YOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! GC, YOU FUCKING BEAUTIFUL SON OF A BITCH. I loved this video, so much. Sure it was long, but the pacing and the amount of good laughs you got out of me along the way deterred my worries of the girth of this big ole boy. Great job, dude!
I'd also like to mention that the remake helped the overworld seem less empty by taking away random encounters and having the enemy models walk around and run after the player
Alex Ferrando YES. THIS! The removal of random battles improves the open world dramatically, because once that impatience sets in you can just navigate around monsters.
As a stranger stumbling upon your channel for the first time tonight, i'd like to share a bit of personal info about my relationship to Dragon Quest VIII. When I was just a kid, about eight or nine, my mom received this game as a gift and would play it every so often on the family PS2. My younger sister and I would join her in the living room, watching and cheering her on as she flipped through the Bradygames strategy guide, checking off every item she found in pencil, and exploring every inch of the game, eventually growing bored of it and abandoning her save file somewhere around Empycchu. At this point, I was about old enough to start playing the game myself, and my sister continued to watch me finish my mother's game. Fast forward a few years, and my sister and I both adore this game and have played it multiple times over with our own save files and party builds. Inside jokes grew between us, such as where the ding of the alchemy pot's completion began a race to see which of us could shout "Alchemy Break!" first. These memories of this game and its characters, story, combat and worldbuilding, and the memories shared with my family are some of the best of my childhood. But like childhood, some things aren't meant to last. In the past several years, many circumstances ranging from unfortunate to wicked have led to the family I once knew being torn apart. I won't go into specific details, but my sister and I are no longer close. Before finally cutting ties with her, the one common ground we still shared were those memories of Dragon Quest VIII, rekindled in our shared excitement for the recent Dragon Quest XI on the Nintendo Switch. Amidst much chaos and drama tearing our family to pieces, we found escape in sharing Dragon Quest memes and references with each other. It's the one thing I will always miss about our friendship. I never realized until your video that this game absolutely carries the message that family is dynamic, and that sometimes blood doesn't matter, and that those who hurt you are not your family. I started to tear up, honestly. This game, so cemented in my childhood and a piece of media i strongly associate with my family, teaches the valuable lesson that it's okay to let go of family that is toxic. At this moment more than ever, these were words I needed to hear. And I want to thank you for making this video, because it truly shows Dragon Quest VIII the love and respect it absolutely deserves. Plus your jokes were pretty funny. Subscribed.
I have a special place on my heart for this game. Last game me and my brother played before he passed away. I cannot put into words how much this game means to me. It is by far my favorite game and it is definitely a masterpiece. I haven't found an rpg even close.
I started playing this game for the first time on 3DS. I have not had this much fun since Final Fantasy 10 on the PS2. I was really itching for a really good JRPG for a LONG time and I found it! I also like how simple and relaxing the game is with the art style. I am not over overwhelmed with special effect that muddy the visuals. Everytime I see a pretty barmaid or hit 100% build up, it reminds me of the anime Dragonball. RIP Toriyama!
For real it took me literally hours trying to find this exact dragon quest game on Google and TH-cam honestly had no info it either this was the first and best dragon guest game I played.
How good is the 3ds version of this game I just played through this game a couple years ago... in fact I did a 1-8 marathon except 7 7 was only on ps1 at them time and I forgot about emulation so much so I actually bought 7 for ps1 off of ebay eventually but I still never played it. I just bought 7 for 3ds though and I started it last night so that is why I am watching these. Is it woroth buying this game again for 3ds if I already have it for ps2?
@@Andronicus87 It depends. The 3DS One feels like an expansion. It has more side quests, more playable characters (Wich are SUPER FUN) and more Story content and a new marriage option. If you would like to play the game with what feels like an expansion pack then do so. If you would like what feels like an almost new Experience then don't
Coming back to this video after my sensei has passed is so bittersweet. His favorite game was Dragon Quest VIII and it was one of my first video game memories, playing Dragon Quest VIII with him after school and after training, we sat down and ate curry and he popped in Dragon Quest VIII and fell asleep. I remember when DQXI was announced for the west and he was so happy cause we could play it together, and we never got to. His passing has brought whole new meaning to Dragon Quest and family, and I'm so thankful we got that memory together. I'm thankful I had him, all the training, all the curry, all the JRPG's
I absolutely love this game. I hadn't played a Dragon Quest game sine the original on my NES, so when I saw this on the App Store, I bought it right away! I don't know where I had been for the past 30 years, but I can't imagine my iPhone without this game on it. I don't know if I'll ever buy a 3DS, so I'd love to see this ported or remastered for the PS4 eventually.
3ds is worth it for the nintendo stuff alone. It also gets a slew of really, REALLY good RPGs. Including the remaster of DQVIII and the remake of DQVII.
22:17 It's interesting to compare Final Fantasy X (released 2001) the first real foray into a 3rd person 3-D environment for the Final Fantasy series to DQVIII (2005). DQVIII actually preserved the freedom of exploration that existed in those older turn-based rpgs whilst still having a huge 3-D world, yet fewer westerners seem to have played it. FFX certainly pales in comparison and many to this day still complain about how linear it is. However, FF still gets the recognition as the flagship series for JRPGs in the west, why is this?
Esirre Lansa I'd say it's a case of popularity and availability. Final Fantasy eclipsed Dragon Quest in large part because the West stopped getting Dragon Quests for awhile. If I remember correctly, we never got 5 or 6 until the DS remakes, and VII didn't thrive so well as a PlayStation 1 game released well into the PS2s life cycle. Final Fantasy never had that issue, and was insanely successful in the West with its timely PS1 titles. So I think while Dragon Quest does a lot right in 3D, Final Fantasy is what popularized the 3D environments in RPGs, and just jrpgs in general.
To me it's the annoying sound effects and lack of change in dq. I'm going to try to give dq8 a chance though. Also ffX was more about story than anything, the class design in ten was awful.
I have been searching for SO long for genuine, passionate, and thoughtful reviews of these games and RPGs in general. You sir, are fantastic, and you have far fewer subs and views than you deserve. Also, dude, I feel you. Morrie is the best. It's just too bad the 3DS version doesn't have the killer orchestral soundtrack.
It’s crazy that we never got a remaster on PC or newer generations for this game - hopefully one day we’ll have a DQ collection or something… Great series on DQ, by the way. I know I’m pretty late to the party but still watching your videos made me regret not having played any of the DQ games sooner
Yeah, it’s a huge bummer. The most definitive and accessible way to play the game at the moment is through emulating the 3DS version (along with having the orchestral patch and some other mods).
This might be one of the funnest games I’ve ever played. Such great memories playing through this masterpiece, crafting the best times and making my team straight God’s lol
You sir currently hold the best review of this game on the internet! Well done! It's my favorite games of all time, so I'm glad to see it get attention even today after so many years. One thing I think you could've mentioned though would be the Western releases orchestrated soundtrack, which in my opinion is some of the best music I've heard in any game to this day.
Everything you said is why I love this game and the very same problems I had with it. And alongside Morrie not being playable initially, I for one griped that Red wasn't playable, but totally called the timing of her joininng in the 3DS version.
I had played all the dragon warrior games as a kid. When this came out I was a solid Xbox player. I saved up cash to buy a PS2 just for this title. The kid in my playing an actual 3D dragon quest couldn't handle it. Definitely one of the best DQ titles
Through my run of DQ8 I had little interest in the tension system until the very end when I started toying with it for boss fights and finding it useful when played smart. Through most of the game I just felt like it didn't charge up my moves enough, or was far too easily countered, though this could have been any number of things from poor luck to not abusing it in the right ways. I did thoroughly enjoy COUNTERING tension that my foes attempted to use, though. And when I finally did start using it more in the end game it felt pretty nice to have Yangus or the hero unleash some intense hits. Compared to other JRPGs what this one's combat system did that ended up being a huge part of my playstyle was make buffs feel actually worth the investment of a 'turn'. Other RPGs in general make me feel like I can buff for double damage or just hit twice for the same damage, this one made me feel like every cast of accelerattle, oomph, and kabuff was incredibly important and it definitely made combat more fun for me. It's funny how much of a staple those mechanics are in RPGs and yet I can't think of another that made me actively seek out those spells and adopt that playstyle. I suppose the psyche up system plays to the same tune and I did have some very fun oomph Psyche up slams, but I felt like the psyche up system took up the "meh" slot that buffs usually do for me in RPGs, while the buffs became irreplaceable parts of my strategies. My qualm with this one was just how drawn out combat felt with each move taking what felt like ages to finish for every single member of the fight. You made a small mention at this, as I played on PS2 and holy cow does every single character's attack take at least a few seconds to initiate. It just made combat a drag at certain points in the game which was a buzz kill when what I was doing in combat was interesting, but the slow speed of it all was draining that interest from me in long play sessions. Oh god, the second I found out alchemy could make cool shit I stopped selling everything. Luckily that was pretty early in, but that moment made me hoard every damn thing in the game. Now I'm going to have to look into the remake for a future replay, lol. I love this retrospective, my man. Hearing all the detail you dig into and you getting to gush or complain about this stuff is just fantastic stuff. To the fantastic eternal Morrie, and you, GC, Great stuff!
Shin megami tenzai has the best use of buff and debuff in any JRPG if you don't use it you will definitely die in your first encounter Nvm someone beat me to it years ago
Dude, I watched all of your DQ videos, you're awesome. With this retrospective you brought me so much joy, memories and nostalgia. Thank you. I think I need to replay it so badly now!
DQVIII has to be my favorite Dragon Quest game out of the whole series. Tbh, even though I played the PS2 version of this game, my favorite version of the game is the N3DS version. To be able to carry this game on the go was sweet. I wish they still made games like this.
The PS2 era is a special time and place where tons of great games just captured this real sense of wonder. I think the closest thing I've come that with in recent memory is Xenoblade Chronicles. I played that game and immediately thought "this is the PS2 JRPG I've been looking for"
Goddamn GC that was just... magnifique. You covered so much in this video and you nailed the pacing so well it kept me enthralled the entire time. From the start I was trying to analyze what your thesis was and what the structure is of your video but at some point I realized the point of this video is being a love letter to DQ8 and that doesn't need to fit into any box. I'm always excited to see what you have in store next. Keep up the great work.
Keep making videos man! I discovered you through this Dragon Quest series as I've gotten introduced to the franchise through Dragon Quest Heroes. I love this series and I love your videos. It is blasphemy that you don't have a better bigger audience. Keep up making good videos! ^_^
Hey GC, I just found your channel yesterday while doing a random search for a retrospective on an all time favorite RPG of mine...Valkyrie Profile. I've watched all your Dragon Quest videos and really enjoy how informative they are, not just a quick 5-7 minute video, but an actual log of useful and at times unknown information. I've only played a select few of Dragon Quest games but I have to say that the Super Morrie-O Sisters are the best group of NPCs I have ever had the pleasure of interacting with. Plus Jessica's outfit changes were a great touch. Love her Bunny girl, her Dancer's Mail, as well as her Dangerous/Divine bustiers
I am amazed at the quality writing and effort you’ve put into this video. As someone who also loves this masterpiece, you brought back the feels! Well done! Subbed!
You have great quality in your work, Vasquez. I really say this in the best way possible. You channel is going to explode with this Dragon Quest XI release, of that I'm sure. Throughout the video there are times where I'm not exactly sure if you're using 3DS or PS2 footage without upscaling. In any case the amount of effort that goes into these videos is amazing. good editing, good content, good pacing and personal style to it. Hope you find much success in this venture, I know you graduated from college 2 years ago so I hope your current job gives you enough time to work on this so it can someday explode and become your main source of income. We need more youtubers like you.
This game is so good. I wish I played it when it first came out, but it still shines playing it for the first time now. I agree on the world being so rich and full, and Yangus really is the funniest thing in the entire series. Even the running joke with him and King Trode never got old. It also had the most memorable locations and music imo.
You are so talented, this video is a masterpiece. DQ VIII is very special to me and hear you talking about it made me travel back to good times. Thanks!
This is the absolute best IN-DEPTH take on DQ8. And you are...uniquely you. Yes I just saw this years after you made it, but I do hope you still enjoy your content creation
This is definitely one of the best reviews I've happily sat through. Not just through sheer love for the game already, but to see someone so passionate about the series to pick out the subtle nuances which made it so memorable. I have to agree it's probably one of my favorite game's of all time. Side note, so many quality of life fixes in the DS remix, eh?
This video is a prime reason of why i shouldn't wait to watch new vids from people anymore. It's also a great reason for me to attempt this game again.
I played DQ VIII on PS2 way back when and LOVED IT. As my first DQ game, I was really taken by how different it was from other PS JRPGs of the time. Here's hoping for am HD remake someday.
Finally playing DQ8 for the first time! Gonna be a great time I can tell! One positive right off the bat that I like about it, is that it abides by “In Media Res”, so the games story already starts at a good pace. Also I love the cell shaded look of the game!
Fantastic video man! I gotta say, I wasn't sure what to make of you watching your first two DQ Review vids, but you've really grown on me as a reviewer after watching the rest. You've got style, you've got flair, you've got humor. You've got it all mate! Keep up the amazing work!
I am a massive fan of Dragon Quest, and it feels so hard to find like-minded fans, so I am seriously so glad these videos exist. They were a total blast to watch, and they helped me learn even more about the games I love so much. I've had so much fun watching these. Thank you for making these videos. Wait, the DQIX video is up??
This was an excellent retrospective review! I love this game from the bottom of my heart. There's so many fond and wonderful memories I have playing this game as a kid. This review greatly highlights why it made such an impression on me.
I'm glad you think so! To be honest I'm not sure how I'll be able to work more of that fancy schmancy editing stuff into future content (I don't wanna ham-fist it), but I'm going to keep aiming for this level of quality!
This is a great video man! Also i've already 100%'d the 3ds game in just over 300 hours i did it about nearly 2 weeks ago. I'm still a bit teary-eyed about me having to sell it so i can move on to other games and pay bills etc in real life. I was reminded of how welldone the original writing was back in the ps2 version and it really made me think of everything that the characters go through even the minor ones have great moments of various drama roles thanks to the amazing voice direction, cast and outstanding perfect writing. They got most of the original cast back to do more voice over or redo some lines with new ones or ones i noticed did have a better performance. I remember hearing Ricky Grover (Yangus) back in the ps2 version and went "Hold up that's the dude who played in Revolver (one of my favourite movies at the time) i didn't even know that yangus became way more likeable lil later in the game and just hearing that voice was just the icing on the cake for this character. I'm glad they removed random encounters so metal slimes were now a breeze to farm (thank fucking god) also there was alot of new content added to such a tiny console compared to the ps2 that its pretty damn amazing how square enix level 5 did all of this. The graphics, music and menu changes were noticeable like night and day but for a handheld this is very good. because with smaller screens it doesn't matter too much if textures get toned down, the music is the best midi orchestra i've ever heard, this is something that twilight princess or other pre skyward sword zelda game wishs they could be this good in midi quality. Menus as transparent is great for the tons of options you have plus the small screen. Thank fucking god they streamlined the alchemy pot.
Thank you! And yeah the remake is pretty farkin' dope. So many quality of life adjustments that make the visual/audio downgrade more than tolerable. And Ricky Grover is legit with his performance.
I’ve always known of Dragon Quest, but never had an interest to look at the series... Until I saw your vids on the subject. Then I got the drive to get the first 2 games on the IPad, and eventually 3. + your passion for 8 was so contagious it made me get the 3ds remake for Christmas. Your in-depth analysis of the mechanics, exploration, world, themes and characters(Morrie) got to me deep in particular I just HAD to obey you and get the game So thanks GC for giving me the drive to try this series. Keep on keeping on man ^^ PS- 2:56- This is in my Top 5 GC comedy bits :3
Just discovered your channel, agree with everything you said about this game. It has become my favorite of all time in the last year or so. Such an amazing ride!
I gotta say this video was amazing on how you show your love of the franchise and this title in particular I can't wait for your next video on 9 as it was my first mainstream title of the series
Perfect video in every single way. I am playing the 3DS version now and I think that it is perfect. You just explained why on a very eloquent and funny. Thumbs way up, liked and subscribed.
Dragon Quest VIII is a very special game for me because it was my first Dragon Quest game. I always thought I would hate Dragon Quest because it had a medival and fantasy themed story. Boy was I completely stupid and wrong I loved almost every DQ game I played. The series really opened my mind to a totally different type of game.
Such an amazing video, great work. Dragon Quest 8 is also one of my favorite games. Despite some minor flaws, it's one of the most beautiful and memorable gaming experiences I've ever had. Thanks for giving Dragon Quest 8 the love it truly deserves with such an awesome upload. Awesome channel 😬👍
I just marathoned all your Dragon Quest retrospective videos and watched your Gun review. You are amazing and I am excited for your Dragon Quest 9 review.
GC Positive That's always a good goal to strive for. I also love how in depth you get in these videos and I'm quite interested on your opinion on the return to the vocation system and also combining it with the skill point system.
I haven't gotten too far into the game yet (it's my first time playing anything past VIII), so I haven't really decided how I feel about it yet. But it's Level-5 at the helm again so it's probably going to make sense. ;)
Dragon Quest 8 is in my top 10 games. i missed the 3ds version. it would be awesome is square enix released a "S" version of this game on modern consoles.
AAAAA I'm so glad to find another fan of Dragon Quest here! I've only played 9, but 8 is on my list of games to play. RPGs are my favorite genre of video games, and I've always had an admiration for turn-based ones. I'm glad to hear that the game is considered one of (if not) the best in the franchisre.
GC Positive I just recently beat it. Indeed, what an awesome game! A lot of puns, too. And I love puns. Now I gotta play the other games... I'm thinking of playing VII next, but that game is considered really long. What game in the series would you recommend after playing VIII?
After VIII, Dragon Quest IV is the one I'd recommend! It's a fairly quick one, and you can follow that up with V and then maybe III or VII depending on how long you want the game after that to be!
I love this game so much and its theme of family, chosen family, falling out with blood family...these are all themes I can fully identify with for better and for worse. I personally play the 3DS version, it's just the better way to play it
Dragon quest 8 is one of those RPG titles that doesn't need you to always change out own gear since you got those skills. Not counting the special weapon abilities but the use of how you can get out of em. Like yangus is stuck with a farmer's Scythe if you make him rely on it due to how the steel Scythe isn't available until the western continent. So you can get a whole lot out of them. Even the iron Lance has some impressive reliance
I've only recently rediscovered the DQ series with DQXI after first playing VIII so many years ago. Back then I really didn't 'get' DQ, but now I feel like I should return to DQ VIII someday very soon.
YOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! GC, YOU FUCKING BEAUTIFUL SON OF A BITCH. I loved this video, so much. Sure it was long, but the pacing and the amount of good laughs you got out of me along the way deterred my worries of the girth of this big ole boy. Great job, dude!
also shit! I gotta get the 3ds remake!!!
3ds version is definitely worth it. I would say it's even worth getting a 3ds for. Probably one of the best remakes of a title.
PerrydactylShow Thanks Perry! Pacing was the big factor doing this one! And definitely grab the 3ds remake if you're interested!
GC Positive I gotta hand it to you I think I describe stuff better than my boring teacher you make learning fun so mad props
I'd also like to mention that the remake helped the overworld seem less empty by taking away random encounters and having the enemy models walk around and run after the player
Alex Ferrando YES. THIS! The removal of random battles improves the open world dramatically, because once that impatience sets in you can just navigate around monsters.
Loved the video
It just looks so good on my pc I couldn't bring myself to get the 3ds version.
As a stranger stumbling upon your channel for the first time tonight, i'd like to share a bit of personal info about my relationship to Dragon Quest VIII.
When I was just a kid, about eight or nine, my mom received this game as a gift and would play it every so often on the family PS2. My younger sister and I would join her in the living room, watching and cheering her on as she flipped through the Bradygames strategy guide, checking off every item she found in pencil, and exploring every inch of the game, eventually growing bored of it and abandoning her save file somewhere around Empycchu. At this point, I was about old enough to start playing the game myself, and my sister continued to watch me finish my mother's game.
Fast forward a few years, and my sister and I both adore this game and have played it multiple times over with our own save files and party builds. Inside jokes grew between us, such as where the ding of the alchemy pot's completion began a race to see which of us could shout "Alchemy Break!" first. These memories of this game and its characters, story, combat and worldbuilding, and the memories shared with my family are some of the best of my childhood.
But like childhood, some things aren't meant to last.
In the past several years, many circumstances ranging from unfortunate to wicked have led to the family I once knew being torn apart. I won't go into specific details, but my sister and I are no longer close. Before finally cutting ties with her, the one common ground we still shared were those memories of Dragon Quest VIII, rekindled in our shared excitement for the recent Dragon Quest XI on the Nintendo Switch. Amidst much chaos and drama tearing our family to pieces, we found escape in sharing Dragon Quest memes and references with each other. It's the one thing I will always miss about our friendship.
I never realized until your video that this game absolutely carries the message that family is dynamic, and that sometimes blood doesn't matter, and that those who hurt you are not your family. I started to tear up, honestly. This game, so cemented in my childhood and a piece of media i strongly associate with my family, teaches the valuable lesson that it's okay to let go of family that is toxic. At this moment more than ever, these were words I needed to hear. And I want to thank you for making this video, because it truly shows Dragon Quest VIII the love and respect it absolutely deserves.
Plus your jokes were pretty funny. Subscribed.
This was a wonderful thing to read. I'm sorry about your family, but I'm glad my words revealed some solace. Thank you
Looking back from 11, 8 and 5 have REALLY aged well and are still worth a replay. Amazing
Couldn't agree more! I wanna grab a translation of 5's PS2 remake! I think that'd be a fun stream to do
I have a special place on my heart for this game. Last game me and my brother played before he passed away. I cannot put into words how much this game means to me. It is by far my favorite game and it is definitely a masterpiece. I haven't found an rpg even close.
Thank you for sharing this with me
@@GCVazquez thank you for the great review. have a good day.
This was a fantastic look at Dragon Quest VIII, the quintessential one, even.
O_O Th-thank you! That means A LOT coming you from you!
Man, after playing 11, THIS needs a remaster!
@@billydennis4706 we need some voice act in mobile version. and ofc. landscape view
God I loved this game. It's the peak of JRPG turn based gaming. Excellent voice acting, awesome action, funny story, and interesting characters.
I started playing this game for the first time on 3DS. I have not had this much fun since Final Fantasy 10 on the PS2. I was really itching for a really good JRPG for a LONG time and I found it!
I also like how simple and relaxing the game is with the art style. I am not over overwhelmed with special effect that muddy the visuals. Everytime I see a pretty barmaid or hit 100% build up, it reminds me of the anime Dragonball.
RIP Toriyama!
RIP to the GOAT Toriyama!
And I agree! Dragon Quest has such an approachable aesthetic! Toriyama’s artstyle is so unrelentingly charming!
When someone searches "Dragon Quest" on TH-cam, I want this to be the first result.
I'm aimin' for it! >:)
typing in dragon quest retrospective bring up the playlist. thats how i found this channel.
This is how I just found his channel
so... when do we get a DQ XI Platinum video?
For real it took me literally hours trying to find this exact dragon quest game on Google and TH-cam honestly had no info it either this was the first and best dragon guest game I played.
Morrie isn't just a playable character in the 3DS version of the game: he's the best party member at your disposal!
How good is the 3ds version of this game I just played through this game a couple years ago... in fact I did a 1-8 marathon except 7 7 was only on ps1 at them time and I forgot about emulation so much so I actually bought 7 for ps1 off of ebay eventually but I still never played it. I just bought 7 for 3ds though and I started it last night so that is why I am watching these. Is it woroth buying this game again for 3ds if I already have it for ps2?
@@Andronicus87 yea new and better bells and whistle
@@Andronicus87 It depends. The 3DS One feels like an expansion. It has more side quests, more playable characters (Wich are SUPER FUN) and more Story content and a new marriage option.
If you would like to play the game with what feels like an expansion pack then do so. If you would like what feels like an almost new Experience then don't
No that's metal slime sword Red
Coming back to this video after my sensei has passed is so bittersweet. His favorite game was Dragon Quest VIII and it was one of my first video game memories, playing Dragon Quest VIII with him after school and after training, we sat down and ate curry and he popped in Dragon Quest VIII and fell asleep. I remember when DQXI was announced for the west and he was so happy cause we could play it together, and we never got to. His passing has brought whole new meaning to Dragon Quest and family, and I'm so thankful we got that memory together. I'm thankful I had him, all the training, all the curry, all the JRPG's
he sounds like an awesome guy. rest in peace to him, and treasure those memories.
I love when I discover a video series that looks abandoned and then a week or so later a new entry is finally released. Great episode :D
Thank you! Keep an eye on this one; I'm hoping to get the next episode out some time before I die. :P
I absolutely love this game. I hadn't played a Dragon Quest game sine the original on my NES, so when I saw this on the App Store, I bought it right away! I don't know where I had been for the past 30 years, but I can't imagine my iPhone without this game on it. I don't know if I'll ever buy a 3DS, so I'd love to see this ported or remastered for the PS4 eventually.
3ds is worth it for the nintendo stuff alone. It also gets a slew of really, REALLY good RPGs. Including the remaster of DQVIII and the remake of DQVII.
I'm 6 years late to this video but no matter when I love seeing people talking about this damn near flawless masterpiece of a game
This is a PS2 GAME! IT LOOKS FRICKING BEAUTIFUL.
22:17 It's interesting to compare Final Fantasy X (released 2001) the first real foray into a 3rd person 3-D environment for the Final Fantasy series to DQVIII (2005). DQVIII actually preserved the freedom of exploration that existed in those older turn-based rpgs whilst still having a huge 3-D world, yet fewer westerners seem to have played it. FFX certainly pales in comparison and many to this day still complain about how linear it is. However, FF still gets the recognition as the flagship series for JRPGs in the west, why is this?
Esirre Lansa I'd say it's a case of popularity and availability. Final Fantasy eclipsed Dragon Quest in large part because the West stopped getting Dragon Quests for awhile. If I remember correctly, we never got 5 or 6 until the DS remakes, and VII didn't thrive so well as a PlayStation 1 game released well into the PS2s life cycle. Final Fantasy never had that issue, and was insanely successful in the West with its timely PS1 titles. So I think while Dragon Quest does a lot right in 3D, Final Fantasy is what popularized the 3D environments in RPGs, and just jrpgs in general.
To me it's the annoying sound effects and lack of change in dq. I'm going to try to give dq8 a chance though. Also ffX was more about story than anything, the class design in ten was awful.
@@morriganrenfield8240 DQ8 is one of my favorite rpgs it’s worth it.
@@Esirre marketing
I have been searching for SO long for genuine, passionate, and thoughtful reviews of these games and RPGs in general. You sir, are fantastic, and you have far fewer subs and views than you deserve.
Also, dude, I feel you. Morrie is the best. It's just too bad the 3DS version doesn't have the killer orchestral soundtrack.
I just... lost all of my hype for the 3ds version
COR BLIMEY, THE WAY EVERYTHING COMES TOGETHER IS AMAZING!
This video and your channel as a whole are amazing, keep up the amazing work!
Thanks for stickin' around, Nathan! The channel's amazing because amazing people like you support me!
I rewatch your videos every month and this one is absolutely the best
It’s crazy that we never got a remaster on PC or newer generations for this game - hopefully one day we’ll have a DQ collection or something…
Great series on DQ, by the way. I know I’m pretty late to the party but still watching your videos made me regret not having played any of the DQ games sooner
Yeah, it’s a huge bummer. The most definitive and accessible way to play the game at the moment is through emulating the 3DS version (along with having the orchestral patch and some other mods).
This might be one of the funnest games I’ve ever played. Such great memories playing through this masterpiece, crafting the best times and making my team straight God’s lol
You sir currently hold the best review of this game on the internet! Well done! It's my favorite games of all time, so I'm glad to see it get attention even today after so many years. One thing I think you could've mentioned though would be the Western releases orchestrated soundtrack, which in my opinion is some of the best music I've heard in any game to this day.
Loving this series so far. Dragon Quest is one of my favorite go-to RPGs. Can't wait for the Dragon Quest IX video!
Nicholas Evans Thank you so much! IX's been moved a bit further down my schedule, but I've already got the basic ideas I want to tackle from it!
I love this game so much, I have it on both PS2 and 3DS, I’m even considering getting the iOS version for my phone
Everything you said is why I love this game and the very same problems I had with it. And alongside Morrie not being playable initially, I for one griped that Red wasn't playable, but totally called the timing of her joininng in the 3DS version.
I had played all the dragon warrior games as a kid. When this came out I was a solid Xbox player. I saved up cash to buy a PS2 just for this title. The kid in my playing an actual 3D dragon quest couldn't handle it. Definitely one of the best DQ titles
The stories in this game, held so much emotion for me. They are wonderfull memories to have been able to play trough
Through my run of DQ8 I had little interest in the tension system until the very end when I started toying with it for boss fights and finding it useful when played smart.
Through most of the game I just felt like it didn't charge up my moves enough, or was far too easily countered, though this could have been any number of things from poor luck to not abusing it in the right ways.
I did thoroughly enjoy COUNTERING tension that my foes attempted to use, though. And when I finally did start using it more in the end game it felt pretty nice to have Yangus or the hero unleash some intense hits.
Compared to other JRPGs what this one's combat system did that ended up being a huge part of my playstyle was make buffs feel actually worth the investment of a 'turn'. Other RPGs in general make me feel like I can buff for double damage or just hit twice for the same damage, this one made me feel like every cast of accelerattle, oomph, and kabuff was incredibly important and it definitely made combat more fun for me.
It's funny how much of a staple those mechanics are in RPGs and yet I can't think of another that made me actively seek out those spells and adopt that playstyle. I suppose the psyche up system plays to the same tune and I did have some very fun oomph Psyche up slams, but I felt like the psyche up system took up the "meh" slot that buffs usually do for me in RPGs, while the buffs became irreplaceable parts of my strategies.
My qualm with this one was just how drawn out combat felt with each move taking what felt like ages to finish for every single member of the fight. You made a small mention at this, as I played on PS2 and holy cow does every single character's attack take at least a few seconds to initiate. It just made combat a drag at certain points in the game which was a buzz kill when what I was doing in combat was interesting, but the slow speed of it all was draining that interest from me in long play sessions.
Oh god, the second I found out alchemy could make cool shit I stopped selling everything. Luckily that was pretty early in, but that moment made me hoard every damn thing in the game.
Now I'm going to have to look into the remake for a future replay, lol.
I love this retrospective, my man. Hearing all the detail you dig into and you getting to gush or complain about this stuff is just fantastic stuff.
To the fantastic eternal Morrie, and you, GC, Great stuff!
redphienix that stuff about the buffs is super true! Never underestimate the power of a 1st turn kabuff spell. thanks for sticking with me, Red!
Shin Megami Tensei. If you aren't buffing you're probably dying.
Shin megami tenzai has the best use of buff and debuff in any JRPG if you don't use it you will definitely die in your first encounter
Nvm someone beat me to it years ago
I love yangus, primarily because of the accent but it makes him such a great character!
Dude, I watched all of your DQ videos, you're awesome. With this retrospective you brought me so much joy, memories and nostalgia. Thank you. I think I need to replay it so badly now!
DQVIII has to be my favorite Dragon Quest game out of the whole series. Tbh, even though I played the PS2 version of this game, my favorite version of the game is the N3DS version. To be able to carry this game on the go was sweet. I wish they still made games like this.
The PS2 era is a special time and place where tons of great games just captured this real sense of wonder. I think the closest thing I've come that with in recent memory is Xenoblade Chronicles. I played that game and immediately thought "this is the PS2 JRPG I've been looking for"
The boat looked outrageous
I commend you my good sir! You have kept me captivated for 30 damn minutes. It felt as though only a few moments had passed by the end of the video
Goddamn GC that was just... magnifique. You covered so much in this video and you nailed the pacing so well it kept me enthralled the entire time. From the start I was trying to analyze what your thesis was and what the structure is of your video but at some point I realized the point of this video is being a love letter to DQ8 and that doesn't need to fit into any box. I'm always excited to see what you have in store next. Keep up the great work.
Quizzy Quin Thanks a lot Quin!
Interesting how much they learned from DQ8 and improved in DQ11
The long stretches of nothing are needed. And I always get off the boat next to Argonia and the dumbking monster
Keep making videos man! I discovered you through this Dragon Quest series as I've gotten introduced to the franchise through Dragon Quest Heroes. I love this series and I love your videos.
It is blasphemy that you don't have a better bigger audience. Keep up making good videos! ^_^
Thank you! Nice words like this never fail to make me want to improve! :D
This was the first dragon quest game I ever beat!! I was 13 and it was such a lovely experience I'll never forget.
HELL YEAH! That's such a good feeling, having that wonderful memory to look back on.
Hey GC, I just found your channel yesterday while doing a random search for a retrospective on an all time favorite RPG of mine...Valkyrie Profile.
I've watched all your Dragon Quest videos and really enjoy how informative they are, not just a quick 5-7 minute video, but an actual log of useful and at times unknown information. I've only played a select few of Dragon Quest games but I have to say that the Super Morrie-O Sisters are the best group of NPCs I have ever had the pleasure of interacting with. Plus Jessica's outfit changes were a great touch. Love her Bunny girl, her Dancer's Mail, as well as her Dangerous/Divine bustiers
I am amazed at the quality writing and effort you’ve put into this video. As someone who also loves this masterpiece, you brought back the feels! Well done! Subbed!
You have great quality in your work, Vasquez. I really say this in the best way possible. You channel is going to explode with this Dragon Quest XI release, of that I'm sure. Throughout the video there are times where I'm not exactly sure if you're using 3DS or PS2 footage without upscaling. In any case the amount of effort that goes into these videos is amazing. good editing, good content, good pacing and personal style to it. Hope you find much success in this venture, I know you graduated from college 2 years ago so I hope your current job gives you enough time to work on this so it can someday explode and become your main source of income. We need more youtubers like you.
This game is so good. I wish I played it when it first came out, but it still shines playing it for the first time now. I agree on the world being so rich and full, and Yangus really is the funniest thing in the entire series. Even the running joke with him and King Trode never got old. It also had the most memorable locations and music imo.
You are so talented, this video is a masterpiece. DQ VIII is very special to me and hear you talking about it made me travel back to good times. Thanks!
Glad you enjoyed it! I think this is one of the best things I've ever made, and hearing people still say so fills me with pride.
This is the absolute best IN-DEPTH take on DQ8. And you are...uniquely you. Yes I just saw this years after you made it, but I do hope you still enjoy your content creation
This is definitely one of the best reviews I've happily sat through. Not just through sheer love for the game already, but to see someone so passionate about the series to pick out the subtle nuances which made it so memorable. I have to agree it's probably one of my favorite game's of all time. Side note, so many quality of life fixes in the DS remix, eh?
This video is a prime reason of why i shouldn't wait to watch new vids from people anymore. It's also a great reason for me to attempt this game again.
VZedshows VZED! Please give it another shot. May I suggest the 3ds remake? it's the ideal version.
Finally finished every DQ except for 11 and thus can watch this video. Ready for more of the usual super insightful takes and info
Hope you enjoyed it! This is still my best work in the DQ Retrospective Series- and it's my favorite Dragon Quest! :D
I played DQ VIII on PS2 way back when and LOVED IT.
As my first DQ game, I was really taken by how different it was from other PS JRPGs of the time.
Here's hoping for am HD remake someday.
Finally playing DQ8 for the first time! Gonna be a great time I can tell!
One positive right off the bat that I like about it, is that it abides by “In Media Res”, so the games story already starts at a good pace.
Also I love the cell shaded look of the game!
Dragon Quest VIII is an awesome PS2 JRPG. I still have it.
Fantastic video man! I gotta say, I wasn't sure what to make of you watching your first two DQ Review vids, but you've really grown on me as a reviewer after watching the rest. You've got style, you've got flair, you've got humor. You've got it all mate! Keep up the amazing work!
I am a massive fan of Dragon Quest, and it feels so hard to find like-minded fans, so I am seriously so glad these videos exist. They were a total blast to watch, and they helped me learn even more about the games I love so much. I've had so much fun watching these. Thank you for making these videos.
Wait, the DQIX video is up??
Yes it is! Should be the newest thing up!
GC Positive Gosh, I am so excited.
I love you and your DQ videos GC. I come back to them year after year just because they are so fun fo watch.
This was an excellent retrospective review! I love this game from the bottom of my heart. There's so many fond and wonderful memories I have playing this game as a kid. This review greatly highlights why it made such an impression on me.
It took a while but it was worth the wait. Best video by far in my opinion. Keep up the great work, my guy!
I'm glad you think so! To be honest I'm not sure how I'll be able to work more of that fancy schmancy editing stuff into future content (I don't wanna ham-fist it), but I'm going to keep aiming for this level of quality!
GC...HD 2D DQ3 remake!!!
So excited
This is a great video man!
Also i've already 100%'d the 3ds game in just over 300 hours i did it about nearly 2 weeks ago.
I'm still a bit teary-eyed about me having to sell it so i can move on to other games and pay bills etc in real life.
I was reminded of how welldone the original writing was back in the ps2 version and it really made me think of everything that the characters go through even the minor ones have great moments of various drama roles thanks to the amazing voice direction, cast and outstanding perfect writing.
They got most of the original cast back to do more voice over or redo some lines with new ones or ones i noticed did have a better performance. I remember hearing Ricky Grover (Yangus) back in the ps2 version and went "Hold up that's the dude who played in Revolver (one of my favourite movies at the time) i didn't even know that yangus became way more likeable lil later in the game and just hearing that voice was just the icing on the cake for this character.
I'm glad they removed random encounters so metal slimes were now a breeze to farm (thank fucking god) also there was alot of new content added to such a tiny console compared to the ps2 that its pretty damn amazing how square enix level 5 did all of this.
The graphics, music and menu changes were noticeable like night and day but for a handheld this is very good. because with smaller screens it doesn't matter too much if textures get toned down, the music is the best midi orchestra i've ever heard, this is something that twilight princess or other pre skyward sword zelda game wishs they could be this good in midi quality.
Menus as transparent is great for the tons of options you have plus the small screen.
Thank fucking god they streamlined the alchemy pot.
Thank you! And yeah the remake is pretty farkin' dope. So many quality of life adjustments that make the visual/audio downgrade more than tolerable.
And Ricky Grover is legit with his performance.
I wish Kalderasha was a playable character in DQ8! Yessssss.... YESSSSSS!
I’ve always known of Dragon Quest, but never had an interest to look at the series... Until I saw your vids on the subject. Then I got the drive to get the first 2 games on the IPad, and eventually 3. + your passion for 8 was so contagious it made me get the 3ds remake for Christmas. Your in-depth analysis of the mechanics, exploration, world, themes and characters(Morrie) got to me deep in particular I just HAD to obey you and get the game
So thanks GC for giving me the drive to try this series. Keep on keeping on man ^^
PS- 2:56- This is in my Top 5 GC comedy bits :3
Mini Medal MIMICS!!!?? YOU MONSTER!!
So glad to see you back ! I absolutely love your DQ reviews, keep it on :)
4:24 I died 😂😂😂. And I know I’m late but I love your vids! You explain this all too the finest details and I love it.
Nice work this was my first dragon Quest and i love it!!
Finally here the best in the series.
This game had very good voice acting for its time
Great video.
Perfect game. Let's see if XI surpasses it.
GOD WOULDN'T THAT BE AMAZING?!
I'm so fuckin' excited for XI.
And thanks for the compliment! :)
I think it did.
Just discovered your channel, agree with everything you said about this game. It has become my favorite of all time in the last year or so. Such an amazing ride!
It's one of those games that's going to stand the test of time without question! I'm happy you agree! Welcome to the show. ^_^
I gotta say this video was amazing on how you show your love of the franchise and this title in particular I can't wait for your next video on 9 as it was my first mainstream title of the series
Wow, these videos get better and better. Great job, sir.
Perfect video in every single way. I am playing the 3DS version now and I think that it is perfect. You just explained why on a very eloquent and funny. Thumbs way up, liked and subscribed.
You convinced me to buy the 3DS version. Your videos are great!
:') I'm drunk while responding to this, and this is just the nicest thing to hear after a great night. Thank you so much!
No exaggeration, I’ve watched this video all the way through six times. Excellent job!
Wow, thanks!
The hidden island was awsome
Dragon Quest VIII is a very special game for me because it was my first Dragon Quest game. I always thought I would hate Dragon Quest because it had a medival and fantasy themed story. Boy was I completely stupid and wrong I loved almost every DQ game I played. The series really opened my mind to a totally different type of game.
I just watched all your Dragon Quest videos & love your channel. I think DQ8 is the one I will start with on 3DS!
Love your DQ retrospective videos!
And there it is. Loved it.
Awesome video man, subscribed before the video was over.
Such an amazing video, great work. Dragon Quest 8 is also one of my favorite games. Despite some minor flaws, it's one of the most beautiful and memorable gaming experiences I've ever had. Thanks for giving Dragon Quest 8 the love it truly deserves with such an awesome upload. Awesome channel 😬👍
These videos are great! I can't wait to see your
Dragon Quest IX and some of the Monster spin-off games. Keep it up!
Fantastic video. I cannot even express how much I had enjoyed this game. Subbed :)
I just marathoned all your Dragon Quest retrospective videos and watched your Gun review. You are amazing and I am excited for your Dragon Quest 9 review.
Haha, thank you! I'll keep aiming to stay amazing then!
GC Positive That's always a good goal to strive for. I also love how in depth you get in these videos and I'm quite interested on your opinion on the return to the vocation system and also combining it with the skill point system.
I haven't gotten too far into the game yet (it's my first time playing anything past VIII), so I haven't really decided how I feel about it yet. But it's Level-5 at the helm again so it's probably going to make sense. ;)
Dragon Quest 8 is in my top 10 games. i missed the 3ds version. it would be awesome is square enix released a "S" version of this game on modern consoles.
AAAAA
I'm so glad to find another fan of Dragon Quest here! I've only played 9, but 8 is on my list of games to play. RPGs are my favorite genre of video games, and I've always had an admiration for turn-based ones.
I'm glad to hear that the game is considered one of (if not) the best in the franchisre.
I'm glad to see more people showing their love for the series! Eight used to be my go-to game when I was younger. Always had fun with it. Still do!
GC Positive
I just recently beat it. Indeed, what an awesome game! A lot of puns, too. And I love puns.
Now I gotta play the other games... I'm thinking of playing VII next, but that game is considered really long. What game in the series would you recommend after playing VIII?
After VIII, Dragon Quest IV is the one I'd recommend! It's a fairly quick one, and you can follow that up with V and then maybe III or VII depending on how long you want the game after that to be!
GC Positive
Alright! Good thing I already own a copy of the DS version of IV. Thanks a bunch for the suggestion.
No problem! Thanks for coming back to ask! :D
Found your channel by surfing through Rpg stufg and wow, i really love your videos! You are so underrated!
Gotta tick that bell
i agree that the world was alittle to big
Micah Bost I'd rather have the running speed hastened.
When they said XI was the best game yet I was like "WAIT. Better than VIII? CHALLENGE ACCEPTED"
i loved the hole super saiyan tranformation when hero hits 100 tension.
Heavy Eyed sent me here. Good damn video, man. One of my favorite games and this is a swell look at it. :]
GERG! ᴛʜᴇ NERD Thank you! ^_^ I'm trying to recapture this level of quality in all my future stuff.
I love this game so much and its theme of family, chosen family, falling out with blood family...these are all themes I can fully identify with for better and for worse. I personally play the 3DS version, it's just the better way to play it
Ah yes Gohan was my favorite DQ protagonist.
Android 17 was great as DQ11's protagonist.
And I'll always love Goku as DQ3's protagonist of course.
Great job. Without a doubt my absolute favorite game.
Glad you enjoy it!
Just played the 3DS version recently and loved it. Nearly perfect jrpg. Good video
Dragon quest 8 is one of those RPG titles that doesn't need you to always change out own gear since you got those skills. Not counting the special weapon abilities but the use of how you can get out of em. Like yangus is stuck with a farmer's Scythe if you make him rely on it due to how the steel Scythe isn't available until the western continent. So you can get a whole lot out of them. Even the iron Lance has some impressive reliance
Dq fan since 3 love the vids keep them coming!
All right have it your way. I subscribed. Good retrospective and I also really like your RPG Maker video. Keep up the good work. :)
I've only recently rediscovered the DQ series with DQXI after first playing VIII so many years ago. Back then I really didn't 'get' DQ, but now I feel like I should return to DQ VIII someday very soon.
I just got a copy of dqviii on 3DS. Very excited to play it, finally!!!
DQ11 took what was great about DQ8 and turned it up to 11