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Story
Dragon Quest VII: Fragments of the Forgotten Past is a monumental entry in the legendary RPG series, developed by Heartbeat and ArtePiazza and published by Enix (now Square Enix). Released initially for the PlayStation in 2000, the game was later remade for the Nintendo 3DS in 2013. The story is an expansive journey through time, laden with mystery, adventure, and heroism.
The narrative begins on the small, isolated Island of Estard, where the protagonist—a young boy living in the fishing village of Pilchard Bay—resides with his family. Accompanied by his adventurous best friend, Prince Kiefer, and the scholarly Maribel, the protagonist embarks on a journey that starts with a simple exploration of mysterious ruins near their village. Their curiosity unveils a centuries-old secret: the world was once much larger, consisting of numerous islands and continents that have mysteriously vanished from existence.
As the story unfolds, the trio discovers ancient stone tablets that serve as keys to the past, allowing them to travel back in time. With each journey, they encounter different civilizations and unravel the events that led to the disappearance of these lands. Through their efforts, they gradually restore these islands to the present world, piecing together the fragmented past. The plot intricately weaves themes of courage, friendship, and the timeless battle between good and evil, culminating in a confrontation with the malevolent force responsible for the world’s fragmentation.
Gameplay
Dragon Quest VII is renowned for its traditional turn-based combat and extensive gameplay that offers a deep and immersive experience. The game is structured around the exploration of various islands, each with its own unique history, characters, and challenges. Players must solve puzzles, battle monsters, and engage in quests to collect the stone fragments necessary to unlock new areas of the past.
Job System
A standout feature of Dragon Quest VII is its robust job system, which allows characters to learn and master a variety of vocations. Players can choose from over 30 different classes, ranging from classic roles like Warrior and Mage to more unconventional ones like Pirate and Monster Masher. This system offers a high level of customization, as characters can inherit skills from their previous jobs, allowing for a wide range of strategic possibilities in battle.
Exploration and Puzzles
The exploration aspect is enriched with intricate puzzles that must be solved to progress through the story. These puzzles often involve manipulating the environment, deciphering clues, or using acquired skills and items. The game encourages players to thoroughly investigate their surroundings and engage with NPCs, as hidden secrets and fragments are often tucked away in unexpected places.
Combat
Combat in Dragon Quest VII is turn-based, with players selecting actions for each party member before a round begins. The battles are challenging and require strategic planning, especially when facing bosses or large groups of enemies. The job system plays a crucial role in combat, as players must balance their party’s strengths and weaknesses to succeed in tougher encounters.
Graphics and Sound
The original PlayStation version of Dragon Quest VII featured 3D environments with 2D character sprites, a style that was both nostalgic and innovative for its time. The graphics, while not groundbreaking compared to other titles of the era, were charming and detailed, providing a vivid depiction of the varied landscapes and cultures within the game.
The 3DS remake significantly enhanced the visual experience with fully 3D graphics, modernizing the aesthetic while retaining the classic Dragon Quest charm. Character models and environments were redesigned to be more vibrant and expressive, offering a fresh experience for both new and returning players.
Dragon Quest VII’s soundtrack, composed by the legendary Koichi Sugiyama, is a hallmark of the series. The orchestral score enhances the emotional and dramatic moments of the game, with memorable themes that capture the essence of adventure and discovery. The music seamlessly complements the narrative, heightening the impact of key scenes and battles.
Legacy and Reception
Dragon Quest VII holds a significant place in the history of RPGs, both for its ambitious scale and its impact on the genre. Upon its release, the game was met with widespread acclaim in Japan, becoming one of the best-selling PlayStation games in the region. Critics praised its deep storytelling, engaging gameplay, and the innovative job system that added layers of strategy and replayability.
While the game received a more mixed reception in Western markets, primarily due to its lengthy playtime and old-school mechanics, it has since gained a dedicated fanbase that appreciates its depth and complexity. The 3DS remake helped introduce the game to a new generation of players, with quality-of-life improvements and updated visuals that made the experience more accessible.
Dragon Quest VII’s influence is evident in subsequent entries in the series, which continue to refine and expand upon the mechanics introduced in this installment. The game’s rich narrative and intricate world-building have been highlighted as benchmarks for storytelling in RPGs, inspiring developers to embrace more ambitious and interconnected plotlines.
Conclusion
Dragon Quest VII: Fragments of the Forgotten Past stands as a towering achievement in the role-playing genre. Its intricate story, combined with a deep and customizable job system, offers an engaging and rewarding experience that has left a lasting impression on players worldwide. Despite initial mixed responses outside Japan, the game has cemented its status as a beloved classic, thanks in part to the successful 3DS remake.
As a testament to the enduring appeal of the Dragon Quest series, Dragon Quest VII continues to captivate audiences with its timeless tale of adventure and heroism. Its legacy is one of innovation and inspiration, paving the way for future RPGs and solidifying its place in gaming history.
