List of version differences in Dragon Quest I

This article is a listing of the version differences of Dragon Quest.

Famicom version

• Original version
• Password save system
• Dragon Quest used sprites much like older PC RPGs (such as the early Ultima games), in that characters did not face in a particular direction, but instead always faced forward.

NES version

• Battery-backed SRAM system.
• Dragon Warrior release was allocated more memory for graphics improvements
• Characters were given directional appearance and was also applied to all mobile NPCs.
• Coastline graphics were slightly upgraded as well.

SFC version

• Hero is able to carry multiple weapon and armor items. Previously, only 1 of each type of equipment could be held.
• Scale of dungeons is greatly increased.
• Mountain Cave is greatly redesigned.
• Experience needed to gain levels is decreased.
• Experience and gold given by monsters is increased.
• The dragon guarding the princess is given an on screen sprite.
• Shrines are given world map sprites rather than simply staircase sprites.
• Shrines are given a unique soundtrack. The same music which is used for shrines in Dragon Quest II.
• The Silver Harp will summon any enemy in the area when used, as opposed to the NES Version which would only summon monsters from around Tantegal or the Mountain Cave.
• Roto's Tablet is now a tombstone that appears in place of the chest containing it.

GBC version

• Many names in the game have been shortened due to GBC's display constraints.