Julian DayI play an annual game of FF1. A few years ago, I replayed Dragon Warrior IV. I think it's time to revisit the best overall NES RPG, Dragon Warrior III. #dw3 #jcddw3
I rarely strayed from taking a Soldier, a Pilgrim, and a Wizard as companions as a kid, so this time I'm doing Merchant, Fighter, Pilgrim. I think I used a Fighter once. I never took a Merchant. Time to play. #dw3 #jcddw3
Cleared the cave west of Noaniels. Got the dream ruby, gave it to the elves. The villagers wake. Back to Kanave. Shampagne awaits. #dw3 #jcddw3
Cleared the Tower of Shampagne, made my way to Assaram and Isis, cleared the Pyramid. Got the magic key and Golden Claw (the latter stashed due to the insane encounter rate it generates). Got all the magic key-hidden treasures, then made my way to Portoga. That's all for today. #dw3 #jcddw3
Went to Portoga, got the scroll for the dwarf, then made my way east to Baharama, dealing with Kandar a second time. Freed Galen and Tania, and got pepper for the king, who rewarded me with the ship. Solidly mid-game now. #dw3 #jcddw3
Raised the shrine out of the sea with the Vase of Drought. Obtained the Final Key. Entering the late midgame. #dw3 #jcddw3
Completed Garuna Tower. Belar the Merchant had just hit level 20, and I used the Book of Satori to turn him into a Sage. Right now is my planned end-game party (for now?): Hero, Fighter, Pilgrim, Sage. #dw3 #jcddw3
Retrieved the green, purple, and red orbs the day before yesterday/yesterday. Grabbed the echoing flute from the Tower of Arp today. Not having any real problems with my party.
I'm at the point in the game where I don't remember any of it, it's all new. Unlike Final Fantasy (which I've replayed dozens of times) or Dragon Warrior IV (once), I don't think I've ever played Dragon Warrior III on emulator. The last time I would've played it would've been...grade seven?...on my NES.
I always remembered Final Fantasy being my sentimental favourite, Dragon Warrior IV having the ambitious converging storylines, but Dragon Warrior III being the best overall game. I think I still hold to that. There are sidequests that are totally optional, you can rebuild your party, take new classes, etc. A huge amount of choice relative to a game like Final Fantasy, where you have to basically visit everywhere and the classes and skills are far less interesting.
alex䷰stopheles@juliancday i've never actually played *any* of the DQ games (outside of Builders 2 which doesn't really count) but have a bunch of them on my handheld emulator now, so that's about to change
@technihilism I love IV, because it managed to do about as much with its story as you could do on a NES cartridge. But III is very polished and complete for its era. It's grindy, but that's NES RPGs.
@juliancday i'm finding i kinda like the grindy on the handheld, it's perfect for bus trips
@technihilism I mean, I grew up in that era, I think you roughly did too, I don't mind it. Something Zen-like about spending 30-40 minutes just walking in a circle and killing monsters.