Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King

 PlayStation 2
User Score
8.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 389 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 339 out of 389
  2. Mixed: 17 out of 389
  3. Negative: 33 out of 389
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  1. In_between
    Jun 11, 2023
    0
    This is absolutely, without doubts, the worst game I've ever played in 31 years of my life. I've been into gaming since I was 2 years old. I played DQ1, DQ11, all the FF saga, blue dragon, all Fire Emblem entries from the SNES onwards.

    After 20 hours of playing, NOTHING happened. I closed the game just when the monster arena and the Chateau Felix appeared to be inserting SOMETHING into    This is absolutely, without doubts, the worst game I've ever played in 31 years of my life. I've been into gaming since I was 2 years old. I played DQ1, DQ11, all the FF saga, blue dragon, all Fire Emblem entries from the SNES onwards.

    After 20 hours of playing, NOTHING happened. I closed the game just when the monster arena and the Chateau Felix appeared to be inserting SOMETHING into the game. This is a pure cashgrab with diluted story, gameplay and without doubts one of the worst in terms of characterization of each individuality.
    There is no surprise, characters are just tropes into a game, there is literally zero motivation to play the main quest, the gameplay is insanely simple and straightforward, just rushing towards the highest DPS with little to no strategy regarding statuses or anything worth mentioning.
    Monsters design is TERRIBLE, wtf are two peppers on a stick doing?

    I spent 20 hours waiting for the game to get better, only to see mechanics that should've been there from the start diluted just to make this **** insanely long, uninspired, boring and ultimately a nostalgia trip for even more boring people.

    HORRIBLE.    … Expand
  2. Ronsio
    Feb 2, 2023
    10
    I played this game all the time when I was younger. It's got a great story, a good soundtrack, fun characters, and it's simply just really fun to play. There's very few actual flaws that I can think of, and even if there were, this game is just so good that the flaws don't matter in the long run.

    Highly recommend.
  3. Crimson9
    Dec 12, 2022
    8
    This is one of the only games that gave me a true sense of adventure. I'd argue that the random encounters actually enhanced that, because traversing the overworld wasnt just something that cost time, it cost resources. It almost became a survival game where you had to make sure you were stocked up before leaving a town. That was an experience I never experienced before or since. It wasThis is one of the only games that gave me a true sense of adventure. I'd argue that the random encounters actually enhanced that, because traversing the overworld wasnt just something that cost time, it cost resources. It almost became a survival game where you had to make sure you were stocked up before leaving a town. That was an experience I never experienced before or since. It was great.

    In general the game's world is amazing and so adventurous. The characters are pretty goofy, and the art style is adorable, and that gives the game a very wonderful feel to it. The combat is also significantly superior to that of Final Fantasy. Characters have limited resources to use in battle, and the game is legitimately challenging. That said, you can unfortunately just grind your way through everything. There also isn't too much depth to either its characters or its story. Thats not quite what its going for, but its what keeps it from being a masterpiece for me.    … Expand
  4. spreyz
    Aug 11, 2022
    10
    One of the best RPG's ever and one of the best DQ games for sure.
    A switch remake would be so amazing.
  5. grimreapersims
    Feb 16, 2022
    9
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  6. PsychoJoona
    May 8, 2021
    8
    Characters and the story is good. Combat feels like an DQ game combat should. There is grinding LIKE IT SHOULD... Overall I would give it 7... BEST VIDEO GAME OST EVEERR!! Every theme is amazing! With just the music I give this game 8/10!
  7. samuelrw
    Jul 13, 2020
    10
    15 years later this game still holds up. Story, adventuring, levelling up all still great experiences. Good for playing on sick days off.
  8. iKen
    Apr 14, 2020
    8
    Played on PlayStation 2.
    Gameplay: GREAT.
    Story: GOOD.
    Graphic: GREAT.
    Music/Sound: GOOD.
    Dialogue: GOOD.
  9. VendonJura
    Jul 22, 2019
    10
    One of the best RPG games I've played as I was young. I've beaten the game 100%. Finished all secret dungeons etc. Wish to play this game again on the PS4 with more content for the arena with full party and not for your monsters which you can catch only.
  10. Ilimitado
    Apr 27, 2019
    8
    One of the best aclaimed JRPG'S for the PS2, features an absorving story full of diverse caracters with good caracter development. It has it few share of plot twists, and many comedic relief moments.

    The gameplay is good enough but it's class system is clearly unbalanced and putting too many points on the wrong class, will get annoying, especially because there is no way of relocating    One of the best aclaimed JRPG'S for the PS2, features an absorving story full of diverse caracters with good caracter development. It has it few share of plot twists, and many comedic relief moments.

    The gameplay is good enough but it's class system is clearly unbalanced and putting too many points on the wrong class, will get annoying, especially because there is no way of relocating skill points.

    The length of the game is long (When i played this game as a Kid lasted me for a whole year) even though it has few side quests and your main way of progressing is farm a few levels between each quest and its post game content its amazing and should be a must in all JRPG'S.    … Expand
  11. SkyLake_6700
    Oct 23, 2018
    10
    My accurate score is 9.8 and not 10 because you can always improve but it's more close to 10 than 9.
    i think this game is amazing,
    Best RPG game i ever played.
    Excellent Music
    Very long and fun game
    interesting plot
    Great characters
    Unique Visual Style
    Highly recommended for anyone that is looking for a great RPG game.
  12. quinciniho
    Jun 10, 2018
    10
    Undoubtedly the greatest game ever made, so under appreciated, everyone needs to clock this game at least once, even the 3DS port is fantastic.
  13. sixtysixstyx
    May 7, 2018
    10
    Easily the best PS2 era RPG. They need to make a PS4 remaster of this game so bad.
  14. artificeprime
    Nov 4, 2017
    7
    A good lengthy story but mediocre gameplay.

    I think that Dragon Quest 8 will appeal to a very specific group of people. It does a few things really well but it feels like a game out of the past. That can either be seen as a good thing or a bad thing. Personally I enjoyed the story but I found the gameplay to be very boring and repetitive. I love long RPGs and this game is certainly    A good lengthy story but mediocre gameplay.

    I think that Dragon Quest 8 will appeal to a very specific group of people. It does a few things really well but it feels like a game out of the past. That can either be seen as a good thing or a bad thing. Personally I enjoyed the story but I found the gameplay to be very boring and repetitive. I love long RPGs and this game is certainly that. The main quest is very long and there are lots of secrets. The problem that I have is when you get late in the game pretty much the only way to level up is by hunting metal slimes and they are extremely boring to fight against. Another problem I have is that there are very few combat abilities. Even late in the game I was still using basic attacks. Compared to games like Tales or Symphonia, Final Fantasy X, and Shadow Hearts: Covenant, all games that came out before, the battle system in Dragon Quest 8 feels extremely basic and boring. Outside of combat the gameplay is nothing special. There aren't really any puzzles to solve and exploration is hindered by annoying random encounters. The crafting system is quite good though and can be very rewarding as it gets you many of the best weapons in the game. The monster area was also a highlight.

    The story is probably the best part about the game although it is fairly simple compared to most Final Fantasy games but it is full of fun interactions. I was interested enough that I always wanted to know what would happen next and it is a very long story. The characters are quirky and enjoyable enough to watch although they aren't particularly deep. The protagonist is silent but the game does a great job of making him appealing by having Yangus communicate for him. Their relationship is surprisingly quite fun to watch and is an interesting way to present a silent hero.

    The visual design is clean and cartoony, it looks good enough but there are many older games that look better. The visuals fit the game fine and have aged pretty well but it is average looking for the most part.

    Sound design is quite good, the soundtrack is orchestrated and has some really appealing songs. The voice acting is a mixed bag, most of the accents sound pretty unnatural but for its time I think the voice work is pretty decent and the game gives you the option to disable it so it deserves some credit for that. The environments also have really nice atmospheric sound effects that create a sense of immersion.

    Overall, I think Dragon Quest 8 is good but it is held back by repetitive somewhat boring gameplay. Nothing about the combat stands out as exceptional when compared to other RPGs. The story is enjoyable with a lot to offer but it isn't as deep or complex as it could have been. The characters are quirky and mostly likable but they lacked the depth that I would have liked to see in such a lengthy Quest. It has a big world with lots of locations to explore but many of the areas look very similar and exploration gets repetitive. If you really like old school RPGs this game is probably great for you if not it is not likely to win you over to the genre.

    I give Dragon Quest 8 - 71%

    Gameplay – 5
    Story – 8
    World - 7
    Characters – 7
    Visual Style – 6
    Sound Design – 8
    Uniqueness/Ideas – 7
    Length/Amount of Content – 9
    Immersion – 7
    X-Factor - 7    … Expand
  15. Player999
    Jul 1, 2017
    10
    Great story, great graphic, great music and nice classic combat system.

    Probably best jRPG ever produced.

    PS. PS2 version have best music, which is a big part of playing emotions in that title.
  16. Broyax
    Apr 11, 2017
    0
    Un jeu du Club Dorothée avec ses graphismes 256 couleurs, son histoire éculée, sa mise en scène sans queue ni tête, ses personnages niais et son interface consternante (on regarde à droite, la caméra va à gauche... il faut confirmer chaque ligne des dialogues débiles avec X...). Les combats avec les menus à la Final Fantasy sont à dormir debout, tout comme l'ensemble de ce soit disant RPGUn jeu du Club Dorothée avec ses graphismes 256 couleurs, son histoire éculée, sa mise en scène sans queue ni tête, ses personnages niais et son interface consternante (on regarde à droite, la caméra va à gauche... il faut confirmer chaque ligne des dialogues débiles avec X...). Les combats avec les menus à la Final Fantasy sont à dormir debout, tout comme l'ensemble de ce soit disant RPG qui ennuierait même des enfants de maternelle.… Expand
  17. JoseAn13Torres
    Mar 22, 2017
    8
    Arduos combates por turnos, personajes entrañables, un estilo anime impresionante y un mapa a mundo abierto gigantesco fueron los culpables de que me enamorase de la saga Dragon Quest, mi primer juego de la saga, menuda manera de conocerla, inmejorable,
  18. Slamix123
    Sep 28, 2016
    10
    I can talk all day about this beautiful masterpiece. Everything is perfect! The story, the gameplay, the world etc. If you like turn based combat (like me) or can endure it, then this is a must buy. Buy it!
  19. Calandria
    Jun 30, 2016
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Dragon quest is magic:
    Story:10/10 is incredible, sympathies with the characters and wish follow with until finish(I have finished this game in 25 hours) after the principal's story, the post game is a big battle with the king's dragon(the boss is strongest, i needed to rise my level until 70 to beat him)
    Playability:10/10 it's great, is a free world and fights are for turns
    Soundtrack :10/10 it's amazing, i love it, and always listen in my computer when i can
    Bosses: 9/10 majority are very well ,but many are very easy
    Conclusion:
    10/10 it's a masterpiece    … Expand
  20. Kirillito
    May 20, 2016
    9
    This is one of the most beautiful games you can find on PS2. The graphics, voice acting and characters are all amazing.
    The story is great but, IMO, weaker than in DQ4/5/7.
    The reason why I gave it only 9 lies in DQ series overall tendency to stay loyal to its roots in some parts of the gameplay. Random battles and saving in churches are slowing down the game's pace and become really    This is one of the most beautiful games you can find on PS2. The graphics, voice acting and characters are all amazing.
    The story is great but, IMO, weaker than in DQ4/5/7.
    The reason why I gave it only 9 lies in DQ series overall tendency to stay loyal to its roots in some parts of the gameplay. Random battles and saving in churches are slowing down the game's pace and become really annoying by the middle of the game.

    Nevertheless, the game is really fun to play, especially if you are DQ fan.    … Expand
  21. Empyrea
    May 10, 2016
    9
    If you have this game you know that you have in your hands one of the greatest rpgs for ps2. The graphics are really good. It's like living in an anime serie. The plot is also good and I higly recommend to continue the optional part of the game at the ending if you want more information about of the story of the main character. It has some funny moments that lack in FFX and FFXII. TheIf you have this game you know that you have in your hands one of the greatest rpgs for ps2. The graphics are really good. It's like living in an anime serie. The plot is also good and I higly recommend to continue the optional part of the game at the ending if you want more information about of the story of the main character. It has some funny moments that lack in FFX and FFXII. The soundrack is also excellent; I would give it a 10. This game is long and like a lot of rpgs games there are moments that can be repetitive because of the battle system but specially if want to raise the level of your team. It's 2016 but I really enjoyed this game. It took me 100 hours but it was worthwhile.… Expand
  22. vahn
    Oct 24, 2015
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I gave it a 7 because of how cheap it was, being a game only playable with a guide.

    But tonight this game raises up to a 10 for one reason: my dearest pet parrot loved its music, it was "our" game, we loved its music and we spent days listening to the intro theme.

    I only wanted to re-write this review because I felt the need to say that for as much as it's flawed, it'll have a special place in my heart because of my pet, who passed away after 13 years together. You loved this music and I made you listen to it before you left me.

    Rest in peace, dear friend Chico. Your journey has ended, and now you deserve your rest.    … Expand
  23. Von_Fred54
    Jun 21, 2015
    7
    Giant luscious world to roam around in. Memorable locations to visit. Lovable character artwork by Akira Toriyama... Painfully slow story development...

    Every fight nearly K.O.s your entire party, takes 10 minutes to win and then requires a trip all the way back into town to heal at the inn and save at the church... heal at the inn, save at the church... heal at the inn... There    Giant luscious world to roam around in. Memorable locations to visit. Lovable character artwork by Akira Toriyama... Painfully slow story development...

    Every fight nearly K.O.s your entire party, takes 10 minutes to win and then requires a trip all the way back into town to heal at the inn and save at the church... heal at the inn, save at the church... heal at the inn...

    There should have been vehicles available (and early on too). Dragons and Pegasi to fly around on. Horses and lions and/or other creatures to tame, train, level-up and ride on. Build vehicles, piece by piece from gathered material in your alchemy pot !!! ANYTHING !!!    … Expand
  24. BlacksitePSU
    Feb 16, 2015
    10
    As a longtime Dragon Quest fan, Dragon Quest VIII still wears the crown of the best Dragon Quest game in the series. From the beginning to the end, it's a charming, imaginative experience of a role-playing game with traditional turn-based gameplay mechanics, beautiful open-world environments, memorable music and a unique, interesting cast of characters. With the series' recent return toAs a longtime Dragon Quest fan, Dragon Quest VIII still wears the crown of the best Dragon Quest game in the series. From the beginning to the end, it's a charming, imaginative experience of a role-playing game with traditional turn-based gameplay mechanics, beautiful open-world environments, memorable music and a unique, interesting cast of characters. With the series' recent return to PlayStation, I can only hope that Dragon Quest XI will be just as amazing.… Expand
  25. banda89
    Dec 31, 2014
    9
    Great game, different from modern versions of RPGs. Not for everyone, the cheesy british voices may not be for everyone, but IMO adds charm to this amazing game. I've read some negative reviews, most of them saying that its to diffcult and unfair, while I admit that leveling up can be a bit frustrating it does't overshadow most of the gorgeous masterpiece that is this game. this is noGreat game, different from modern versions of RPGs. Not for everyone, the cheesy british voices may not be for everyone, but IMO adds charm to this amazing game. I've read some negative reviews, most of them saying that its to diffcult and unfair, while I admit that leveling up can be a bit frustrating it does't overshadow most of the gorgeous masterpiece that is this game. this is no final fantasy, this game's hard if you are underlevel, but not impossible, not having save points inside dungeons, well this is an "old school" rpg, not final fantasy or any of the new ones that has a save point every new screen, you need to think your battles and know when its okay to fight and when you have to flee,

    Pros: Tons of secrets, quick learning curve, hints to make better weapons, side quests, mini games, MONSTER ARENA, lovable characters, 60+ hours worth. No wonder DQ series is so loved in Japan.

    Cons: excesive grinding, until you learn zing theres no cheap way to revive a fallen comrade,    … Expand
  26. Abalue
    Nov 27, 2014
    10
    To give a basic review of how great this game is I have over 1000 hours of game time including 2 complete play throughs. This RPG ticks all the boxes for the perfect game in it's genre.
  27. Kaprawiec
    Oct 13, 2014
    9
    Great game! One of the games i look foward to play again - would love to see HD remake on PS Vita.
    When playing this game You can almost feel the atmosphere of great adventure in the air + i loved concept of collecting monsters to add them to Your team. And the alchemy was also fun. Only true flaw for me was the idea of silent main character.
    I sold my PS2 and now this is the one game    Great game! One of the games i look foward to play again - would love to see HD remake on PS Vita.
    When playing this game You can almost feel the atmosphere of great adventure in the air + i loved concept of collecting monsters to add them to Your team. And the alchemy was also fun. Only true flaw for me was the idea of silent main character.
    I sold my PS2 and now this is the one game that I soo miss.. This and Odins Sphere.
    Graphics 9/10
    Sound 9/10
    Gameplay 9/10
    Verdict: It doesnt get full 10, because it hasnt got that good story, it makes You fight silly thing like slimes, but its really so damn fun and You get to appreciate this title after You finish it and when You think of this game You feel that You miss that something what You had when You played it..    … Expand
  28. Johnnyfaye-Hero
    Apr 27, 2014
    10
    This game currently holds the title for the ultimate and maybe even the pinnacle of your Dragon warrior (sorry can't help myself) experience. There is no better DQ game in the world today, due to the smashing heart break of DQX and the fun but somewhat just short of the mark DQ9 I recommend playing this game last because...you will be left saddene by the fact that you have no where else toThis game currently holds the title for the ultimate and maybe even the pinnacle of your Dragon warrior (sorry can't help myself) experience. There is no better DQ game in the world today, due to the smashing heart break of DQX and the fun but somewhat just short of the mark DQ9 I recommend playing this game last because...you will be left saddene by the fact that you have no where else to go. A true masterpiece....in ever possible way.… Expand
  29. blackbox64
    Apr 18, 2014
    10
    This is the game of my childhood. It is far to amazing for words. Expansive world, amazing characters, and the soundtrack is just breath taking! I have sunk so many hours into this game and I have never regretted it. If you enjoy JRPG's, this is one of the best to play.
  30. Wolfie1987
    Mar 24, 2014
    10
    The best Dragon Quest ever made. An ageless masterpiece, probably the best RPG for PS2. It's a gorgeous cel-shaded open world, nearly a decade later it still looks luscious and vibrant. My only complaints are that only a select few armours appear wearable when the character equips them, also the NPCs just run around in circles instead of having daily schedules. The day/night cycle isThe best Dragon Quest ever made. An ageless masterpiece, probably the best RPG for PS2. It's a gorgeous cel-shaded open world, nearly a decade later it still looks luscious and vibrant. My only complaints are that only a select few armours appear wearable when the character equips them, also the NPCs just run around in circles instead of having daily schedules. The day/night cycle is beautiful aesthetically & it influences NPCs and monsters. You can collect monsters for your monster team, which reminds me very much of Pokémon games. A ton of content, exquisite polish, unbelievable that this is a PS2 game, truly squeezed each drop out of the system's capabilities.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

7
#7 Best PS2 Game of 2005
10
#10 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2005
5
#5 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2005

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
89

Generally favorable reviews - based on 63 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 59 out of 63
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 63
  3. Negative: 0 out of 63
  1. games(TM)
    90
    For the first time in the series’ beleaguered overseas history, the game is going to hook westerners long enough to draw them in past the insane difficulty and into one of the most rewarding, player-loving games of the last decade. [JPN Import; Feb 2005, p.86]
  2. RPG Fan
    93
    Dragon Quest VIII may not revolutionize the console RPG genre, but it has done one thing that all the older RPGs have strived to be: it has become the greatest classic RPG experience of all time. [JPN Import]
    Read full review
  3. Weekly Famitsu
    98
    10 / 9 / 10 / 10 - 39 platinum [Dec 2004]
See all critic reviews »