Why do we like certain video games? What part of a game drags us into its world and refuses to let go until the main meat of the game is completed? What keeps us playing and then coming back for more long after its initial shelf life? It is, after all, what keeps us all playing Super Mario World, Shining Force and even Final Fantasy IV. Enter a cute little game: Dragon Quest Heroes: Rocket Slime for the Nintendo DS. This game certainly brings up the question. By all accounts, should a game starring the most adorable monster ever work?
You take control of the monster slime named Rocket, who lives in the tiny 100 slime-strong town of Boingburg in the country of Slimenia. Shortly after the game starts, a group of villains known as the plob destroy the town and kidnap every citizen while Rocket gets thrown aside for being stretched out for playing the “forbidden flute.” From there, it is up to Rocket to rescue everyone and stop the plob from ravaging the land. It is not the most original story ever written, but it certainly feels unique. The game has fun with everything, creating puns with item descriptions, events and characters’ names. In other words, this is one of those rare games that is properly translated to its region. And it works flawlessly as something from the dialogue will release a chuckle out of you.
Graphically, the game brings the cel-shading and anime-inspired artwork from Dragon Quest 8 onto the small screen. Granted, it is toned down a bit, but it is rather impressive that the game looks good. Akira Toriyoma’s artwork (the graphic designer behind the questionably popular anime “Dragon Ball Z”) is at his best in this game. He has always been better at creating memorable monsters than human characters. Here, the favorite monsters from the Dragon Quest series return with a vengeance and look as good as they ever have; nothing is painful to look at. If you enjoyed Dragon Quest 8, there also are some references to that game (“Abbot Flancisco,” and the murals on the ground in one area depict King Trode and Medea). Ultimately, it is cute and whimsical, and it works wonderfully with the plot.
Controls, on the whole, are solid. Rocket is responsive, and there is no delay with actions. The top screen shows the map while exploring the field, and during the two tank fights, it shows the tanks and the items being fired. Furthermore, the “inventory” consists of items that can be fired at the enemy during tank battles (more on that in a bit). Also, the game is on the easy side, so those who have trouble with the average action game should be able to play this game with ease. The neatest part is that after sending a slimizen back to town, that the character writes a letter to Rocket (in the character’s own accent), containing either an item to use for the tank or a recipe to create newer items.
The only problem with the control scheme is that the jump button and the elastro stretch attack are attached to the same button — the A button. It would be much better if they were configured to two different buttons. Thankfully, the game does not pretend to be a platformer, nor does it act like one. Instead, it is a solid action-adventure game.
There is no touchscreen interaction, except for painting. Even then, the painting is already done, so it sort of defeats the purpose of being able to embellish them. It also is important to note that the alchemy pot from Dragon Quest 8 has returned. Unlike the aforementioned game, creating new items for the tank is quick and painless. The only “problem” is that recipes must be found before creating a new item. Specific items require larger amounts of older items to make newer and more potent ammunition.
As previously mentioned, the big draw here are the tank battles. What needs to be done is to take the ammo and fire it at an enemy tank. Whichever tank goes down to zero and its engine gets destroyed first loses. These battles can quickly become a test in patience as the enemy AI can be brutal, especially when your tankmates act in questionable manners. The bright side is that you can customize who follows Rocket into battle. This is mainly done by rescuing certain slimes and by finding 30 monsters of the same type; it also adds a golden statue of that monster (which is rather neat to look at). Different monster and slime companion combinations, along with different ammo, can make certain battles easier or more difficult. There is even a tank battle tournament, hosted by Mourie the monster arena master from Dragon Quest 8, that will test your skills and party combination. Ultimately, it is a fun and challenging aspect of the game.
Soundwise, this game is a treat to the ears. The familiar sounds of the Dragon Quest series is here in all its sonic glory. From the stately march of the Dragon Quest theme song to the familiar victory sound of brass horns, it sounds great. The only questionable song is the one in which there is a little bit of rap and R&B influences when the plob are talking to each other. Even though it fits the game, it sounds a little odd. Furthermore, the slimes all share the same shocked sound effects when they are hit, so that is a bit of a bummer. But all in all, it works, and I love listening to the soundtrack.
In terms of multiplayer, there is some gameplay via the local wireless function. There is the surf minigame in which Rocket (and other players) tries to obtain as many coins as possible. And then there is taking the tank battles against other players. Since I do not know anyone who owns the game, I have no clue how well the game runs with others. I have a strong sense that it is as solid as the rest.
If you did not like Dragon Quest 8, then this game will not change your mind. It is, however, a call back to the proverbial “good old days” in which video games were played because they were fun. Granted, there is no touchscreen usage, but it is a much stronger game for having great gameplay than questionable touchscreen usage. This game has tons of charm and depth in its world when the current trend is toward pretty graphics and shallowness — sort of like Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie. It took me about 15 hours to see about 90 percent of the game’s content, and then there’s the additional tank battle after the credits that will really test your tank skills. I highly recommend this game for those looking for a strong action-adventure for their DS. Yes, it is that good. Now go get it.
