It has been some time since the Wii got a non-mini-game-based title that was designed specifically with its hardware in mind. In fact, it is arguably its first time. The surprise here is that it isn't a first party title but rather the product of third party, Square-Enix (Squeenix). Clearly the hegemon in the world of RPGs, Squeenix is best known for creating the endless stream of Final Fantasies and Dragon Quests -- quality titles that are always critically acclaimed, if not well received by gamers across all shores. Dragon Quest Swords (DQS) is no exception.
Released on July 12th in Japan, DQS sold over a quarter of a million discs in just 3 days! Though this may not come as a surprise, given the Dragon Quest fan base in Japan, it is nonetheless an impressive accomplishment. However, the real issue concerning curious gamers is not how well the game sold, but how well the game plays.
From the very beginning, players will soon realize that Squeenix has successfully managed to capture the feel of Dragon Quest, while at the same time incorporating an entirely new battle system. Though the obvious limitations of the Wii keep the game graphically inferior to its next-gen counterparts, the visuals still look good. The signature Toriyama character art together with the familiar sound effects and music work to constantly remind us that we are in the world of Dragon Quest.
Released on July 12th in Japan, DQS sold over a quarter of a million discs in just 3 days! Though this may not come as a surprise, given the Dragon Quest fan base in Japan, it is nonetheless an impressive accomplishment. However, the real issue concerning curious gamers is not how well the game sold, but how well the game plays.
From the very beginning, players will soon realize that Squeenix has successfully managed to capture the feel of Dragon Quest, while at the same time incorporating an entirely new battle system. Though the obvious limitations of the Wii keep the game graphically inferior to its next-gen counterparts, the visuals still look good. The signature Toriyama character art together with the familiar sound effects and music work to constantly remind us that we are in the world of Dragon Quest.
Where Swords deviates from the norm is in the way you do battle. You can still bring up menus that allow you to choose how you'd like your partners to fight, but no longer do you have a turn-based system with time to calculate your next move. This time around you'll have to act quickly and use your Wii-remote to slash and defend. You can lock on to areas by pressing the A button. Then swing your Wii-remote in the direction you wish to slice. The B button is used to bring out your shield. You'll need to carefully place it in the way of the monsters' attacks in order to defend. Meanwhile, you can have your partners provide you with support magic such as healing and defensive or attack spells. The premise here is simple but it is also very satisfying. The interaction made possible by the Wii will have you feeling like you are actually cutting your way through monsters. It's a fun an interesting new take on Dragon Quest that brings new life to the more than 20 year old series.
The only major criticism for this game is that it only utilizes the Wii-remote and not the nunchuk. Perhaps this was done so that players did not have to own an extra accessory in order to play. Defending and moving with the nunchuk while slashing with the Wii-remote seems like it would have been more intuitive, making it easier to switch between defense and offense. As it stands running by pressing up on the cross button and the B button feels clunky and a tad bit awkward. That said however, DQS is a great game that no Wii owner and RPG fan should be without. Time to get slashing!
The only major criticism for this game is that it only utilizes the Wii-remote and not the nunchuk. Perhaps this was done so that players did not have to own an extra accessory in order to play. Defending and moving with the nunchuk while slashing with the Wii-remote seems like it would have been more intuitive, making it easier to switch between defense and offense. As it stands running by pressing up on the cross button and the B button feels clunky and a tad bit awkward. That said however, DQS is a great game that no Wii owner and RPG fan should be without. Time to get slashing!
