Dragon Quest IV: Michibikareshi Mono-tachi

About

Dragon Quest IV splits its story across five separate protagonists, each driving the plot forward in distinct chapters. Players guide a knight searching for missing children, a princess sneaking into a tournament, a merchant chasing wealth, a dancer seeking revenge, and a nameless hero uniting allies against a dark force. Turn-based battles unfold on the DS’s dual screens, with the upper screen displaying 3D environments and the lower handling inventory and commands. The game’s structure rewards revisiting earlier chapters with new context as the narrative threads intertwine. Community praise centers on its intricate storytelling and moral ambiguity, with choices affecting outcomes. The original Japanese release retains content cut from later translations, appealing to series purists. It holds an 88 on Metacritic, reflecting its status as a critical favorite. Standout features include animated monster designs and a score by Koichi Sugiyama that blends orchestral and rock elements. The post-game Chapter 6, exclusive to remakes, adds bonus dungeons and party customization, extending value for completionists.

Storyline

Chapter 1: Ragnar McRyan and the Case of the Missing Children Ragnar McRyan, one of the soldiers in the royal palace of Burland, is sent by the king on a journey to find out why children are disappearing across the kingdom. He is accompanied by Healie. Chapter 2: Alena and the Journey to the Tourney Alena, Tsarevna of Zamoksva, slips out of the castle in hopes of attending a tournament in the castle of Endor. She is accompanied by the priest Kiryl and the mage Borya. Chapter 3: Torneko and the Extravagant Excavation Torneko lives in Lakanaba with his wife and son, and works part-time in the local weapon shop. He wants to become the best merchant in the world, so he leaves his hometown in search of profit. Chapter 4: Meena and Maya and the Mahabala Mystery Maya the dancer and her younger sister Meena the fortune teller, have left Monbaraba in search of vengeance against Balzack, their father's traitorous apprentice. Chapter 5: The Chosen The Hero has been brought up by the inhabitants of a remote and nameless mountain village. But Psaro and his legions destroy the village, leaving only the hero alive. The hero leaves in search of his seven companions, in the hopes of defeating Psaro and saving the world. Chapter 6 Chapter 6 is not part of the main storyline of the game and consists of post-game extra features. It was only included in remakes of Dragon Quest IV. Features of this chapter include a bonus dungeon and the ability to add Psaro as a member of the party after completing certain events.