before you beat him, even though you gained a couple levels between them.
Also, since this is a classic old JRPG, lots of grinding is required. And if you want some of the best abilities available, you have to get to the part in the story where you can chance classes for one, then you have to level up the classes. However you can switch classes at any time, and any ability earned while using one, is still kept even after the switch.
Combat plays out exactly like the other two DS remakes; random battles are frequent and are strictly turn-based. Another issue players might have is the many points in the storyline where there are few if any clues on exactly what you are supposed to do next, however you learn how to 'Zoom' to various visited locations early on and there is a fortune teller you can speak with if you havent picked up the guide.
This adventure spans two similar but different worlds. As you progress you get the means to have more and more ways to travel and access more locations. If you are in the market for a game well worth the retail price, you cant go wrong with Dragon Quest 6. Pick this game up before it becomes exceedingly rare and expensive like DQ5.
Gameplay 8- Classic RPG through and through. The quest is long, there is a decent amount of optional content too. Controls use entirely the DS's buttons rather than the touchscreen. The story though is pretty predictable and soft, it takes a long time to really get going and suck you in. Dungeons use clever puzzles and each one is unique from each other. Each character has their own story woven into the main plotline, and by visiting certain locations you can learn their history.
Graphics 8- Colorful and clean 16-bit graphics. A little 3D modeling is used in cutscenes and town structures, but for the most part the game uses animated sprites. They arent ugly by any means, but the game's graphics dont tax the hardware.
Sound 8- Catchy tunes play throughout the game, though the number of them is low. Almost all the towns have the same tune, same with the battles. The sound effects are also pretty basic and monotinous.
Fun Factor 8- Fans of RPGs will like this game's fully old school style and playability. Others probably not so much.
Replay Value 9- Not only can you spent dozens of hours on the main story, there is a good amount of extra stuff to see, and with multiple save file slots, there is enough room for those that like to go through a game more than once.
Final Score- 41/50