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Dragon Quest IV

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Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen (NA)
Dragon Quest: The Chapters of the Chosen (EU)
File:G08413zuyoh.jpg
File:Dq4pack.jpg
TOP:Box art of the original North American release, Dragon Warrior IV, for the NES.
BOTTOM:Box art of the enhanced remake for North America, Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen, for the Nintendo DS
Developer(s)Chunsoft
Heartbeat, ArtePiazza (remake)
ArtePiazza (DS remake)
Publisher(s)Enix
Square Enix
SeriesDragon Quest
Platform(s)Nintendo Entertainment System, Famicom, PlayStation, Nintendo DS
ReleaseFamicom/NES
PlayStation
Nintendo DS
Genre(s)Console role-playing game
Mode(s)Single player

Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen (ドラゴンクエストIV 導かれし者たち, Doragon Kuesuto Fō Michibikareshi Monotachi, lit. "Dragon Quest IV: The Guided Ones"), known as Dragon Quest: The Chapters of the Chosen in Europe and originally published as Dragon Warrior IV for the North American NES version, is a console role-playing game and the fourth installment of the Dragon Quest video game series developed by Chunsoft and published by Enix (now Square Enix). It was originally released for the Famicom on February 11, 1990 in Japan. A North American version followed in October 1992. The game was remade by Heartbeat for the PlayStation, which eventually was available as a Square Enix Ultimate Hits title. This was followed with a second remake developed by ArtePiazza for the Nintendo DS, released in Japan on November 22, 2007. This remake is planned to be released in Europe on September 12, 2008[6] and in North America on September 16, 2008.

Dragon Quest IV differed from the series by breaking up the game into five distinct chapters. The first four are told from the perspective of the Hero's future companions and the fifth one, from the hero's perspective, brings all the characters together as they begin their journey to save the world.[5]

Gameplay and Features

Dragon Quest IV offered several new features over the first three titles, while carrying on many of those introduced in the previous games.[5]

Returning from Series

  • The Ship and a Flying Method of Travel (this time a Balloon) aid in the quest. Both are not available until Chapter 5.
  • Day and Night again return, with different things happening in towns and on the field at both points in time.
  • The three levels of Locks and Keys return. They are in order: Thief, Magic and Final.
  • Travel doors reappear, but are only in 2 locations (with one not truly going anywhere).
  • Like the Hero in Dragon Quest III, the Hero of Dragon Quest IV is the only person that must be in the party at all times when he or she become available. Because of this, the Hero is again the character that possesses the most powerful healing and attack spells.
  • Many Spells, Weapons, Armor, and Shops (including the Vault/Bank) are the same as past games.

New to Dragon Quest IV

  • In addition to the new chapter-based storylines, an artificial intelligence system called "Tactics" was implemented that allowed the player to provide strategies to the party members (who become NPCs in the final chapter) while maintaining full control of the hero. Dragon Quest V, Dragon Quest VI and the remakes of IV allow tactics to be set for characters individually rather than using one tactics mode for all characters, as well as including the "Follow Orders" Tactics mode, which allows other characters to be controlled manually.
  • The wagon, introduced in this game, allows the player to choose which characters are used in battle. The wagon can also be seen in Dragon Quest V and Dragon Quest VI.
  • The Casino as a place to play several mini-games (slot machine, poker, and the Monster Betting that was introduced in Dragon Quest III) using tokens that could be traded for special items.
  • Searching drawers and inside of jars was first introduced in this game. Some useful items were hidden in these new locations.
  • Small Medals, later Mini Medals, were introduced as a new item to search for and trade, for special unique items from a secluded king.
  • A minor change was made to the town maps. Castles and some buildings were large structures that appeared in the town, instead of as a Castle Map Icon (as in Dragon Quest III).
  • To save time, one now can save a game in the House of Healing, rather than talking to a king.
  • Also, the save and EXP point to the next level-up ("Divination") are now separate commands.
  • A new command was added to the menu that allows users to open a door, rather than searching through their inventory for the key as in previous games. The only limitation was that someone in the party needed to have the key in their inventory.
    • Since this command was added, an unlocked door was added in this game, as well as large Castle Doors.
    • This command was eliminated in later games and the remake, in which doors can be opened by attempting to walk through them.

Plot

Characters

The NES version of Dragon Quest IV

Main Characters

These are the main characters of the story, and are controllable party members during their introduction chapters (Chapters 1-4). When they join the Hero in Chapter 5, the other party members become NPC characters that are only controlled by the "Tactics Command". In the re-releases, this setting can be changed to "Follow Orders", which allows the player to choose their actions. Also, with the re-releases, many of the character's names were changed to be closer, or incorporate their Original Japanese names.

  • Hero (Male Hero is named Solo, while the Female Hero is named Sofia)The main character of the game, who does not appear until Chapter 5. The Hero can use the best equipment and learns some of the best attack (Lightning magic) and healing (HealusAll or Omni Heal) spells. The player can choose the name and gender of the hero. The gender of the hero has no impact to the story, other than a few optional pieces of armor and weapons that can be equipped by a heroine. In the remakes, the Hero first appears during a short prologue chapter before Chapter 1.[7]
  • Ragnar McRyan (ライアン, Raian, originally localized as Ragnar).[7] Captain of the Burland (a Scottish English speaking land) army, and Royal Knight. He investigates a case of children who are disappearing throughout the kingdom. He first appears in Chapter 1. He also cameos in Chapters 2 (Inn by Endor) and 3 (Endor Casino). He is the classic Warrior or Soldier, specializing in melee combat with no magical abilities.
  • Tsarevna Alena (アリーナ姫, Arîna Hime, originally localized as Princess Alena).[7] Tomboyish Princess of the Zamoksva (a Russian dialect English speaking land)[7] (originally localized as Santeem) Kingdom. She is bored of the palace life and wishes to travel the world. She first appears in Chapter 2. She is the classic Fighter or Martial Artist, preferring to use claws as a weapon though she can use other weapons as well.
  • Borya (ブライ, Burai, originally localized as Brey).[7] Alena's tutor. He's a magician (casts primarily Ice attack magic) who travels with Alena to look after her. He first appears in Chapter 2.
  • Kiryl (クリフト, Kurifuto, originally localized as Cristo).[7] A priest (originally localized as chancellor) that travels along with Alena and Borya, and has feelings for Alena (but she is oblivious to it)[8]. He can use healing and support magic. He first appears in Chapter 2.
  • Torneko Taloon (トルネコ, Toruneko, originally localized as Taloon).[7] A weapons merchant from Lakanaba (an Irish English speaking town), who wishes to open his own store. He first appears in Chapter 3. He is much like the Merchant class presented in Dragon Quest III, when he joins the Hero in Chapter 5 he develops many random abilities from summoning an army of merchants to throwing sand in the enemy's eyes.
  • Maya (マーニャ, Mânya, originally localized as Mara).[7] A dancer who can use attack (primarily fire) magic from Monbaraba (a French inspired area). Her father, Mahabala,[7] died under mysterious circumstances. She and her sister seek revenge. They both first appear in Chapter 4, and are the first to join the Hero in Chapter 5.
  • Meena (ミネア, Minea, originally localized as Nara).[7] Maya's younger sister. She is a fortune teller that can use healing and support magic.

Uncontrolled Party Members (Non-Playable Characters - NPCs)

These characters join the party for portions of your quest, but cannot be controlled by the player or by a "Tactic". They leave once their purpose is completed, and in most cases cannot be re-recruited.

  • Healie (ホイミン, Hoimin)[7]. A healer (or Heal Slime) who desires to be human. He joins Ragnar in his search for the missing children during Chapter 1. Later in the game, he begins to achieve his dream, finally appearing as a human in Chapter 5 begging the player to save Ragnar then amicably parting ways with Ragnar after this is accomplished.
  • Laurel (ロレンス, Rorensu, originally localized as Laurent)[7]. A mercenary who Torneko can hire for 5 days when he is looking for treasure during Chapter 3. He is a magic-user and a poet.
  • Hardie (スコット, Sukotto, originally localized as Strom).[7] Another mercenary hired by Taloon during Chapter 3. He is a classic fighter.
  • Orin (オーリン, Ôrin). A family friend of Meena and Maya who joins the sisters in their fight against their father's murderer During Chapter 4. An alchemical prodigy who has since become a strongman who can break door locks. He appears to die saving the sisters at the end of their chapter but is later discovered to be alive in Chapter 5.
  • Hoffman (ホフマン, Hofuman, originally localized as Hector).[7] The son of an inn keeper who lost faith in friendship when his partners betrayed him during a quest. He joins the party during Chapter 5, and gives them the Wagon. He leaves the party to begin an apprenticeship at an inn, stating that he must train to be able to run his father's inn which he will one day inherit.
  • Panon (パノン, Panon). The best comedian in the world. He is the star at Monbaraba after Meena leaves. He is needed during Chapter 5 to make the King of Stancia laugh. Instead of making the king laugh, however, he simply testifies the main character is a legendary hero who will save the world, he parts ways with the Hero after this deal is made.
  • Lucia (ルーシア, Rûshia). A citizen of Zenithia who fell from the sky and had her wings hurt by monsters and helps the party in Chapter 5 return to her home.
  • Doran (ドラン, Doran). A baby dragon from Zenithia who joins the battle against the Ruler of Evil during Chapter 5. He is a friend of Lucia who joins the party at her request and remains in the Hero's party until the aftermath of the final battle.

Other Characters

These are characters that aid the Hero and his party throughout the game, but do not join the party.

  • Master Dragon (マスタードラゴン, Masutâ Doragon). The ruler of Zenithia, who will give the Hero the power to beat the true evil by increasing his strength and unlocking the true power of the Zenithian Sword.
  • Eliza (シンシア, Shinshia, originally localized as Celia).[8] A childhood friend of the hero. She is, along with all the townspeople, responsible to protect the growing hero. She gives her life for the Hero when their village is attacked, using magic to maker herself look like the Hero. She is killed, leaving Saro's forces to believe the hero is dead. She is resurrected and held by the hero at the end of the game.
  • Primrose (パトリシア, Patorishia). Hoffman's cartmare. She pulls the party's wagon.
  • Rosa (ロザリー, Rozari). Saro's lover. She is abused by humans due to her ability to cry out ruby teardrops. She is killed off to drive Saro over the edge, but is brought back to life in Chapter 6 of the remakes. She spends the rest of the game as a Non Combatant party member (Much like Flora from Chapter 1 and Tov The Dog from Chapter 3).

Main Villains

These are the main villains of the game.

  • Necrosaro (デスピサロ, Desu Pisaro). Originally Saro (ピサロ, Pisaro), the Ruler of Dire Palace. Leads many of the monsters in a quest to find and revive the Ruler of Evil, Esturk, and to perfect the secret of Alchemy, which is actually the Secret of Evolution that allows Necrosaro to have the same power as Esturk. In Chapter 6 of the remake, he joins the Hero's team as Pisaro and helps them with the final boss of the Chapter. He is well balanced in Healing and Attack spells (As well as some exclusive spells from the other DQ games like Madante and Moonsault).[citation needed] Unlike other characters, he is immune to the negative effects of cursed items, most of which he can equip.[citation needed]
  • Esturk (エスターク, Esutâku). Also known as the Ruler of Evil. Defeated in a battle with the Zenithians ages ago, now sealed in his palace under the Aktemto mine, until it is once again found. The hero's party is able to defeat him but their defeating of him reveals the hero's lineage to Saro.
  • Radimvice (エビルプリースト, Ebirupuri-suto). An Evil Priest and assistant to Necrosaro and one of the four minions placing a barrier on his Palace in Chapter 5. Later, it is discovered that he ordered the killing of Rosa. He is the final boss of the remake, in Chapter 6.
  • Keeleon (キングレオ, Kingu Reo). The new king of Keeleon, a castle on the southwestern continent. Has the head of a lion and multiple arms. His name better translates from the original Japanese as King Leo. He is initially fought in Chapter 4 by the sisters Maya and Meena but he is an unwinnable battle. He is finally defeated later by the Hero's party.
  • Balzack (バルザック, Baruzakku). Apprentice to Mahabala (originally localized as Edgar), Meena and Maya's father. Betrayed his mentor and sought the Secret of Evolution, eventually becoming a fierce monster. He is fought and badly wounded during Chapter 4, but later returns in Chapter 5 as the new ruler of the Zamoksva Kingdom.

Endor Tournament Participants

These are the fighters Princess Alena faces at the end of Chapter 2. In between each round, Alena is allowed to use a Medical herb to recover her health. She must face all 5 in a row at one time, otherwise she will need to start at the beginning.

  • Hun (マスター ハン, Masuta-Han). First fighter in the tournament, who fights like a boxer.
  • Roric (ラゴス, Ragosu). Second fighter in the tournament, who uses a boomerang.
  • Vivian (ビビアン, Bibian). Third fighter in the tournament, who casts magic.
  • Sampson (サイモン, Saimon). The fourth fighter in the tournament, who is a very strong fighter.
  • Linguar (ベロリンマン, Beroninman). The fifth fighter in the tournament, who creates three shadows of himself. This is the last fighter Alena faces.
  • Necrosaro. The current winner of the tournament, who ends up not arriving, thus forfeiting.

Story

The first four chapters introduce the motives and histories of the hero's future companions, as well as some information on the game's main antagonist, Saro. Each chapter gives meaning and attachment to those characters. In chapter one, the royal guard Ragnar must save the missing children and in doing so uncovers a plot to kill the still young hero. In chapter two, the princess Alena rebels against her father and sets out to prove her strength and embarks on a journey with Borya and Kiryl. In chapter three, the merchant Torneko Taloon seeks wealth and treasure, and an ultimate weapon that will destroy Necrosaro. In chapter four, the dancer Maya and the fortune teller Meena attempt to exact revenge on their father's murder. All four of these stories lead up to the hero's fifth chapter.

Prologue[7]

This chapter was added into the PlayStation and Nintendo DS remakes of Dragon Quest IV. This Chapter serves to introduce the Hero before the main quest begins. This is a short chapter that allows the Hero to explore his village before the main game begins.

Chapter 1: Ragnar McRyan and the Case of the Missing Children[8]

Originally localized as: The Royal Soldiers

The King of Burland issues concern of the cases of the region's children disappearing. After he checked through the country, Ragnar found the whereabouts of the children. They were kidnapped by monsters who intended to get rid of the Legendary Hero while he was still young. Ragnar is accompanied by a friendly heal-slime "Healie", and ventures into the abductors stronghold, to save the children. There, Ragnar also learned of the plot to resurrect the Ruler of Evil, and he decides to set off on a quest to find the Legendary Hero, with the King's blessing.

Chapter 2: Alena and the Journey to the Tourney[8]

Originally localized as: Princess Alena's Adventure

A tomboy Tsarevna of Zamoksva, Alena, finally slips out of her castle. Joined by Borya and Kyril, who noticed her leave home, she began a journey to test her strength. Along the way, they first free a town before they encounter a group of actors who pretend to be the Tsarevna and her companions, but the fake Tsarevna was abducted. Alena's party then venture out to find the "Golden Bracelet", a priceless entombed treasure as directed by the kidnappers for ransom. The kidnappers make off with the bracelet while Alena's father, the Tsar of Zamoksva, became unable to speak. Alena then set out to restore her father's voice. After, the Tsar told Alena that his speechlessness started when he decided to speak about his dream in which a giant monster attempts to destroy the world.

Permitted to leave the country by her father, Alena ventures to Endor and enters the tournament for the sake of saving the Princess of Endor from a forced marriage to the winner of the tournament. (That is if Alena (a girl) were to win, a marriage could not take place). After she overcame her first five foes, she was due to fight a man by the name of Necrosaro. He, however, failed to appear, so Alena won the tournament due to forfeit. Alena and her companions returned victorious to Zamoksva, only to discover that everyone in the castle disappeared. Thus, they embarked on a journey to uncover this mystery.

Chapter 3: Torneko and the Extravagant Excavation[8]

Originally localized as: Taloon the Arms Merchant

Torneko worked at Lakanaba's weaponry shop, but he was unhappy with his life. He finally set off on a journey to become the greatest merchant in the world. After he helped restore peace between antagonistic Bonmalmo and Endor, he purchased an empty shop in Endor, and started living there with his family. While doing business, Torneko heard about legendary weapons. After he helped open a tunnel to the eastern continent, he left Endor and his family to find these legendary weapons.

Chapter 4: Meena and Maya and the Mahabala Mystery[8]

Originally localized as: The Sisters of Monbaraba

Mahabala, the father of Maya and Meena, was a well-known alchemist who was close to turning objects into gold; he was however killed by Balzack for his refusal to help. After the murder, Maya and Meena remained in Monbaraba and sought revenge. Frustrated that they could not find him, they finally ventured out on a journey themselves. When they investigated their father’s laboratory, they met with Orin, Mahabala's apprentice.

The three of them ventured to Keeleon castle after they heard rumors of girls being abducted, but were unable to find out anything from the counselor. They then headed to the mining town Akemto in search of explosive powder on a tip that the counselor was afraid of loud noises and would run to the "master" of the castle.

Eventually the three got the powder and scared the counselor into showing them the secret entrance in Castle Keeleon, where they then encountered and fought with Balzack. After their victory against him, however, the true master of the castle, Keeleon beat them into submission and sent them to the dungeon. There, they got a boarding pass to Endor from a dying old man, whom also told them of a secret exit out of the dungeon. During the escape, Orin sacrificed himself to buy time for Meena and Mara so that they could flee to the port town Haville, and then to Endor.

Chapter 5: The Chosen[8]

Originally localized as: The Chosen Ones

The Hero was living in a calm village with his family, but his town was finally discovered by Necrosaro. In an assault of monsters, the hero's best friend used her transform magic to disguise herself as the hero and sacrificed herself to the army to fool them into thinking that the real hero was dead. Having lost his hometown, the hero has to drift from town to town.

Along the journey, the hero first met Maya and Meena in Endor, then obtained a wagon and ship before he joined Torneko Taloon, Borya, Alena, and Kiryl. Ragnar McRyan assisted the hero in defeating Keeleon, thus uniting the eight chosen ones. After they defeated an evolved Balzack in Santeem Castle, it was revealed while he was dying that the "Golden Bracelet" was needed to make the secret of evolution stable.

The Hero's party then began to search the world for the legendary Zenithian Equipment to gain access into the Zenithian Castle, high in the sky. While they worked on this quest, they eventually disguised themselves as monsters and snuck into Necrasaro's stronghold. At a conference with Necrasaro, they discovered that in Akemto, the miners had struck too deep and stumbled upon the lair of Esturk, the Ruler of Evil. Necrasaro teleported there while the Heroes chased after him, and after they crawled through the mines they came across the ancient ruins of Esturk's palace. The Heroes then engaged the revived Esturk in combat, and destroyed him, but while doing so Necrosaro approaches prepared to take out the weakened heroes. At the last moment he was informed that something terrible had happened, and he left before he engaged with the heroes.

The Heroes eventually made their way back to Strathbaile[7] (originally Izmit) village where they had a strange dream that the entire town had continued to have. The dream showed Necrosaro's sweet-heart Rosa getting abducted by humans. Rosa is an elf, whose tears were made of ruby. The humans were assaulting her to make her cry. The dream sequence shows Necrosaro arrived on the scene and killed the humans. Yet he was too late to save Rosa, and with her dying breath Rosa asked him to give up his mad scheme to destroy the humans. He however gave into his anger vowing that no human would survive his rage. He then went deep into the World of Evil where he hid in his castle using the now perfected secret of evolution on himself to become the next Ruler of Evil.

The Heroes, realizing his plans, finished gathering the armor and made their way to the Zenithian Castle where they met with its ruler, Master Dragon. Master Dragon informed them that they must descend underground after Necrosaro and stop him. While in the World of Evil, the Heroes discovered that Rosa's abduction was part of a plot to drive Necrosaro to insanity by one of his generals. After defeating Necrosaro's generals, they confronted Necrosaro who had evolved himself to the same state as Esturk. While they battle he continued to evolve until he reached the "final stage" of evolution, where the Heroes managed to defeat him.

After the battle had finished, the Heroes were taken back to Zenithian Castle by Master Dragon who offered an invitation to the Hero to stay with them forever and revealed that he was in fact Zenithian. The Hero however turned down the offer and escorted each of his companions to their homes before returning to his own destroyed home. There he used his power to restore it and revived his best friend, and then reunited with his companions.

Chapter 6: The Road to the Happy End [9]

This chapter does not appear in the original NES release, and was only added later into the enhanced remakes.

This chapter focused on the heroes working with Necrosaro to avenge the death of Rosa, and finally put the world back in order. Throughout this chapter, Rosa was revived and the party was able to defeat her true killer, the Dark Priest Radimvince, one of Necrosaro's subordinates who intended to take the secrets of evolution for himself and ursurp Necrosaro, setting all plans in motion that drove Necrosaro into his insanity.

Legacy

Reception

Dragon Warrior IV was awarded "Best Challenge" and 2nd place "Best Overall Game" in 1993 by Nintendo Power, runner-up "Best Role Playing Game of 1992" by GamePro, "Best Role Playing Game of 1992" by Game Informer and "Best NES Adventure/RPG of 1992" by Game Players. In the August 2008, 20th Anniversary issue of Nintendo Power, Dragon Warrior IV was ranked 18th out of the 20 best games for the NES.[10]

Remakes

To allow new generations an opportunity to play some of their older games, Enix has released enhanced updates to several of their Dragon Quest games on newer consoles.

PlayStation

File:Dq4-2.jpg
The world map of the PlayStation Dragon Quest IV remake

Dragon Quest IV was remade for the PlayStation on November 22, 2001 in Japan. It was developed by Heartbeat and published by Enix. The remake was developed using Dragon Quest VII's 3D graphics engine, but was still Dragon Quest IV's story and world. The characters, towns, world maps, sound, battles and enemies all received updates. The character sprites were updated to match the original artwork for the characters in the original Dragon Quest IV Manual and artwork. With this remake came several new features. Among these features were a new chapter, a new character, an intra-party talk command similar to Dragon Quest VII, and the ability to turn off the artificial intelligence for party members to allow for direct control of their attacks (except AI Party Members). The game sold over one million copies in Japan by the end of 2001.[11]

Enix America originally planned to bring the remake to North America in 2002 and had even advertised this upcoming released on the back cover to the US instruction manual for Dragon Warrior VII, but it was later canceled due to Heartbeat closing its video game development operations before the localization and translation could be completed. It was later explained that the cost and time that a different company would need to invest to complete the translation prohibited Enix from passing this to another developer, as Heartbeat was the most familiar with their own design.[12]

Nintendo DS

Dragon Quest IV was later re-released for the Nintendo DS in Japan in November 2007. The game has been remade in 3D, similar to the PlayStation version.[13] This release has kept many of the enhancements from the PlayStation, but has received enhanced upgrades to smooth the graphics further, and improved sound.

Shortly after the Japanese release, several people editing the Japanese ROM file discovered a near complete English translation along with Spanish, French, German, and Italian translations already inside the Japanese game.[14] Many fans took this to mean such an announcement is imminent. On April 9, 2008, Square-Enix applied for a trademark to the title "Chapters of the Chosen", speculation has begun that this is the new subtitle to Dragon Quest IV for an American Release. [15]

On April 18th 2008, Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen was found to have a rating of E10+ by the ESRB, for Alcohol Reference, Animated Blood, Mild Fantasy Violence, Mild Language, Simulated Gambling, and Suggestive Themes.[16] A official release date of September 16, 2008 was finally established on the official North American site.[2] The game has also been announced for a European release on an unspecified date in September under the title Dragon Quest: Chapters of the Chosen, omitting the number IV in a similar fashion to the European version of Dragon Quest VIII.[6]

This version of the game contains an entirely new translation of the script, and several enhancements to the game.[7] The new translation has changed the names of many of the main characters, weapons and towns to be closer to, or include their original Japanese names, while adding several new localizations.[7] This version also uses the new spell naming convention first used in Dragon Quest VIII, such as the spell Beat from Dragon Warrior IV is now Whack.[7] The new translation includes 13 regional dialects for the various areas[17] , including Burland now being Scotish, and Lakabana now being Irish.[7] This version also includes the Prologue and Bonus (Chapter 6) Chapters and Immigrant town (with some enhancements) from the PlayStation version.[7] This version allows players to take manual control of all of their party members in Chapter 5 and Chapter 6.[7]

Spin-offs

Dragon Quest IV is the first game in the series to spawn spin-offs. The merchant Torneko (also known as Taloon in the NES version) was popular enough to star his own series, in which he finds himself in quests in order to expand his store. These games are the Torneko no Daibouken sub-series (Translated as Torneko's Great Adventure), roguelike and random dungeon games produced by Enix (and Square Enix) and developed by Chunsoft. The success of the games later inspired the creation of the Mysterious Dungeon series.

Ragnar, Healie, and Taloon all later appear as cameo's in Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King in the Monster Arena. Taloon later cameo's in Dragon Quest Yangus as a merchant.

Manga

A five volume manga called Dragon Quest: Princess Alena was released. It followed the story of Chapter 2, Alena's adventure,[18][19]but begins to divert during the events in the Birdsong Tower. From this point forward, it introduces several new characters, including the evil Evil Leather Dominatrix Woman, and new locations, including an Arctic location and a haunted house. This story ends with Alena fighting Saro and defeating him before he goes on with the Golden Bracelet to perfect the secret of evolution.

Soundtrack

As with every Dragon Quest, Koichi Sugiyama composed the music and directed all the associated spinoffs. The song heard during gameplay depends on a number of factors. A specific track is always played for towns, another for caves or dungeons, another while the party is mounted on the hot air balloon, for instance. Lastly, while out in the world, each of the first four acts has its own theme song, as does the Hero--in act five, the theme song played depends on who is the first character in the formation.

The original Dragon Warrior IV was one of the only games to feature a crescendo during the battle music. Such a technique was virtually unheard of for an NES game. Not even the PSX remake, Dragon Quest IV, featured this musical concept.

Dragon Quest IV ~The People Are Shown the Way~ Symphonic Suite is a compilation of music from Dragon Quest IV. The first print of the album was in 1990, the London Philharmonic version came out a year later, and a reprint of the original was released in 2000.[20]

The tracklisting of the Symphonic Suite is:

File:DragonQuestIVOST.jpg
The cover of the Symphonic Suite
  1. Overture (1:55)
  2. Minuet (3:07)
  3. Comrades (10:28)
  4. In a Town (8:16)
  5. Homeland ~ Wagon Wheels' March (5:58)
  6. Frightening Dungeons ~ Cursed Towers (5:19)
  7. Elegy ~ Mysterious Shrine (5:03)
  8. Balloon's Flight (4:32)
  9. Sea Breeze (4:31)
  10. The Unknown Castle (4:37)
  11. Battle for the Glory (7:51)
  12. The End (5:12)

In 1991, Enix released a set of videos featuring Koichi Sugiyama conducting the London Philharmonic Orchestra performing the soundtrack in Warwick Castle, along with clips of acting.

References

  1. ^ Famitsu. Retrieved 2007-9-12
  2. ^ a b Square Enix. "DRAGON QUEST IV". Square Enix. Retrieved May 20. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |Year= ignored (|year= suggested) (help)
  3. ^ "Dragon Quest: The Chapters of the Chosen Available Across Europe in September". gamershell.com. 2008-08-07. Retrieved 2008-08-07.
  4. ^ "Ubisoft to distribute DQ: The Chapters of the Chosen in AU". PALGN author=Luke Van Leuveren. 2008-06-25. Retrieved 2008-07-10. {{cite web}}: Missing pipe in: |publisher= (help)
  5. ^ a b c Staff (1993). "Dragon Warrior IV". Nintendo Power (46). Nintendo of America: 82–87. {{cite journal}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help); Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  6. ^ a b "EXPERIENCE DRAGON QUEST IN THE PALM OF YOUR HAND ZENITHIA TRILOGY ANNOUNCED FOR EUROPE". MCV. 21/5/2008. Retrieved 2008-05-22. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  7. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v Loe, Casey (2008). "A flight of Dragons". Nintendo Power (230). Future USA, Inc: 50–57. {{cite journal}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help); Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  8. ^ a b c d e f g Square-Enix (2008). "Dragon Quest IV (Official Site)". Retrieved June 25. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  9. ^ Red Scarlet (2001). "Chapter 6 Translation Guide (JIS)". Retrieved Mar 28. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  10. ^ Nintendo Power Staff (2008). "Best of the Best". Nintendo Power (231). Future USA, Inc: 71. {{cite journal}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help); Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  11. ^ Witham, Joseph (December 12, 2001). "Enix Ships 1 Million Copies of Dragon Quest IV". RPGamer.com. Retrieved 2008-07-29.
  12. ^ Dwaine Bullock (2005). "Dragon Warrior IV: The Explanation". Retrieved April 17. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  13. ^ Square Enix (2007). "Dragon Quest 4 to 6". Retrieved Sept 1. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  14. ^ Slime Knights: DQ4 US 'Confirmed'? Game contains pre-translated English? - Information No Longer Available - Mar 28, 2008
  15. ^ Spencer (2008). "Siliconera » Square Enix trademarks Chapters of the Chosen (update: Dragon Quest IV?)". Retrieved April 17. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  16. ^ ESRB (2008). "Entertainment Software Rating Board". Retrieved April 18. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help) - May need to input Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen to get result
  17. ^ EBGAMES (2008). "EBGames.com - Buy Dragon Quest IV - Nintendo DS". Retrieved June 25. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  18. ^ "Dragon Quest Manga". 2005. Retrieved Sept 21. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  19. ^ Beth Cato (2003). "Besu's Dragon Quest Slime Shrine:Manga: Dragon Quest IV:". Retrieved March 28. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  20. ^ Lucy Rzeminski (2007). "Dragon Quest IV soundtrack". Retrieved Aug 31. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
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