Hero (Dragon Quest VIII)
| Hero | |
| Dragon Quest VIII | |
 | |
| Japanese name | エイト |
| Romaji | Eito |
| Title | Captain of the Guard |
| Class | Hero |
| Race | |
| Age | 18 |
| Family | |
| Voice actor | Yuki Kaji (Super Smash Bros. Ultimate) |
The Hero of Dragon Quest VIII is an 18-year old low-ranking royal guardsman at Castle Trodain, before becoming a refugee of the kingdom in the prologue. He was one of the small band who survived Dhoulmagus' deadly attack, along with King Trode, Princess Medea and his pet mouse, Munchie. As is the series' tradition, The Hero is a silent protagonist whom the player is meant to project themselves upon, using him as an avatar to explore and interact with the game's world.
In promotional screenshots and the instruction manual for the PlayStation 2 Version and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, the Hero is given the default name Eight.
The Hero is a versatile character, as equally proficient in armed combat as he is in using healing spells and support magic. His preferred weapons are Swords, Spears and Boomerangs. Once Rank E of the Monster Arena is cleared, he will gain the ability to call upon a monster team at the cost of 10 MP. Each monster team can only be summoned once per battle. With the help of his trusty companion Munchie and a variety of Cheeses, he is also able to unleash breath attacks with various effects.
Appearance and Personality[edit]
Due to his aforementioned status as a silent protagonist, very little can be said of the man's character that isn't decided by the player. That being said, the youth has demonstrated a remarkably humane nature in certain cutscenes. This is most apparent in the flashback to his meeting with Yangus, who accidentally broke the rope bridge that he was blocking while attempting to extort money from King Trode. Instead of letting the bellicose bandit fall to his death, the former guard pulled him to safety despite Trode's considerable umbrage.
In contrast to heroes of previous games, this Hero dresses very casually and historically coherent, wearing a saffron overcoat with a blue tunic, simple red bandana, and plain grey trousers with brown boots. He is also the second Hero in the series whose outfit can be changed in the game if he wears certain pieces of equipment.
Appearances[edit]
Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King[edit]
An amnesiac since his early youth, The Hero grew up in Castle Trodain, eventually serving as a guard for some time before the events of the prologue took place. For much of Dragon Quest VIII, The Hero journeys with his faithful mouse friend, Munchie, King Trode, Princess Medea, and Yangus. The Hero is eventually joined by Jessica Albert and Angelo, enlisting their aid in pursuing and confronting the wicked Dhoulmagus.
Munchie[edit]
The Hero carries around his pet, Munchie, wherever he goes. A highly intelligent Pig-Rat, Munchie is capable of entering small spaces and exploring areas the party would otherwise have no access to, allowing the player to temporarily control him. If you give Munchie Cheese, he gains special abilities. However, this can only be done twice per battle. Munchie rides in the pocket of The Hero's coat most of the time. Munchie will show his true significance only after the game.
Stats[edit]
| Attribute | Starting Stats | Maximum Stats |
| Level | 1 | 99 |
| HP | 22 | 806 |
| MP | 0 | 478 |
| Strength | 8 | 400 |
| Agility | 6 | 200 |
| Resilience | 6 | 215 |
| Wisdom | 5 | 366 |
| Initial gear | Soldier's sword, Plain clothes, Bandana | |
- The Hero also possesses a 25% resistance to zap-based spells and abilities and a near total immunity to Curses.
Spells[edit]
| Name | MP | Level | Target | Tension | Info |
| Heal | 2 | 3 | one | yes | Restores 30-40 HP to one character. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Squelch | 2 | 4 | one | no | Cures one character of Poison and Envenomation. |
| Evac | 2 | 6 | party | no | Teleports player back to dungeon entrance. |
| Sizz | 4 | 11 | group | yes | Inflicts up to 29~35 fire damage on each member of a group. |
| Midheal | 3 | 18 | one | yes | Restores 75-90 HP to one character. |
| Sizzle | 6 | 20 | group | yes | Inflicts up to 53~62 fire damage on each member of a group. |
| Fullheal | 6 | 27 | one | no | Restores all HP to one character. |
| Zing | 8 | 29 | one | no | Revives a dead character with 50% of HP (50% success rate). |
| Kasizzle | 10 | 32 | group | yes | Inflicts up to 150~170 fire damage on each member of a group. |
Misc. skills[edit]
| Name | MP | Method | Target | Tension | Info |
| Call Team | 10 | At Monster Arena. | -- | -- | Summons the Hero's monster team for at least three turns. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dragon Soul | 64 | Level 65/70* | one | yes | Inflicts 420~520 non-elemental damage to one enemy. |
- Dragon Soul was first created for the international version of VIII and does not appear in the original Japanese PS2 or Cell phone release.
- Dragon Soul is learned at level 70 in the 3DS version and deals 375~450 damage.
Swords[edit]
| Skill | Points | MP | Range | Tension | Oomph | Info | Title |
| Attack +5 | 4 | -- | -- | -- | -- | Increase the sword Attack +5. | None |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dragon Slash | 9 | -- | One enemy | Yes | Yes | Inflicts 150% damage on Dragons. | Proficient swordsman |
| Flame Slash | 15 | -- | One enemy | Yes | Yes | Inflicts 130% damage (reduced if enemy is resistant to fire). | Renowned swordsman |
| Attack +10 | 22 | -- | -- | -- | -- | Increase Attack by ten when a sword is equipped. | Expert swordsman |
| Metal Slash | 30 | -- | One enemy | Yes | Yes | Inflicts 1~2 damage to Metal slime family. | Supreme swordsman |
| Critical Hit rate up | 40 | -- | -- | -- | -- | Increase the Critical Hit rate from 1/64th to 1/32nd. | Ace of the sword |
| Falcon Slash | 52 | -- | One enemy | Yes | First hit | Slashes one enemy twice, each cut dealing 75% damage for 150% total. | Master of the sword |
| Attack +25 | 66 | -- | -- | -- | -- | Increases Attack by twenty five when a sword is equipped. | Star of the sword |
| Miracle Slash | 82 | 4 | One enemy | Yes | Yes | Inflicts 125% damage and restores HP by 50% of damage inflicted. | Sword of legend |
| Gigaslash | 100 | 20 | Enemy group | Yes | -- | Inflicts up to 207~239 lightning damage to a group. | God of the sword |
| Gigagash | 100* | 20 | Enemy group | Yes | -- | Inflicts up to 271~331 lightning damage to a group. | None |
- Requires 100 points in both Swords and Courage.
Spears[edit]
| Skill | Points | MP | Range | Tension | Oomph | Info | Title |
| Attack +5 | 3 | -- | -- | -- | -- | Increase Attack by five when a spear is equipped. | None |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercurial Thrust | 7 | -- | One enemy | Yes | Yes | Strikes first at 80% power. | Proficient spearman |
| Thunder Thrust | 12 | 3 | One enemy | -- | -- | 25% for a Critical Hit, 25% for a normal stab, 50% to miss altogether. | Expert spearman |
| Attack +10 | 18 | -- | -- | -- | -- | Increase Attack by ten when equipped with a spear. | Master spearman |
| Multithrust | 25 | 4 | Random | Yes | First hit | Skewers 3~4 targets at Half Strength per jab. | Famed lancer |
| Critical Hit rate up | 40 | -- | -- | -- | -- | Increase the Critical Hit rate from 1/64th to 1/32th. | Legendary lancer |
| Clean Sweep | 45 | 0* | Enemy group | Yes | First hit | Strike/Rock damage with decreasing range: 80% -> 64% -> 56% -> 40% -> 25% -> 16%. Chance for Demon spear's effect to trigger on each enemy. |
Star lancer |
| Lightning Thrust | 59 | -- | One enemy | -- | -- | More powerful version of Thunder Thrust, 50% to land a Critical Hit. | Grand lancer |
| Attack +25 | 77 | -- | -- | -- | -- | Increases Attack by twenty five when equipped with a spear. | Heavenly lancer |
| Lightning Storm | 100 | 25 | All enemies | Yes | -- | Inflicts 190-220 damage to all enemies. | Almighty lancer |
Boomerangs[edit]
| Skill | Points | MP | Range | Tension | Oomph | Info | Title |
| Crosscutter Throw | 6 | 2 | All enemies | Yes | First hit | The first enemy is hit twice. Strike/Rock element. | None |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Attack +5 | 12 | -- | -- | -- | -- | Increases Attack by five when a boomerang is equipped. | Baby boomer |
| Power Throw | 18 | 4 | All enemies | Yes | First hit | 80% Strength, but damage does not decrease per bonked monster. Strike/Rock element. | Big boomer |
| Attack +10 | 25 | -- | -- | -- | -- | Increases Attack by ten when a boomerang is equipped. | Iron boomer |
| Firebird Throw | 32 | 6 | All enemies | Yes | -- | 36-44 fire damage to all enemies. | Great boomer |
| Attack +15 | 40 | -- | -- | -- | -- | Increases Attack by fifteen when a boomerang is equipped. | Boomer knight |
| Super Throw | 52 | 4 | All enemies | Yes | First hit | 120% damage, does not decrease per monster. Strike/Rock element. | Boomer lord |
| Attack +20 | 66 | -- | -- | -- | -- | Increase the boomerang Attack +20. | Boomer star |
| Starburst Throw | 82 | 8 | All enemies | Yes | -- | 76-84 Bang damage to all enemies. | Boomeranger |
| Gigathrow | 100 | 15 | One enemy | Yes | -- | Inflicts up to 233~284 zap damage to a single enemy. | King boomeranger |
Fisticuffs[edit]
| Skill | Points | MP | Range | Tension | Oomph | Info | Title |
| Attack +5 | 4 | -- | -- | -- | -- | Increases Attack by five when unarmed. | None |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Defending Champion | 11 | -- | Self | Yes | -- | More powerful defending action (damage reduced by 90%). | Brawler |
| Stone's Throw | 17 | -- | Enemy group | Yes | -- | 8-20 Strike/Rock damage to a group of enemies. | Brawny brawler |
| Knuckle Sandwich | 24 | 2 | One enemy | Yes | Yes | Inflicts 150% Strike/Rock damage. | Black belt brawler |
| Attack +20 | 33 | -- | -- | -- | -- | Increases Attack by twenty when unarmed. | Famous fistfighter |
| Thin Air | 42 | 2 | All enemies | Yes | -- | Inflicts up to 108~132 points of wind damage on all enemies. | Fighting mentor |
| Critical Hit rate up | 52 | -- | -- | -- | -- | Increase the Critical Hit rate from 1/64th to 1/32nd. | Fighting instructor |
| Multifists | 70 | -- | Random | Yes | First hit | Four random swings at 33% power each. | Fighting master |
| Boulder Toss | 82 | 4 | All enemies | Yes | -- | Inflicts 72-104 Strike/Rock damage on all enemies. | Fabled fighter |
| Attack +50 | 100 | -- | -- | -- | -- | Increases Attack by fifty when unarmed. | Fist of legend |
Courage[edit]
| Skill | Points | MP | Range | Tension | Oomph | Info | Title |
| Zoom | 8 | 1 | Self | -- | -- | Teleports player to entrance of known location (outdoors only). | None |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tingle | 16 | 2 | All allies | -- | -- | Cures party of Sleep and Paralysed status changes. | Brave |
| Holy Protection | 28 | 3 | Self | -- | -- | Random encounters with enemies whose level is lower than The Hero are avoided. | Intrepid |
| Fizzle | 40 | 4 | Enemy group | -- | -- | Prevents enemy group from using magic. | Courageous |
| Zap | 48 | 6 | All enemies | Yes | -- | Inflicts up to 72~88 lightning damage on all enemies. | Dauntless |
| MP discount | 56 | -- | -- | -- | -- | Reduces the MP cost of all spells to 3/4. | Fearless |
| Kamikazee | 70 | 1 | All enemies | -- | -- | The Hero sacrifices himself to deal high damage to all enemies. | Bravehearted |
| Omniheal | 82 | 36 | All allies | -- | -- | Restores full HP to all party members. | Lionhearted |
| MP discount | 90 | -- | -- | -- | -- | Reduces the MP cost to 1/2. | Dragonhearted |
| Kazap | 100 | 15 | Enemy group | Yes | -- | Inflicts up to 180~220 damage to a group of monsters. | Truly valiant |
| Gigaslash | 100 | 20 | Enemy group | Yes | -- | Inflicts up to 207~239 damage to each member of a group. | None |
| Gigagash | 100* | 20 | Enemy group | Yes | -- | Inflicts up to 271~331 damage to each member of a group. | None |
- Requires 100 points in both Swords and Courage.
Skill Tips[edit]
Swords pay off if the player is focusing on dealing extra damage, such as with Dragon Slash (9 points) and Falcon Slash (52 points) being particularly useful. If the player accumulates 100 points in Swords and Courage, the almighty Gigagash is learned--although this does take quite some time to achieve.
Spears are ideal for hunters of metal monsters in particular, with Thunder Thrust (12 points) and Lightning Thrust (59 points). The Multithrust (25 points) is also worth a try against single enemies.
Boomerangs are a real boon in the beginning of the game because they attack all enemies. Later, however, this skill becomes less useful (over 40 points: Attack +15), so it is advisable to switch to developing different skills.
Fisticuffs is largely ineffectual to the other skills, although Defending Champion (11 points) is a very useful ability and some actions are worth a try like Thin Air (42 points) for cheap moves that target all foes. The Hero can only make a real impression when he learns Attack + 50 (100 points).
Courage is extremely useful as a means of learning traits that reduce MP consumption (at 56 and 90 points) and utility spells that free Angelo's turns up. Zap and Kazap deal incredible damage for the periods they are learned in, and Omniheal can turn a battle around like no other spell.
Suggested Strategies: Learn Courage up to 8 points (Zoom) initially, then learn Boomerangs up to 40 points (Attack + 15) followed by courage up to 100. Next, increase your Swords skill to 66 (Attack + 25) or Spears up to 59 (Critical Hit).
Another option would be to forgo Boomerangs altogether and start by dividing points equally between Swords and Courage (up to Swords 66), then switching to Spears and Courage. However, since one can come across some extremely effective spears in the opening stages of the game, it may be advized to concentrate on mastering Spears from the outset.
Equipment[edit]
| Dragon Quest VIII (All) | |
|---|---|
| Helmet | Modifier(s) |
| Bandana | Defence +1 |
| Leather hat | Defence +3 |
| Healie hat‡ | Defence +5 |
| Turban | Defence +8 |
| Feathered cap | Defence +9 |
| Iron helmet | Defence +16 |
| Bronze helmet | Defence +20 |
| Hermes' hat | Defence +20 |
| Mercury's bandana | Defence +23 |
| Iron mask | Defence +25 |
| Pirate's hat | Defence +30 |
| Platinum headgear | Defence +30 |
| Iron headgear | Defence +32 |
| Mad cap‡ | Defence +32 |
| Hades' helm | Defence +33 |
| Gothic mitre‡ | Defence +36 |
| Mythril helm | Defence +38 |
| Great helm | Defence +45 |
| Dragovian helmet | Defence +50 |
| Sun crown | Defence +52 |
| Metal king helm | Defence +55 |
| Dragon Quest VIII (All) | |
|---|---|
| Armor | Modifier(s) |
| Plain clothes | Defence+4 |
| Wayfarer's clothes | Defence+7 |
| Leather armour | Defence+11 |
| Scale armour | Defence+17 |
| Healie t-shirt‡ | Defence+18 |
| Bronze armour | Defence+24 |
| Iron armour | Defence+32 |
| Full plate armour | Defence+39 |
| Silver mail | Defence+50 |
| Magic armour | Defence+55 |
| Dragon mail | Defence+60 |
| Spiked armour | Defence+68 |
| Gothic vestment‡ | Defence+72 |
| Platinum mail | Defence+72 |
| Alistair's armour‡ | Defence+80 |
| Sacred armour | Defence+84 |
| Mirror armour | Defence+92 |
| Liquid metal armour | Defence+101 |
| Dragovian armour | Defence+110 |
| Metal king armour | Defence+120 |
| Dragon Quest VIII (All) | |
|---|---|
| Shields | Modifier(s) |
| Leather shield | Defence+4 |
| Scale shield | Defence+7 |
| Metal slime platter‡ | Defence+8 |
| Bronze shield | Defence+10 |
| Iron shield | Defence+15 |
| Light shield | Defence+17 |
| Steel shield | Defence+22 |
| Magic shield | Defence+27 |
| Dragon shield | Defence+30 |
| Ice shield | Defence+33 |
| Power shield | Defence+38 |
| Mirror shield | Defence+43 |
| Ogre shield | Defence+45 |
| Silver shield | Defence+48 |
| Ruinous shield | Defence+50 |
| Thanatos' shield | Defence+55 |
| Dragovian shield | Defence+60 |
| Metal king shield | Defence+65 |
| Dragon Quest VIII (All) | |
|---|---|
| Accessories | Modifier(s) |
| Elevating shoes | Agility +5 |
| Metal slime earrings‡ | Agility +5 |
| Agility ring | Agility +15 |
| Meteorite bracer | Agility +50 |
| Lord's bracer‡ | Attack +5 |
| Strength ring | Attack +5 |
| Tough guy tattoo | Attack +8 |
| Titan belt | Attack +10 |
| Templar Captain's ring | Attack +10 Wisdom +10 |
| Mighty armlet | Attack +15 |
| Argon ring | Attack +20 Agility +20 |
| Hearty ring‡ | Defence +1 Max HP +10 Max MP +10 |
| Golden slippers‡ | Defence +1 |
| Gold bracer | Defence +4 |
| Slime earrings | Defence +4 |
| Life bracer | Defence +5 Max HP +30 |
| Dragon's scale | Defence +5 |
| Fire dragon charm‡ | Defence +5 |
| Gospel ring | Defence +5 |
| Light dragon charm‡ | Defence +5 |
| Prayer ring | Defence +5 |
| Templar's ring | Defence +5 |
| Lucky pendant‡ | Defence +8 |
| Full moon ring | Defence +10 |
| Gold ring | Defence +10 |
| Holy talisman | Defence +10 |
| Ring of awakening | Defence +10 |
| Ring of clarity | Defence +10 |
| Ring of immunity | Defence +10 |
| Ring of truth | Defence +10 |
| Catholicon ring | Defence +15 |
| Recovery ring | Defence +15 |
| Ruby of protection | Defence +15 |
| Gold rosary | Wisdom +5 |
| Sorcerer's ring | Wisdom +10 Max MP +30 |
| Scholar's specs | Wisdom +15 |
| Goddess ring | Wisdom +20 |
- ‡3DS version only.
Dragon Quest Monsters: Terry's Wonderland 3D[edit]
The Hero's pet Munchie appears as an obtainable SS rank member of the Beast family, alongside Trode.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate[edit]
The Hero of VIII, under the name Eight, appears as one of four Heroes, alongside the Heroes of XI, III, and IV. He wields the Dragovian king sword and Dragovian shield. Unlike in his home game, Eight does not retain his curse immunity in Ultimate, presumably because of his status as an alternate character and/or for gameplay balance.
While playing as the Hero in Classic Mode, Eight appears as Round 5's opponent and is fought on the Battlefield form of Gaur Plains. He is allied with a tiny Pikachu (Pokémon), in reference to Munchie.
Trivia[edit]
- In the PS2 version of the game, when The Hero's Tension is maxed, his appearance changes drastically. His bandana flies off and his hair spikes up, making him resemble Super Saiyan Son Goku of Dragon Ball Z fame. This little feature was added to the Western release of the game, as a shoutout to fans of Toriyama's work.
- Munchie is an obtainable monster in Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker 2 Professional.
- In the international versions of Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age, the Luminary can wear an outfit that allows him to dress like the Protagonist of VIII.
- While designing the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate version of The Hero, series creator Masahiro Sakurai specifically requested permission from Square-Enix to include Dragon Quest VIII's Hero as an alternate costume, due to the game being the most popular entry in the West and its role in reintroducing the series to American and European audiences.
- In Ultimate, Eight is given a voice (albeit largely for various wordless expressions of exertion or pain). His voice actor is Yūki Kaji, a popular Japanese VA and singer. According to Masahiro Sakurai, Kaji was very excited to play Eight, and considered roles in both Dragon Quest and Super Smash Bros. to be two of his dream jobs.
Videos[edit]
Gallery[edit]
Hero's transformation.
Munchie.
Munchie in the opening of VIII. (Cell phone)
First meeting with Angelo. (Cell phone)
Opening the Ruined Abbey. (Cell phone)
Statue of the Hero after Clearing Rank S at the Monster Arena. (Cell phone)
Hero wearing the Dragovian Equipment.
Hero wearing the Metal king armour, Shield and Helm. (3DS)
Hero wearing the Gothic mitre and Gothic vestment. (3DS version only)
Alternate costume based on Terry.
