Sep 2019
When it comes to classic RPGs, Dragon Quest II: Luminaries of the Legendary Line stands tall, like an overzealous knight trying to defend a castle made of candy. First released in 1987 as the follow-up to the groundbreaking Dragon Quest, it took its sweet time to make its way to the Switch, but boy was it worth the wait. It's like getting the sequel to a movie you always wanted, only to find out it was directed by the same deliciously quirky mind who created the original.
In this colorful world, you step into the shoes of a prince tasked with stopping the evil sorcerer Hargon from summoning a demon to destroy everything in sight. Who would've thought that thwarting evil would happen a hundred years after the first adventure? New mechanics include a party system, allowing players to gather various heroes—each with their own quirks—to take on foes that are more numerous than the times your mother asked about your dating life. Yes, we’re looking at you, Princess of Moonbrooke; we hope you manage to handle that transformation back from being a dog. Fight scenes are upgraded to include more than one enemy (finally, we can unleash our pent-up frustrations) and an exploration system that allows you to sail a ship to different lands, giving you the freedom to roam as you seek treasures and grind levels. Obtaining better gear and spells becomes a delightful hop through dungeons laden with secrets, while squashing monsters leaves you with a warm, fuzzy feeling of satisfaction.
As for the graphics, diving back into this pixelated paradise is a nostalgic yet surprisingly fresh experience. The vibrant colors pop with the charm reminiscent of classic anime, thanks to Akira Toriyama's artistic touch. Characters are charmingly designed, and the environments yield a sense of adventure that maintains the playful aesthetics of the original while polishing it to a shine that can impress even the harshest critics. It's like upgrading from a plastic toy to the real deal, but without losing that funky character charm.
Dragon Quest II is not just a sequel; it's the true festival of RPG goodness that expands and enhances nearly every aspect of its predecessor. With a mix of unforgiving difficulty in the later stages and a plethora of quests around every corner, it balances challenge and charm effectively. For those who thrive on epic RPG adventures filled with exploration and camaraderie, you could do far worse! So grab your joystick and grab that soul of adventure, because this classic brings the goods. Don’t let the nostalgia fool you—it may be old, but Dragon Quest II is still one hot ticket to the past with modern flair. Score: 8.5 out of 10.
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