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I remember as a kid I'd go watch my Christian neighbor who was in her 60's play final fantasy and dragon warrior on nes . She's the reason I play to this day . I already pre ordered dragon quest 3 2d hd can't wait .
That’s a wonderful story! There was a guy at my church that played NES RPGs as well and I used to love watching him play. Ultima Underworld was our thing and got me into PC gaming. A great role model of a man.
Thursday shall be my first dragon quest game. Super excited. Happy you get to enjoy it, David. I’m playing breath of fire for the first time right now too. It was one of the few JRPG series I’ve never touched. Playing the SNES version on switch.
Must be the snes one 😊 I don’t think breath of fire came out on nes. That’s awesome though. Glad you’re enjoying breath of fire and I hope you enjoy dragon quest! (I know you will!)
Dragon Warrior was my first RPG as well. I remember getting scared whenever I encountered an enemy that I hadn't seen before and that tense battle music started playing. 😅
Dragon Warrior on NES was my 1st real game/RPG at 6 years old..... So begain my gaming addictions! So i know the feels. We grew up in an amazing age of outside world and virtual!
Those are also COSTLY playing OVER 100 + for a copy of DQ6 is NOT worth it and due to the 3DS Eshop shutdown once the E shop closed FOREVER so did the Special Tablet dungeons its DQ7 remake had.
VIII was my first game and got to see the hype that was challenging Final Fantasy. This helped me to branch out on my RPGS and on my way to playing them all! Thanks for sharing!👍🏾
7 has a very special place in my heart. It's the first Dragon Warrior/Quest game that I got to play since my father introduced me to the series with it when I was a little kid. All to get me reading since I didn't like reading much and he figured that having me play Dragon Warrior 7, a game where I needed to read to know what to do to advance forward, would be a great idea. I've played the games ever since. I really love 11 too because of how great the characters are. I actually preordered the HD-2D remake of Dragon Quest 3 for the switch so that I can enjoy it. I love writing stories so the idea of getting three characters you create plus your hero feels like a writers canvas to me. It makes me want to write the adventures through the game as my hero and three companions traveling through the world to achieve victory against the Demon Lord Baramos.
My fist actually was DQXI, and I just fell in love with it)) After that, I completed the first DQ, and for the first time, I appreciate its legacy and old style progression with some amount of grind)) after that I played every dq I can reach 😅
Dragon Quest 8 is quite probably my most favourite game of all time. King Trode is certainly the best character ever, absolutely hilarious. Played it on emulator about 4 years ago, I was 52 then! Being emulated meant I could stop and reload at times-yeah, yeah, not for the conisseur, but I'm generally crap with some fighting systems 😂
The only Dragon Quest game I played was XI, and I loved it. Even got the platinum trophy. Now that I platinumed Ys X last night, I need more JRPGs to get into, so I really appreciate this video.
Ah this was a great refreshher vid!As a kid, I remember smashing pop cans to recycle them and save enough money to buy Dragon Warrior. Eventually, I smashed 60 dollars worth of cans and then went to HILLS department store to get the game, which was on lay away. I took it home and played it for like twenty minutes but had to go to bed (it was a school night). From that day on, I don’t think I ever went outside and played in the neighborhood again, or cared about school. Dragon Warrior made me want to spend my life playing games and now I am making an old school RPG to release someday. The memories I have of this series are really life changing, same as yours. Good stuff!
We’re about the same age. I grew up playing Dragon Warrior and have always loved the series. DW 4 was definitely my favorite as a kid, and I was desperately hoping we would get another once the Super Nintendo came out. I looked for every hint in Nintendo power each month for an inkling of an announcement! It wasn’t until much later in life that I heard about the Japanese sequels, and my heart leapt for joy when I was able to finally play them! Truly magical
I got a copy of Dragon Warrior 1 back in the PSone era, but I didn't quite "get it" at the time (I was more used to the linear and structured RPGs of the SNES/PSone) but a few years later I would acquire Dragon Quest VIII on PS2 and just absolutely fell in love with the game. My mom actually really loved it, too, and I have so many happy memories of playing it with her
I played DW1 on NES as a kid but it was over my head at the time. I played it later as a teen on Gameboy. I think the first game is a great place to start because it's a really short adventure that is perfect for any RPG lover. I also recommend Dragon Quest Builders. Those games have all the fun and charming elements of Dragon Quest with a Minecraft style building/crafting system.
That’s how I want to finally start the series, with DQ1 on GameBoy. It was nice to hear in the video that there really aren’t too many versions to avoid in the entirety of the series.
got my copy of dragon quest 3 remake last night, and loving it so much, it looks great and feels great. Also loved dragon quest 11, felt like it was worth every penny, hopeful for 12 whenever that comes around
My first DQ was the very first one on the Nes, though back then it was DW. It was also my very first Jrpg, I was just a kid and had only ever played Mario, Castlevania, etc so I didn't get very far due to not understanding how to play or how a Jrpg worked. It wasn't until later when FF4 released on the Snes when I started to actually understand Jrpg's and instantly fell in love. My favorite DQ is Dragon Quest 5, really hoping we can get a rerelease on modern consoles of it eventually.
Literally playing 11 right now. Started a little slow but 5-6 hours in it’s getting great as usual. Love these games. Wish I could get dragon warrior monster on my switch. That was the first I ever played. You and happy console gamer convinced me to play the old ones and acquire the DS ones years ago with all the praise
VIII was also the one that got me and my brothers into the series. Got it for our PS2 with what little money we had. Will always remember how much great as it was frustrating. Don't regret though. And I still have the 3DS version and yeah, it makes a lot of improvements.
I did play both DQ/Warrior 1 and FF 1 briefly at their time of release but bounced off them. It was FFIV that was my entrypoint to JRPGs and it remains my favourite game of all time
The NES versions of those games were flawed, those are hard to finish without suffering. The GBC version of DQ and the PSX version of FF fixed the main issues. FFIV was fine from the start.
I also cut my teeth on the first Dragon Warrior, but 4 has always been my favorite (especially with the Game Genie code that turns off auto-battle), mainly because of what a big adventure it is, though the monster art is exceptional, as well. I did also really enjoy 7, because of how unique the method of storytelling was, how crazy the class system could get, and how neat those 3D dungeons were; I've never found anything else quite like it.
I wish DQ was the 1st RPG I played. Early games for me were rentals from BBuster. Super Mario RPG, EarthBound. I eventually played Chrono Trigger. Once I saw PS1 I remember the 1st game I played via demo disc and wanted and eventually got was FF7. Then I played other FF’s and Chrono Cross. I was late playing Dragon Quest which I blame for me being in the west. They were apparently not all released and available for purchase anywhere. I was so mad when I found out about the greatness of DQ way after the fact. Now it’s my favorite RPG series ever! I appreciate you David for sharing and talking about it. I’m trying to play all the old ones except for 3 (since I have the HD2D remake coming in the mail soon) on mobile devices and it’s easy for me to play and get back to wherever whenever. I’ve played a bit of 1 on the Switch and rebought it on the iOS. Same for 2. 4 5 and 6 are on mobile and I’m at the end of 4 and 5 right before the bosses I still need to beat. DQ7 is on 3DSXL which I’m still in the process of putting islands together. DQ8 I first played back on PS2, but never finished. I eventually got it on 3DSXL and beat it but not the post game stuff. That’s really challenging! I recently ordered DQ9 coming in the mail also for the 3DSXL. DQX is only in Japanese sadly. DQXI S I played some years back and that really got me to want to play all the others! I can’t wait for DQ12 when it finally comes out! I hope it’s good and they treat it with the respect it deserves. It seems like Square and many others never think it’s going to do well when it actually does. Japanese love it and so do I and any RPG lover. I appreciate you giving this great game series the time. You have a good day as well! 👊🏽 oh yeah and I’m sorry about my novel I left you. 😂
Dragon warrior 1 for the nes was my first jrpg as well in 1991. I've been a fanatic for jrpgs ever since. Dragon warrior vii is actually my favorite one in the series the ps1 version.
I paused the video as soon as you started talking just so I can say "OMG, DQ7 is my favorite with DQ 9 being second." Okay... let's go. I'm ready to listen now.
Dragon quest, along with other games like anything made from RGG studios (Like a Dragon/Yakuza) and FromSoftware's Souls series has that consistency of quality that I love as a franchise. You really can't go wrong with any game in the mainline series. My favorites are 3, 5, and 11. 5 for its story and being my first DQ game I played, 11 for being the most well rounded entry in the series and one of the best modern JRPG imo. And 3 for its replayability and is the gold standard for any rpg imo.
I agree, IX is in need of a port or remake. It's such a gem. III, VIII, and XI are probably the best entry points. Awesome overview of the mainline titles, David!
Good video. People sometimes ask me too, ´´Where Do I Start?´' I´ll show them this video frome here on. I started from Dragon Warrior Monsters 2 Tara's Adventure so just startin anywhere is fine.
My favorite game series hands down. DW4 started it for me, and ive happily played and replayed these for decades. Heres hoping for many more games to come
I started with dq8 on the 3ds and that feels like a major sweet spot. Can’t wait for the hd 2d remake, and hoping they go all the way down the line and remake everything up to 8.
Its so funny that you said 7 isnt the best starting point and for most i would absolutely agree, unless you love long, hard, multi story games. It was actually the first one i played. I loved every one of my 175 hour run. It set a rather high bar for rpgs and DQ in general. Even though ive played many DQ games now and many many rpgs DQ 7 is still in my absolute favorite.
Dragon Warrior 1 was the first RPG I got into as a kid, but I didn't have the patience to finish it at the time. I've since beaten the first three games; 3 is by far my favorite, and one of my favorite games of all time. I'm hoping to play all of them eventually, but there are so many good games it can be hard to choose which to devote my time to (the past couple years I've mostly been focusing on the Final Fantasy Pixel Remasters and Tears of the Kingdom).
Man, Dragon Quest is so special to me. 9 was my first one, (I got it in the bargain bin at Walmart for like, 9 bucks) and is what got me into JRPGs in general. When Hero got announced for Smash, I was so hyped. I would love to see a remaster, or at least a port of 9 to the Switch, since i cant find any DS copies online for cheap.
VIII was my first but I really didn't gel with the Psych Up system, so I never made it overly far in either version of the game. It just felt like I was wasting a bunch of time boosting my attacks just to make them worthwhile. Quite a shame because I loved everything else about it. XI S was what I think of as my proper first experience. That game grabbed me and never let go until I saw the credits. I'm looking very much forward to 3 and then 1&2 next year.
While I completely agree that it shouldn't be where most players start, Dragon Warrior 7 was actually my introduction to the franchise 😅 My playthrough took over 280 hours, and I didn't even do any of the postgame content 😅 That said, for people who love job systems in JRPGs... play DQ9 instead 😝 Don't get me wrong, I love DQ7, but that's the game that RPG lovers should play after they've played all of the most beloved JRPGs across the board, since I can absolutely see that game completely ruining a non enthusiast's interest in the entire genre if it were the first RPG they ever played 😬 DQ9 definitely needs a modern port, and I think it's actually the most enjoyable from a pure gameplay perspective 🙂 DQ8 is definitely the best hopping on point for players who are unfamiliar with RPGs, though I would argue that if it were available on all platforms, then the best introduction might actually be the new Dragon Quest Monsters game, since it's a way for Pokemon fans to get their feet wet in the DQ franchise, which is the largest possible audience conversion that Dragon Quest could get. I really hope the DQX demake gets a western release 🙂
DQ 8 or DQ 11S are the only ones I have played full. I would suggest one of those two as a starting point. Otherwise.. I'd suggest starting at the beginning with the first game.
I have never played a dragon quest game and was thinking of getting the HD remaster. So this was a good video to watch. On a side note I’ve played Chrono Trigger a lot.
6 is the best. I started with 5 on SFC. Didn't manage to finish it back then. And it only allowed 3 people. When 6 came out, I was so into it. 4 people. Monster Recruitment. Job System. Intricate storyline - Dream World Real World. Preferred the SFC versions over the DS ones. The name changes were not my type.
I love Dragon Quest so I actually had my own suggestions on where to start I would say 8 but given the not so much accessibility options (besides Phone and 3DS) it has i would say start with Dragon Quest 11 if they prefer games with modern graphics (until when 12 comes out) or play Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D when it comes out since DQ3 is a legendary game Also I would love to recommend DQ5 because of it's story and structure but the best bet for current accessibility is 📱 (Hope it gets a HD-2D treatment)
My first introduction was DQ8 on the PS2 and I only got it at first because I was an FF fan and FF12 demo was included. Turns out DQ8 was even better than that game and one of my favorites! I recently played the 3DS version but I personally feel like even without the additions the PS2 just seems much better imo, mainly because of the graphics and the voice acting for Jessica. Also side note I feel like everyone will appreciate them both even more if they play DQ8 before DQ11, you get to see all the inspiration
I played rom of 1 and i think it was 5 with the different wagons i played some of the one where depending who you pick you get a different child. Been enjoying 3.
It was dragon quest.....8, i believe that caught my eye when it comes to the dragon quest games. It was also the first game i played, but never owned. So, i never gotten the chance to actually beat it. I really feel like i missed out a lot by not playing this series, so i tried to make uo for it bu getting 1-3 on switch and also 11. It wouod be nice if they bring thenolder games ro newer consoles like how theyre doing with the remake of 3.
Technically Pokemon was my first RPG... Till I played a copy of ny cousins Dragon Warrior Monsters on GBC and I instantly threw Pokemon away! I was just more invested in the game because of the randomness! As I got older, I didnt know who Hargon, Malroth, Mudou and Deathmore were... But I learned they were bosses from the previous games??? My kid self lost it and bred them! For the human Dragon Quest games... Ironically I started with Dragon Warrior 3 and im glad I did! Played it. Beat it. Loved it! Even after playing Final Fantasy on GBA back then... I longed to go back to Dragon Warrior 3! Great vid man! The history of the games is always good!
I was never a big DQ fan as a kid, I was more of a Final Fantasy person, but as I got older I got into them more. I haven't played all of them but I really love 11, 4, 7 and 9. I never played 8 but I hear it's fantastic so I hope to give it a go at some point. I played the GBC version of DQ 3 but I was too much of a dumb kid to enjoy it lol. However I'm really looking forward to the HD-2D remakes of the first 3!
Literally playing DQ8 right now on PS2 lol. Quick question. I want to have an all out offensive build for Jessica. Would putting skill points into Staff and Whip be the best?
@davidvinc thanks, David! I saw that magic burst is her strongest attack, so I initially put (thankfully) only 4 points into fisticuffs. Going to go half whip and half staff from here on our 👍 Magic burst just isn't worth using ALL OF YOUR MP. Sorry, had to yell it lol
My first two JRPGs were Final Fantasy IV and Secret of Mana (I've forgotten which of the two I technically played first). I never had my own NES system (I played a bit on my older brother's console before moving away because of my father's job, though I think he might have taken it to a friend's house before then), and the SNES Dragon Quest games were initially Japan-only, so I didn't get into the series until Dragon Quest VIII. However, I have played (and I think finished) all of the main series except DQ10 (I hadn't noticed before that it was Japan exclusive, but I probably wouldn't play it even if it got a North American release, since I don't like MMOs), as well as Dragon Quest Treasures and Dragon Quest Builders I and II. I haven't finished DQM:TDP yet. I didn't like Dragon Quest Heroes: Rocket Slime or Dragon Quest Swords. Given that I already finished the lower-res Switch ports of Dragon Quest I, II, and III, I am skeptical that the hd2d remakes are worth buying at full price for me, let alone pre-ordering.
IMO, start with Dragon Quest 1, it shows the most basic form of RPGs as we know them - sure you can go back to the original versions of Wizardry (before they added all the Dragon Quest menu stuff into it) and Ultima; but, if those games came out today, many might not even consider them proper RPGs (or at least incomplete), there's no question about Dragon Quest 1, then do 2 where they added party members, and 3 where you get the first game that resembles almost all RPGs until at least KotR on Xbox. Dragon Quest 4 takes what 3 did and makes it even better. Dragon Quest 5 is the pinnacle. Not a popular opinion, but I find 6, 7, and 8 to be not nearly as fun - mostly because their pacing and storytelling took a crap. It's like playing the slog that is Final Fantasy 5 after the groundbreaking experience in Final Fantasy 4 - Final Fantasy 5 had less than half the story of Final Fantasy 4, but the game was more than twice as long. Dragon Quest 9 improves the pacing from 6-8, but not the storytelling - it's still a far cry from DQ5. On the other hand, the added multiplayer more or less makes up for it, and to be fair, with games like DQ9 and Secret of Mana, you don't want a heavy handed Xenogears-style story, because the reward in those games is more about navigating everything together. As a note, Dragon Quest 8 is often listed as one of the most popular games in the series. This is because of the style. Substance-wise, the game is a slog. The story involves chasing this guy called Dull Magus, who is like Binky the Clown with magic, and chasing him around the world while yelling "D'oh! Dull Magus struck again!" (Shakes fist) for something like 83 hours.
They don't in fact the only game that really DID that are the Arena battle monsters you COULD Capture in DQ8 as in those monsters had a FIXED default lv for when you first fight them on th World Map but if you leveled up passed the exp lv of the said monsters then IT would level up as you do so if you have 4x lv 99 party members in DQ8 then ALL the monsters you capture should ALL be at lv 99.
You can't call yourself a real Dragon Quest fan until you play the BBC Micro game. You know. The one that forced Enix America to rebrand it to "Warrior" in order to avoid the lawsuit? It came out in 1982, so yeah, better get started!
I've always seen the first Dragon Quest as the best gateway for RPG newcomers. Better than Mario RPGs, Pokemon, Mystic Quest, Secret of Mana, you name it... It's a simple mini-RPG that moves fast and focuses on the basics and nothing more, and it somehow manages to feel like a grand adventure nonetheless. I have this idea that if they had made a port that was included with Windows in the 90s, like solitaire and minesweeper, it would have been a massive sensation and gotten the world into RPGs in a big way. But if you're a long-time RPG fan that has never gotten into DQ, then it's definitely best to avoid it.
I really need more info on DQXII its killin me!!! i was waiting for a teaser at TGS :(, hoping The Game Awards have some also i want a more dynamic turnbase
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I remember as a kid I'd go watch my Christian neighbor who was in her 60's play final fantasy and dragon warrior on nes . She's the reason I play to this day . I already pre ordered dragon quest 3 2d hd can't wait .
That’s a wonderful story! There was a guy at my church that played NES RPGs as well and I used to love watching him play. Ultima Underworld was our thing and got me into PC gaming. A great role model of a man.
@@chriskoschik391 great story as well , I've tried ultima but never finished it maybe someday though .
Why i m getting the impressions that Christians are playing video games in the name of worship 🤣🤣@@crazyc4lyfe1982
I like how the series is still turn-based and the character/monster design.
DQ is videogames comfort food. You can't go wrong with any if you want a good adventure. My favorite series as a whole!
I missed out on this series as a kid, so I'm excited to finally get into it with the DQ3 remake
You’ll love it!
Thursday shall be my first dragon quest game. Super excited. Happy you get to enjoy it, David. I’m playing breath of fire for the first time right now too. It was one of the few JRPG series I’ve never touched. Playing the SNES version on switch.
Must be the snes one 😊 I don’t think breath of fire came out on nes. That’s awesome though. Glad you’re enjoying breath of fire and I hope you enjoy dragon quest! (I know you will!)
@ whoops you’d be right!
Dragon Warrior was my first RPG as well. I remember getting scared whenever I encountered an enemy that I hadn't seen before and that tense battle music started playing. 😅
Dragon Warrior on NES was my 1st real game/RPG at 6 years old..... So begain my gaming addictions! So i know the feels. We grew up in an amazing age of outside world and virtual!
I really hope we get a zenithian trilogy entry on a modern Nintendo console. Finding those da versions are getting tough
Those are also COSTLY playing OVER 100 + for a copy of DQ6 is NOT worth it and due to the 3DS Eshop shutdown once the E shop closed FOREVER so did the Special Tablet dungeons its DQ7 remake had.
@@veghesther3204I have Dragon Quest 4-6 on my phone. They are available in the App Store. It isn’t ideal, but at least you can play them :)
I'd love a remaster of 8.
DQ8 has always been my personal favorite. It needs to be on modern consoles!
@@reyntime1950 played through it again on ps2 emu w/ HD textures pack. It's as closer as we get to a remaster! Highly recommended
VIII was my first game and got to see the hype that was challenging Final Fantasy. This helped me to branch out on my RPGS and on my way to playing them all! Thanks for sharing!👍🏾
7 has a very special place in my heart. It's the first Dragon Warrior/Quest game that I got to play since my father introduced me to the series with it when I was a little kid. All to get me reading since I didn't like reading much and he figured that having me play Dragon Warrior 7, a game where I needed to read to know what to do to advance forward, would be a great idea. I've played the games ever since. I really love 11 too because of how great the characters are. I actually preordered the HD-2D remake of Dragon Quest 3 for the switch so that I can enjoy it. I love writing stories so the idea of getting three characters you create plus your hero feels like a writers canvas to me. It makes me want to write the adventures through the game as my hero and three companions traveling through the world to achieve victory against the Demon Lord Baramos.
My fist actually was DQXI, and I just fell in love with it)) After that, I completed the first DQ, and for the first time, I appreciate its legacy and old style progression with some amount of grind)) after that I played every dq I can reach 😅
That's awesome!
Dragon Quest saved my life, thank you David
Dragon Quest 8 is quite probably my most favourite game of all time. King Trode is certainly the best character ever, absolutely hilarious. Played it on emulator about 4 years ago, I was 52 then! Being emulated meant I could stop and reload at times-yeah, yeah, not for the conisseur, but I'm generally crap with some fighting systems 😂
The only Dragon Quest game I played was XI, and I loved it. Even got the platinum trophy. Now that I platinumed Ys X last night, I need more JRPGs to get into, so I really appreciate this video.
Ah this was a great refreshher vid!As a kid, I remember smashing pop cans to recycle them and save enough money to buy Dragon Warrior. Eventually, I smashed 60 dollars worth of cans and then went to HILLS department store to get the game, which was on lay away. I took it home and played it for like twenty minutes but had to go to bed (it was a school night). From that day on, I don’t think I ever went outside and played in the neighborhood again, or cared about school. Dragon Warrior made me want to spend my life playing games and now I am making an old school RPG to release someday. The memories I have of this series are really life changing, same as yours.
Good stuff!
We’re about the same age. I grew up playing Dragon Warrior and have always loved the series. DW 4 was definitely my favorite as a kid, and I was desperately hoping we would get another once the Super Nintendo came out. I looked for every hint in Nintendo power each month for an inkling of an announcement! It wasn’t until much later in life that I heard about the Japanese sequels, and my heart leapt for joy when I was able to finally play them! Truly magical
I got a copy of Dragon Warrior 1 back in the PSone era, but I didn't quite "get it" at the time (I was more used to the linear and structured RPGs of the SNES/PSone) but a few years later I would acquire Dragon Quest VIII on PS2 and just absolutely fell in love with the game. My mom actually really loved it, too, and I have so many happy memories of playing it with her
I played DW1 on NES as a kid but it was over my head at the time. I played it later as a teen on Gameboy. I think the first game is a great place to start because it's a really short adventure that is perfect for any RPG lover. I also recommend Dragon Quest Builders. Those games have all the fun and charming elements of Dragon Quest with a Minecraft style building/crafting system.
That’s how I want to finally start the series, with DQ1 on GameBoy. It was nice to hear in the video that there really aren’t too many versions to avoid in the entirety of the series.
All Dragon quest games are so fun to play imo!
I've never played 1, 2, or 3, so I'm beyond excited for the chance to play these early games in the series.
got my copy of dragon quest 3 remake last night, and loving it so much, it looks great and feels great. Also loved dragon quest 11, felt like it was worth every penny, hopeful for 12 whenever that comes around
I love the story of all Dragon Quests, but I personally really like the story of 4 and 5. Great video
My first DQ was the very first one on the Nes, though back then it was DW. It was also my very first Jrpg, I was just a kid and had only ever played Mario, Castlevania, etc so I didn't get very far due to not understanding how to play or how a Jrpg worked. It wasn't until later when FF4 released on the Snes when I started to actually understand Jrpg's and instantly fell in love. My favorite DQ is Dragon Quest 5, really hoping we can get a rerelease on modern consoles of it eventually.
Hey David love your content. I've never really played any of the Dragon Quest games but I love the history lesson. Great video.
Hey, thanks!
Literally playing 11 right now. Started a little slow but 5-6 hours in it’s getting great as usual. Love these games.
Wish I could get dragon warrior monster on my switch. That was the first I ever played. You and happy console gamer convinced me to play the old ones and acquire the DS ones years ago with all the praise
My top three favorites are 3, 5, 11.
My next three are 4, 8, 9
VIII was also the one that got me and my brothers into the series. Got it for our PS2 with what little money we had. Will always remember how much great as it was frustrating. Don't regret though. And I still have the 3DS version and yeah, it makes a lot of improvements.
I did play both DQ/Warrior 1 and FF 1 briefly at their time of release but bounced off them. It was FFIV that was my entrypoint to JRPGs and it remains my favourite game of all time
The NES versions of those games were flawed, those are hard to finish without suffering. The GBC version of DQ and the PSX version of FF fixed the main issues. FFIV was fine from the start.
Always nice to see Jessica in the thumbnail.
I also cut my teeth on the first Dragon Warrior, but 4 has always been my favorite (especially with the Game Genie code that turns off auto-battle), mainly because of what a big adventure it is, though the monster art is exceptional, as well. I did also really enjoy 7, because of how unique the method of storytelling was, how crazy the class system could get, and how neat those 3D dungeons were; I've never found anything else quite like it.
I wish DQ was the 1st RPG I played. Early games for me were rentals from BBuster. Super Mario RPG, EarthBound. I eventually played Chrono Trigger. Once I saw PS1 I remember the 1st game I played via demo disc and wanted and eventually got was FF7. Then I played other FF’s and Chrono Cross.
I was late playing Dragon Quest which I blame for me being in the west. They were apparently not all released and available for purchase anywhere. I was so mad when I found out about the greatness of DQ way after the fact. Now it’s my favorite RPG series ever! I appreciate you David for sharing and talking about it.
I’m trying to play all the old ones except for 3 (since I have the HD2D remake coming in the mail soon) on mobile devices and it’s easy for me to play and get back to wherever whenever.
I’ve played a bit of 1 on the Switch and rebought it on the iOS. Same for 2. 4 5 and 6 are on mobile and I’m at the end of 4 and 5 right before the bosses I still need to beat.
DQ7 is on 3DSXL which I’m still in the process of putting islands together. DQ8 I first played back on PS2, but never finished. I eventually got it on 3DSXL and beat it but not the post game stuff. That’s really challenging!
I recently ordered DQ9 coming in the mail also for the 3DSXL. DQX is only in Japanese sadly. DQXI S I played some years back and that really got me to want to play all the others!
I can’t wait for DQ12 when it finally comes out! I hope it’s good and they treat it with the respect it deserves.
It seems like Square and many others never think it’s going to do well when it actually does. Japanese love it and so do I and any RPG lover. I appreciate you giving this great game series the time. You have a good day as well! 👊🏽 oh yeah and I’m sorry about my novel I left you. 😂
Dragon warrior 1 for the nes was my first jrpg as well in 1991. I've been a fanatic for jrpgs ever since. Dragon warrior vii is actually my favorite one in the series the ps1 version.
I paused the video as soon as you started talking just so I can say "OMG, DQ7 is my favorite with DQ 9 being second." Okay... let's go. I'm ready to listen now.
I'm a simple man. I see a Dragon Quest video by David in my feed, i click it instantly.
Dragon quest, along with other games like anything made from RGG studios (Like a Dragon/Yakuza) and FromSoftware's Souls series has that consistency of quality that I love as a franchise. You really can't go wrong with any game in the mainline series.
My favorites are 3, 5, and 11. 5 for its story and being my first DQ game I played, 11 for being the most well rounded entry in the series and one of the best modern JRPG imo. And 3 for its replayability and is the gold standard for any rpg imo.
Dragon Warrior was the first RPG that I've played but I've only begun loving the series when I played the DS version of Dragon Quest IV
Dragon quest XI is a MASTERPIECE !!! 🏆
Every turn based Jrpg should be like him ! 🤩👌
I agree, IX is in need of a port or remake. It's such a gem. III, VIII, and XI are probably the best entry points. Awesome overview of the mainline titles, David!
Thanks so much!
Good video. People sometimes ask me too, ´´Where Do I Start?´' I´ll show them this video frome here on. I started from Dragon Warrior Monsters 2 Tara's Adventure so just startin anywhere is fine.
Great video! One of the best series out there hands down!
Glad you enjoyed it! It's easily my favorite series of all time as you well know! :) I hope you finish VOM soon so you can start up DQ3!
My favorite game series hands down. DW4 started it for me, and ive happily played and replayed these for decades. Heres hoping for many more games to come
Dragon Quest 7,8 and 11 are my favorites. I feel the DQ3 HD-2D remake will sell well. Hopefully they will do more HD-2D remakes. Especially 5.
Good video david will love to see a part two with the spin off of the series that are really great as well.
The spin offs are the only ones i have beaten. Its like with final fantasy. I played main series but never beat any.
I started with dq8 on the 3ds and that feels like a major sweet spot.
Can’t wait for the hd 2d remake, and hoping they go all the way down the line and remake everything up to 8.
DQ4 was my favorite with it's character chapters, I hope it gets remade as well
Fantastic retrospective video
Its so funny that you said 7 isnt the best starting point and for most i would absolutely agree, unless you love long, hard, multi story games. It was actually the first one i played. I loved every one of my 175 hour run. It set a rather high bar for rpgs and DQ in general. Even though ive played many DQ games now and many many rpgs DQ 7 is still in my absolute favorite.
Love DQ8. Yangus is great, guv.
Best DQ for me and one of the greatest RPGs ever made
dq/dw1 is total what got me into dnd and rpgs
Dragon Warrior 1 was the first RPG I got into as a kid, but I didn't have the patience to finish it at the time. I've since beaten the first three games; 3 is by far my favorite, and one of my favorite games of all time. I'm hoping to play all of them eventually, but there are so many good games it can be hard to choose which to devote my time to (the past couple years I've mostly been focusing on the Final Fantasy Pixel Remasters and Tears of the Kingdom).
Man, Dragon Quest is so special to me. 9 was my first one, (I got it in the bargain bin at Walmart for like, 9 bucks) and is what got me into JRPGs in general. When Hero got announced for Smash, I was so hyped. I would love to see a remaster, or at least a port of 9 to the Switch, since i cant find any DS copies online for cheap.
Another great guide!
I started the series with the 8 which is m'y favorite game
I feel 8 and 11 are the general favorites to recommend
agree
I adore 7 and 5 stories
VIII was my first but I really didn't gel with the Psych Up system, so I never made it overly far in either version of the game. It just felt like I was wasting a bunch of time boosting my attacks just to make them worthwhile. Quite a shame because I loved everything else about it.
XI S was what I think of as my proper first experience. That game grabbed me and never let go until I saw the credits. I'm looking very much forward to 3 and then 1&2 next year.
While I completely agree that it shouldn't be where most players start, Dragon Warrior 7 was actually my introduction to the franchise 😅
My playthrough took over 280 hours, and I didn't even do any of the postgame content 😅
That said, for people who love job systems in JRPGs... play DQ9 instead 😝
Don't get me wrong, I love DQ7, but that's the game that RPG lovers should play after they've played all of the most beloved JRPGs across the board, since I can absolutely see that game completely ruining a non enthusiast's interest in the entire genre if it were the first RPG they ever played 😬
DQ9 definitely needs a modern port, and I think it's actually the most enjoyable from a pure gameplay perspective 🙂
DQ8 is definitely the best hopping on point for players who are unfamiliar with RPGs, though I would argue that if it were available on all platforms, then the best introduction might actually be the new Dragon Quest Monsters game, since it's a way for Pokemon fans to get their feet wet in the DQ franchise, which is the largest possible audience conversion that Dragon Quest could get.
I really hope the DQX demake gets a western release 🙂
DQ 8 or DQ 11S are the only ones I have played full. I would suggest one of those two as a starting point. Otherwise.. I'd suggest starting at the beginning with the first game.
I have never played a dragon quest game and was thinking of getting the HD remaster. So this was a good video to watch. On a side note I’ve played Chrono Trigger a lot.
Dragon Quest 8 is my favorite!! Jessica and the love story between the Princess and main character is great!!!!!!!
6 is the best.
I started with 5 on SFC. Didn't manage to finish it back then.
And it only allowed 3 people.
When 6 came out, I was so into it. 4 people. Monster Recruitment. Job System. Intricate storyline - Dream World Real World.
Preferred the SFC versions over the DS ones. The name changes were not my type.
Dragon Warrior/Quest time with David
I'm just dealing with a lot so I won't be posting as much but I will still be watching U
I love Dragon Quest so I actually had my own suggestions on where to start I would say 8 but given the not so much accessibility options (besides Phone and 3DS) it has i would say start with Dragon Quest 11 if they prefer games with modern graphics (until when 12 comes out) or play Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D when it comes out since DQ3 is a legendary game
Also I would love to recommend DQ5 because of it's story and structure but the best bet for current accessibility is 📱
(Hope it gets a HD-2D treatment)
What little i have played of DQ i have enjoyed. 1-3. I just wish the games were more accessible. Released on more current platforms.
My very first DQ game was DQ7 on the 3DS and was love for first sight to me to the franchise ❤️
My first introduction was DQ8 on the PS2 and I only got it at first because I was an FF fan and FF12 demo was included. Turns out DQ8 was even better than that game and one of my favorites! I recently played the 3DS version but I personally feel like even without the additions the PS2 just seems much better imo, mainly because of the graphics and the voice acting for Jessica. Also side note I feel like everyone will appreciate them both even more if they play DQ8 before DQ11, you get to see all the inspiration
I can say that DW was the game that push me to learn English. I brought the 3 when I was a kid and couldn't get too far
11, 5, 8 are my top 3, in order of preference.
I played rom of 1 and i think it was 5 with the different wagons i played some of the one where depending who you pick you get a different child. Been enjoying 3.
It was dragon quest.....8, i believe that caught my eye when it comes to the dragon quest games. It was also the first game i played, but never owned. So, i never gotten the chance to actually beat it. I really feel like i missed out a lot by not playing this series, so i tried to make uo for it bu getting 1-3 on switch and also 11. It wouod be nice if they bring thenolder games ro newer consoles like how theyre doing with the remake of 3.
Hi David, I'll take a copy of Metaphor, Re:Fantazio. Thanks!
Technically Pokemon was my first RPG...
Till I played a copy of ny cousins Dragon Warrior Monsters on GBC and I instantly threw Pokemon away! I was just more invested in the game because of the randomness!
As I got older, I didnt know who Hargon, Malroth, Mudou and Deathmore were... But I learned they were bosses from the previous games??? My kid self lost it and bred them!
For the human Dragon Quest games... Ironically I started with Dragon Warrior 3 and im glad I did! Played it. Beat it. Loved it!
Even after playing Final Fantasy on GBA back then... I longed to go back to Dragon Warrior 3!
Great vid man! The history of the games is always good!
I got a free copy with Nintendo Power back in 90 lol
I was never a big DQ fan as a kid, I was more of a Final Fantasy person, but as I got older I got into them more. I haven't played all of them but I really love 11, 4, 7 and 9. I never played 8 but I hear it's fantastic so I hope to give it a go at some point. I played the GBC version of DQ 3 but I was too much of a dumb kid to enjoy it lol. However I'm really looking forward to the HD-2D remakes of the first 3!
AIRFORCE BASE!?
I started at 8 an than played everything before and the rest after 8 when it released 😊
Fingers crossed we get DQB3 following the release of the erdrick collection of 2d-hd remakes
Maybe squareenix could put all the classic Dragon Quest titles on 1 disc. Like they did for the Final Fantasy re-release of FF1-6.
Literally playing DQ8 right now on PS2 lol.
Quick question. I want to have an all out offensive build for Jessica. Would putting skill points into Staff and Whip be the best?
Yes, especially whip
@davidvinc thanks, David! I saw that magic burst is her strongest attack, so I initially put (thankfully) only 4 points into fisticuffs. Going to go half whip and half staff from here on our 👍
Magic burst just isn't worth using ALL OF YOUR MP. Sorry, had to yell it lol
I’ve played 1 2 3 4 5 9 and 11. I’m on 8. My favorite is 9 or 11, with 3 and 5 being close behind
I may be alone here, but I prefer 8 over 11. Make no mistake, both are great. But something about 8 pulled me in more than 11.
My first two JRPGs were Final Fantasy IV and Secret of Mana (I've forgotten which of the two I technically played first). I never had my own NES system (I played a bit on my older brother's console before moving away because of my father's job, though I think he might have taken it to a friend's house before then), and the SNES Dragon Quest games were initially Japan-only, so I didn't get into the series until Dragon Quest VIII. However, I have played (and I think finished) all of the main series except DQ10 (I hadn't noticed before that it was Japan exclusive, but I probably wouldn't play it even if it got a North American release, since I don't like MMOs), as well as Dragon Quest Treasures and Dragon Quest Builders I and II. I haven't finished DQM:TDP yet. I didn't like Dragon Quest Heroes: Rocket Slime or Dragon Quest Swords. Given that I already finished the lower-res Switch ports of Dragon Quest I, II, and III, I am skeptical that the hd2d remakes are worth buying at full price for me, let alone pre-ordering.
where are those videos from in your what is dragon quest section??? never seen them before
8 is my favorite and first game but 5 was amazing, 3 and 11 also some of my favorites! Hoping the HD releases help the view on 2 🙂
IMO, start with Dragon Quest 1, it shows the most basic form of RPGs as we know them - sure you can go back to the original versions of Wizardry (before they added all the Dragon Quest menu stuff into it) and Ultima; but, if those games came out today, many might not even consider them proper RPGs (or at least incomplete), there's no question about Dragon Quest 1, then do 2 where they added party members, and 3 where you get the first game that resembles almost all RPGs until at least KotR on Xbox. Dragon Quest 4 takes what 3 did and makes it even better. Dragon Quest 5 is the pinnacle.
Not a popular opinion, but I find 6, 7, and 8 to be not nearly as fun - mostly because their pacing and storytelling took a crap. It's like playing the slog that is Final Fantasy 5 after the groundbreaking experience in Final Fantasy 4 - Final Fantasy 5 had less than half the story of Final Fantasy 4, but the game was more than twice as long.
Dragon Quest 9 improves the pacing from 6-8, but not the storytelling - it's still a far cry from DQ5. On the other hand, the added multiplayer more or less makes up for it, and to be fair, with games like DQ9 and Secret of Mana, you don't want a heavy handed Xenogears-style story, because the reward in those games is more about navigating everything together.
As a note, Dragon Quest 8 is often listed as one of the most popular games in the series. This is because of the style. Substance-wise, the game is a slog. The story involves chasing this guy called Dull Magus, who is like Binky the Clown with magic, and chasing him around the world while yelling "D'oh! Dull Magus struck again!" (Shakes fist) for something like 83 hours.
Would love to see you talk about the spin offs like dragon quest builder
You start on the first one there you are folks
Well God bless you David for posting this, 'cause I needed it. XD
Do enemies scale with you in the new DQ3 Remake? I like grinding and becoming overpowered, so I highly prefer if they don’t scale with you.
they do not
They don't in fact the only game that really DID that are the Arena battle monsters you COULD Capture in DQ8 as in those monsters had a FIXED default lv for when you first fight them on th World Map but if you leveled up passed the exp lv of the said monsters then IT would level up as you do so if you have 4x lv 99 party members in DQ8 then ALL the monsters you capture should ALL be at lv 99.
Another awesome video David have an awesome week brother keep being an amazing creator
Thanks so much! have a good week as well!
You can't call yourself a real Dragon Quest fan until you play the BBC Micro game. You know. The one that forced Enix America to rebrand it to "Warrior" in order to avoid the lawsuit? It came out in 1982, so yeah, better get started!
I've always seen the first Dragon Quest as the best gateway for RPG newcomers. Better than Mario RPGs, Pokemon, Mystic Quest, Secret of Mana, you name it... It's a simple mini-RPG that moves fast and focuses on the basics and nothing more, and it somehow manages to feel like a grand adventure nonetheless. I have this idea that if they had made a port that was included with Windows in the 90s, like solitaire and minesweeper, it would have been a massive sensation and gotten the world into RPGs in a big way. But if you're a long-time RPG fan that has never gotten into DQ, then it's definitely best to avoid it.
hi Davidvinc RPGs
Nice recap
Glad you enjoyed it!!
I really need more info on DQXII its killin me!!! i was waiting for a teaser at TGS :(, hoping The Game Awards have some also i want a more dynamic turnbase
Seven is the best
I really like your videos. Keep it uo
Glad you like them!
Hold up - bro you are RIPPED!