'Dragon Quest: Chapters of the Chosen' - Game review

9 out of 10

This game has somewhat restored my interest in JRPGs. It's basically the same old story about the end of the world but it is executed so well it is still hugely entertaining. Beginning in 1987 this series established many of the conventions that the genre has followed ever since, so it's hard to criticise it for being clichéd.

'Chapters of the Chosen' (originally released in 1990 as number IV in the series) has never been released in Europe before. Finally, after 18 years, it's been fully localised and has one of the best British scripts you'll ever come across. It is a specific British version, with localised humour and regional accents for the characters (written - there's no speech) and it is written wonderfully well. Thank you Square Enix for having so much respect for us and for the game.

It has also been well adapted for DS. They haven't tried to put touch controls in, they've just done the sensible things - allowed you to halt your play at almost any time. It is also very forgiving regarding death. If you try a dungeon that's too hard and your party get wiped out, you keep any experience you gained in your attempt. This results in far less grind than is normal in the console versions.

Overall, a wonderful DS game and a great JRPG. If you haven't tried Dragon Quest before and think you're a bit sick of Final Fantasy and all the rest of the clichéd teen-angst nonsense, give this a try.