Dragon Quest VIII out now

by: John - posted: 11/15/2005 5:00:00 PM

One of the best RPG series out there has their next iteration out in the states. Dragon Quest VIII : Journey of the Cursed King is now on sale and with the game comes a playable version of Final Fantasy XII. It's the first PlayStation 2 version of the Dragon Quest series and they're looking to make a big splash on the system. There are new voices and soundtrack as well as a new menu system for the North American version.

DRAGON QUESTâ„¢ VIII - JOURNEY OF THE CURSED KINGâ„¢ ON SALE NOW

Latest Release in Legendary RPG Series Supported by Multi-million Dollar Marketing Campaign

Los Angeles, Calif. (November 15, 2005) – Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of Square Enix™ interactive entertainment products in North America, announced today that DRAGON QUEST VIII – Journey of the Cursed King (DRAGON QUEST VIII) is on sale today, exclusively for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system. The long-awaited release is supported by an extensive multi-million dollar marketing campaign.

The first PlayStation 2 title in the series, DRAGON QUEST VIII is the latest in the legendary franchise that has sold over 40 million units worldwide. Updates for the North American release include voice-overs, a full-orchestral soundtrack, a completely renovated menu system, new battle abilities and improved animations. These new additions greatly enhance the gaming experience for the North American audience. A bonus disc will also be included with a playable demo of the North American version of FINAL FANTASY® XII.

“We are extremely excited about DRAGON QUEST VIII’s release in North America. Utilizing state of the art polygon technology, not only the map, but all of Akira Toriyama's characters are created in 3D. The player can freely run around in this wonderfully animated world as far as the eye can see,” said Yuji Horii, Creator and Scenario and Game Designer for DRAGON QUEST. “While we’ve kept true to what made the series so popular, we’ve also added several elements for the North American audience and cannot wait for gamers to experience DRAGON QUEST!”

A mysterious jester. A forbidden sceptre. A fiendish curse. A once idyllic kingdom lies entangled in a web of enchanted vines, its king and princess hideously transformed, its castle and subjects frozen in time. Only one person has survived this horror unscathed: you!

Only you can save your king and country by lifting the shadow of the evil jester’s curse…but it won't be easy. An epic tale of friendship, bravery and adventure awaits you on the grassy fields, snow-capped mountains and restless seas of DRAGON QUEST VIII!

Gameplay Features

• The first PlayStation 2 title in the series, DRAGON QUEST VIII is the latest in the legendary franchise that has sold over 40 million units worldwide.
• DRAGON QUEST VIII showcases the masterfully woven narrative of series creator Yuji Horii, the distinctive character designs of legendary manga artist Akira Toriyama and the grandly evocative orchestral soundtrack of renowned composer Koichi Sugiyama.
• Updates for the North American release include voice-overs, a full-orchestral soundtrack, a completely renovated menu system, new battle abilities and improved animations.
• Party members deploy awesome attacks and spectacular spells for the first time in stunning 3D.
• Playable FINAL FANTASY XII demo included exclusively with the North American version.