Topic: DQ Swords is Surprisingly Fun

[Jonnyboy117]

I just rented this from GameFly and played it for three hours in my first sitting (with breaks).  The combat is more complex and satisfying than I expected, and that's really what is driving me to play more.  I'm quite sad at the lack of exploration, which was my favorite part of DQ8.  Once you leave town, all you can do is move forward -- there is no straying off the path or even turning around to examine the world.  Therefore, I still think this is a rental-only kind of game for most people, but it would be a shame for Dragon Quest fans or third-party Wii zealots to miss it altogether.

[NWR_pap64]

Yes, I think DQ Swords is one of the underrated titles on the system. The story is cliched but quite fun. I also agree that the combat is quite good.

[vudu]

We already have a Dragon Quest Swords thread.  We should get a mod to merge the two. 

I was interested in this game, but (like Jonny said) it never struck me as a $40 game.  I'll probably pick it up if I ever see it for $20.

How long does the game take to beat?  It seems like it could make for a pretty good 10 - 12 hour game, but if it's a 20+ hour game the game play mechanic could wear thin by the end.

[NWR_pap64]

Its a 7 to 10 hour game. The game mechanics, however, don't get old as the game offers a variety of challenges that make you change strategies. The final boss, however, might get on your nerves.

[crone]

DQ Swords is okay but it pales in comparison to what is possible with respect to using a Wiimote for a sword.

If you want to have a lot of fun swinging ur wiimote try No More Heroes.

[vudu]

Already played NMH.  Fun times!

Also, welcome new poster!  Be sure to check in here so Maxi can say hello and ask you what games you like.  Hope you enjoy your stay!

[Kairon]

Yeah, I think that DQ Swords is actually a pretty interesting use of the Wii's functionality. Sure, the game is really quite linear, but the gameplay is almost like using a stylus on a screen to me... in a good way. The blocking and counter mechanics are also nice aspects, and almost lends the combat a rhythm game feel... As for the RPG-lite aspect, this game even got me to grind and try to get all the weapons! Only problem is that my interest sort of petered out around the 9-10 hour mark and I haven't finished the game.

[Urkel]

DQ Swords is the Luigi's Mansion of this generation. It was supposed to be a launch game, was an offshoot of a major series, had fun, unique gameplay, and was really short.

I think it's too short to justify the full price, but it's still a good game and there's nothing else like it.

[Kairon]

This game really would've lit up the scene had it been a launch game.

[DAaaMan64]

I own this and enjoy it as well. I'm glad to have people talking about it. I'll probably completely it soon.

[GoldenPhoenix]

Yep DQ Swords was a pretty good game for something that was looking like a cheap spinoff.

[Mario]

I got this a few weeks ago, great game. I quit after that final boss bull**** (an attack that does more HP than I have? get real. is that revive item possible to use at this point to continue?) though. Overall a pleasant game with funny characters, decent environments, good music and the gameplay is ok even if it's a bit unreliable with slashing. It's also got 16 save slots! Awesome!

What I don't get though, is why the game wasn't on DS. The gameplay make a ton more sense with the touch screen, as you could actually slash wherever you wanted accurately. Even stab everywhere.

[Nemo]

A friend of mine got this game. We played it two days in a row and beat it. I'd like to play it some more though, as we had a good time, taking turns.

[llaffer]

I bought this game at launch expecting it to be DQ8-caliber for the price.

When I found out what it was, I wasn't put off by it, I played it for an hour or two a night for a week or so and was able to beat the boss and go onto the extra content that followed.

I cleared through the first wave of extra monsters with relative ease.  Then started the second wave.  The curve required in levels from the previous point to the next was just insane.  I have no problem with needing to grind a little to continue, but this leap needed me to just about double my levels to continue.  I shelved the game at that point.

I may go back to it, play it through again and then stop at where I stopped once before.  But  I doubt I'll be able to set aside as much time that's needed to grind that many levels, even with the king metal slime, or whatever it was.  (Like I said, this was all a week or two after launch, so it's been a while.)

[Jonnyboy117]

Last night, I saw a metal slime run across the screen in the middle of a battle.  I didn't catch it in time, but I thought it was a cool touch and a smart way to include that iconic enemy in a game with scripted battles.

The grinding hasn't bothered me, because I would do it anyway just to try all the paths and get more tempering materials.

[UltimatePartyBear]

I was interested in this game, but (like Jonny said) it never struck me as a $40 game.  I'll probably pick it up if I ever see it for $20.

I was about to make a snarky comment about only being able to find it for $17, but I double checked the listed price, and apparently I bought it during a special deal.  Sorry you missed out.