Dragon Quest V (Nintendo DS version)
出典 : Amazon.co.jp
Released in 2008, this is the second DS remake project of the the sky series trilogy.
It is based on the PS2 version and DS version IV, with some additional elements such as the “Slime Touch” mini game.
Like IV, there are also additional face graphics.
And the biggest addition is the introduction of a third potential bride, Deborah.
She is a very tongue-in-cheek character, which is rare for a Dracula character, and many players were initially resistant to her, but now that she is known to be an extreme tsundere, her fan base is growing.
The PS2 version is better in total, including the graphics, but with the additional elements mentioned above, it’s well worth replaying.
commendation level：★☆★☆
Dragon Quest V (smartphones)
出典 : ⓒARMOR PROJECT / BIRD STUDIO / SQUARE ENIX : ドラゴンクエストfor スマートフォン ポータルサイト | SQUARE ENIX
This app for Android and iOS was released in 2014, based on the DS version.
There are some changes, such as the addition of a “monster brooch” item that makes it easier to join monsters, and …… that allows you to view the world map right away without having to get a world map, but it’s more like a sticky port.
The price is 1,800 yen.
commendation level：★☆★
ドラゴンクエストVI 幻の大地（ニンテンドーDS版）
出典 : Amazon.co.jp
Released in 2010, this is the third in a series of DS remakes of the the sky series trilogy.
Fourteen years after the original SFC version, the long-awaited first remake of the game was highly anticipated. …… The abolition of the companion monster system (replaced by the Slime Scout) and the lack of additional elements meant that the remake did not necessarily live up to expectations.
Terry, who was dismissed as a weak character in the SFC version, has also been strengthened a bit, but it’s not a fundamental solution, as the comparative Drangon has been given even more power.
On the other hand, the introduction of the conversation system makes the characters’ personalities stand out, and Hassan’s popularity in particular has increased significantly.
It also helped to re-evaluate Dracula 6, which had a somewhat subdued reputation within Dracula.
commendation level：★☆
Dragon Quest VI (smartphones)
出典 : ⓒARMOR PROJECT / BIRD STUDIO / SQUARE ENIX : ドラゴンクエストfor スマートフォン ポータルサイト | SQUARE ENIX
Released in 2015, this app for Android and iOS is based on the DS version.
There are no major changes, but the House of Passage added in the DS version is now the House of Maboroshi no Yakata, which is a nice change for those who aren’t so interested in passing communication.
Also, Terry, who had a poor reputation in the DS version, has been further strengthened, and up to the clear level range, his speed is now the highest in the party, making him more practical.
However, as a warrior character, he is still unreliable in terms of firepower, and if he became a character that can be used all the time, it’s …… subtle.
The price is inexpensive at 1,800 yen, so I recommend this over the DS version.
commendation level：★☆★
Dragon Quest VII: Warriors of Eden (Nintendo 3DS)
出典 : Amazon.co.jp
Released in 2013, this is the first Dracula numbering game for the 3DS.
The graphics have been newly revamped with the 3D conversion and the visuals have changed considerably.
The battle scenes in particular have changed a lot.
Based on the DS remake of the the sky series, the user interface has been significantly improved with additional features unique to the 3DS.
The difficulty level of collecting the tablet, which was unpopular in the original PS version, has been greatly reduced with the addition of the “Voice of Guidance” and “tablet radar”.
Also, the encounter system has been changed to the symbol encounter system used in Dragon Quest IX.
Overall, there’s a heavy emphasis on adjusting the game’s balance, with some noticeable changes, such as downplaying the performance of special skills that were too powerful.
Some aspects of the game seem to be a negative for those who want to develop the strongest characters, as the spells and specialties for advanced positions are limited to professions.
While the expected entry of Foz into the official party didn’t happen, there is a side story in place.
commendation level：★☆★
ドDragon Quest VII (smartphones)
出典 : ⓒARMOR PROJECT / BIRD STUDIO / SQUARE ENIX : ドラゴンクエストfor スマートフォン ポータルサイト | SQUARE ENIX
This app for Android and iOS was released in 2015, based on the 3DS version.
It reverts the encounter system back to random encounters and adds an auto-save feature.
If you own a 3DS, you’ll want to play whichever one you prefer for the encounter system.
It’s priced at 1,800yen.
commendation level：★☆★
Dragon Quest VIII: The Sky, the Sea, the Earth and the Cursed Princess (smartphone version)
出典 : ⓒARMOR PROJECT / BIRD STUDIO / SQUARE ENIX : ドラゴンクエストfor スマートフォン ポータルサイト | SQUARE ENIX
It was released in 2013 as an app for Android and iOS based on the PS2 version.
It’s the first smartphone version based on the original.
There are no major changes, but the wait time that occurred when using the alchemy kettle in the PS2 version is zero in this game, and the dungeon map is now displayed without obtaining a map …… and other specifications that make it more comfortable to play.
It’s not suitable for those who have already played the original version to replay, but if it’s your first time playing, this product is preferable.
The price is 2,800 yen.
commendation level：★☆★
Dragon Quest VIII (Nintendo 3DS version)
出典 : Amazon.co.jp
The 3DS version, released in 2015, is a major highlight of the game, with the addition of full voices and an ending.
The ending where he marries Zessica was particularly controversial, but a few users didn’t really appreciate it because the process leading up to it was barely described and felt too abrupt.
Gerda and Molly, who were NPCs in the PS2 version, have officially joined the party members.
Through the conversation system, you can learn more about each of them.
In addition, quite a few other improvements have been made to the details, such as the change to symbol encounters and faster battle speeds.
The original and smartphone versions are nicer in terms of graphics, but if you’ve already played the original and want to replay it, this 3DS version is definitely the way to go.
commendation level：★☆★☆
Dragon Quest XI: Bereft of Time (Nintendo Switch)
出典 : Amazon.co.jp
The Nintendo Switch version, released in 2019, fulfills the major selling point of Dracula 11: the availability of two patterns of 3D (PS4 version) and 2D (3DS version) in one software, allowing you to play in both 3D and 2D mode. (You can also switch between the two modes during the game.)
There are a lot of additions such as adding voices, new scenarios for each character, marrying someone other than Emma, dashing on the field, changing the battle speed, and having a conversation system during battles …….
The graphics are a lot less graphical than the PS4 version, but it’s great for replaying for those who have only played either 2D or 3D.
Unfortunately, the much-requested “Homer, Maya, Humphrey, and others to join the party” and “Yotch Village in 3D” have not been implemented.
commendation level：★☆★☆
Summary
The complexity of the game is that just because it’s the latest remake doesn’t always mean it’s better than the original or any other remake, and that’s no exception with Dracula.
As it stands, the smartphone version is the easiest to play, but be sure to look at the other platforms!
