Dragon Quest V – iOS Review

Dragon Quest V emerges as a rare gaming gem ported over to iOS and Android. Burdened by the weight of being a sequel in one of the most triumphant franchises in history. Enix's fortunes were intricately tied to Dragon Quest's success, making this AAA installment a pivotal point in the series. Despite the expectations of a grandiose narrative, designer and writer Yuji Horii defies convention, delivering a remarkably intimate tale that stands as one of the RPG genre's finest.

Initially eluding English fans, Dragon Quest V's journey to the West spanned over a decade. Its 2004 remake on the PlayStation 2 introduced enhanced graphics, expanded party capabilities, and a remarkable soundtrack. However, it remained exclusive to Japan as Square Enix prioritized relaunching the brand with Dragon Quest VIII. Finally, in 2008, a Nintendo DS remake secured a Western release, albeit in limited supply due to the underwhelming performance of Dragon Quest IV on the DS. Now, accessibility has improved, allowing English gamers a long-awaited chance to experience this masterpiece on mobile phone devices such as iOS and Android.

Dragon Quest V unfolds a unique narrative centered on destiny and heroism. Beginning with the protagonist's birth, the game traverses childhood, love, marriage, and parenthood. A pivotal mid-game choice of a life partner, each with distinct personalities and contributions to the story, adds a layer of complexity. The game's overarching themes delve into life's intricacies, hopes, tragedies, and the weight of legacies, making it a standout RPG experience.

Gameplay adheres to familiar Dragon Quest mechanics, with character-specific stats and predefined skill progression. The removal of job classes is compensated by the protagonist's ability to recruit monsters, adding an innovative twist. The narrative seamlessly intertwines with gameplay, showcasing the protagonist's growth and offering thoughtful touches, like the impact of age on reading ability.

While Dragon Quest V excels in storytelling, it does have some shortcomings. The game tends to favor one bride over others, potentially limiting player choices. The narrative richness compensates for this flaw, and the game's replay value remains high, provided players are willing to invest in its approximately 30-hour duration.

Visually, Dragon Quest 5 utilizes the same engine as its predecessor, with an overhead perspective and adjustable camera angles. The game's dungeons exhibit greater complexity, taking advantage of improved hardware capabilities. The English version maintains the series' trademark accents and introduces a plethora of puns, enhancing the overall reading experience.

In conclusion, Dragon Quest V, despite minor flaws in its save system and lack of landscape support, stands as a pinnacle in the RPG genre. Over 20 years since its release, it remains unmatched in its storytelling prowess and emotional depth. For RPG enthusiasts, Dragon Quest V is a must-buy for iOS and other mobile phone devices, representing the zenith of the series and a testament to the passion invested in its creation.

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