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Background

Dragon Quest IX box shot

Developer	Level-5
Publisher	Square Enix
Creator	Yuji Horii
Character Art	Akira Toriyama
US Release	TBA 2009/2010
Japan Release	July 11 2009

Unlike other Dragon Quest games, Dragon Quest IX: Defenders of the Starry Sky allows players to create the main protagonist (Hero). The story begins high above the world, in an angelic paradise known as the Kingdom of Angels. The Hero is one of the angels who inhabit the kingdom. As an angel, the Hero's goal is ultimately to make it into God's Land, though he'll need to get the Goddess Fruit before he is allowed to enter God's Land. Being that this isn't your ordinary run-of-the-mill fruit, the only way to find it would be to pay a visit to the World Tree - but it only grows when the tree is empowered by Star Auras. In order to acquire one of the Goddess's fruits, you'll need to collect an awful lot of Star Auras, and the only way to do that is by helping out the inhabitants of the world. The Hero's journey begins as you visit the people below the seemingly angelic paradise, and offer to help them with whatever it is that they may need assistance with.

Gameplay

Dragon Quest IX: Defenders of the Starry Sky isn't your typical Dragon Quest game. Unlike past Dragon Quest titles, where a single goal is laid out in front of you, you will be forced to complete hundreds of smaller quests for people - in order to reach your goal of entering God's Land. Dragon Quest IX features hundreds of individual quests, ranging from slaying a specific breed of monster, to collecting a rare item for a villager. As you explore more of the world, more locations and quests become available to you. The more quests you complete, the more Star Aura you collect. Dragon Quest IX features additional quests, or "side quests", that share no relevancy to the game's storyline. These "side quests" are usually for rewards, such as a piece of equipment or an item that is unattainable through play otherwise.

Multiplayer

Dragon Quest IX is the first game in the series to feature wireless multiplayer. Players may connect with one another, either through the Nintendo DS's local wireless capabilities or through Nintendo Wi-Fi, and form exploration parties of up to four. Certain quests and locations are only available for play, or can be unlocked, through playing with other people. Players will also be able to download exclusive Wi-Fi quests, and access an online shop where unique items, equipment, and costumes can be purchased for gold.

Characters

Sandy

A fairy character who arrives alongside of the hero in the human world. Little is known about her intentions at this time, other than that she is also collecting Star Auras.

Needo

A young man who seems to have a thing against the main character. Often times acting as a bully, he may be more of a friend than a foe upon closer inspection.

Origa

A timid young woman who worries about things constantly. She was born in a seaside town, and seems to have a respect for the ocean.

Rufin and Eliza

Rufin is an eager young archeologist. The way he speaks suggests that he very confident in his findings, perhaps a bit too confident. Eliza is his wife. A tad naive, she helps Rufin out with his research.

Teal

Another young man from a far off city. He was forced into his current whereabouts by his uncle for reasons unknown at this time.

Ratina

A young woman shrouded in mystery. She seeks the hero's help, but for what?

Reception

Dragon Quest IX sold 2,318,932 copies -- out of an estimated three million copies that had been shipped -- just two days after it was released in Japan. The game received mixed reviews from gamers, though it received favorable reviews from most gaming magazines / websites. Famitsu gave Dragon Quest IX a perfect 40/40, claiming that the game was true to it's roots and a visual spectacle on the DS.