Dragon Quest 8: 3DS vs PS2 – Which Version Reigns Supreme?

Dragon Quest 8 is a popular Japanese role-playing video game developed by Square Enix. The game was first released on PlayStation 2 in Japan in 2004 and later in North America and Europe in 2005. Since its initial release, the game has gained a massive fan following and has been re-released on various platforms, including Nintendo 3DS.

The question on every gamer’s mind is which version is better? This article will compare the 3DS version with the PS2 version of Dragon Quest 8 and determine which version comes out on top. If you’re a fan of the original game, you’ll want to read on to see which version you should play.

The PS2 Version

The original Dragon Quest 8 game on PS2 was a masterpiece and was praised for its beautiful graphics, story, and gameplay. The game follows the story of a young hero and his friends as they embark on a journey to save the world from an evil jester named Dhoulmagus. The PS2 version was highly praised for its dialogue, voice acting, and musical score.

The game’s graphics were impressive for their time, and the 3D world was vast and full of life. The battles were turn-based and introduced new mechanics not seen in previous Dragon Quest games. All in all, the PS2 version was a great game and remains a classic to this day.

The 3DS Version

The 3DS version of Dragon Quest 8 was released in 2017 and was a remake of the original game. The game features updated graphics, a new story mode, new characters, and new voice acting. The 3DS version allows players to take their adventure on the go, and the game’s touch screen controls make the game easier to play.

The game’s visuals have been updated, giving the game a more polished and modern look. The 3DS version also features new cutscenes and a new soundtrack. The game’s new story mode allows players to explore the world of Dragon Quest 8 in a new way and introduces new characters not seen in the original game.

So, which version of Dragon Quest 8 comes out on top? Continue reading to find out.

Introduction

Dragon Quest 8 is one of the most beloved JRPGs of all time, and for good reason. With its charming characters, engaging storyline, and addictive gameplay, it has captured the hearts of gamers all over the world.

Now, with the release of the 3DS version, fans are faced with a new dilemma: which version reigns supreme? Is it the classic PS2 version that stole our hearts over a decade ago, or the updated 3DS version with its new features and improved visuals?

In this comparison, we’ll take a closer look at both versions to help you make the ultimate decision on which one to choose.

Graphics

Dragon Quest 8 on the PlayStation 2 was known for its gorgeous graphics when it was first released in 2004. Its cel-shaded style gave the game a unique visual identity, and the characters and environments were rendered beautifully. The 3DS version, released in 2017, tried to replicate this visual charm, but with mixed results.

While the graphics on the 3DS version are certainly improved in comparison to the original DS version, they still can’t compete with the PS2 version. The cel-shading is less prominent, and the characters and environments look flatter and less detailed. The game also suffers from occasional frame rate drops and slowdowns, which can be distracting.

Despite these issues, the 3DS version still has its strengths. The game is presented in full 3D, and the ability to rotate the camera and view the game from different angles is a welcome addition. The game also features stereoscopic 3D, which can add an extra layer of depth to the visuals.

Overall, the graphics in Dragon Quest 8 on the PS2 reign supreme, but the 3DS version still manages to hold its own thanks to its unique features and some modest improvements to the graphics.

Controls

One of the most important aspects of any game is the controls, and this is definitely an area where the 3DS version of Dragon Quest 8 has an advantage over its PS2 counterpart. The 3DS version has more intuitive controls that make use of the handheld’s touch screen interface, making it easier to navigate menus and select actions in battle.

In the PS2 version, players have to rely on button controls alone, which can be a bit cumbersome at times. However, the PS2 version does offer the option to use a DualShock controller instead of the standard controller, which does make the controls a bit more comfortable to use.

Overall, while both versions of the game have their strengths and weaknesses in terms of controls, it’s clear that the 3DS version has the edge when it comes to ease of use and intuitive design.

Additional Content

The 3DS version of Dragon Quest 8 boasts several additions and improvements that were not present in the original PS2 version. One of the most notable additions is the inclusion of two new playable characters: Red and Morrie. These characters were only previously available as non-playable characters in the PS2 version, but now players can use them to fight in battles and explore the world.

Another major addition in the 3DS version is the revamped alchemy system. Players can now create new items by combining different materials, and the recipes for these items can be found throughout the game world. The alchemy pot also has the ability to “multi-task,” allowing players to create more than one item at a time.

The 3DS version also features new story content, including a new ending and a bonus dungeon called “The Labyrinth.” This dungeon is a challenging series of mazes and puzzles that offer valuable rewards for those who can complete it.

Other minor additions in the 3DS version include new camera angles during cutscenes, additional voice acting, and a photo mode that allows players to take pictures of the game world and share them with friends.

Overall, the 3DS version of Dragon Quest 8 offers a wealth of additional content that enhances the overall gameplay experience. While the PS2 version is still a beloved classic, the 3DS version reigns supreme thanks to these new features.

Conclusion

Overall, both versions of Dragon Quest 8 have their strengths and weaknesses, and it ultimately comes down to personal preference when deciding which one reigns supreme.

The PS2 version has the advantage when it comes to graphics and presentation, as well as the ability to play on a larger screen with a traditional controller. However, the 3DS version offers a more convenient and portable experience, with the addition of new features, including new playable characters and a new dungeon.

If you’re a fan of the series or just RPGs in general, both versions of Dragon Quest 8 are excellent and worth playing. It’s ultimately up to you to decide which version suits your preferences and playstyle better.

• If you value graphics and presentation, go for the PS2 version.
• If you prefer the convenience and portability of a handheld, go for the 3DS version.
• If you want to experience new content, the 3DS version has added features to explore.
• Ultimately, both versions offer an equally enjoyable Dragon Quest 8 experience.

Whichever version you choose, Dragon Quest 8 is a classic RPG that offers an engaging story, memorable characters, and challenging gameplay. It’s a must-play for any fan of the genre and a testament to the series’ enduring popularity and success.