Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies

 DS
User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 283 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 234 out of 283
  2. Mixed: 32 out of 283
  3. Negative: 17 out of 283
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  1. Susano
    Aug 23, 2010
    10
    Easily my favourite DS game, Dragon Quest IX is top RPG goodness, with some of the best graphics on DS. While the battle system is old hat, the levels of customisation and excellent storyline make fr a life consuming RPG, and probably the best game on DS. If you get one DS game, make it this one.
  2. spamtheAbutton
    Sep 9, 2010
    10
    Super addictive game that doesn't get weighed down by inane characters or story. Bright, fun graphics and the ability to personalize your characters appearance and skills = instant win. Best game I have played this year!
  3. gaiages
    Oct 12, 2010
    10
    I, and apparently the whole of the Internet, cannot give enough praise for this game. It's a classic old-school RPG with a pretty 3D candy shell, and it couldn't look or play much better. The main game is long and will keep you addicted, and with extra quests, dungeons, and even weekly download-able content, you'll still be playing long after the main quest is over. I clocked a good 130I, and apparently the whole of the Internet, cannot give enough praise for this game. It's a classic old-school RPG with a pretty 3D candy shell, and it couldn't look or play much better. The main game is long and will keep you addicted, and with extra quests, dungeons, and even weekly download-able content, you'll still be playing long after the main quest is over. I clocked a good 130 hours before finally setting the game down... for a $40 DS game, you'll be getting your money's worth and then some. Unless you absolutely hate RPGS, or don't own a DS, there's no way I CAN'T recommend this game.… Expand
  4. Kandraa
    Oct 7, 2010
    10
    I loved this game, probably my favorite DS game I've played so far. I found the story line to be impressive and creative. The adventure in this game was awesome. I can tell they really put the effort and time into making this game. I loved all the different kinds of monsters and bosses, the creativity was wild. Even when the storyline is finished there is still lots you can do like favoursI loved this game, probably my favorite DS game I've played so far. I found the story line to be impressive and creative. The adventure in this game was awesome. I can tell they really put the effort and time into making this game. I loved all the different kinds of monsters and bosses, the creativity was wild. Even when the storyline is finished there is still lots you can do like favours for people in the different towns you've discovered. Not to mention finding little islands with treasure on your boat. One of my favorite adventure games.… Expand
  5. ripperroo123
    Oct 8, 2010
    10
    Although the 87 Metascore may not seem overly impressive, the fact that out SIXTY-TWO critics, there were no negative scores really speaks volumes. Not even any Mixed scores. This game is simply put, beautiful. The music is catchy, but not annoying, the characters are very colorful, the plot is simple yet deep, the combat simply works well, and the game is just plain fun. Especially inAlthough the 87 Metascore may not seem overly impressive, the fact that out SIXTY-TWO critics, there were no negative scores really speaks volumes. Not even any Mixed scores. This game is simply put, beautiful. The music is catchy, but not annoying, the characters are very colorful, the plot is simple yet deep, the combat simply works well, and the game is just plain fun. Especially in multiplayer.… Expand
  6. Clanka
    Dec 2, 2010
    10
    While Dragon Quest 9 is slightly old school, the acctual game is brilliant! The visuals are wonderful for a DS and you can explore a WHOLE world! I was stunned when I played this! This is my favourite DS game of all time! The ending of the story is a shame, but it just adds to the whole experience of Sentinals of the Skies! BY THIS GAME!!!
  7. Dylancooler
    May 6, 2012
    10
    I find this game a fun game from out of the other dragon quest so i recommend this game because it hard and the most hardest is the metal king slime he gives a lot of eperance points
  8. ricklongo
    Mar 14, 2013
    10
    This is an RPG in the classic sense, and features pretty much everything a fan of the genre could ask for. There are endearing characters, perfect gameplay, interesting dungeons. The storyline is incredibly well-crafted; a tale of redemption that keeps you guessing all the way to its pungent, apotheotic conclusion. The expansive world is expertly constructed, with secrets lurking in everyThis is an RPG in the classic sense, and features pretty much everything a fan of the genre could ask for. There are endearing characters, perfect gameplay, interesting dungeons. The storyline is incredibly well-crafted; a tale of redemption that keeps you guessing all the way to its pungent, apotheotic conclusion. The expansive world is expertly constructed, with secrets lurking in every unrevealed area and even in the revealed ones.

    As if all of that weren't enough, the game offers TONS of reason to keep playing even after finishing the main quest. There is a practically infinite amount of extra dungeons, where you can get weapons, ingredients (important for the immersive weapon-crafting mini-game), and face loads of new bosses. There are special battles with bad guys from older DQ games. There are even some extra quests that actually pull the story forward, further developing the characters.

    Sentinels of Starry Skies is not only the best original RPG for the DS, it's a strong contender for the best game in the platform.    … Expand
  9. darkheart86
    Jul 25, 2013
    10
    If you love old-fashioned JRPG's and traditional turn-based combat, this is the perfect game that you simply can't pass up. Dragon Quest IX is a very traditional JRPG that apologetically uses game mechanics identical to old RPG's on the NES the series first started on, but this is by no means a bad thing. Your character and your allies are all made from scratch, giving you free reign toIf you love old-fashioned JRPG's and traditional turn-based combat, this is the perfect game that you simply can't pass up. Dragon Quest IX is a very traditional JRPG that apologetically uses game mechanics identical to old RPG's on the NES the series first started on, but this is by no means a bad thing. Your character and your allies are all made from scratch, giving you free reign to come up with personalities and backstories for each of them, but some might not like the fact that the entire party is a voiceless cast. I do like the freedom to determine your party size. Go solo, and you'll have more challenges while getting more EXP. have one, two, or even three companions with you and you can make battles easier while at the same time making it longer to grind with each party member and upping the cost of equipment for each character.

    The menu based system for buying and selling is really one of the only flaws I can point out. It makes buying and selling items very long and drawn out and you spend a lot of unnecessary time just trying to scrape up some money for your next set of armor. Another thing I didn't like was the fact that I spent more time grinding money than I was experience trying to keep my party updated with equipment. I only had a party of 3, but it was still very hard to get the armor and weapons everyone needs. If this game got rid of the menu based shop system and gave you discounts for large party sizes on equipment, this game would be perfect. Definitely a game that you cannot miss.    … Expand
  10. Nafare
    Jun 9, 2019
    10
    I must say it is hard to put this game down I love the controls the story is very cool and it has amazing graphics for a DS game. It feels like an open world with lots of dungeons to go through and you can create your own character even put on equipment that displays on your characters model.

    Amazing Dragon Quest game 10/10
  11. NintendoPlayer1
    Oct 17, 2014
    10
    One of my favorite games! This game is so epic! The Story, the soundtrack... i love it so much!! The charakter designe is like in every Dragon Quest Game nice.
  12. TheVolcano
    Jan 17, 2015
    10
    Dragon Quest IX is my favorite DS Game.
    This is the perfect JRPG. I have 200+ hours of gameplay on this and still haven't finished all the
    sub-quests. It follows the original old-school JRPG Formula, but adds more to it. The graphic are one of the best graphics i have seen on the DS, the soundtracks are still into my mind and the story was great! Every single city has his sub-story    Dragon Quest IX is my favorite DS Game.
    This is the perfect JRPG. I have 200+ hours of gameplay on this and still haven't finished all the
    sub-quests. It follows the original old-school JRPG Formula, but adds more to it.
    The graphic are one of the best graphics i have seen on the DS, the soundtracks are still into my mind and
    the story was great!
    Every single city has his sub-story which you get involved in.
    The map is huge and on 3 layers, one layer that you can reach by walking, one that
    you can reach by boat and one that you can reach only with...um... a flying train.
    The designer of this game is the legendary Akira Toriyama, the creator of Dragonball
    and he worked perfectly on this game.
    It is a shame tat this game is not so famous outside of Japan, where it is the twelve best-selling game
    of ALL TIME.    … Expand
  13. Vataro
    Mar 16, 2015
    10
    100 % kriegt dieses Spiel locker hin . Das beste , größte RPG , das ich je gesehen habe ! Geile Bosskämpfe , Plottwists , 150 Missionen , 400 Gegner , riesige Welten , Schatzkarten und mehr ... Unschlagbare Action ;3
  14. rafaelxpxpxp
    May 6, 2015
    10
    The only game on my DS I play without get bored. I love the battle system it reminds me of former RPGs on snes. The best game for ds you must play it.
  15. LiGhtBurn80
    Jan 17, 2017
    10
    Un très bon rpg dure et stratégique avec un gameplay très cool un scénario puissant et très addictif il vous faudra des heurs de farm pour avoir le lvl suffisant au boss les plus fort !
  16. DelWolf
    Apr 19, 2017
    10
    I am going to say this now. This is my favourite game of all time. The addicting game play, varied character customisation, catchy soundtrack, intense story, amazing humour, beautiful visuals for it's hardware, likeable characters, huge world - all of them add up to a masterpiece.
    I have always been a big fan of the Dragon Quest series, but I always expect decency from them, not    I am going to say this now. This is my favourite game of all time. The addicting game play, varied character customisation, catchy soundtrack, intense story, amazing humour, beautiful visuals for it's hardware, likeable characters, huge world - all of them add up to a masterpiece.
    I have always been a big fan of the Dragon Quest series, but I always expect decency from them, not phenomenons. And that's exactly what this game is. It's a JRPG that can be enjoyed by both JRPG fans, but also those who don't favour them much. If this gets an HD release for the switch, Nintendo can shut up and take my money!    … Expand
  17. CAPTAINCOWARD2
    Jun 11, 2017
    10
    This is arguably the best DS game in existence, as it isn't one of those boring linear-plot licensed ones. This game has a VERY easy combat system, a brilliant story and possibly some of the best graphics I have ever seen in a game.

    GOOD POINTS: I. The combat system. II. It doesn't take itself too seriously by putting obvious stereotypes all over the place. III. It's possibly the    This is arguably the best DS game in existence, as it isn't one of those boring linear-plot licensed ones. This game has a VERY easy combat system, a brilliant story and possibly some of the best graphics I have ever seen in a game.

    GOOD POINTS:
    I. The combat system.
    II. It doesn't take itself too seriously by putting obvious stereotypes all over the place.
    III. It's possibly the only Digital Role-Playing Game on the DS.
    IV. Fully customizable characters.
    V. A variety of seemingly everything.
    VI. A post game story that's longer than the actually game.

    BAD POINTS:
    I. When looking at how long it took me to complete, I realized it took me over 7000 HOURS to finish, which is far too long for anybody to cope with.
    II. You can't go back to the Observatory after you finish the game.    … Expand
  18. ShiryuChaos
    Jul 29, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Incredible and infinite game. Customization, Story plot and had bosses (and legacy bosses too) in the maximum level possible.

    Treasure maps and legacy bosses are not only nostalgic but make this game have 999 hours playtime.    … Expand
  19. sergejs
    Dec 19, 2019
    10
    While comparing it to the rest of the Dragon Quest series (a.k.a DQ1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9, Monster Joker 1 + 2 and slime) it can be said clearly that Dragon Quest IX is one of the best in the series. Although it's a DS only it's a massive experience. Involves a rich story, has outfits which can be seen, a perfect party system and a good leveling up system. Comparing this game further on to DQ10While comparing it to the rest of the Dragon Quest series (a.k.a DQ1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9, Monster Joker 1 + 2 and slime) it can be said clearly that Dragon Quest IX is one of the best in the series. Although it's a DS only it's a massive experience. Involves a rich story, has outfits which can be seen, a perfect party system and a good leveling up system. Comparing this game further on to DQ10 and DQ 11 it can be even more said that this game is the best one and the most advanced which makes it the odd one out. I would highly recommend this RPG game to everyone because I just can't describe how good my experience was with it. I have been playing it ever since it's release and I still am playing it postgame leveling up my grotto bosses!… Expand
  20. YDS
    Nov 1, 2020
    10
    Perfect, That is all i can say. Heartwarming And exciting but also saddening sometimes. You need to quite level up for the bosses, Though it just makes it more fun. I highly reccomend it.
  21. MyTerribleLife
    Dec 17, 2020
    10
    This game is my childhood, It is really great, Emotional, Cheering and very challenging in some parts. It is a great way to enjoy Dragon Quest on the go, You fight a lot of bosses, But after defeating them you feel you accomplished something. I highly recommend it, Its cheap and nice. I bought a used Japanese copy for 980 Yen
  22. raucher
    Jan 14, 2021
    10
    Playing it for the first time in 2020 and the game is still impressive, literally the best JRPG on the Nintendo DS, im not a big fan of turn-based RPGs but Dragon Quest IX is a masterpiece
  23. Tiziown
    May 22, 2021
    10
    The most customizable, free and funny Dragon Quest, with an amazing battle system, job system and skill system. Story is kind of episodic but still good.
  24. Eddyy
    Mar 27, 2022
    10
    graphic and story are beautiful
    music is perfect
    story and citys 12/10
    eq design 10/10

    realy good game
  25. Yaacgold24
    May 10, 2022
    10
    The DQ game i've spent most time ever. Truly rich in its gameplay. I hope they will do a remake of this one in the future.
  26. NerfPlayeR135
    Dec 5, 2022
    10
    This is the game that introduced me to Dragon Quest. It can be unforgiving at times, owing to some of its dated mechanics, but if you're willing to put up with that, you'll find that DQIX is shockingly addictive. On top of the main story, there's a massive amount of postgame content you can tackle... but it was unlocked via Nintendo WFC despite being on the card. There are ways aroundThis is the game that introduced me to Dragon Quest. It can be unforgiving at times, owing to some of its dated mechanics, but if you're willing to put up with that, you'll find that DQIX is shockingly addictive. On top of the main story, there's a massive amount of postgame content you can tackle... but it was unlocked via Nintendo WFC despite being on the card. There are ways around that, though.… Expand
  27. ExtrosGamer
    Apr 3, 2023
    10
    Uno de los mejores juegos que he jugado. El paso del tiempo no le ha afectado muy negativamente. Sin duda uno de los indispensables.
  28. kyle_hyde
    Sep 7, 2010
    9
    Easily one of the best DS games ever made. It combines so well the old-school elements with new elements which results in a rich amount of gameplay. Maybe the plot is not an epic one, but is not pretensions and in the end it delivered a good story with many touching moments. I have to admit that this my first DQIX and in the perspective from someone new to the series I have to say thatEasily one of the best DS games ever made. It combines so well the old-school elements with new elements which results in a rich amount of gameplay. Maybe the plot is not an epic one, but is not pretensions and in the end it delivered a good story with many touching moments. I have to admit that this my first DQIX and in the perspective from someone new to the series I have to say that this game is a must-have. of that everyone should have.… Expand
  29. Luigibarqs
    Nov 13, 2010
    9
    This game is quite possibly the perfect mix between retro and modern RPG elements I have ever seen.
    Although most of the elements such as battles are pretty nostalgic and retro in design, the beautiful 3D character models and maps, amazing music and large amount of customization gives a deep modern and unique twist on what is a heart a very old and classic core system. Downloadable content    This game is quite possibly the perfect mix between retro and modern RPG elements I have ever seen.
    Although most of the elements such as battles are pretty nostalgic and retro in design, the beautiful 3D character models and maps, amazing music and large amount of customization gives a deep modern and unique twist on what is a heart a very old and classic core system. Downloadable content such as rare equipment shop which changes each day, new quests and dungeons, and much more there is lots to do even after the main storyline is complete, especially with wireless multiplayer. Its a shame that Wifi multiplayer was not possible but the amount of effort put forward to make this game the best it can be more than forgives that.    … Expand
  30. Some1n
    Nov 20, 2010
    9
    A brilliant RPG. I, admittedly, hadn't played a DQ game (although loads of other RPG) before IX, this has got me wanting to play the rest of the series. This will have you hooked for hours, even after the main plot is complete, collecting all items and the alchemy gives the games tons of replay value. It also managed to mix old and modern RPGs elements really well. The only major flaw isA brilliant RPG. I, admittedly, hadn't played a DQ game (although loads of other RPG) before IX, this has got me wanting to play the rest of the series. This will have you hooked for hours, even after the main plot is complete, collecting all items and the alchemy gives the games tons of replay value. It also managed to mix old and modern RPGs elements really well. The only major flaw is that it's storyline wasn't the best, but, making/customising the characters made up for it.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Best DS Game of 2010
4
#4 Most Discussed DS Game of 2010
1
#1 Most Shared DS Game of 2010

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
87

Generally favorable reviews - based on 65 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 65 out of 65
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 65
  3. Negative: 0 out of 65
  1. Cubed3
    Jan 3, 2011
    100
    With Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies, Square Enix and Level-5 have delivered what is without doubt one of the most stunning RPG experiences not only on the Nintendo DS, but in existence, full stop.
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  2. GameCritics
    Jan 1, 2011
    85
    This is a really big game for something found on a handheld, an epic yarn that offers up hundreds of hours of gameplay for those willing to invest the time.
    Read full review
  3. Nintendojo
    Oct 21, 2010
    100
    Coupled with its simple story and addicting post-game play, one of the greatest triumphs of Dragon Quest IX is that it manages to be a serious role-playing game without taking itself too seriously.
    Read full review
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