Collecting the Dragon Quest Series

[Westane]

So I've never been a huge DQ fan. I beat the first one on the NES and didn't care for it. Beat VII on the PS1 years ago and remember liking it, and really enjoyed VIII on the PS2 but never got the chance to finish it. Now that I'm collecting games again, and because this project I'm working on requires me to play through about six of the DQ games, I'd like to collect the entire numbered series.

I don't like the NES versions of 1-4, so for those it's either SFC Reproductions or GBC versions. GBC would be a lot cheaper, but I'd imagine the SFC versions would be much more enjoyable. V and VI are either SFC or DS, and VII+ are all pretty easy.

Having the first 6 games all on the SNES would be pretty cool, but I want to go with the best option, which I guess either boils down to Console or Handheld. I'm not traveling so much that handheld is a HUGE plus for me, but it's not really a drawback either.

Thoughts?

[Exhuminator]

I recommend getting DQ1 & DQ2 via this:
http://img.gamefaqs.net/box/7/4/0/11740_front.jpg
I say that because that version makes the games actually enjoyable rather than a grindy drag.

I recommend the fan trans SFC version of DQ3:
http://www.romhacking.net/translations/1323/
I say that from an aesthetics and aural presentation standpoint.

As for DQ4, 5, and 6, I think these are the best:
http://img.gamefaqs.net/box/0/5/7/90057_front.jpg
http://img.gamefaqs.net/box/0/6/4/90064_front.jpg
http://img.gamefaqs.net/box/0/6/9/90069_front.jpg
I say that because I enjoy the 3D/2D isometric mashup, fun localization, and sheer charm they exude. These versions have a lot of gameplay additions added in as well.

[prfsnl_gmr]

Dragon Quest III (GBC) is fantastic. The features - such as a quick save - added to the handheld version improve an already great experience, and I think it is the best way to experience the game. (It is certainly the easiest way to get through its lengthy quest.) The same goes for Dragon Quest I & II (GBC), but neither of those games is anywhere near as good as Dragon Quest III (which is awesome).

If I were trying to play through all of the Dragon Quest games, I would get:

Dragon Quest I & II (GBC)
Dragon Quest III (GBC)
Dragon Quest IV (DS)
Dragon Quest V (DS)
Dragon Quest VI (DS)
Dragon Quest VII (PS1...I guess...unless and until we get the 3DS version)
Dragon Quest VIII (PS2)
Dragon Quest IX (DS)

[Westane]

That was more or less my line of thought, and in fact I had already ordered the GBC versions of I & II earlier today. I also think I prefer the styles of 4-6 on the DS as well. I will probably just get DQ3 on the GBC for the sake of consistency... and cost.

Thanks!

[Opa Opa]

Nearly all of the main series is available on Android/iOS. You could probably download some of those cheaper than some physical versions (especially since SE usually has several sales throughout the year on mobile content).
(I don't know if you ever play any games on your phone but I figured I'd throw that out there.)

[Exhuminator]

DQ3 on SNES has almost all the same differences as the GBC one.
http://strategywiki.org/wiki/Dragon_War ... ifferences

The only thing the GBC has over it:

Monster Medals (GBC only).
Ice Cave, a bonus dungeon with a boss and mimics and 10 new monsters.

I think DQ3 on SFC looks worlds better and sounds leagues better than the GBC one.

Small example of what I'm saying:

SFC


GBC


Just sayin'.

[Westane]

I know, but it would also cost me 3x more for that look... I know, I know, but I'm dead set on having a cartridge copy either way

As for mobile, I was looking at those today but I just don't think I could spend $10 on an android version of DQ... Plus, I still have Knights of Pen & Paper to get me through those slow work days!

[prfsnl_gmr]

Small example of what I'm saying:

SFC


GBC


Just sayin'.

Is it weird that I kind of like the second one better...

[BoneSnapDeez]

Skip the repros.

If you want to go Super Famicom for I, II, III, V, and VI (IV is not on Super Famicom) then I'd recommend buying the original carts and a Retron 5 to play them in English. Not only will you end up with legit Super Famicom carts but you'd also spend less money.

With all that said, I'd say the best ports are:

I & II (Super Famicom or GBC)
III (Super Famicom or GBC)
IV (DS)
V (DS)
VI (DS)

With VII, VIII, and IX you don't really have an option.

[ninjainspandex]

I really really wish they would port DQ8 to the 3DS