Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies

[Evil Avnovice]

http://i758.photobucket.com/albums/xx230/Avnovice/Miscellaneous/DragonQuestIXBoxArtJP.png

*FriendFeed (http://friendfeed.com/dragon-quest-9-ds) page

*Japanese (http://www.dqix.jp/) Website
*North American (http://dragonquest.nintendo.com/) Website

*Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Dragon-Quest-IX-Sentinels-Nintendo-DS/dp/B002I0EH6I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1274296803&sr=8-1)
*GameStop (http://www.gamestop.com/Catalog/ProductDetails.aspx?product_id=77241)

*North America: July 11, 2010
*Europe: July 23, 2010

[Evil Avnovice]

A new TGS 2008 trailer. (Gamekyo (http://www.gamekyo.com/videoen13318_dragon-quest-ix-new-video-from-tgs.html))

[Zabyx]

Did Toriyama design the characters for it? It looks like it, but I could be mistaken.

[J Arcane]

Why do developers insist on using 3d on the DS? It's like deliberately going out of your way to make the game look like shit. I just don't get it at all.

[Spigot]

I don't mind the look of it. That said, I'd rather they do a more handdrawn look to it.

I'm pretty sure that the monsters are the traditional Toriyama designs, at least from the look of those drackies.

[Variable Gear]

I don't like 3D on the DS either, but, honestly, that doesn't look too bad.

[Evil Avnovice]

Some new scans (http://www.gamekyo.com/newsen29279_dragon-quest-ix-more-screenshots.html). (Gamekyo)

http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/55451020081017_122935_0_small.jpg (http://www.gamekyo.com/images0_4_29279.html) http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/55451020081017_122935_1_small.jpg (http://www.gamekyo.com/images1_4_29279.html)

[Gorvi]

That looks a lot better than the previous shots.

[NoName]

Those new shots looks great. After finishing DQ IV on the DS I'm even more excited for this.

The people in the first magazine page confuse me. Is it the same two people in different outfits or are those different people? The face and hair are the same for all the guys (and the same applies to all the girls).

[Evil Avnovice]

Those new shots looks great. After finishing DQ IV on the DS I'm even more excited for this.

The people in the first magazine page confuse me. Is it the same two people in different outfits or are those different people? The face and hair are the same for all the guys (and the same applies to all the girls).

It's the same character with different outfits. With this installment, you can drag and drop equipment onto them, which will change their physical appearance. It's a pretty nice touch. :)

[Evil Avnovice]

A new trailer (http://www.gamekyo.com/videoen13318_dragon-quest-ix-new-video-from-tgs.html) from TGS 2008. (Gamekyo)

[Smoof]

This looks sweet. Any word on a US release?

[Gorvi]

This looks sweet. Any word on a US release?
I'd guess September '09, the game is set for March '09 in Japan I believe.

[Purple Santa]

I'd guess September '09, the game is set for March '09 in Japan I believe.

Well at least next september I won't have to worry about classes that will keep me from playing...as I peek from the pile of papers for this semester...I wish it wasn't so far till we get a chance to play it.

March '09 in Japan? Another DQ holiday i'm guessing...

[Evil Avnovice]

Some new images (http://www.gamekyo.com/newsen29294_dragon-quest-ix-new-screenshots.html). (Gamekyo)

http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/55451020081024_025214_9_small.jpg (http://www.gamekyo.com/images9_4_29294.html) http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/55451020081024_025213_7_small.jpg (http://www.gamekyo.com/images7_4_29294.html)

http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/55451020081024_025213_6_big.jpg (http://www.gamekyo.com/images6_4_29294.html)

[RandoM51]

I don't like 3D on the DS either, but, honestly, that doesn't look too bad.

Me either, I wish they'd stick with 2 or 2.5d. It isn't like we need 3d for a DQ game anyways. After the 100 slime kill who the fuck is sweating the graphics?

[Spigot]

Me either, I wish they'd stick with 2 or 2.5d. It isn't like we need 3d for a DQ game anyways. After the 100 slime kill who the fuck is sweating the graphics?I'd have rather they stuck with a style like DQVIII's cel-shading or a 2-2.5D equivalent.

[Evil Avnovice]

A few new images (http://www.gamekyo.com/newsen29312_dragon-quest-ix-new-screenshots.html). (Gamekyo)

http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/55451020081030_174608_1_big.jpg (http://www.gamekyo.com/images10_4_29312.html) http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/55451020081030_174608_8_big.jpg (http://www.gamekyo.com/images17_4_29312.html)

http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/55451020081030_174608_9_big.jpg (http://www.gamekyo.com/images18_4_29312.html) http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/55451020081030_174608_10_big.jpg (http://www.gamekyo.com/images19_4_29312.html)

[Spigot]

I'm digging these new screens. I didn't notice that it IS kind of like the DQVIII style.

[Gorvi]

The more screens I see, the more I wish the graphics were more in line with the DQIV remake or DQVII. I'm just not liking the look at all.

[Spigot]

The more screens I see, the more I wish the graphics were more in line with the DQIV remake or DQVII. I'm just not liking the look at all.
Oh, it's on...

Meet me in the library after chess club. Quadratic equations at 30 paces.

[Gorvi]

Oh, it's on...

Meet me in the library after chess club. Quadratic equations at 30 paces.
Oh, bring it!
I carry a compass... o.O

[Spigot]

Oh, bring it!
I carry a compass... o.OI'll make sure your demise is protractored.

[mister slim]

I'll make sure your demise is protractored.

Sir, I'll need you to put your pun down and place your hands behind your head.

[Evil Avnovice]

Some new images (http://www.gamekyo.com/newsen29356_dragon-quest-ix-new-screenshots.html). (Gamekyo)

http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/55451020081114_200912_1_big.jpg (http://www.gamekyo.com/images1_4_29356.html)

http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/55451020081114_200912_2_big.jpg (http://www.gamekyo.com/images2_4_29356.html)

http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/55451020081114_200913_8_big.jpg (http://www.gamekyo.com/images8_4_29356.html)

http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/55451020081114_200912_5_big.jpg (http://www.gamekyo.com/images5_4_29356.html)

[Spigot]

I wonder if that giant Yellow Japanese text will be there in the final build.... :)

[Evil Avnovice]

A couple of new images (http://www.gamekyo.com/newsen29365_dragon-quest-ix-new-screenshots.html). (Gamekyo)

http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/55451020081120_192813_4_big.jpg (http://www.gamekyo.com/images7_4_29365.html) http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/55451020081120_192813_6_big.jpg (http://www.gamekyo.com/images9_4_29365.html)

http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/55451020081120_192813_8_big.jpg (http://www.gamekyo.com/images11_4_29365.html) http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/55451020081120_192813_9_big.jpg (http://www.gamekyo.com/images12_4_29365.html)

[Mr. Murphy]

Did Toriyama design the characters for it? It looks like it, but I could be mistaken.

Toriyama has been the Dragon Quest character designer since the first Dragon Quest game (Dragon Warrior here in the U.S.), so even if he wasn't actually working on this game, all the monsters are the ones he designed ages ago.

[Evil Avnovice]

A couple of new scans (http://www.gamekyo.com/newsen29385_dragon-quest-ix-au-feminin.html). (Gamekyo)

[Disgustipated]

This game is never going to come out, and it's going to be disappointing when it does. I KNOW IT!

[Variable Gear]

This game is never going to come out, and it's going to be disappointing when it does. I KNOW IT!
D, you just read my mind.

[Evil Avnovice]

Some new images (http://www.gamekyo.com/newsen29400_dragon-quest-ix-new-screenshots.html). (Gamekyo)

http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/55451020081201_163557_14_big.jpg (http://www.gamekyo.com/images14_4_29400.html) http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/55451020081201_163557_16_big.jpg (http://www.gamekyo.com/images16_4_29400.html)

http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/55451020081201_163557_9_big.jpg (http://www.gamekyo.com/images9_4_29400.html) http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/55451020081201_163557_15_big.jpg (http://www.gamekyo.com/images15_4_29400.html)

[Evil Avnovice]

Small description of five of the classes. (Siliconera (http://www.siliconera.com/2008/12/01/the-archetypical-classes-of-dragon-quest-ix/))

Warrior - A master of weapons and sword skills. Equipping killer equipment is one the warrior’s unique specialities.

Mage - A master of magic, but not weapons. The mage can defeat enemies with powerful attack spells and wears magical garments.

Priest - A master of healing arts. Unlike priests in other games these guys can use spears.

Martial Artist - A master of unarmed combat. Martial Artists are strong and speedy, but don’t have as much defense as the warrior class. Martial Artists equip claws for weapons.

Thief - A master of speed and stealing. Thieves have a “steal” command and an ability to search for treasure.

[Spigot]

Wow. That news on the classes is SHOCKING!

Well, not really, besides the news about spear wielding priests.

[evilgoodwin]

This makes me really want to go back and play DQVIII all the way through. Dammit, I don't have time for nostalgia anymore!!!

[Evil Avnovice]

A new trailer. Looking good. :D (Gamekyo (http://www.gamekyo.com/videoen13784_dragon-quest-ix-new-video.html))

[Evil Avnovice]

This bit was found on GoNintendo (http://gonintendo.com/?p=65991), which in turn originates from 1up (http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3171782). It sounds like a North American release may be announced soon. *fingers crossed*

“With the release of Dragon Quest IX, there are two things I’d like to make reality. The first is to build a thriving Japanese game market together with Dragon Quest that rivals the West’s. The second is to form a strong tag team to promote Dragon Quest overseas. At Nintendo, we were able to popularize the Brain Age series overseas, which was said to be unmarketable. I want to increase the number of people worldwide that understand the appeal of Dragon Quest, which represents all Japanese gaming culture…even if that only turns out to be a single person. I’m looking forward to working together with Mr. Horii and Square Enix.” - Satoru Iwata

[Ghost Rider]

This bit was found on GoNintendo (http://gonintendo.com/?p=65991), which in turn originates from 1up (http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3171782). It sounds like a North American release may be announced soon. *fingers crossed*

It's good they're looking at ways to increase it's popularity, obviously the brain age series was/is way different marketingwise, but with some innovative ideas I'm sure they can make progress.

[Evil Avnovice]

Some new details on some of the classes, monsters and multiplayer options. (GoNintendo (http://gonintendo.com/?p=66316))

New Class: Traveling Performer
- balanced defense and offense
- acrobatic skill
- increase this skill to learn special techniques (for example, make an enemy laugh
- some equipment of the Traveling Performer: Serpent Whip, Feathered Cap, Dancer’s Shirt, Gaudy Pants, Acrobat Shoes

-Possible new class: Bodybuilder

New Monsters: Zucchinya and Tiger Lance
New Monsters: Zucchinya and Tiger Lance
New Monsters: Moomon, Ponpoko Tanuki and Argon Devil
- Zucchinya: vegetable monster that is good with a spear
- Tiger Lance: uses a lance, and can cast spells such as Rukani
- Moomon: skin like a cow
- Ponpoko Tanuki: known as a “dance hero”, uses dance steps to ‘attack’
- Argon Devil: very fast, slender body allows it to attack quickly. Sharp claws

New NPC: Winged angel Laviel

- works in Luida’s bar
- allows you to connect to multiplayer features
- one player hosts, others play as guests
- 4 characters allowed
- some treasure chests can only be opened by the host

Multiplayer battles
- if you fight separately, you can call for guests to help
- guests will be transported to host if host calls for help
- guest can decline
- if you run up to characters in battle, you can help them
- multiplayer detailed records kept
- record examples”
1. Class, Name
2. Time played
3. ‘information couldn’t be translated’
4. Number of battles won.
5. Number of titles received
6. Number of quests cleared
7. Percentage of monsters faced and defeated
8. Percentage of items acquired
9. Percentage of recipes
- use gestures with frineds
- gestures are hidden throughout the game world

Scans and additional info are available at GameTsunami (http://gametsunami.com/2008/12/15/new-dragon-quest-ix-scans-new-monsters-new-class-multiplayer-info-and-more/), which is where they link to.

[Evil Avnovice]

A couple of new scans (http://gamekyo.com/newsen29419_dragon-quest-ix-new-screenshots.html). (Gamekyo)

http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/55451020081215_125224_0_big.jpg (http://www.gamekyo.com/images0_4_29419.html)

[Evil Avnovice]

Some new details from GoNintendo (http://gonintendo.com/?p=67000):

- Traveling Performer class has a Technique called “Breathe Fire“
- perform gestures by pressing the B button + directional pad
- you may be able to learn more than 5 gestures
- view city maps on the top screen
- talk to townfolk to obtain quests
- possible quests: run an errand, get an item, fight off monsters
- specific quest: A character named Dulio asks you to steal an item from a Metal Hunter. If you succeed, you can join ‘Dulio’s Thieves’ Guild’. Access your quest log to see where the Metal Hunter is
- first quest: Maron asks you to retrieve a (Spotted) Spider’s web.
- another quest: Irohon asks you for “Magic Fairy Water”. If obtained, he gives you a delivery quest
- strange quest: A character is told that he looks like a Tensk (a monster from DQVI). This hurts his feelings, and he requests that you go out and kill 10 Tensks
- Tows: Beksaria Village, Wolro Village, Katekota, Sanmaro and more

For more information, you can also head to GameTsunami (http://gametsunami.com/2008/12/20/new-dragon-quest-ix-info-quests-a-thieves-guild-and-more/).

[Evil Avnovice]

A new trailer clocking in at over two minutes, with a pair of new scans. (Gamekyo (http://www.gamekyo.com/videoen13863_dragon-quest-ix-new-video.html))

http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/55451020081222_172541_0_small.jpg (http://www.gamekyo.com/images0_5_13863.html) http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/55451020081222_172542_1_small.jpg (http://www.gamekyo.com/images1_5_13863.html)

Everytime I see it, the game looks better and better. :D

[Evil Avnovice]

A small hands-on (http://ds.ign.com/articles/940/940388p1.html) from IGN with the Jump Festa 2009 demo, of which there were two: A single and multiplayer demo.

Square Enix had the Level-5 developed RPG set up for play in two forms: solo play and multiplayer. Both demos started players off in the same town, Saint Shutain. There was no real goal in either demo -- just run around town for a bit, then head out into the surrounding fields for battle with Slimes and the like.

After ten minutes with the solo version of the game, we were impressed with what we saw despite the lack of a goal. The game's world appeared to be huge, and despite the change in perspective from VIII to the more overhead view of IX, the feeling of adventure appeared to be fully in tact. Working through the world complete with a full story should be a treat.

....Once you get into battle, the game feels like classic Dragon Quest, although with menu selections on the bottom screen and the action taking place on the top screen. The major difference for the battles in terms of presentation is that past Dragon Quest games had a first person view when selecting your attacks. Here, the battle camera moves around more freely, showing multiple allied characters on the battle field.

....When playing multiplayer, you're free to adventure with your party or go off on your own. Square Enix had cosplay girls guiding us, so we weren't able to test this out too much, but at the very least, we were able to enter buildings, exit town, and even move to different areas of the map separate from friends.

You can even get into battle separate from your allies. When you come into contact with an enemy, the game appears to determine based on proximity which of your allies to suck into the battle with you. While you're in battle, other players will see icons indicating that you're engaged with an enemy. If they feel like it, they can come by and join in, appearing right in the middle of your fight.

[JayVe]

I get all these Dragon Quest games mixed up. This looks badass though. Really!

[Purple Santa]

I get all these Dragon Quest games mixed up. This looks badass though. Really!

I can't remember which ones i've played. Which makes it difficult to figure out which ones I need to still play. At this point, I just see DQ, yeah i'll buy it...eventually play it...

[Evil Avnovice]

24 new images (http://www.gamekyo.com/newsen29660_dragon-quest-ix-new-screenshots.html) from Gamekyo.

http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/55451020090115_190135_2_big.jpg (http://www.gamekyo.com/images2_4_29660.html) http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/55451020090115_190135_7_big.jpg (http://www.gamekyo.com/images7_4_29660.html)

http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/55451020090115_190136_18_big.jpg (http://www.gamekyo.com/images18_4_29660.html) http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/55451020090115_190136_23_big.jpg (http://www.gamekyo.com/images23_4_29660.html)

[BlackPete]

Wow... that actually looks pretty good!

Kelegacy, eat your heart out. ;)

[Heretic Machine]

I'm digging the description of how they're handling multiplayer.

[mister slim]

Wow... that actually looks pretty good!

Kelegacy, eat your heart out. ;)
If only Kelegacy had a heart...

[menage]

This looks great. I loved VIII, but my recent adventures in IV weren't that positive. This looks more like the former though which is good.

[Evil Avnovice]

50+ images. (livegen (http://www.liveds.fr/news/115003/LVI-images-pour-Dragon-Quest-IX.html?c=2))

[Evil Avnovice]

Some new images (http://www.gamekyo.com/newsfr29958_dragon-quest-ix-devoile-ses-tresors-en-images.html). (Gamekyo)

http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/55451020090129_182758_0_big.jpg (http://www.gamekyo.com/images0_4_29958.html)

http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/55451020090129_182758_5_big.jpg (http://www.gamekyo.com/images5_4_29958.html)

http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/55451020090129_182758_8_big.jpg (http://www.gamekyo.com/images8_4_29958.html)

http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/55451020090129_182758_6_big.jpg (http://www.gamekyo.com/images6_4_29958.html)

Wow. From what these screens indicate, encounters happen in real-time as opposed to random encounters from past games. :eek:

[Blue]

This is making me consider picking up a DS all over again and for that, I hate it.

[Spigot]

Hooray for no random encounters!

[Evil Avnovice]

Some additional images at Famitsu (http://www.famitsu.com/game/news/1221540_1124.html).

[Variable Gear]

No random encounters = me buying the game.

[Evil Avnovice]

[Speculation] Square Enix may include downloadable content in the form of quests. (IGN (http://ds.ign.com/articles/949/949428p1.html))

[Evil Avnovice]

Some new images (http://www.gamekyo.com/newsfr30000_dragon-quest-ix-nous-expose-deux-nouveaux-menus.html). (Gamekyo)

http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/55451020090201_172504_0_big.jpg (http://www.gamekyo.com/images0_4_30000.html) http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/55451020090201_172504_1_big.jpg (http://www.gamekyo.com/images1_4_30000.html)

http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/55451020090201_172504_5_big.jpg (http://www.gamekyo.com/images5_4_30000.html)

http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/55451020090201_172504_4_big.jpg (http://www.gamekyo.com/images4_4_30000.html) http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/55451020090201_172504_6_big.jpg (http://www.gamekyo.com/images6_4_30000.html)

[Evil Avnovice]

New details on how Dragon Quest IX's job system will work. (Andriasang (http://www.andriasang.com/e/articles/2009/02/02/dqix_job_change_system/))

Players can change their current job by heading to a shrine known as Dharma's Shrine and speaking to the Priest Dharma.

When changing to a previously unused job, a character will restart at level 0 and at the job's default parameter level. Job changes will also, in general, require that players seek out new equipment, as usable equipment generally differs between jobs.

A job's level and parameter values are preserved across multiple job changes. If, for instance, you start with a Warrior at level 32, then change jobs for the first time to a Mage, the character will start off as a level 0 Mage. If you then change the character back to a Warrior, the character will start as a level 32 Warrior.

Skills and Spells are affected differently by job changes. Spells are job-specific, so a spell that your character memorized as one job will not be usable when the character changes to a new job. Special skills that you've memorized do carry over, however, as do skill points. Square Enix notes that one of the points about customization is determining how to combine skills with jobs.

[Spigot]

I love job systems, so sign me up.

[NoName]

Ug, how long after the Japanese release do we need to wait for this game? If only I wasn't too lazy to learn Japanese.

I wonder if the English script will be hidden on the jap version of the cart...

[Thanasimos]

I want so badly to play this. So badly...

[Mike Kelehan]

Ug, how long after the Japanese release do we need to wait for this game? If only I wasn't too lazy to learn Japanese.

I wonder if the English script will be hidden on the jap version of the cart...

Not a prayer. Dragon Quest games are huge, and the localization will only begin once the Japanese version is finished. We might see it at the end of this year.

[Gorvi]

Not a prayer. Dragon Quest games are huge, and the localization will only begin once the Japanese version is finished. We might see it at the end of this year.
I'd put money on it that we'll see this by the end of the year, probably late November. We'll have DQV in February, DQVI (I'm guessing) in July/August, and DQIX in November/December. That would make sense, anyway.

[Evil Avnovice]

As it's been now confirmed, details on how downloadable quests will work. (Andriasang (http://www.andriasang.com/e/blogs/anoop/2009/02/06/dqix_net_shopping/))

....Using Wi-Fi Connection, players download a shopping list from Roxanne in the pub (she's one of pub's four bartenders). Players can then purchase new items from the item shop in towns and villages.

Items up for buy include rare products as well as normal items available at discount pricing. Square Enix will be updating the product lineup daily and plans special holiday commemorative items and events.

The multiplayer part of the game appears to be tied in closely with this whole downloadable shopping list thing. Players will all get a unique item list! When playing multiplayer in another player's world, you'll be able to check their item list by simply speaking with their version of Roxanne.

As for the download quest part, Square Enix plans on offering downloadable quests starting on release day and continuing for a full year with new downloads every week. Quest types include requests for treasure hunts and monster fights, and even the occasional substory!

Scan from Gamekyo.

http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/55451020090206_122746_0_big.jpg (http://www.gamekyo.com/images0_4_30112.html)

[Spigot]

Now, will these be free quests (a la the puzzles in Professor Layton) or somehow paid DLC?

[Evil Avnovice]

Now, will these be free quests (a la the puzzles in Professor Layton) or somehow paid DLC?

No word yet. I'm guessing they'll mostly be free.

[Gorvi]

And it's been delayed until July (http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/02/12/dragon-quest-ix-delayed-until-july-in-japan/) in Japan. :(

Hopefully we'll still get it this year.

[BlackPete]

And it's been delayed until July (http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/02/12/dragon-quest-ix-delayed-until-july-in-japan/) in Japan. :(

Hopefully we'll still get it this year.

Four month delay? Ouch. That's a pretty significant delay so it's probably some networking issues in the code.

I doubt that'd affect localization time as that's a separate department.

[Evil Avnovice]

A couple of new images. (Gamekyo (http://www.gamekyo.com/newsen30285_dragon-quest-ix-new-pics.html))

http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/55451020090218_130107_1_big.jpg (http://www.gamekyo.com/images1_4_30285.html) http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/55451020090218_130107_2_big.jpg (http://www.gamekyo.com/images2_4_30285.html)

[Evil Avnovice]

Some new images from Famitsu (http://www.famitsu.com/game/news/1222049_1124.html).

[Evil Avnovice]

Jump Festa trailer. (GoNintendo (http://gonintendo.com/?p=73678))

65oDKijim4w

[evilgoodwin]

Oh my god this game looks like it will be so much fun! Everything posted just makes me want it more!

[Evil Avnovice]

Some new images (http://www.gamekyo.com/newsen30401_more-pictures-for-dragon-quest-ix.html) from Gamekyo.

http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/55451020090302_131653_2_big.jpg (http://www.gamekyo.com/images2_4_30401.html) http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/55451020090302_131653_3_big.jpg (http://www.gamekyo.com/images3_4_30401.html)

http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/55451020090302_131654_8_big.jpg (http://www.gamekyo.com/images8_4_30401.html) http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/55451020090302_131654_9_big.jpg (http://www.gamekyo.com/images9_4_30401.html)

[Gorvi]

I can't remember if I saw this somewhere or not, but is this online?

[Evil Avnovice]

I can't remember if I saw this somewhere or not, but is this online?

Going by post #43, I know Nintendo WFC is used for quests. I don't think I've seen anything concrete for multiplayer yet.

[Evil Avnovice]

26 new images. (Gamekyo (http://www.gamekyo.com/newsen30440_dragon-quest-ix-new-images.html))

http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/55451020090306_043909_0_big.jpg (http://www.gamekyo.com/images0_4_30440.html) http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/55451020090306_043910_3_big.jpg (http://www.gamekyo.com/images3_4_30440.html)

http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/55451020090306_043910_14_big.jpg (http://www.gamekyo.com/images14_4_30440.html) http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/55451020090306_043911_16_big.jpg (http://www.gamekyo.com/images16_4_30440.html)

http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/55451020090306_043911_23_big.jpg (http://www.gamekyo.com/images23_4_30440.html) http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/55451020090306_043911_24_big.jpg (http://www.gamekyo.com/images24_4_30440.html)

[Evil Avnovice]

Some new information on job specific skills: (Andriasang (http://www.andriasang.com/e/articles/2009/03/12/dqix_skill_monsters_and_mobile_link/))

-Giga Slash: This special attack can be learned by jobs that use sword weapons and can build up a sword skill parameter. Giga Slash can deal great damage to multiple enemies in one swing.

-Kyushozuki: Jobs that use spears and lances as weapons, including soldiers and monks, can build up a spear skill parameter, eventually unlocking this special attack, which aims for a foe's vital areas and can even kill off an enemy in an instant.

-Vampire Edge: Characters like soldiers and thieves who equip short swords and daggers can build up a dagger skill, eventually learning this special attack, which absorbs HP from its victims.

-Hyouketsu Rangeki: This attack can be learned by Martial Artists, who can use a long bow as their weapon. It does damage to a large number of enemies. Thanks to ice power stored in the weapon's tip, it can be particularly effective against foes in a volcanic environment.

-Shibari Uchi: Characters who use whips as a weapon can build up the whip skill parameter and eventually access this attack, whose name can be translated unofficially as Bind Strike. The attack not only damages the enemy, but can also immobilize it.

-Hamon Enbu: Translated, unofficially, as Ripple Dance, this attack can be learned by those who can equip fans as a weapon. Ripples caused by the fan in the water cause great damage to enemies who reside by the shore.

-Tiger Claw: Thieves and Martial Artist jobs can equip claw weapons and build up the claw skill parameter in order to learn this attack. The attack strikes at foes in a pair of quick consecutive blows.

And some of the monsters that will appear in the game:

-Slime Knight: A knight who moves about on grassy fields, protecting the Slime creatures. Players should beware its "Kabutowari" attack, which lowers defensive power.

-Meda: A one-eyed creature that lurks deep in ruins. It tickles its foes, causing them to laugh and become immobile.

-Black Tanu: An all-black raccoon-like monster skilled in ninjutsu. It can make itself disappear, more easily avoiding attack.

-White Lancer: This centaur makes use of the Ice Javelin as a weapon and plots to cover the world in snow.

-Totsugeki Horn: A rhinoceros-like monster that roams the grassy fields with energy. An attack from its powerful horn sends foes flying and unable to get up momentarily.

-Gamegon: A giant turtle with the powers of a dragon. It spits out fire as an attack, and covers itself in its steel-like shell for protection.

Along with some new images, this cool "Japan-only" feature.

Finally, perhaps as a hint of things to come, Square Enix detailed a new type of wireless connectivity for Dragon Quest IX. Coinciding with the game's launch in July, Square Enix will open an official mobile site called Hoshizora no Nakamatachi ("Friends of the Sky"). Players can connect their DS system to this site via Wi-Fi and send their DQIX save data to a special game server, receiving bonuses on their cell phone as a reward.

With the exception of the last quote, which I took from andriasang, the rest of the information was taken from Cubed3 (http://www.cubed3.com/news/11932).

[Evil Avnovice]

Over 24 new images (http://www.gamekyo.com/newsen30521_dragon-quest-ix-new-images.html). (Gamekyo)

http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/55451020090319_111245_0_big.jpg (http://www.gamekyo.com/images0_4_30521.html) http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/55451020090319_111246_10_big.jpg (http://www.gamekyo.com/images10_4_30521.html)

http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/55451020090319_111247_26_big.jpg (http://www.gamekyo.com/images26_4_30521.html) http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/55451020090319_111247_29_big.jpg (http://www.gamekyo.com/images29_4_30521.html)


http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/55451020090319_111245_3_big.jpg (http://www.gamekyo.com/images3_4_30521.html) http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/55451020090319_111246_8_big.jpg (http://www.gamekyo.com/images8_4_30521.html)

http://www.gamekyo.com/Webmasters/Images/55451020090319_111245_4_big.jpg (http://www.gamekyo.com/images4_4_30521.html)

[BlackPete]

I really like those maps.

[Evil Avnovice]

Some new images from Dengeki (http://news.dengeki.com/elem/000/000/148/148334/).

[Evil Avnovice]

27 new images (http://www.nintendo-difference.com/news16614-dqix-vogue-la-galere.htm) from Nintendo-Difference.

[Evil Avnovice]

Details on sea-traveling. (Andriasang (http://www.andriasang.com/e/articles/2009/03/27/dqix_ship/))

[Evil Avnovice]

Some new images. (Livegen (http://www.liveds.fr/news/122700/Dragon-Quest-IX-nous-regale-en-images.html?c=6))

[Evil Avnovice]

1. Details on a few new characters for Dragon Quest IX. (Joystiq (http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/06/11/square-enix-introduces-some-new-dragon-quest-ix-characters/))

2. Some new images from Famitsu (http://www.famitsu.com/game/news/1224675_1124.html).

[Evil Avnovice]

30 new images from Livegen (http://www.liveds.fr/news/124442/Dragon-Quest-IX-J-30-en-30-images.html?c=5).

[Evil Avnovice]

A new trailer. (TinyCartridge (http://tinycartridge.com/post/124595848/seven-minute-dragon-quest-ix-trailer-the))

0Ix3RImpXHI

[Evil Avnovice]

Some new details. (GoNintendo (http://www.gonintendo.com/viewstory.php?id=86550); NeoGaf (http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=343603&page=15) Page 15, Post 703)

- originally conceived as an evolution of Dragon Quest III
- the game's theme is 'independence'
- wouldn't be far-fetched to see people spending, 100-200 hours with the game
- quests that follow the story, side-quests that do not
- damage bonus for attacking the same enemy consecutively
- dexterity stat affects chances to run away, get a critical hit
- items pulled from broken pots/barrels may replenish later on
- some downloadable quests will involve side-stories for main characters
- treasure map bosses are very tough
- treasure map dungeon layouts and treasure are randomized to a degree
- when dying in multiplayer, you can choose to wait for help, or revive at the church
- exchange items during multiplayer
- 'medal king' is a former king who wants to be a pirate, Captain Medal

[J Arcane]

quests that follow the story, side-quests that do not

O_O

Wait wait, did I read that right?!

[evilgoodwin]

Oh my god, this game is packed with features! I want it now!

[Evil Avnovice]

15 new images from Livegen (http://www.liveds.fr/news/125051/Dragon-Quest-IX-fait-le-plein-de-screens.html?c=3).

[Mike Kelehan]

I'm not the only one who noticed that neither this nor DQ6 were at E3, right?

[Evil Avnovice]

Images from Andriasang (http://www.andriasang.com/e/galleries/2009/06/30/dqix/).

[Evil Avnovice]

A bunch of gameplay clips from a Creator's Voice column involving Yuji Horii and Ryutaro Ichimura. There are also two audio tracks that you can listen to. (Andriasang (http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2009/06/29/dqix_movies/))

[Evil Avnovice]

Some new details on DQIX's multiplayer mode from Siliconera (http://www.siliconera.com/2009/06/29/so-this-is-what-multiplayer-dragon-quest-ix-looks-like/).

8Fiv0ogi7xY

[Evil Avnovice]

17 new images from Andriasang (http://www.andriasang.com/e/galleries/2009/06/30/dqix/).

[Evil Avnovice]

Some images from Gamekult (http://www.gamekult.com/articles/A0000077678/).

[Evil Avnovice]

Some images from Andriasang (http://www.andriasang.com/e/galleries/2009/07/02/dqix/).

[Evil Avnovice]

A few new GameTrailers videos:

-Japanese TV spot (http://www.gametrailers.com/video/japanese-tv-dragon-quest/52240)
-Alternate Japanese TV spot (http://www.gametrailers.com/video/alternate-japanese-dragon-quest/52243)
-Japanese TV spot: Making of (http://www.gametrailers.com/video/japanese-tv-dragon-quest/52244)
-Welcome to Dragon Quest (http://www.gametrailers.com/video/japanese-welcome-dragon-quest/52245)

52245

[Suave Peanut]

I think the rest of Square should look at this game and learn how 3D graphics on the DS should be done.

[Panthera]

That certainly is the best looking DS 3D graphics, wow. I'm impressed how they managed to create the impression of cell shading.

[Evil Avnovice]

Some new images from GameWatch (http://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/20090702_298906.html).

[Evil Avnovice]

Some (slighty) new details/recap of advanced jobs and treasure maps from Andriasang (http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2009/07/05/dqix_treasure_and_jobs/).

As previously detailed, the treasure maps work with the game's surechigai wireless exchange system, allowing you to give treasure maps to other players as gifts. For DQIX, this is particularly notable because all treasure maps have their treasure in a different location. In other words, a map that you receive from another player will require that you seek out a new location on your world map.

There's somewhat of a communicative aspect with the treasure map exchange system. The player who first conquered the map and found its dungeon is forever marked as "Discoverer." The person to last clear the boss at the end of the map is marked as the "Renewer."

You can play through your treasure maps over and over again. Apparently, the game offers the chance at earning treasures and new maps every time.

Previously, Square Enix mentioned a training aspect to the advanced jobs. These take the form of quests. You'll only be able to become an advanced job once you've cleared these.

You take on these quests from someone somewhere in the world. There are apparently no preconditions, although it seems that you won't be able to actually clear some of the quests unless you've attained certain skills with your character. Once you've cleared one of the quests, all members of your party will be able to change to the advanced job in question.

[Spigot]

I really like the look of this and the DQ remakes. This is nice looking 3D on the DS and the DQ remakes used 3D to enhance the old style graphics instead of rebuilding them into something... different.

[Evil Avnovice]

Some new details from 1up (http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3175109).

When asked what the most difficult part of the development process was, Horii had an immediate reply. "That was when I had to cut and rework part of the story -- not a large part compared to the rest of the plot, but one that had to be cut out anyway for space reasons."

Producer Ryutaro Ichimura (left), meanwhile, brought up the seemingly endless delays that have marked DQIX's development. "We had a ton of ideas in the beginning about what we wanted to do," he said, "but once we got into the summer of 2008, we began revising the plan because we worried there was too much volume, that it'd scare people off. It was a necessary balancing process, but it was really tough. It's scary for a creator to have to cut out his own work from a game."

[Evil Avnovice]

Some new images from Andriasang (http://www.andriasang.com/e/galleries/2009/07/09/dqix/).

[Evil Avnovice]

One of the people at Andriasang (http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2009/07/10/dqix_flying_get/) got their hands on an import copy. Along with pics of the boxart/manual/etc., some first impressions are posted as well.

[RandoM51]

2.3 million sold in the first 2 days according to Famitsu. Wowza.

[Spigot]

2.3 million sold in the first 2 days according to Famitsu. Wowza.It's a Dragon Quest game. In Japan. And on the DS no less.

What did you expect?

[RandoM51]

It's a Dragon Quest game. In Japan. And on the DS no less.

What did you expect?

I expected it to do well. Just because I expected it to have impressive sales does not mean that those sales are not impressive. :) If I expected a volcano to erupt the eruption itself would still be an impressive spectacle.

Better opening than Pokemon Silver/Pearl.

[Spigot]

I expected it to do well. Just because I expected it to have impressive sales does not mean that those sales are not impressive. :) If I expected a volcano to erupt the eruption itself would still be an impressive spectacle.Pshaw. Everyone knows that the only good eruption is a premature one. If you can plan it, it's just not fun.

Better opening than Pokemon Silver/Pearl.Well, that's just because the Japanese have good taste :)

[NoName]

Ug, and we have to wait for the end of the year on this. I wish I could learn Japanese sometimes...

[Gorvi]

Not sure how indicative this is, but some in Japan aren't liking the game if Amazon reviews (via Kotaku (http://kotaku.com/5313062/these-amazon-japan-customers-do-not-like-dqix)) are worth anything.

[JayVe]

Not sure how indicative this is, but some in Japan aren't liking the game if Amazon reviews (via Kotaku (http://kotaku.com/5313062/these-amazon-japan-customers-do-not-like-dqix)) are worth anything.

Shocker! Not everyone likes everything!

In a recent poll, it was discovered that a number of people expected the game to have online WiFi play. I am certain that if expectations aren't met, all over the game, that someone is going to be upset.

Managing expectations is key to keeping happy customers.

[Gorvi]

Shocker! Not everyone likes everything!

In a recent poll, it was discovered that a number of people expected the game to have online WiFi play. I am certain that if expectations aren't met, all over the game, that someone is going to be upset.

Managing expectations is key to keeping happy customers.
That it is. It's just weird to see that much negativity for a DQ game coming out of Japan, no matter the sample size. It is a significant departure for the series, so that does make sense a bit, but still. I guess it's like if Agito XIII was the next main FF game or something, it'd be hard for people to swallow.

[JayVe]

That it is. It's just weird to see that much negativity for a DQ game coming out of Japan, no matter the sample size. It is a significant departure for the series, so that does make sense a bit, but still. I guess it's like if Agito XIII was the next main FF game or something, it'd be hard for people to swallow.

Or if the next Final Fantasy game was a MMORPG. Not everyone's cup of tea, and I can see how people buying it may be shocked/dismayed to find out what they expected isn't what the game is.

[Gorvi]

Or if the next Final Fantasy game was a MMORPG. Not everyone's cup of tea, and I can see how people buying it may be shocked/dismayed to find out what they expected isn't what the game is.
Very true. When XI was announced I was one of those bitching and whining that it should've just been called FF: Online or something like that. Of course, now I'm a fan, it was all semantics. With the way the new DQ for the DS is set up it looks like it's the same way, it should have been a spinoff rather than a full on numbered game in the series, but at this point if the game is good who cares?

[J Arcane]

Not sure how indicative this is, but some in Japan aren't liking the game if Amazon reviews (via Kotaku (http://kotaku.com/5313062/these-amazon-japan-customers-do-not-like-dqix)) are worth anything.
Eh. It's Amazon, and easily trolled. I wouldn't be surprised if that's exactly what's going on, just a handful of disgruntled losers from one of 4chan's ancestors trolling the shit out of the reviews for the lulz.

I'll wait until I see someone genuinely respectable start calling foul on the game before I give it the slightest consideration.

[Evil Avnovice]

Impressions from RPGamer (http://www.rpgamer.com/games/dq/dq9/dq9-imp.html).

[JayVe]

Impressions from RPGamer (http://www.rpgamer.com/games/dq/dq9/dq9-imp.html).

Thanks for this. I especially was drawn to this:

I know there was a big fuss over keeping this game true to the tradition of the series, and the battle system really is the same, but it sure doesn't feel like it. Level 5 has managed to make battles look downright dynamic, even with the same strict, turn-based combat. Hopefully I'll still think that by the end. The first two characters I get in my party for a while (both story characters) are both AI-controlled, and battles with them play similar to the later Persona games. Character-generated party members are completely under my control, though.

[Evil Avnovice]

Four new videos:

1. Japanese Opening Cinematic (http://www.gametrailers.com/video/japanese-opening-dragon-quest/52720)
2. Japanese Fallen Angel Cinematic (http://www.gametrailers.com/video/japanese-fallen-dragon-quest/52721)
3. Japanese Guardian Angel Gameplay (http://www.gametrailers.com/video/japanese-guardian-dragon-quest/52722)
4. Japanese Escort Gameplay (http://www.gametrailers.com/video/japanese-escort-dragon-quest/52723)

52720

[Gorvi]

Is there any word on a US release yet? The Level 5 fan in me is really looking forward to this playing this.

[Evil Avnovice]

Is there any word on a US release yet? The Level 5 fan in me is really looking forward to this playing this.

None that I've heard of yet, but it's coming.

[Evil Avnovice]

DQIX has shipped over 3 million in Japan. (Andriasang (http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2009/07/14/dqix_shipments/))

Mostly, I look forward to this:

The company also noted that it has big plans to continue to pushing the game as the summer vacation season approaches. This Friday (July 17) will mark the start of quest downloads. Owners of the game will be able to download new quests, with new offerings planned every week for a year.

[Suave Peanut]

Prediction: the game will come here next year, complete with those DLC quests on the cart.

[Evil Avnovice]

The first quest, as detailed by Andriasang (http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2009/07/16/dqix_quest/).

[Evil Avnovice]

This is way too funny to pass up. :D (Joystiq (http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/07/16/mcdonalds-offering-exclusive-dragon-quest-ix-minigame/))

Dragon Quest: McDonalds no Tabibito-tachi (McDonalds' Travelers) is a downloadable, battle-only Dragon Quest IX minigame in which players battle monsters in order to level up to level 10. It can only be played once per day -- if you want to continue leveling your character, you have to return to Mickey D's and grab the file again. Visit five times -- whether you complete the game or not -- and you get a free burger. It's a way for DQ fans to get a little extra content, and for that one guy who didn't buy DQIX to try out the game.

The DQIX promotion runs from July 31 through September 1.

[mister slim]

Avnovice, how do you find the time to post so much news and play games?

[Evil Avnovice]

Avnovice, how do you find the time to post so much news and play games?

I use about an hour or two to check some sites I frequently browse. Most other times, it comes at the expense of playtime at home. :)

[Evil Avnovice]

Details on two new downloadable quests from Andriasang (http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2009/07/30/dqix_quest_info/).

Quest number 124, Abunai Haka Mairi (Dangerous Tomb Trip) can be taken from an elderly lady in a graveyard in the main town of St. Shutein. Help the lady get an item that she's longing for, and you'll get six extremely rare alchemy recipes.

Quest number 125 is the second story quest. Titled Ruida no Himitsu (Ruida's Secret), this quest can also be taken at St. Shutein. It appears that Rikka is concerned about something relating to Ruida. Clear this quest, and you may end up hearing some shocking information about Ruida's past.

Both quests require that you've beaten the game. The Ruida quest requires that you've beaten last week's story quest , Rikka's Dream Treasure.

In addition to this quest information, Square Enix announced today that a special guest will be appearing at the game's Wi-Fi Shopping service on Friday. The guest will bring rare items.

[Evil Avnovice]

Details on the two new DLC quests from Andriasang (http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2009/08/06/dqix_quest_info/).

Friday will see two additional quests for the blockbuster RPG (which just topped 3.5 million in shipments). Here are the details.

Pafu Pafu Shojo Chami is officially quest number 126. Once you've cleared the game, you can take on the quest by speaking to young girl at the Hunter's Pao (I think that translates to a hut) in Carlbad Plains. Fulfill the girl's request, and she may give you some sort of unexpected service (I'm not sure if that sounds as bad in Japanese as it does in English).

The second quest for the week, Ou no Miru Yume (The Dream That's Seen by the King), is the third story quest and officially quest number 127. You can take on this quest once you've cleared the game and cleared normal quest 006 (Motto Okusuri wo). The quest can be taken at Saint Shutain. Clear the quest, and you'll get two valuable pieces of equipment.

To clear the second quest, you'll need to get three particular items: Urami no Houju (obtianed in the prison at the castle in Ganna Empire), Kenja no Seisui (can be made via alchemy) and Doku Doku e Doro (can be found in a variety of areas, including the Horobi no Mori area).

[Evil Avnovice]

For some speculation, Square Enix may plan to release Dragon Quest XI in other territories around April 2010. (Andriasang (http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2009/08/07/yoichi_wada_on_dqix/))

[Xerxes]

That it is. It's just weird to see that much negativity for a DQ game coming out of Japan, no matter the sample size. It is a significant departure for the series, so that does make sense a bit, but still. I guess it's like if Agito XIII was the next main FF game or something, it'd be hard for people to swallow.

I was telling Spigot the other night how I'm more excited about FF Agito XIII than the main FF XIII. I'm actually more excited about FF XIII Versus.

For some speculation, Square Enix may plan to release Dragon Quest XI in other territories around April 2010. (Andriasang (http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2009/08/07/yoichi_wada_on_dqix/))

They probably won't get DQ VI first will they?

[Evil Avnovice]

Details on the latest DLC quests. (Andriasang (http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2009/08/13/dqix_quest_info/))

First up is Buchi Kowase Sukima wo. Quest number 128 for the game, you can take this on in St. Shutein once you've cleared the game and also cleared normal quest 007 (Kigakari na Sukima). The quest is taken from a man at the bottom of a well -- the same person who assigned you quest 007 during the main game.

The second quest is also a story quest. Titled Shomotsu no Kagi wo Sagase, quest number 129 for the game can be taken in St. Shutein once you've cleared the game, cleared normal quest 23 (Rekishisho wo Sagase) and cleared add-on quest 127 (Ou no Miru Yume). This quest continues quest 127 and has you take on a request from Princess Fionne. Apparently, those who clear this quest will unlock a new gesture.

[Evil Avnovice]

Details on the latest quests, and a special guest appearance. (Andriasang (http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2009/08/20/kukule_in_dqix/))

First up is quest 130, Moya Moya Yuurei Life. You can take this quest on by visiting a hill to the West of Kubiana Castle once you've cleared the game. You can only access this area of the world with your magic flying train. Square Enix suggests doing so at night.

Quest number 131, Rudiano wo Kirei ni (maybe, "Make Rudiano Beautiful") is a story quest. You can take it on in St. Shutein after you've cleared the game and cleared quest 129. This is another continuation of a sub story that started off with quest 127. To begin, you'll want to speak with the sorceress Melissa.

[Evil Avnovice]

The latest DLC quest details. (Andriasang (http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2009/08/27/dqix_quest_info/))

Quest 132, titled Fungar! Ki ha Daijini!, can be taken by speaking to a cyclops monster on a mountain top to the south east of Dharma Shrine (reachable via your flying train) after you've cleared the game once. The quest involves the Gigantis race of giants. Clear the quest, and you'll earn an item called "Inochi no Kinomi." The quest can also be replayed, and those who play a second time will earn a powerful weapon that's used by the giants.

Also set for Friday release is quest 133. This story quest, titled Kaerou Dan he Youkoso, can be taken in St. Shutein. In addition to clearing the game, you'll need to have cleared quest 131, Rudia wo Kirei ni. This time, the quest is given by Ryuma, the man who was traveling with Melissa, the person who requested quest 131 of you.

[Evil Avnovice]

Nintendo will be publisher for Dragon Quest XI when the title comes stateside. (Siliconera (http://www.siliconera.com/2010/02/24/dragon-quest-ix-sentinels-of-the-starry-skies-brought-to-you-by-nintendo/))

[Evil Avnovice]

Release is penned for Summer 2010 for North America/Europe/Austrailia, and with the name "Dragon Quest XI: Sentinels of the Starry Skies". (Andriasang (http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2010/02/27/dqix_overseas_announcement/))

[frederec]

After hearing nothing but vague reports of it coming this year, we've finally got an official release date (http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/19/dragon-quest-9-ds-june-11-release-date/): June 11th.

My wife will go nuts when she hears. Though I may keep it secret to have it be a belated 10th anniversary present.

[Abyssion]

The official site says July...

[frederec]

The official site says July...

You're right. The stupid article says June. Twice.

[Abyssion]

Personally I would prefer June since P3P comes out in July lol.

I'm hoping they'll add actual Wi-Fi in the game instead of that local way of picking up other people's characters. Seeing as how I'll probably have a harder time finding someone that plays this game in real life unlike the people of japan where there is probably 1000 owners of the game in one block.

[Mike Kelehan]

Huh, sooner than I thought. I really hope they add online play, since it's a little tougher to find local DQ fans in the US to play with.

[Spigot]

Wow, that's soon. I wonder why they're sneaking it out so soon.

And I hope they do something a little less... japanese with the online/passive party stuff.

[frederec]

Personally I would prefer June since P3P comes out in July lol.

I'm hoping they'll add actual Wi-Fi in the game instead of that local way of picking up other people's characters. Seeing as how I'll probably have a harder time finding someone that plays this game in real life unlike the people of japan where there is probably 1000 owners of the game in one block.

I go to Houston occasionally. Maybe we can arrange to casually walk by each other in the Galleria one day.

[Abyssion]

I go to Houston occasionally. Maybe we can arrange to casually walk by each other in the Galleria one day.

lol that'll work. Weird how I haven't been to the Galleria once since I moved here, Deerbrook kinda has everything I need.

[frederec]

lol that'll work. Weird how I haven't been to the Galleria once since I moved here, Deerbrook kinda has everything I need.

You're not missing much. Way too much of the Galleria smells like mildew, old lady perfume, or an even more nauseating combination of both.

[Abyssion]

You're not missing much. Way too much of the Galleria smells like mildew, old lady perfume, or an even more nauseating combination of both.

That sounds rather unpleasant.

[Evil Avnovice]

Oh boy, I'm late to the party. You know I like that.

Press release from VGChartz (http://news.vgchartz.com/news.php?id=80071&mp=1), which also includes the european release date of July 23, 2010 (Not mentioned in the press release).

DRAGON QUEST IX: SENTINELS OF THE STARRY SKIES LAUNCHES ON JULY 11

Character Customization, Cooperative Multiplayer Adventuring and an Epic Story Make for a One-of-a-Kind Nintendo DS Experience

REDMOND, Wash., May 19, 2010 - Launching in the United States on July 11, DRAGON QUEST® IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies™ for the Nintendo DS™ family of systems lets players enjoy an adventure that is entirely their own, yet can be shared with others anywhere, anytime. Developed by Square Enix Co., Ltd., this game has already become a phenomenon with players of all ages and backgrounds in Japan, with more than 4.2 million units sold.

Before setting off on their adventure, players can create their own heroes, deciding how they would like their face, hair and clothing to look. As the story unfolds, players become stronger, smarter and more powerful, and can customize companions who join their group. Players will have fun discovering more than 1,000 pieces of clothing, armor, weapons and other items that will provide them with a unique appearance and special abilities. Players can also change the class of their character at any time, choosing from a variety of vocations that will affect their abilities and strengths in the game.

In DRAGON QUEST IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies, players begin their adventure as a city guardian who is sent to retrieve a sacred tree's fruits, which have the power to grant wishes. Players travel the world, conquer fearsome monsters and unravel an epic storyline. During their journey, players will encounter mighty opponents in fast-paced battles, and also interact with a colorful cast of characters.

DRAGON QUEST IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies contains special modes that let players share their adventure with others, allowing up to four players to team up via a local wireless connection and experience the fun of tackling challenging monsters and dungeons cooperatively with their own characters. Players can even leave the game active in their backpacks, pockets or purses and still interact with other players via an interactive "Tag Mode." Information about players' characters can be wirelessly transmitted to others, and treasure maps and customized greetings can be exchanged automatically by players who come within range of one another when their games are set to Tag Mode.

Players looking to enjoy a variety of different game activities can take on special side quests. Some of these quests will be earned by progressing through the game, while additional quests will be made available for free download for players with broadband Internet access after the game launches, providing hours of additional content for virtual adventurers to enjoy either on their own or with friends. Some downloadable quests will continue the main storyline of the game, while others offer standalone missions.

"DRAGON QUEST IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies is one of the biggest games ever to hit Nintendo DS, with an incredible amount of content for every kind of player to enjoy," said Cammie Dunaway, Nintendo of America's executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. "This new game has all of the elements of an instant classic: customization options, a great story, and the ability to share a nearly limitless experience with friends."

For more information about DRAGON QUEST IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies, please visit dragonquest.nintendo.com.

[Evil Avnovice]

Now available for preordering from Amazon and GameStop.

[Evil Avnovice]

Andriasang (http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2010/05/20/dqix_world_record/):

....Guinness has concerned itself with this particular bit of technology is because it has granted Dragon Quest IX's implementation of the feature World Record status as "The most popular ad-hoc game feature."

Surechigai, or Chance Encounter as it's apparently known in English, has proven to be one of Dragon Quest IX's major features. To use the feature, you place your copy of the game in Chance Encounter mode, and close your DS system. The system continues to send out Wi-Fi signals in this state, and if you pass by someone who has their DS and a copy of DQIX in a similar state, you'll exchange character and map data with the other player.

As of March 4, 2010, the feature has apparently been used 117,577,073 times in Dragon Quest IX.

[Mike Kelehan]

And in the US it will be used about two dozen times. I guess I'll leave mine going, just in case...

[Abyssion]

If we can't get full Wi-Fi for this release, maybe they can do something along the lines of The World Ends With You and just have in-game characters pop up at random to drop off maps.

[Spigot]

And in the US it will be used about two dozen times. I guess I'll leave mine going, just in case...Exactly. It's a great feature but the NA gamer (and society in general) just doesn't work the same way as Tokyo's elite :)

If we can't get full Wi-Fi for this release, maybe they can do something along the lines of The World Ends With You and just have in-game characters pop up at random to drop off maps.It would be neat if it did something a la Treasure World and just give you extra doo-dads and whatsits by picking up local wifi hotspots.

And then have special things for the 8 times you'll ever pass someone with both the game and a DS in ad-hoc mode.

[Evil Avnovice]

Trailer. (GoNintendo (http://www.gonintendo.com/viewstory.php?id=126271))

ppPOXMqYXBY

Edit: Artwork. (Nintendo Everything (http://www.nintendoeverything.com/41386/))

[JayVe]

I get all of these Dragon Quest games confused...

Is this the one that allows 4-player local co-op of the whole game? That is the one I'm interested in to play with family.

[frederec]

I get all of these Dragon Quest games confused...

Is this the one that allows 4-player local co-op of the whole game? That is the one I'm interested in to play with family.

Yes, I believe so.

[JayVe]

Hot diggity! Then IX is one I'm gonna check out!

[Abyssion]

The Nintendo (http://dragonquest.nintendo.com/) site for DQ9 is updated with some stuff on making your hero and some info about monsters. The monsters section was screwed up when I tried it.

[JayVe]

This game looks great. I have been reading more about the full co-op mode you can play with friends.

The main draw -- and mostly why Dragon Quest IX has gone on to be the most successful of the franchise -- is the four-player co-op mode. The host player can invite three other players into their world to go on quests together. Guest players can go anywhere in the hosts world, limited to however far the host has explored the game.

Dragon Quest IX is pretty difficult from what I played, even with the help of others. Thankfully, there is no penalty for dying in the multiplayer (you lose half of your money in single-player) other than having to respawn outside of a dungeon. You can also wait to be resurrected by your teammates if they have the resurrection item.


Teammates will automatically be sucked into a fight when in proximity of someone that encounters a monster and players that are too far away can continue to do what they're doing. The host does have the ability to teleport allies into the fight if needed. XP will be given out each party member in a battle even if they do nothing, but the more involved a player is in the fight, the more XP they'll be given

[RandoM51]

DQ9 US commercial featuring Seth Green.

IGKR1Jgj7W4

[Mike Kelehan]

Love it.

[Spigot]

Heh. Cute. I'm torn though. I want this BUT I'm also just getting into DQV. Unless somewhere has a plush Slime for a preorder bonus, I'll probably do my damnedest to resist this for a bit.

[Mike Kelehan]

You know what I just noticed? Seth is using a blue DSi LL, which is not available in the US. Nintendo usually doesn't show systems in colors that aren't available here. Perhaps an announcement is coming?

Heh. Cute. I'm torn though. I want this BUT I'm also just getting into DQV. Unless somewhere has a plush Slime for a preorder bonus, I'll probably do my damnedest to resist this for a bit.

I just finished 4 a couple weeks ago, and am holding off on 5 until I finish this. With daily quests over the WFC, I want to get in on the ground floor.

[Abyssion]

Someone grabbed an info booklet from GameStop and uploaded it into a neat little flash thing.

That can be found here (http://www.dragonquesting.com/main_pages/manuals/dq9_infobook_ds.html).

[Spigot]

My biggest whine about the game is STILL that the passive wi-fi mode really won't be usable for me or most of the NA population outside of major urban centers. Sigh. Unless that HAS been rectified.

[Abyssion]

I was looking through the monthly game booklet they have on Best Buy's website (it's in-store also) and if you're in the Best Buy Gamer Zone club you will recieve a hat with a slime on it mailed to you within 6-8 weeks after purchase. While supplies last of course.

[RandoM51]

My biggest whine about the game is STILL that the passive wi-fi mode really won't be usable for me or most of the NA population outside of major urban centers. Sigh. Unless that HAS been rectified.

How are they going to rectify something that relies upon ad-hoc wifi? They're not going to make wifi magically work better and what other connectivity does the DS have to use in its place? None. They can take that feature out completely, or perhaps tie it to the microphone I suppose.

Playing MGS on PSP it had a wifi feature to find new characters, all I had to do was leave it on during the subway ride to and from work each day. :P

[Spigot]

How are they going to rectify something that relies upon ad-hoc wifi? They're not going to make wifi magically work better and what other connectivity does the DS have to use in its place? None. They can take that feature out completely, or perhaps tie it to the microphone I suppose.

Playing MGS on PSP it had a wifi feature to find new characters, all I had to do was leave it on during the subway ride to and from work each day. :PI was hoping there would be some kind of way to go online with it or have it tweaked so it didn't need to pick up signals from DQIX in particular. You know, something like how Treasure World worked where any wifi signal would give you 'treasures' but a DS broadcasting Treasure World in passive mode would net you special things.

The passive feature is nice if you're in a populated area where you at least have a moderate chance to bump into someone else with a) a DS in sleep mode and b) that particular game powered up. It's one of those features that works exceedingly well in Japan (like with most of the ad-hoc features on PSP games). It's just that I don't envision being in a situation where either a or b will be satisfied living where I am and knowing how few people actually use their DS or PSP outside of the home.

[Abyssion]

I'll have to bring up The World Ends With You, it had a way for people like me to get Mingle EXP just by leaving it on overnight for hours at time in sleep mode. DQ9 needs something like that so that way it isn't alienating those that don't live in urban areas. I guess now I'll have to start bringing my DS everywhere >_<

[Spigot]

I'll have to bring up The World Ends With You, it had a way for people like me to get Mingle EXP just by leaving it on overnight for hours at time in sleep mode. DQ9 needs something like that so that way it isn't alienating those that don't live in urban areas. I guess now I'll have to start bringing my DS everywhere >_<Exactly what I was saying. I don't live in a hut on an ice floe or anything, but I'm not exactly in the midst of a teeming urban metropolis with lots of geeky DQ fans either.

[JayVe]

Sounds like we need to schedule a CoG meetup so we can play together. :D

[Abyssion]

Sounds like we need to schedule a CoG meetup so we can play together. :D

I agree!

10char

[RandoM51]

I can see where you're coming from but the system is put in there specifically to reward people gaming together IRL. If you can't or won't do that I don't see why you would deserve the items. The items exist to promote that sort of metagaming. If you remove the metagame you might as well remove the items too because they're not going to do what you intended them to.

We're not talking about stuff required to progress in the main quest line, are we?

I suppose one argument would be that you bought the game so you're entitled to experience all of it. I'd then ask, "if you lived in a desert and bought a water ski would you blame the manufacturer for having to go to a lake to get full use of the product?"

I suppose if I were them I might publish codes periodically that could be entered to unlock the items. That way anybody, anywhere, who wanted the stuff could eventually get it. I'd hold them back for a few months, though. :)

[Mike Kelehan]

I can see where you're coming from but the system is put in there specifically to reward people gaming together IRL. If you can't or won't do that I don't see why you would deserve the items. The items exist to promote that sort of metagaming. If you remove the metagame you might as well remove the items too because they're not going to do what you intended them to.

We're not talking about stuff required to progress in the main quest line, are we?

I suppose one argument would be that you bought the game so you're entitled to experience all of it. I'd then ask, "if you lived in a desert and bought a water ski would you blame the manufacturer for having to go to a lake to get full use of the product?"

I suppose if I were them I might publish codes periodically that could be entered to unlock the items. That way anybody, anywhere, who wanted the stuff could eventually get it. I'd hold them back for a few months, though. :)

The treasures for chance encounters are actually randomly generated, so depending on how you look at it, you're either missing out on nothing, or everyone is collectively missing out on nearly everything.

[Abyssion]

The full site is now live. (http://dragonquest.nintendo.com/)

[Spigot]

Well, I cracked and preordered this from Amazon.ca. I did bundle it in with Etrian Odyssey 3 to get some free shipping... we'll see if they'll split up the order (as they often do) and keep things cheap :)

[Abyssion]

I'm definitely going to Best Buy sunday afternoon. I took a survey where they offered me $15 in reward zone certificates. They said it would take about 20 minutes but I spent an hour doing it. So I will couple that with another 10 buck certificate from random purchases and I'll get the game for a little over 10 after tax!

[Spigot]

That sounds like a plan. If I had some kind of discount, I'd use it... but alas.

I am in no real rush to get DQIX as I'm just digging into DQV and P3P so I'm set for giant JRPGs... but I won't cry if Amazon ends up shipping it to me next week :)

[Mike Kelehan]

The Iwata Asks on the official site is great. It really makes me excited for Sunday.

[Mike Kelehan]

Does anyone know if there's an upper limit to how many tags you can get in a single tag mode session? I live in Baltimore, and Otakon's coming up, so I'm going to ask someone to take my DS with them. This could lead to quite a few tags.

[Spigot]

Time fir you to do some field research.

[Abyssion]

So I went to Best Buy and got my copy, also grabbed Bowser's Inside Story since they're having a buy one get one 1/2 off deal. After my reward zone certificates I got both for a little under $30. Not bad if I do say so myself!

[Mike Kelehan]

The manual says 30 is the upper limit for tags, at which point the first in is the first out. I haven't gotten treasure maps yet, so I don't know if the maps leave with them or not.

[Spigot]

Must resist urge to get this. Will wait to see if Amazon sends it to me sooner than later. Must focus on DQV and P3P...

[J Arcane]

Fuck. It's out? Damnit. I need to get paaaaid . . .

[Mike Kelehan]

Must resist urge to get this. Will wait to see if Amazon sends it to me sooner than later. Must focus on DQV and P3P...

Which one has multiplayer and weekly quests? I'd do that one first.

[Spigot]

Which one has multiplayer and weekly quests? I'd do that one first.I have nobody to play with :(

With the weekly quests, are they like a lot of the other weekly content on other DS games (like Professor Layton) where you can get a bunch of them at once later on down the line or is it that once they've come down for the week, they're down?

Why do giant hours-spanning JRPGs always have to come out within moments of each other? ARG!

[Mike Kelehan]

I have nobody to play with :(

With the weekly quests, are they like a lot of the other weekly content on other DS games (like Professor Layton) where you can get a bunch of them at once later on down the line or is it that once they've come down for the week, they're down?

Why do giant hours-spanning JRPGs always have to come out within moments of each other? ARG!

I believe it's a situation where there's one quest a week, it's delivered live, and you only get that week's quest when you connect. I don't think it's Layton-style, where they're all on the card and you get all of them when you connect.

Also, tag mode. I'm playing now so that next time I visit a large city, I'll be ready to go. I'll be making a trip to Philly and NYC in about two weeks.

[Spigot]

That's the thing. Tag mode is, once again, something that I doubt I'll ever get any mileage out of given how rarely I actually go into a 'big city'. I mean, I live near Toronto but don't actually go downtown often.

That's another thing about Tag mode. It only works with other passive DQIX carts, right?

That news about the quests is putting the bug in my brain to try to get my mitts on the game today or tomorrow though.

[Mike Kelehan]

That's another thing about Tag mode. It only works with other passive DQIX carts, right?

Yes, it only works with other DQ9 games that are also set to Tag mode. It'll be much easier with the 3DS, which can be put into Tag mode for many games at once.

You may not go to Toronto often, but if your friends say, "Let's do this thing in Toronto tomorrow," you'll want to have your DS at the ready.

[Spigot]

You may not go to Toronto often, but if your friends say, "Let's do this thing in Toronto tomorrow," you'll want to have your DS at the ready.Heh. You have a far, far better view of my social life than I do. I wish the tag mode was like Treasure World where it could just pull stuff off of any wi-fi signal and would give you special things if you bumped into another Treasure World game in passive mode.

[Mike Kelehan]

Heh. You have a far, far better view of my social life than I do. I wish the tag mode was like Treasure World where it could just pull stuff off of any wi-fi signal and would give you special things if you bumped into another Treasure World game in passive mode.

Treasure Maps do spawn in the game itself. They're all randomly generated. Tag Mode lets you share the ones you like the most, and get the ones that others like the most, so you're much more likely to get good ones that way.

[Spigot]

Shut up shut up shut up! Stop tempting me!

[J Arcane]

Honestly, the way this game sounds to be constructed it seems almost more like an MMO or at least a PSO/Monster Hunter type game than a typical DQ game.

And frankly, that sounds fuckin' great. If I had the money for it right now, I could see it replacing WoW for awhile.

[Spigot]

Honestly, the way this game sounds to be constructed it seems almost more like an MMO or at least a PSO/Monster Hunter type game than a typical DQ game.

And frankly, that sounds fuckin' great. If I had the money for it right now, I could see it replacing WoW for awhile.Well, I tried to get it at the Wal-Mart tonight but the slugs they had working the electronic section had no idea what I was talking about and I couldn't find it anywhere. I'll probably wander about tomorrow until I snag a copy.

I appreciate that it's more like a Monster Hunter-ish game this time around but having seen how dismally I've been able to take advantage of those kind of multiplayer options on those games, I still kind of wish it wasn't so heavily MP focused. But I'll buy it anyway because I love DQ and have no self control :)

[Mike Kelehan]

Well, I tried to get it at the Wal-Mart tonight but the slugs they had working the electronic section had no idea what I was talking about and I couldn't find it anywhere. I'll probably wander about tomorrow until I snag a copy.

I appreciate that it's more like a Monster Hunter-ish game this time around but having seen how dismally I've been able to take advantage of those kind of multiplayer options on those games, I still kind of wish it wasn't so heavily MP focused. But I'll buy it anyway because I love DQ and have no self control :)

It's still an entire single-player Dragon Quest, which is as substantial as JRPGs get. You can just sub out one or more of your created party members with friends, who will get to keep their share of the EXP and GP. If you want to ignore the multi entirely, you'll still have yourself a grand ol' time. I wouldn't call it like Monster Hunter at all. This is Dragon Quest, as it's always been, but Ragnar McRyan can be swapped out for the hero your friend created.

Also, get it at Toys R Us. Free $15 giftcard.

[frederec]

Well, I tried to get it at the Wal-Mart tonight but the slugs they had working the electronic section had no idea what I was talking about and I couldn't find it anywhere. I'll probably wander about tomorrow until I snag a copy.


I happened to be at Wal Mart a few minutes ago, and they didn't have it. Doesn't really surprise me, though. Wal Mart has never been the type of place I expect to be on top of current games.

It's just as well, my copy is coming from amazon and I didn't need anything to tempt me to buy it early.

[Spigot]

I have a copy on order with Amazon but it's lumped with EO3. If they haven't split up the order by Tuesday, I'll wander out and find a copy and cancel the Amazon one.

I guess I just had the impression that the majority of the gameplay and hot stuff about the game was derived from the multiplayer side of things since that's what everyone has been raving about for the last six months. Sigh.

I wonder if Canadian TrUs have the $15 gift card or not.

[Mike Kelehan]

I guess I just had the impression that the majority of the gameplay and hot stuff about the game was derived from the multiplayer side of things since that's what everyone has been raving about for the last six months. Sigh.

When you're writing a preview of a Dragon Quest, and something is new, that's what you talk about, because the vast vast majority of the game is the same stuff you know and love. The whole thing is Dragon Quest, through and through. And even without other humans, you'll get to enjoy the Wi-Fi shop and the DLC quests. All free.

Remember, the story is "Dragon Quest 9 adds multiplayer," not "Dragon Quest 9 adds multiplayer and subtracts other things you like about the series."

[Spigot]

Phew. I shun the company of other humans on my days off so this is a welcome addition to the DQIX knowledge bank. Looks like I'll be procuring a copy tomorrow. GAH!

[Gorvi]

Any impressions from those who have picked it up yet? I just need to know if this is essentially a normal DQ game and if I can completely ignore the multi portions.

[Spigot]

Go back a page or so. Mike basically convinced me of the same thing you're asking :)

[Mike Kelehan]

Any impressions from those who have picked it up yet? I just need to know if this is essentially a normal DQ game and if I can completely ignore the multi portions.

This is not essentially a normal DQ game. This is a normal DQ game. 100%. Multiplayer is entirely an optional addition.

[Spigot]

This is not essentially a normal DQ game. This is a normal DQ game. 100%. Multiplayer is entirely an optional addition.

That's the problem. Going by previews and early chatter about the game, you'd think it was a multiplayer game with a bit of traditional DQ action slapped on.

I'll have my copy within a few hours.

[Gorvi]

This is not essentially a normal DQ game. This is a normal DQ game. 100%. Multiplayer is entirely an optional addition.
Yeah, that's what I'm seeing. The major downside is that you don't have actual party members, just other generated characters. They may not be the deepest in the world but I enjoyed the little interactions the different party members had in past DQ games, VIII especially.

[Mike Kelehan]

Yeah, that's what I'm seeing. The major downside is that you don't have actual party members, just other generated characters. They may not be the deepest in the world but I enjoyed the little interactions the different party members had in past DQ games, VIII especially.

You can talk to your fairy guide, who tells you what your current story-based objective is. They added her to give you that interaction, since everyone else is generated by you. It's really like DQ3 in the sense that you create your entire party, which I believe is still regarded as the best in the series according to Famitsu polls.

But yeah, if you want strong character development, play something else. If you want 80 hours of fight/magic/item/run, this is the place.

[Gorvi]

You can talk to your fairy guide, who tells you what your current story-based objective is. They added her to give you that interaction, since everyone else is generated by you. It's really like DQ3 in the sense that you create your entire party, which I believe is still regarded as the best in the series according to Famitsu polls.

But yeah, if you want strong character development, play something else. If you want 80 hours of fight/magic/item/run, this is the place.
Well, if you're looking for strong character development DQ in general is not the place to go. :p Nah, I was just disappointed to read that, it's not something that would keep me away from the game by any means.

[Abyssion]

DQ3 was the first one I played, I think I want to solo DQ9 like I did in 3. <_< >_>

[Mike Kelehan]

DQ3 was the first one I played, I think I want to solo DQ9 like I did in 3. <_< >_>

I'm actually doing that now, because it splits EXP based on the party's level. So, if you're level 9 and your companions are level 3, you'll get more EXP. But, if you're going solo, you'll just get all of it.

[Spigot]

Scored a copy at EB today. Didn't realize that if I traded stuff in towards the game that I'd get another 50% in credit, so I ended up with two new games and still have another $30 in credit (probably to use on Etrian Odyssey 3 in sept. )

[Abyssion]

I'm actually doing that now, because it splits EXP based on the party's level. So, if you're level 9 and your companions are level 3, you'll get more EXP. But, if you're going solo, you'll just get all of it.

I honestly had a harder time with party members in DQ3 than my second time I tried playing it solo. I don't know why it was easier...

[JayVe]

Picked this up yesterday. Made it to the point where you can make characters for your team.

I'd read a review (Can't remember where) that said your team mates in your party were randomly generated. Yet I found a way to create, from scratch, the party members in your team.

Edit: Here is the quote from the Joystiq review... which isn't accurate at all.

Everyone else in your party is either a randomly-generated nobody recruited at an inn, a friend joining you in multiplayer, or a "guest" character acquired via passive communication with someone else's DS.

Not true. You can create every member of your party using the complete character generator. You can select their size, face, colors, name, attributes, everything.

[Spigot]

I made my main character look like an emo douche. Having a scowly angel for my protagonist is just too funny.

And I guess one could read that 'a randomly generated nobody' as being synonymous with being a character that you just slap together from a bunch of different variables. I think the main point of it is that none of the chararacters in your party is a defined person, per se. They are just paper dolls for you to customize.

The main point being that you don't have the cast of characters that you had in, say, DQVIII following the protagonist around, which in turn changes how the story is told.

[JayVe]

And I guess one could read that 'a randomly generated nobody' as being synonymous with being a character that you just slap together from a bunch of different variables. I think the main point of it is that none of the chararacters in your party is a defined person, per se. They are just paper dolls for you to customize.

By this definition, the protagonist is 'randomly generated' as is Commander Shepard in Mass Effect since you pick and choose the look of your character using a bunch of presets and sliders.

I see the difference between having a story and personality attached to the character, but the ability to pick and choose each of my appearances, skills, attributes and name is not 'randomly generated'. It is user generated.

Joystiq is simply wrong on this one.

[Spigot]

By this definition, the protagonist is 'randomly generated' as is Commander Shepard in Mass Effect since you pick and choose the look of your character using a bunch of presets and sliders.

I see the difference between having a story and personality attached to the character, but the ability to pick and choose each of my appearances, skills, attributes and name is not 'randomly generated'. It is user generated.

Joystiq is simply wrong on this one.The protagonist in a DQ story is usually the least interesting person in the games. He's often just a blank canvas. It's his cohorts that help inject personality into the game and that's probably where the whining about the generic party members in DQIX is coming from.

Can you pick up randomly generated characters at the bar though? Joystiq wouldn't be completely wrong... just MOSTLY wrong :)

[Gorvi]

Yeah, that lack of other actual characters in your party is the one thing I'm not liking about what I've heard of the game so far. A silent protagonist is one thing, a whole party of them for a JRPG just sounds bland. I know there's the fairy thing, but that doesn't make the other party members any more interesting. The interactions between the characters in VIII, while not incredibly deep, helped make the game as endearing as it was.

[JayVe]

Joystiq says...

Everyone else in your party is either:
a randomly-generated nobody recruited at an inn
a friend joining you in multiplayer
a "guest" character acquired via passive communication with someone else's DS

While the Joystiq list accurately contains three types of characters that you can add to your party, they are quite wrong that those are the only three types of characters you can add to your party.

What they fail to mention is that you can create each of your other characters using the exact same engine you use to create the player character.

Just because they list 3/4 of the types of characters you can add to your party does not prevent them from being wrong, since they state that there are ONLY 3 types of characters, and completely ignore the 4th.

[Spigot]

Sounds like SOMEONE doesn't like Joystiq :)

[JayVe]

Sounds like SOMEONE doesn't like Joystiq :)

I don't have any particular beef with Joystiq, other than them being wrong.

I DO have a beef with Gizmodo. Their reporting has been awful recently. They even reported that the 'free' games you get with a PSN+ subscription are yours to keep when you let your subscription lapse. Not only was it completely false, but it was clearly stated to the contrary on the same article they linked to on Sony's forum. It was like they didn't even read the article they were linking to. :confused:

With Dragon Quest IX, I played the game for a few hours, and already could tell that the Joystiq reviewer is mistaken. What does that say about the rest of the review? Did the reviewer miss out on other aspects of the game?

Edit: While I didn't have any beef with Joystiq before today, I do now. I'll be sure to take their reviews with more than a grain of salt in the future.

[Spigot]

Heh. I'm just toying with ya. I've never really held Joystiq's reviews up to any particularly high standard before and I won't start now. If it isn't written by a giant megacorp, I won't trust it! :)

Seriously though, there's a reason I've basically given up reading reviews of games until long after I've had a chance to play the game myself. I either go with my gut when taking a chance on a game or listen to what the chattering masses around here have to say about a game. Reviews are basically things I read after I've had some time with a game to see if the issues they had with a game are the same that I had.

[Vigil80]

Those of you who are far enough along, how do the different clases feel? I'd like to avoid the cookie cutter warrior, wizard, healer, rogue party. Am I going to wind up needing a warrior tank, or a mage to deal magic/elemental damage no matter what?

At the moment, I'm fantasizing about going through the game with martial artist, priest, minstrel, thief.

[Panthera]

Judging from previous DQ games, it's the warriors that will be doing all the real damage. Mages are mainly to cause and mitigate status effects, since their attack spells suck.

But I have no idea if that applies to this game.

[JayVe]

I haven't unlocked any new classes yet, nor have I found a way to change my own class. I've been focusing all my skill points on sword abilities. I also have two companions. One is a mage, and another a thief focused on using claws.

I'm not far into the game I just completed the Wight Knight quest.

[Spigot]

At what point can I start downloading the DLC quests and such? Are there any live right now?

[frederec]

At what point can I start downloading the DLC quests and such? Are there any live right now?

Maybe you should just try it and see?

My wife and I played together a bit last night. It was fun, especially when we discovered for the most part we each got the same treasure and money, it wasn't split between us. And we got more experience from battles than we would in a normal single player game. I have a feeling we'll be trying to do this more often as we play this game.

If only I didn't also have P3P sucking my time.

[Spigot]

Maybe you should just try it and see?

My wife and I played together a bit last night. It was fun, especially when we discovered for the most part we each got the same treasure and money, it wasn't split between us. And we got more experience from battles than we would in a normal single player game. I have a feeling we'll be trying to do this more often as we play this game.

If only I didn't also have P3P sucking my time.But I don't know how to download them! Or is it something off the main menu. That's what I'm asking (I'm at work and can't check, sadly).

[frederec]

But I don't know how to download them! Or is it something off the main menu. That's what I'm asking (I'm at work and can't check, sadly).

Sorry, I actually don't know either, or I would have told you directly without being so sarcastic and annoying. But then I wouldn't have had a chance to be all sarcastic and annoying.

[Abyssion]

I haven't unlocked any new classes yet, nor have I found a way to change my own class. I've been focusing all my skill points on sword abilities. I also have two companions. One is a mage, and another a thief focused on using claws.

I'm not far into the game I just completed the Wight Knight quest.

You get your classes changed at a place called Alltrades Abbey. I just arrived there, but it seems you gotta help them out before having the ability to change...

[J Arcane]

How's the communication in the multiplayer in DQ9? What does it use? Anything?

[RandoM51]

Game works perfectly fine as a singleplayer DQ game, nobody should worry about that.

Went to the inn, added the 3 premade characters to my party---you can roll more if you don't like them---and started killing stuff.

I haven't found anything in the menus about quest downloads. If it is in there I would not be shocked to find out it occurs later on in the adventure. Not like they can give you any real quests at the beginning anyway.

[Abyssion]

I found out the DQVC opens up once you get to the island I mentioned in my last post. Sellma appears at the Inn at Stornway next to the alchemy pot.

So as soon as my DS gets some signal, it says I've disconnected. The game only lets you connect once a day. Now I have to try again some time tomorrow...

Edit: It seems the server is screwed up today. At least now I can change jobs! It's interesting how abilities carry over from job to job, but spells don't. Now I just gotta figure out what I want to become...

It was damn hard soloing the boss to get the job change. It kept draining my MP and boosting its own defense. I don't think I've ever seen buffs and debuffs have such a drastic change in a game before. I'm being hit for 1's and 2's till I get hit with a Kasap or Helm Splitter, then I'm being hit for 12 unless I get debuffed twice. Then it is at 20 something.

[JayVe]

This game is good. Such a perfect pace.

I'm at Alltrades Abbey. Just got here.

[Spigot]

I'm kicking myself for not bringing my DS into work today. I don't really have anything to do right now... well, I could find something to do, but I don't really want to look that hard :)

[Abyssion]

A miracle sword popped up in my DQVC for the day, now I need to save up money.

[civil]

Quick question: Are there random encounters in this game? If so, how often? I hate REs with a passion and have been keeping clear of any news about this game but now I'm interested.

Sorry if this has been answered in this thread, I'm trying to keep spoiler free. :o

[Abyssion]

You see the enemies on the map and can run around them. But if they spot you and chase, they usually catch you.

They can also run away from you if you're really strong.

[frederec]

Quick question: Are there random encounters in this game? If so, how often? I hate REs with a passion and have been keeping clear of any news about this game but now I'm interested.

Sorry if this has been answered in this thread, I'm trying to keep spoiler free. :o

No. You can see them on the field.

I'll never understand the hate towards random encounters. I've seen games that don't have them but still manage to make the non-random encounters plenty annoying.

[JayVe]

Quick question: Are there random encounters in this game? If so, how often? I hate REs with a passion and have been keeping clear of any news about this game but now I'm interested.

Sorry if this has been answered in this thread, I'm trying to keep spoiler free. :o

There are no random battles. There are enemies that appear on the map nearby, at random. Touching an enemy will start a battle. You can avoid most battles.

[civil]

Thanks all.

Kam, your avatar makes me sad with the knowledge of what could have been. :(

[RandoM51]

You'll want to use headphones or an external sound system of some type with this game. Really good music, but you'll never be able to tell if you use the speakers in your ds.

[Abyssion]

GmaeStop is having an event! (http://www.gamestop.com/gs/landing/events/dragonquestevent/) Where one can get a map, I think I will have to look into this. One of the stores is half an hour away. But it might be my only chance to tag some people for a while...

[J Arcane]

Apparently the one in my town will not be participating. They didn't do any of the Pokemon shit either.

Fucking douchebag assholes.

[Evil Avnovice]

First round of DLC. (GoNintendo (http://gonintendo.com/viewstory.php?id=130582))

[Spigot]

I still wish you could access the DLC and online 'store' a little easier than it is. I'm still working on the Wight Knight quest and haven't made it to the abbey or wherever you need to be to go online or do tag mode.

[Abyssion]

I maxed out my Sword skill, Omnivocational Swordmaster lets you equip a sword with anyone. I think I should max out the shield then I can parade around as a thief more successfully.

[evilgoodwin]

I was going to pick this up, but decided to charge my DS before I went out to buy it since it's been sitting idle for too long.

I can't find the damn thing.

Guess I'm cleaning the apartment tomorrow.

[frederec]

I still wish you could access the DLC and online 'store' a little easier than it is. I'm still working on the Wight Knight quest and haven't made it to the abbey or wherever you need to be to go online or do tag mode.

I'm not sure if tag more is really useful until you start getting treasure maps. My understanding is that if you're in tag mode, you can get treasure maps from other people that they've completed. Before that, they show up in your inn. My wife just got her first treasure map last night (a fair bit past the place where you gain the ability to change classes), and hasn't beaten it yet. I'm hoping to get mine soon, then we'll see how the sharing aspect works.

Even without tag mode, we're having a fair amount of fun playing through together.

[J Arcane]

I be workin' on it.

I'm just up to the point where I'm to be heading out for the Wight Knight quest as well, but it was late so went to bed.

My bigger problem right now is that I want to find some way of demonstrating the size and scope of the town here for a paper on noise in RPGs, but I can't find any decent maps or videos or anything of the gameplay.

[Spigot]

I be workin' on it.

I'm just up to the point where I'm to be heading out for the Wight Knight quest as well, but it was late so went to bed.

My bigger problem right now is that I want to find some way of demonstrating the size and scope of the town here for a paper on noise in RPGs, but I can't find any decent maps or videos or anything of the gameplay.I just finished up the Wight Night quest this morning. I quite liked it and if there are more quests and storylines that play out like this over the course of the game, I'll be quite pleased with the game.

I have NO idea what your last paragraph was trying to say. Are you talking about literal, sonic noise or 'noise' as in clutter and extraneous stuff that chokes up a town in an RPG?

I'm not sure if tag more is really useful until you start getting treasure maps. My understanding is that if you're in tag mode, you can get treasure maps from other people that they've completed. Before that, they show up in your inn. My wife just got her first treasure map last night (a fair bit past the place where you gain the ability to change classes), and hasn't beaten it yet. I'm hoping to get mine soon, then we'll see how the sharing aspect works.

Even without tag mode, we're having a fair amount of fun playing through together.Can't you pick up new party members with Tag Mode turned on too?

I'm still trying to find a way to access the DLC. I want to peruse the virtual storefront and/or download the new quest before I head up to the cottage aka the place that wi-fi forgot. Where is this abbey? I'm off at Coffintown or whatever the place after Stornway is called.