Dragon Quest IV Nerfed: Official Thread

So when does this game get better? I'm on Chapter 2 right now, and the battles have basically no strategy, and there doesn't appear to be any semblance of a storyline other than "there's this bad dude. Lets get 'im!" Right now, I sit down to play the game, and 5 minutes later, I just want to go do something else. So is there a point in the game where it hooks you or something?
 
The game doesn't really begin until Chapter 5. Though the game never had much of a story to begin with.
 
Kabuff is the best spell in the game. Find some area where the enemies are obviously well above your level, cast Kabuff twice, and the enemies are rendered nearly powerless. In the case of mages, just cast Fizzle and away you go.
 
So I just beat the game at 19 hours with Hero at lvl 31 without ever using any stat boosting seeds, and I'm a bit disappointed in its length and... well, I guess the difficulty was alright, but considering I was underleveled (or so I hear), this game was pretty damn easy. But I did like it quite a bit, otherwise I wouldn't have beaten it in only 2 play sessions.

Sadly I won't have anything to play on my trainrides to school now... Except for the post-game chapter, so I guess I'll go and see what that's all about.

And yes, Kabuff is definitely the best spell in the game. Although Insultate was pretty useful for the final boss fight too; I couldn't have beaten him without either of them.
 
I'm a huge dragon quest/warrior nerd, and I got this day one.

I'm close to the end, and i have to agree it is a bit easy, but it's fun.

I'm finding its much more enjoyable if you do all the side missions, explore, and don't grind too.

I think after I beat this and Vesperia, I'll go and play DQ8 on PS2 again.
 
Well my friends, I purchased this used on Amazon Marketplace today for a grand total of $31.49 shipped. A local GS had it in stock used but without the manual (and for $34.99+tax) so I passed. I get to stick it to both SE and GS, yay! I would have purchased it when the price went down even more but I have literally nothing else to play right now after beating Rhapsody DS in 10 hours. I'll be glad to finally join in on the actual game discussion in this thread hopefully by the end of the week.
 
Ok, wow...the translations in this game all seem like they belong on engrish.com. I'm enjoying the game itself, but I'm in chapter 2 and some of things spoken by the priest just make me shake my head. They couldn't get a guy who speaks English as a first language to look this over?
 
[quote name='ZForce915']Ok, wow...the translations in this game all seem like they belong on engrish.com. I'm enjoying the game itself, but I'm in chapter 2 and some of things spoken by the priest just make me shake my head. They couldn't get a guy who speaks English as a first language to look this over?[/QUOTE]

Laaaaaaawl.
 
[quote name='Chacrana']So when does this game get better? I'm on Chapter 2 right now, and the battles have basically no strategy, and there doesn't appear to be any semblance of a storyline other than "there's this bad dude. Lets get 'im!" Right now, I sit down to play the game, and 5 minutes later, I just want to go do something else. So is there a point in the game where it hooks you or something?[/quote]

I would think if you're not hooked on the game by now, nothing's going to do it for you. Personally, I enjoy DQIV, as it's a simpler experience than, say, FFIV, which has so many spells I feel a little overwhelmed. I like the exploration and the way in which DQ doesn't guide you so easily from point A to point B.

Personally, what with so many games out there, if I'm not hooked within a few hours of playing the game, I flip it/resell it, and move on. Too many other games to play, and I'm not going to force myself to play something I'm not enjoying.
 
I thought the translations were just bad in that chapter too.

I've spent like 3 hours today in the casino omg what's wrong with me can't stop betting on monster battles.....
 
It's basically a graphically enhanced version of an NES game.

NES games weren't really known for their great stories, compared to today's standards anyway.

If you don't like the game immediately, you never will.
 
[quote name='Chacrana']So when does this game get better? I'm on Chapter 2 right now, and the battles have basically no strategy, and there doesn't appear to be any semblance of a storyline other than "there's this bad dude. Lets get 'im!" Right now, I sit down to play the game, and 5 minutes later, I just want to go do something else. So is there a point in the game where it hooks you or something?[/quote]

Well, there are a few things to consider. The original DQ4 was finished in 1990, long before RPG cliches were cliches. Similar to FF3 and FF4, a lot of people were annoyed at the simplicity of those plots, failing to recognize that these games helped create the plots we roll our eyes at nowadays. So, these short-comings have more to do with when it was released, not much else they can do about it without seriously revising the game.

Also, DQ is unique for it's time in that they did have a comprehensive story across the series for awhile, and the 1st 3 games form a trilogy about a legendary hero and his descendants fighting off the utmost of evil forces. In Dragon Quest 4, some significant time has passed since Dragon Quest 2 (#3 is a prequel to 1 and 2) and evil forces are gathering again. Although it's fairly simplistic, I like how they foreshadow what's happening. NPCs talk about having dreams where horrible things happen, and random, bad things are happening around the world. I feel like they do a good job fleshing out the story some with each character having their own section of the game and a distinct origin, however vague some of them may be. It was a 1st for the series, and perhaps the genre, back in 1990 (for the record, DQ4 wasn't released in America until 1992, but the points still stand), since a lot of RPGs had more to do with creating the characters yourself and trying to place the player IN the story.

But... as others have said, if you aren't enjoying it yet, odds are you aren't going to. Me, I can't get enough of it :)
 
[quote name='jer7583']I've spent like 3 hours today in the casino omg what's wrong with me can't stop betting on monster battles.....[/quote]

I bet a few times and didn't win anything. Everyone seems to say the casino can net some serious profit, but I've yet to win at anything.

[quote name='Moxio']Also, Ch 4 really sucks. So far Meena and Maya are the worst characters yet.[/quote]

I'm a little bored by the chapter, but it finally picked up a little. I'm after the man that
was a partner to the girls' father
, but I've got to level grind a little bit to get anywhere in that cave. The first monster I encountered was a bit stronger than I liked, so I've got to earn some money to get better armor/weapons and gain some exp.
 
[quote name='whitereflection']They're dialects.[/QUOTE]

Check Chapter 2 again, that isn't dialect.

But I'm a DQ/DW Whore, so I'll keep buying them!
 
[quote name='pete5883']See: Rocky & Bullwinkle.[/quote]

Show of hands, how many people know who Rocky & Bullwinkle are?

Off topic, but I did a presentation for a group of college kids and I used some clips from The A-Team. Not a single kid in that room knew who they were. It made me feel old.
 
[quote name='thelonepig']Off topic, but I did a presentation for a group of college kids and I used some clips from The A-Team. Not a single kid in that room knew who they were. It made me feel old.[/QUOTE]

That... that makes me feel old too.
 
Just finished the 4th chapter. It really wasn't that interesting to me compared to the other chapters, although it did pick up late in the story. Still, all in all, it is my least favorite chapter.

I look forward to chapter 5 very much. I'm going to savor the anticipation a bit and start playing the 5th chapter a little later today. Really looking forward to seeing how it brings all the characters together.
 
i think i was 4 or 5, and i have vague memories of the a-team on tv, but i think they were reruns; this would've been in the late 80s.

on chapter 5 now.
4 was ok; better than 3.
 
[quote name='Dr. Ghost']4 was ok; better than 3.[/quote]

I enjoyed the 3rd chapter more than the 4th, mostly due to the variation in the game formula. It was interesting running a shop as an employee (briefly interesting, I admit), and again, it was interesting being a sort of messenger between embassays. Still, it wasn't an amazing chapter, but I appreciate the novelty.

[quote name='Moxio']I don't like Ch 4 at all, really. I just need to power through it for Ch 5.[/quote]

I found I couldn't really plow through chapter 4. It required grinding a bit for me, and then I had to stumble about a little to figure out where to go next. I thought that having
Oojam in my party would make things instantly clear to me, but really, I had to meander about a bit before I figured out what to do. Until I had Oojam,
it was pretty hard going for the girls.
 
Beat it last night at around 26 hours and level 36. Loved it, looking forward to V and VI. And IX of course.

At the end, I'm sure the party talk feature would have been a nice addition but it didn't really take away from the game when I haven't seen it before.
 
My goddamn game didn't come yet. Been a week, but it's well within the timeframe for Amazon Marketplace, and I was too cheap to get the expedited shipping. Hope I'll be enjoying this time next week!
 
Beat it around 26 hours at lvl 38. Insulate is absolutely required for the last boss.

I'll go back and play Ch. 6 after I've beaten ToV and replayed DQ8.
 
Took about a week off from this game, as my new 360 demanded all my attention. Just crossing the desert in chapter 5. I tell you, when the Metal Slimes don't flee, they're a ridiculous source of experience points. :cool:
 
[quote name='Dead of Knight']Played this all weekend and I'm at the final dungeon. Love this game.[/quote]

I was just heading into this thread to say I feel like I'm the only person still playing this game. Glad to see you're playing too, although it looks like you're going to be finishing way ahead of me. I gained a rather busy social life a week or so ago, and now gaming has taken the backest back seat.

I played for about half an hour earlier. You know, chapter 5 is ridiculously long compared to the others. I've reached the village of all
women while on my quest to get another piece of the Zenthian armor, but I got busted for a crime I didn't commit and am trying to find the thief. I saw the hint that the thief had headed south,
but I'm not sure where to go. I found a cave to the southeast and am trying to get through that. The enemies at this point in the game are tough. I'll likely return to the game tomorrow.

I'm not sure what it is, but this game just has a charm I find inescapable. I really have to see this game done.
 
I just got this game on Saturday, and played it for about 10 mins (just enough to do the prologue and save at the first church). I am looking forward to it based on the comments in this thread.
 
[quote name='utopianmachine']I was just heading into this thread to say I feel like I'm the only person still playing this game. Glad to see you're playing too, although it looks like you're going to be finishing way ahead of me. I gained a rather busy social life a week or so ago, and now gaming has taken the backest back seat.

I played for about half an hour earlier. You know, chapter 5 is ridiculously long compared to the others. I've reached the village of all
women while on my quest to get another piece of the Zenthian armor, but I got busted for a crime I didn't commit and am trying to find the thief. I saw the hint that the thief had headed south,
but I'm not sure where to go. I found a cave to the southeast and am trying to get through that. The enemies at this point in the game are tough. I'll likely return to the game tomorrow.

I'm not sure what it is, but this game just has a charm I find inescapable. I really have to see this game done.[/QUOTE]

Yeah, it's the cave to the southeast where you need to be. It's not to the south like the game says. You're a good way into Chapter 5.
 
I beat this game last week. Though I'm wondering if I should keep it, or sell it to help pay for Eternal Sonota. Square games in this era are no longer rare and drop in price a lot faster then they used to.
 
[quote name='Paco']I beat this game last week. Though I'm wondering if I should keep it, or sell it to help pay for Eternal Sonota. Square games in this era are no longer rare and drop in price a lot faster then they used to.[/QUOTE]

I honestly wouldn't be surprised if Eternal Sonata drops faster than Infinite Undiscovery. I would wait on buying it if I were you.
 
[quote name='Dead of Knight']I honestly wouldn't be surprised if Eternal Sonata drops faster than Infinite Undiscovery. I would wait on buying it if I were you.[/quote]Eternal Sonata is actually already on clearance at Circuit City for around $17.
 
[quote name='Dead of Knight']Played this all weekend and I'm at the final dungeon. Love this game.[/QUOTE]

Forgive me for not going through the entire thread, but I read your opening post and now read that you're loving it. Just couldn't stand not being without the DQIV eh?

Anyway, I was pretty ticked about them removing the party chat, since I like those stuff (never played DWVII and DQVIII though). Still bought it the week of release at CC. DWIV was my favorite DW from the NES days.

I just beat Ch.5 this morning and got the Flawless Gem title. It's been a great commute game. I'm thinking of wasting time trying to get as much of the optimal equips as possible after beating the bonus stuff. The worst will be stealing the happy hat from liquid metal slime and some liquid metal helmets from the kings.
 
[quote name='Teeheehee']Forgive me for not going through the entire thread, but I read your opening post and now read that you're loving it. Just couldn't stand not being without the DQIV eh?[/QUOTE]
Bought it used. S-E gets $0.

Finally going to get to play this next week. How extensive are the name changes? I think Cristo -> Kiryl is pretty dumb.
 
[quote name='Teeheehee']Forgive me for not going through the entire thread, but I read your opening post and now read that you're loving it. Just couldn't stand not being without the DQIV eh?
[/QUOTE]

Bought it used like pete5883 so $0 went to Square.

[quote name='Ryuukishi']Eternal Sonata is actually already on clearance at Circuit City for around $17.[/QUOTE]

He's talking about the PS3 version, which is going to retail for a ludicrous $60 when it comes out next week.

The name changes are pretty extensive. Almost all the main characters' names are changed. Same for supporting characters, like one guy's name being changed to Tom Foolery.
 
Ugh, I cringed when I saw 'Tom Foolery.' They can do better than that.

Utopian - the part your at is when it gets a bit harder and more fun. I beat it last week while I was home sick from work, and I'm happy to say the final boss completely owned me the 1st time I went up against him, and I still won by the skin of my teeth the 2nd.
 
[quote name='johnnypark'] I'm happy to say the final boss completely owned me the 1st time I went up against him, and I still won by the skin of my teeth the 2nd.[/QUOTE]

Hah, the guy was cake.
Hero: Attack/Omniheal; Kiryl: Kabuff/Heal/Attack; Meena: Insulatle/Sage's Stone/Attack; Maya: Sap/Kafrizzle
makes for one dead final boss really quick. On to the bonus chapter.
 
[quote name='Dead of Knight']Bought it used like pete5883 so $0 went to Square.[/QUOTE]
Nah, I bought it new, I was answering the question for you. I guess using as few words as possible didn't work.
 
I've been putting an hour or two into this every night. I think I'm just starting chapter 5. I'm playing this one without a guide or FAQ so if I'm missing stuff I don't even know ;). Normally, I really like to be a completist on these RPGs so when I get stuck or something is difficult to get then I just end up dropping it. That's what I did with FF IV since I can't farm a rainbow pudding for Puddingway for the life of me (tried for like 3-4 hours). So I moved on to DQ IV. But I really want to finish this one so to hell with finding every little item and getting all the most powerful stuff - I'm plowin' through!

However, I did waste a ton of time trying to beat Balzack normally before I saw that item I got many many hours earlier and completely forgot about :roll:. That made the fight ridiculously easy. I thought I had to outlast all his healing spells and eventually he'd run out of MP - so with careful fighting I made it through 10-15 of them (taking 30-50 rounds or so) a couple of times but could never do it. When I used the item it was over in 2 rounds I think...
 
[quote name='io']However, I did waste a ton of time trying to beat Balzack normally before I saw that item I got many many hours earlier and completely forgot about :roll:. That made the fight ridiculously easy. I thought I had to outlast all his healing spells and eventually he'd run out of MP - so with careful fighting I made it through 10-15 of them (taking 30-50 rounds or so) a couple of times but could never do it. When I used the item it was over in 2 rounds I think...[/quote]

Heh, yeah, I forgot about that item too the first time I fought Balzack, but I remembered the second time.

I just got the
ultimate key, and I'm revisiting (via Zoom) towns I've been to before, going through them and opening the doors that beforehand remained locked.
I got a massacre sword, but I don't feel like using it because it's cursed. I suppose it could be cool if I equipped it right before a battle, but I don't know how being cursed effects battle. Can you still cast spells and receive spell assists from other characters?

That's why I posted earlier on this page about zombie mail. Is there no way to de-curse a weapon so I can always use it? Zombie Mail and the Massacre Sword are both nice.
 
[quote name='pete5883']Nah, I bought it new, I was answering the question for you. I guess using as few words as possible didn't work.[/QUOTE]

Oops, I meant "like pete5883 SAID." I was tired last night so I forgot to add that in there. :lol:

[quote name='utopianmachine']

That's why I posted earlier on this page about zombie mail. Is there no way to de-curse a weapon so I can always use it? Zombie Mail and the Massacre Sword are both nice.[/QUOTE]

According to my boyfriend, a certain character you get in the bonus chapter isn't affected by curses.
 
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