Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride

 DS
Metascore
84

Generally favorable reviews - based on 46 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 40 out of 46
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 46
  3. Negative: 0 out of 46
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  1. n-Revolution Magazine UK
    70
    Great for those who haven't played the original, not so thrilling for those who have. [Issue#26, p.81]
  2. Metro GameCentral
    70
    There's a lot to admire in this role-playing classic, but still just as much to infuriate and bore.
  3. AceGamez
    70
    When compared to other Square-Enix remakes of late, such as Final Fantasy IV and Star Ocean: First Departure, Dragon Quest: The Hand of the Heavenly Bride just feels far too archaic.
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  5. RPGamer
    70
    There are a few things done unusually well in this specific title, namely a story the player should actually care about, an even and consistent pace that was missing in Dragon Quest IV, less need to level grind, a party-forming mechanic that gives the player several diverse options to consider, and an overall experience that develops and changes over the course of the game, flowing naturally with the plot and maintaining a fresh feel for the battle system.
  6. Cynamite
    70
    The age of this game is way too obvious. After 15 years the dungeons seem too small and the story is not spectacular. But training monsters to fight alongside your party is still fun!
  7. D+PAD Magazine
    60
    Hand of the Heavenly Bride is a solid, old-school adventure with the same problems and delights that any title from the period has. If you’re supporter of the series or just a sucker for this type of action, then you probably won’t be disappointed. But for the rest of you, HotHB does nothing that will change your stubborn opinions.

Awards & Rankings

9
#9 Best DS Game of 2009
16
#16 Most Discussed DS Game of 2009
11
#11 Most Shared DS Game of 2009

User Reviews

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User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 95 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 83 out of 95
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 95
  3. Negative: 5 out of 95
  1. Alex524
    Nov 18, 2011
    10
    a game that took a classic and added on few things and made it better. the squel to DQ IV: chapters of the chosen, it takes place aa game that took a classic and added on few things and made it better. the squel to DQ IV: chapters of the chosen, it takes place a significant time after the previous game but makes refernces and shares a dungeon. the addons are game changing, making it easier to progress in the story and adding a new possible party member. the story is 99% the same. there is a mode for wireless communication but it is local and is basically useless. the story and characters are well done, there is a feature to rotate the camera, and a board game type mini game that gave me much needed armor and weapons. this game is on the list of top ten games I have ever played and I don't see it leaving that list anytime soon.… Full Review »
  2. 6xdandangp
    Dec 29, 2012
    10
    By far one of the best games of the system, Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride is an example of a JRPG done right. I have nothing badBy far one of the best games of the system, Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride is an example of a JRPG done right. I have nothing bad to say about this game, all of my expectations have been met and exceeded.… Full Review »
  3. Dhulfiqar
    Feb 21, 2014
    9
    I review this game because i have completed the Ps2 version. This game story-line is really amazing and i would include to my list of bestI review this game because i have completed the Ps2 version. This game story-line is really amazing and i would include to my list of best jrpg storyline. The game is exactly of those amazing rpg games that bring your childhood memories back when you used to play many hours of rpg games. The music, the world, the characters, the gameplay are all amazing, and you will not get bored when you progress in the game.… Full Review »
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