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This is only the second game in my life that I have crossed the 100 hour mark on; and now I have surpassed 140 hours (with 72 hours of multiplayer). I must say the game is truly fantastic, one of the best overall DS experiences I have ever had. This is one of four games on the DS that I just have to recommend - the others being Dragon Quest 5, Chrono Trigger, and Phoenix Wright 3: Trials and Tribulations (although, play the other two for background story). Other great games that I would recommend are The World Ends With You, Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney, Dragon Quest 4, Rune Factory 2, Mario Kart, Pokemon Platnum (my first Pokemon game, and I must say I was impressed, it wasn't at all what I thought it would be), and the Professor Layton games. Dragon Quest 9 just stands up there with the best of this generation. If a cross between Dragon Quest 5 and Dragon Quest 9 existed, it would be the best RPG ever made. The game has so much packed into it, just a warning though, it can be very addictive (as I have found).
Just a few things I would like to mention about the game:
1. Compared to others in the series: Given a 20-30 hour cross section of this game, vs. Dragon Quest 5, Dragon Quest 5 remains the best game in the series hands down (I would call it better than Chrono Trigger, or at least on the same level). Although overall, Dragon Quest 9 has the best value in the series hands down.
2. Compared to the last game in the series (Dragon Quest 8); all of the annoyances have been fixed: the game moves at a much faster pace; the alchemy pot can now take up to 27 items and can pop out multiple items at once through alchemy; the alchemy pot is instant rather than 3 minutes to an hour; etc... While having a lower cosmetic appeal, the game also comes in the form of a faster moving package, which is a blessing for anyone who likes to see results faster. The game feels more like a Dragon Quest 3 and Dragon Quest 8 cross - rather than a game similar to Dragon Quest 4 or 5 (DQ5 is similar to 4, just a whole lot better).
3. While only generic custom characters are played in the main story, in the post game via online activated quests, the player gains access to actual characters (though, so far, there doesn't appear to be any special advantage these ones have).
4. Legacy bosses are fun, I only have the first one so far; Baramos (the Archfiend from Dragon Quest 3). Fighting Legacy bosses works better using multi-player, the other players can gain items and experience from the Legacy boss, while at the same time leveling up the Legacy boss.
5. I have only just got into the level 50 map range for Grottos. I am not entirely sure the mechanics, but generally I just keep playing the highest level map until I get a higher level map. My best one gives me ~12-15 mini-medals if I open all the treasure chests.
6. After completing the mini-medal side quest (80), a mini-medal store opens up where the player can get some reasonably good items.
7. Best place to level up is on the hill to the North East of Angel Falls - at least until Metal Slime Kings are found =) There are some skills that give 100% critical hit rates which make killing liquid metal slimes an easy affair, and eliminates the need for any other form of leveling up (it is faster to just level up there, and then avoid monsters in other locations).
8. Skill points should be acquired to max out at least 1 weapon, the shield, and as many vocation exclusive skill trees as possible (I have done Focus, Guts, Courage, Faith, Enlightenment, and perhaps 1 or 2 others).
Has anyone gotten the Luminary yet? I haven't found the Moai Minstrel yet.
I describe myself as a little dose of toxic masculinity.
