Dragon Quest II: Difference between revisions

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{{Infobox VG
{{Infobox VG
|type = Main series games
|type = Main series games
|title=Dragon Warrior II
|title=Dragon Quest II
|image=[[Image:Dw2fboxart.jpg|300px]]
|image=[[Image:Dragon-Quest-II-japanese-box-art.jpg|300px]]
|caption=North American boxart
|caption=North American boxart
|developer=[[Chunsoft]]
|developer=[[Chunsoft]]
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==Gameplay==
==Gameplay==
The game offers three spots to save the game. It also allows deletion and the moving of saved games. To save, find a king or minister and talk to them. As in the first game, the original Japanese version had a password system (or "[[Spell of Restoration]]") instead a battery backup (or "Imperial Scrolls of Honor").
The game offers three spots to save the game. It also allows deletion and the moving of saved games. To save, find a king, minister, or wise man and talk to them. As in the first game, the original Japanese version had a password system (or "[[Spell of Restoration]]") instead a battery backup (or "Imperial Scrolls of Honor").


''Dragon Quest II'' is noted for greatly expanding the game play from the previous game, [[Dragon Quest (game)|Dragon Quest]]. ''Dragon Quest II'' is the first game in the series to feature multiple heroes and enemies in a battle, as well as a sailing [[ship]] and [[Travel Gate | travel gates]]. It was also the first to have weapons which cast spells when used in battles. In addition, ''Dragon Quest II'' offers a wider array of spells and items and a much larger world (256 by 256 instead of 100 by 100).
''Dragon Quest II'' is noted for greatly expanding the game play from the previous game, [[Dragon Quest (game)|Dragon Quest]]. ''Dragon Quest II'' is the first game in the series to feature multiple heroes and enemies in a battle, various modes of transportation via a sailing [[ship]] and [[Teleportal|teleportals]], and also the first to have weapons which cast spells when used as items in battle. In addition, ''Dragon Quest II'' offers a much wider array of spells and items, as well as a much larger world (256 by 256 tiles instead of 100 by 100). After battle status ailments have been introduced as well. Due to the limited size of the NES/Famicom's cartridge ROM space at the time, the detailed battle backgrounds from the first game were replaced with a black background to make room for the increased number of monster sprites.


To save memory for the multiple monster portraits, the background of the battle screen was removed. So the portraits are shown on a blank black or white background.
Gambling also made its first appearance in the series, with several towns featuring medieval slot machines for the player to utilize at the cost of a ticket given by merchants. Breakable keys have been removed, replaced by the [[thief key]], [[magic key]], and [[ultimate key]]. Churches have now been given actual function rather than cosmetic purpose, with priests reviving fallen party members and removing various ailments for a fee.  


The [[wyvern wing|chimera wing]] and [[Return spell|Zoom spell]] will take the party to the last place they saved the game.
===Version Differences===
 
Since its original release on the Famicom and Nintendo Entertainment System four remakes have appeared, with the first being on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, second the on Gameboy, third Mobile Cell Phones in Japan, and the most current being an iOS/Android release in the Japanese app store on June 26th, 2014. All the remakes feature updated graphics and music as well as a few other new features, such as quick-saving on the world map, animated battles, and the automatic redirecting of attacks that target defeated monsters.  
The gameplay, much like its predecessor, is a classic style role playing game.  Although it is much like the first [[Dragon Warrior]] in terms of the gameplay style many new features were added.  Instead of travelling alone this time around you had two other companions that joined you as you travelled on your quest. Rather than attacking alone monsters would now fight together as well.  Another new feature was the introduction of a ship which allowed the player to travel around the whole world.  You could now save at multiple towns instead of just one and many new spells, equipment, and items were added.  Gambling also made its first appearance in the series in the form of a slot machine that you could play.


===Version Differences===
Due to spacial constraints of the Gameboy and Gameboy color's screen, the english release of Dragon Warrior 1+2 in 2000 reverted the localized names of Erdrick, Gwaelin, and others to a closer approximation of their Japanese counterparts. These changes would be undone by Plus-Alpha in 2010 with their localization of [[Dragon Quest IX]], which elected to retain the NES names as a surprise for older fans.  
Since its original release on the Famicom and Nintendo Entertainment System three remakes have appeared on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, Gameboy Color, and Mobile Cell Phones in Japan. All the remakes feature updated graphics and music as well as a few other new features. Originally Erdrick was the name of the legendary hero until the Gameboy Color release in 2000, where Erdrick was now known as Loto due to the new American Localization of the series. Attack animations were added in the gameboy color version.


==Characters==
==Characters==
===Prince of Middenhall===
===Prince of Middenhall===
:''See main article: [[Prince of Middenhall]]''
:''See main article: [[Prince of Middenhall]]''
This is the classic warrior of the three heroes. He can use any armour and weapon in the game. He has no magic ability (this is the only game in the series in which this is so), but his physical attack and defence are the greatest of the three. This is the character the player starts out with in the castle of Middenhall. His name is directly selected by the player.
This is the classic warrior of the three heroes, with the most impressive physical stats. He can use any armour and weapon in the game, though he has no magic ability (he is the only protagonist in the series to lack magical aptitude). This is the character the player starts out with in the castle of Middenhall, and his name is directly selected by the player.


===Prince of Cannock===
===Prince of Cannock===
:''See main article: [[Prince of Cannock]]''
:''See main article: [[Prince of Cannock]]''
The prince of [[Cannock]] is a blend of the classic warrior and priest archetypes. He cannot use as wide a variety of weapons and armor as the prince of Middenhall but compensates for this with the ability to use magic. However, it should be noted that his magic is not as powerful as that wielded by the princess of Moonbrooke, although he is better at healing magic. This character is hard to track down, but is a great ally. His name is generated at random based on the name of the prince of Middenhall, although there is a cheat code to alter his name.
The prince of [[Cannock]] is closer to his [[Hero (Dragon Quest I)|ancestor]] than his cousins. He cannot use as wide a variety of weapons and armor as the prince of Middenhall but compensates for this with the ability with a unique assortment of spells. However, it should be noted that his magic is not as powerful as that wielded by the princess of Moonbrooke. This character is hard to track down in the beginning of the game, but is a great ally. His name is generated at random based on the name of the prince of Middenhall, although there is a cheat code to alter his name.


===Princess of Moonbrooke===
===Princess of Moonbrooke===
:''See main article: [[Princess of Moonbrooke]]''
:''See main article: [[Princess of Moonbrooke]]''
The princess of [[Moonbrooke]] is the classic wizard of the three heroes. She can use few types of armor and weapons in the game. She shares some of the prince of Cannock's magic, but in addition has several powerful damage spells. This character has been cursed and needs to be freed before she will be able to join her cousins. Like the prince of Cannock her name is determined at random, but can be changed by a cheat code.
The princess of [[Moonbrooke]] is the classic sorceress of the three heroes. Her armour and weapon selections are slim, but are incredibly potent. She shares some of the prince of Cannock's magic, but the bulk of her spells are exclusive to her. She is the first of the three main characters the player will see, shown being assaulted with her father in the game's cinematic intro. After this she will has been cursed and needs to be freed before she will be able to join her cousins. Like the prince of Cannock her name is determined at random, but can be changed by a cheat code.


===Hargon===
===Hargon===
:''See main article: [[Hargon]]''
:''See main article: [[Hargon]]''
[[Hargon]] is the evil wizard that attacked Moonbrooke, cursed its princess, and threatened to destroy the world. His defeat is the goal of the three heroes. Only after Hargon's defeat can peace return to the world.
[[Hargon]] is the evil occultist that attacked Moonbrooke, cursed its princess, and threatened to destroy the world by summoning the gods of evil. His defeat is the goal of the three heroes.  




==Plot==
==Plot==
''Dragon Quest II'' is set 100 years after ''[[Dragon Quest (game)|Dragon Quest]]''. The offspring of the original game's hero have migrated from Alefgard to the continent of Torland, and there established three kingdoms. A century of peace in these three kingdoms is suddenly ended when the evil wizard Hargon destroys the castle of Moonbrooke. One lone guard, an injured survivor of the attack, makes his way towards the kingdom of Middenhall. There with his dying breath he informs the king of the dire circumstances. The king then commands his son, the prince of Middenhall and a descendant of Erdrick (also known as Loto in the GBC English localization), to defeat Hargon.
''Dragon Quest II'' is set 100 years after ''[[Dragon Quest (game)|Dragon Quest]]''. The offspring of the original game's hero have migrated from Alefgard to the continent of Torland, and there established three kingdoms. A century of peace in these three kingdoms is suddenly ended when the evil priest Hargon destroys the castle of Moonbrooke. One lone guard, an injured survivor of the attack, makes his way towards the kingdom of Middenhall. There with his dying breath he informs the king of the dire circumstances. The king then commands his son, the prince of Middenhall and a descendant of Erdrick, to gather his cousins and defeat Hargon before the mad priest can accomplish his goals.


The prince is not alone on his quest. He has two cousins, the prince of Cannock and the princess of Moonbrooke. However, he must find them first. The prince of Cannock already left on a similar journey, and the princess of Moonbrooke was in the castle of Moonbrooke when it was attacked. It is up to the prince of Middenhall to find them, join together, and defeat Hargon.


==Legacy==
==Legacy==
Dragon Quest II is widely recognized for improving upon the shortcomings of it's predecessor, increasing the depth of battle and exploration considerably. Series director Yuji Horii's writing is also seen as improving during the development of the game, no longer relying solely on fairy-tale archetypes to constitute the setting and characters.
===Ports===
===Ports===
*''Dragon Quest II'' had a port for the [[MSX]] platform in Japan.
*''Dragon Quest II'' had a port for the [[MSX]] platform in Japan.
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===Remakes===
===Remakes===
*''Dragon Quest II'' was remade and combined with ''[[Dragon Quest (game)|Dragon Quest]]''. It was released as  ''[[Dragon Quest I & II]]'' on the [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|Super Famicom]] and [[Game Boy]] Color.
*''Dragon Quest II'' was remade and combined with ''[[Dragon Quest (game)|Dragon Quest]]''. It was released as  ''[[Dragon Quest I & II]]'' on the [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|Super Famicom]] and [[Game Boy]] Color in the 90's, on mobile phones in the early millennium, and on android and ios smart phones in June of 2014.  


===Sequels/Prequels===
===Sequels/Prequels===
''Dragon Quest II'' is the second instalment of the ''[[Dragon Quest]]'' series. ''[[Dragon Quest III]]'' is the prequel to ''Dragon Quest'', and ''[[Dragon Quest (game)|Dragon Quest]]'' is the previous entry in the series.
''Dragon Quest II'' is the second installment of the ''[[Dragon Quest]]'' series. ''[[Dragon Quest III]]'' is the prequel to ''Dragon Quest'', and ''[[Dragon Quest (game)|Dragon Quest]]'' is the previous entry in the series.




==Trivia==
==Trivia==
*A smaller, simplified version of the world of ''[[Dragon Quest (game)|Dragon Quest]]'' is included on the world map in ''Dragon Quest II''.
*A smaller, simplified version of the world of ''[[Dragon Quest (game)|Dragon Quest]]'' is included on the world map in ''Dragon Quest II''.
*''Dragon Quest II'' was the first ''[[Dragon Quest]]'' game to include a game of chance, a slot-machine-like card game. It is played using lottery tickets distributed randomly by merchants, and prizes are awarded directly if the party wins a game.
*''Dragon Quest II'' was also the first ''[[Dragon Quest]]'' game to use multiple key types, and persistent keys.
*''Dragon Quest II'' was the first to have [[status ailment]]s, and [[church]]es for removing them.
*''Dragon Quest II'' was the first game in the series to feature pits and tower balconies from which the party can fall. (As always, they take no damage from this.)
*''Dragon Quest II'' was the first game in the series to feature pits and tower balconies from which the party can fall. (As always, they take no damage from this.)
*The MSX version of the game contained a special scene involving the "Dangerous Swimsuit." This was removed by the time the game made it outside of Japan.
*The MSX version of the game contained a special scene involving the "Dangerous Swimsuit" and the Princess of Moonbrooke. This was removed by the time the game made it outside of Japan, due to Nintendo of America's strict censorship policies and the objectively poor quality of the image in question.


==Soundtrack==
==Soundtrack==
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# [[wikipedia:My Road, My Journey|My Road, My Journey]] (この道わが旅/''My journey is This Road'') (4:10)
# [[wikipedia:My Road, My Journey|My Road, My Journey]] (この道わが旅/''My journey is This Road'') (4:10)


==See also==
{{wikipedia|Dragon Quest II}}
{{wikipedia-ja|ドラゴンクエストII 悪霊の神々}}
{{Wikia}}


{{DQII}}
{{DQII}}

Revision as of 17:22, 5 August 2014

Dragon Quest II: Akuryo no Kamigami (ドラゴンクエストII 悪霊の神々 Doragon Kuesuto Tsū Akuryo no Kamigami, literally meaning; "Pantheon of Evil Spirits") originally known as: Dragon Warrior II, is a role-playing game and sequel to the original Dragon Quest. It was initially released for the Famicom in Japan on January 26, 1987. It would later be released in North America in 1990 and has been remade several times on different platforms.

Gameplay

The game offers three spots to save the game. It also allows deletion and the moving of saved games. To save, find a king, minister, or wise man and talk to them. As in the first game, the original Japanese version had a password system (or "Spell of Restoration") instead a battery backup (or "Imperial Scrolls of Honor").

Dragon Quest II is noted for greatly expanding the game play from the previous game, Dragon Quest. Dragon Quest II is the first game in the series to feature multiple heroes and enemies in a battle, various modes of transportation via a sailing ship and teleportals, and also the first to have weapons which cast spells when used as items in battle. In addition, Dragon Quest II offers a much wider array of spells and items, as well as a much larger world (256 by 256 tiles instead of 100 by 100). After battle status ailments have been introduced as well. Due to the limited size of the NES/Famicom's cartridge ROM space at the time, the detailed battle backgrounds from the first game were replaced with a black background to make room for the increased number of monster sprites.

Gambling also made its first appearance in the series, with several towns featuring medieval slot machines for the player to utilize at the cost of a ticket given by merchants. Breakable keys have been removed, replaced by the thief key, magic key, and ultimate key. Churches have now been given actual function rather than cosmetic purpose, with priests reviving fallen party members and removing various ailments for a fee.

Version Differences

Since its original release on the Famicom and Nintendo Entertainment System four remakes have appeared, with the first being on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, second the on Gameboy, third Mobile Cell Phones in Japan, and the most current being an iOS/Android release in the Japanese app store on June 26th, 2014. All the remakes feature updated graphics and music as well as a few other new features, such as quick-saving on the world map, animated battles, and the automatic redirecting of attacks that target defeated monsters.

Due to spacial constraints of the Gameboy and Gameboy color's screen, the english release of Dragon Warrior 1+2 in 2000 reverted the localized names of Erdrick, Gwaelin, and others to a closer approximation of their Japanese counterparts. These changes would be undone by Plus-Alpha in 2010 with their localization of Dragon Quest IX, which elected to retain the NES names as a surprise for older fans.

Characters

Prince of Middenhall

See main article: Prince of Middenhall

This is the classic warrior of the three heroes, with the most impressive physical stats. He can use any armour and weapon in the game, though he has no magic ability (he is the only protagonist in the series to lack magical aptitude). This is the character the player starts out with in the castle of Middenhall, and his name is directly selected by the player.

Prince of Cannock

See main article: Prince of Cannock

The prince of Cannock is closer to his ancestor than his cousins. He cannot use as wide a variety of weapons and armor as the prince of Middenhall but compensates for this with the ability with a unique assortment of spells. However, it should be noted that his magic is not as powerful as that wielded by the princess of Moonbrooke. This character is hard to track down in the beginning of the game, but is a great ally. His name is generated at random based on the name of the prince of Middenhall, although there is a cheat code to alter his name.

Princess of Moonbrooke

See main article: Princess of Moonbrooke

The princess of Moonbrooke is the classic sorceress of the three heroes. Her armour and weapon selections are slim, but are incredibly potent. She shares some of the prince of Cannock's magic, but the bulk of her spells are exclusive to her. She is the first of the three main characters the player will see, shown being assaulted with her father in the game's cinematic intro. After this she will has been cursed and needs to be freed before she will be able to join her cousins. Like the prince of Cannock her name is determined at random, but can be changed by a cheat code.

Hargon

See main article: Hargon

Hargon is the evil occultist that attacked Moonbrooke, cursed its princess, and threatened to destroy the world by summoning the gods of evil. His defeat is the goal of the three heroes.


Plot

Dragon Quest II is set 100 years after Dragon Quest. The offspring of the original game's hero have migrated from Alefgard to the continent of Torland, and there established three kingdoms. A century of peace in these three kingdoms is suddenly ended when the evil priest Hargon destroys the castle of Moonbrooke. One lone guard, an injured survivor of the attack, makes his way towards the kingdom of Middenhall. There with his dying breath he informs the king of the dire circumstances. The king then commands his son, the prince of Middenhall and a descendant of Erdrick, to gather his cousins and defeat Hargon before the mad priest can accomplish his goals.


Legacy

Dragon Quest II is widely recognized for improving upon the shortcomings of it's predecessor, increasing the depth of battle and exploration considerably. Series director Yuji Horii's writing is also seen as improving during the development of the game, no longer relying solely on fairy-tale archetypes to constitute the setting and characters.

Ports

  • Dragon Quest II had a port for the MSX platform in Japan.
  • Dragon Quest II was released in North America, under the name Dragon Warrior II, on the Nintendo Entertainment System in December of 1990.

Remakes

Sequels/Prequels

Dragon Quest II is the second installment of the Dragon Quest series. Dragon Quest III is the prequel to Dragon Quest, and Dragon Quest is the previous entry in the series.


Trivia

  • A smaller, simplified version of the world of Dragon Quest is included on the world map in Dragon Quest II.
  • Dragon Quest II was the first game in the series to feature pits and tower balconies from which the party can fall. (As always, they take no damage from this.)
  • The MSX version of the game contained a special scene involving the "Dangerous Swimsuit" and the Princess of Moonbrooke. This was removed by the time the game made it outside of Japan, due to Nintendo of America's strict censorship policies and the objectively poor quality of the image in question.

Soundtrack

Koichi Sugiyama composed the music and directed all the associated spin-offs. Dragon Quest II's symphonic suite was bundled with Dragon Quest I's symphonic suite and a disc of original compositions as Dragon Quest in Concert. Here is the track listing of the Dragon Quest II portion of that release:

  1. Dragon Quest March (ドラゴンクエストマーチ/Dragon Quest March) (1:39)
  2. Only Lonely Boy (Love Song 探して/Loonking for the Love Song) (2:42)
  3. Pastoral ~ Catastrophe (3:21)
  4. Château (王城/Royal Castle) (3:03)
  5. Town (街の賑わい/Bustle of the Town) (3:30)
  6. Fright in Dungeon ~ Devil's Town (恐怖の地下洞～魔の塔/Fear Dungeon ~ Devil's Town) (4:02)
  7. Requiem (レクイエム/Requiem) (2:09)
  8. Endless World (遥かなる旅路～広野を行く～果てしなき世界/Distant Journey ~ Going in Plain ~ Endless World) (5:43)
  9. Beyond the Waves (海原を行く/Going on the Sea) (2:13)
  10. Deathfight ~ Dead or Alive (戦い～死を賭して/Fighting ~ Risking Death) (3:56)
  11. My Road, My Journey (この道わが旅/My journey is This Road) (4:10)


Dragon Quest II: Luminaries of the Legendary Line
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