Generally speaking, a new game from SquareEnix is cause enough for any self-respecting RPG fan to rejoice.  But I get the feeling that <em>Dragon Quest VIII</em> might not be everyone's cup of tea.

While contemporary offerings in the genre have pushed the envelope in one way or another, DQ8 features a design philosophy that might be categorized as "slavish devotion to old-school principles."  From the loading screen onwards I fought the sinking feeling that I'd already played a different version of this game before.  I mean, stop if you've heard this one already: four adventurers -- a nameless hero, a brutish thief, a cavorting templar, and a flirtatious spellcaster -- save the world from an evil magician, fighting countless random battles along the way.  Sound familiar?

What the game <em>does</em> have going for it is a cohesive and charming sense of style.  Akira Toriyama (of <em>Chrono Trigger</em> fame) adds his unique aestheticic to even the lowliest of creatures, which really helps to capture a feeling of storybook fantasy.  Additionally, the U.S. version boasts added voice acting and a revamped orchestral score, both of which are worthy of praise.

Personally, I can't stand wading through hordes of tough enemies while methodically working my way to the next boss -- it just feels like work to me.  For better or worse, I think <em>Dragon Quest VIII</em> may be among the last of its kind.
Generally speaking, a new game from SquareEnix is cause enough for any self-respecting RPG fan to rejoice. But I get the feeling that <em>Dragon Quest VIII</em> might not be everyone's cup of tea. While contemporary offerings in the genre have pushed the envelope in one way or another, DQ8 features a design philosophy that might be categorized as "slavish devotion to old-school principles. "  From the loading screen onwards I fought the sinking feeling that I'd already played a different version of this game before. I mean, stop if you've heard this one already: four adventurers -- a nameless hero, a brutish thief, a cavorting templar, and a flirtatious spellcaster -- save the world from an evil magician, fighting countless random battles along the way. Sound familiar? What the game <em>does</em> have going for it is a cohesive and charming sense of style. Akira Toriyama (of <em>Chrono Trigger</em> fame) adds his unique aestheticic to even the lowliest of creatures, which really helps to capture a feeling of storybook fantasy. Additionally, the U. S. version boasts added voice acting and a revamped orchestral score, both of which are worthy of praise. Personally, I can't stand wading through hordes of tough enemies while methodically working my way to the next boss -- it just feels like work to me. For better or worse, I think <em>Dragon Quest VIII</em> may be among the last of its kind.