Approved Dragon Quest 1 Review/Opinion

[kbcinharoxa]

I’ll start this review from the beginning.

The first Dragon Quest game I ever played was Dragon Quest V (mobile) back in 2023. Sadly, I never finished it because I lost my phone. So now, in 2026, I decided to finally go through the franchise properly — and yeah, I chose to start from the very beginning.

Was it a good starting point?
Honestly… yeah, I think so.

I haven’t played that many RPGs to compare it with everything out there, but my experience was mostly pretty enjoyable — except for the insane grinding. And funny enough, this is something I already noticed back in DQ V. Grinding seems to be kind of a thing in this franchise. Out of my 12 hours of gameplay, I swear around 8 hours were just grinding. No exaggeration.

One thing that really made me laugh was how the game lets you save the princess and then basically go “do whatever you want.” Later, I found out that in the remake, she actually follows you and has more interactions during the journey. I had no idea about that, so I just handed her over to the king to save my game. It was already late at night, and I had absolutely zero patience left at that point XD.

About the enemies: they’re not hard, just annoying. You get a LOT of random encounters, which slows everything down. The Dragon Lord himself is actually really easy if you think about it — just follow the pattern:
Attack → Heal → Attack → Heal, repeat until he’s dead.

Graphics-wise, it’s kind of a mixed experience. Sometimes it genuinely felt like I was playing an Atari game (Atari fans, please don’t kill me, I’m a noob XD). That said, the sprites are amazing. Seeing enemies that clearly resemble Akira Toriyama’s designs was honestly one of my favorite parts, and that alone adds a ton of charm.

NPCs, though… yeah, nothing special. They’re just there. No deep conversations, no memorable dialogue — mostly basic stuff like “go there,” “welcome,” “take this item,” etc. Very generic, in my opinion.

But hey, this is a 1986 game, so I can’t be too harsh.

So yeah, wrapping up this mini-review:
Dragon Quest / Dragon Warrior I is simple, grind-heavy, and clearly outdated, but it also has charm and does a solid job as the foundation of a legendary franchise.

Final score: 8/10

 

[Yousef Yousef]

nice application.
Seems really good so far, just remember to add images when publishing the final article.

I’ll dm my fellow staff and see if I could get you the badge, best of luck!

 

[kbcinharoxa]

nice application.
Seems really good so far, just remember to add images when publishing the final article.

I’ll dm my fellow staff and see if I could get you the badge, best of luck!

Thank you!!!

It actually took me a while — I spent 12 hours playing (almost nonstop), then I finished the game and thought, “The world must know…”

I’ll probably make some corrections, of course — if it gets approved
But it honestly makes me really happy to see someone enjoying one of my works

And who knows… maybe I’ll even make some kind of animated gameplay recap in the future.
(RELEASES IN 2030 IN THE THEATERS XD)

 

[Yousef Yousef]

Thank you!!!

It actually took me a while — I spent 12 hours playing (almost nonstop), then I finished the game and thought, “The world must know…”

I’ll probably make some corrections, of course — if it gets approved
But it honestly makes me really happy to see someone enjoying one of my works

And who knows… maybe I’ll even make some kind of animated gameplay recap in the future.
(RELEASES IN 2030 IN THE THEATERS XD)

Your application is approved. Welcome to the guild, my friend :)

 

[Waffles's iconWaffles]

That was fast.

Welcome to the Guild!

 

[kbcinharoxa]

Your application is approved. Welcome to the guild, my friend :)

THANK YOU! :D i appreciate it!

 

[arkasth]

Honestly, a very good review, and in the end you summed it up really well. It’s a simple game, grindy as hell. You really need to keep that in mind when playing.

As @Yousef said, try adding a few images later, especially at the beginning. And congrats on the badge!

 

[kbcinharoxa]

That was fast.

Welcome to the Guild!

Every day after work, or during my breaks, I kept playing and playing XD

Thank you so much!
I’ll probably end up writing a review for every game in the franchise, but…… FOR NOW, I NEED A BREAK!!!

I’m so tired of seeing that DAMN KNIGHT THAT ALWAYS DONT LET ME RUN.

 

[solnK!]

I really enjoyed this review, congratulation for geting approved! :D

 

[kbcinharoxa]

I really enjoyed this review, congratulation for geting approved! :D

yo!!! Thank you very much :D i'm here writing the OFICIAL, 100% , TOP PERCENT...............review.

Like, changing things here and there hope you like that too :D its basically the same review, just adding things that i left behind.

 

[solnK!]

yo!!! Thank you very much :D i'm here writing the OFICIAL, 100% , TOP PERCENT...............review.

Like, changing things here and there hope you like that too :D its basically the same review, just adding things that i left behind.

Looking forward to it

 

[Naltic]

Nice review, I have always wanted to play DQ after listening to this soundtrack:

I never did because I am partly too lazy, and also because I just don't know where to start. But I might start this year, what with the new year, new me and all that, I might just end up getting rid of my lazy habit. We'll see.

 

[kbcinharoxa]

Nice review, I have always wanted to play DQ after listening to this soundtrack:

I never did because I am partly too lazy, and also because I just don't know where to start. But I might start this year, what with the new year, new me and all that, I might just end up getting rid of my lazy habit. We'll see.

Wow, that’s actually a really cool way to change, man. Honestly, I’m lazy too :/
I just don’t get lazy when it comes to games or hobbies. But yeah, the good thing is getting out of that mindset. Recently it was the same case for me—I was feeling lazy about playing DQ1, kept postponing it, and look at me now… I beat it in 12 hours XD

It was a really nice journey, and I’m putting together a pretty cool review, you know? With guides, gameplay scenes, and fun stuff XD I’m trying to make something neat. I even have a small spoiler planned :P

Nothing super special, just trying to be different and actually put in some effort xd
I jumped into the game and made a bunch of personalized GIFs myself.


Now, about which game to start with… go with DQ V. The BEST one, as far as I know. The story is absolutely beautiful, man. For anyone who enjoys RPGs, I totally recommend it.


Okay, I stretched this out too much… got a bit too excited XD

 

[Naltic]

Wow, that’s actually a really cool way to change, man. Honestly, I’m lazy too :/
I just don’t get lazy when it comes to games or hobbies. But yeah, the good thing is getting out of that mindset. Recently it was the same case for me—I was feeling lazy about playing DQ1, kept postponing it, and look at me now… I beat it in 12 hours XD

It was a really nice journey, and I’m putting together a pretty cool review, you know? With guides, gameplay scenes, and fun stuff XD I’m trying to make something neat. I even have a small spoiler planned :P

View attachment 142340
Nothing super special, just trying to be different and actually put in some effort xd
I jumped into the game and made a bunch of personalized GIFs myself.


Now, about which game to start with… go with DQ V. The BEST one, as far as I know. The story is absolutely beautiful, man. For anyone who enjoys RPGs, I totally recommend it.


Okay, I stretched this out too much… got a bit too excited XD

Nice man! Looks very cool. Tho I have a question about DQ 1, more specifically about the story, how is it, objectively? Does it delve into philosophical questions that leave you pondering deeply? Also, does it evoke a sense of adventure and awe? Like, it's hard to explain, but like this sense of having really done something grand and freeing? Because I think it's about time I play that type of game, but I just haven't found one that really checked those criteria.

 

[kbcinharoxa]

Nice man! Looks very cool. Tho I have a question about DQ 1, more specifically about the story, how is it, objectively? Does it delve into philosophical questions that leave you pondering deeply? Also, does it evoke a sense of adventure and awe? Like, it's hard to explain, but like this sense of having really done something grand and freeing? Because I think it's about time I play that type of game, but I just haven't found one that really checked those criteria.

WELL, the game is a classic—and by classic I mean it basically has “no story”, like a Mario Bros situation: save the princess and defeat the evil. But man… I don’t know if it’s just me, but I actually got emotional.
The game is a huge open world—open world in quotation marks, of course. You can go wherever you want, whenever you want, and if you’re brave enough, you can even try going to the endgame at a low level (it’s probably possible, I just didn’t try).


And when you finally defeat the Dragonlord… my brother… you feel relief. Like,
“Wow… that was an adventure. I defeated monsters, traveled through cities and forests, explored dungeons, killed a dragon, and saved the world!”
That’s what’s so good about retro games. They’re simple, but they give you a real sense of achievement because they’re challenging. Modern games do this too, but… man, the only modern one that impacted me on that same level was Undertale (and it looks old too XD).

Maybe the remake gives off the same vibe. Or the other games in the series. Or tons of other games out there. But yeah… this one gave me a genuine feeling of adventure and accomplishment, my friend.


PS: Sorry for the HUGE text again—I just really like writing what I truly feel

 

[Xdqwerty Xdqwerty]

I agree that aside from the grinding dq 1 is a great entry point to the series

 

[kbcinharoxa]

I agree that aside from the grinding dq 1 is a great entry point to the series

YEAH! XD lol, thats your setup? not judging, mine the same.

 

[Naltic]

WELL, the game is a classic—and by classic I mean it basically has “no story”, like a Mario Bros situation: save the princess and defeat the evil. But man… I don’t know if it’s just me, but I actually got emotional.
The game is a huge open world—open world in quotation marks, of course. You can go wherever you want, whenever you want, and if you’re brave enough, you can even try going to the endgame at a low level (it’s probably possible, I just didn’t try).


And when you finally defeat the Dragonlord… my brother… you feel relief. Like,
“Wow… that was an adventure. I defeated monsters, traveled through cities and forests, explored dungeons, killed a dragon, and saved the world!”
That’s what’s so good about retro games. They’re simple, but they give you a real sense of achievement because they’re challenging. Modern games do this too, but… man, the only modern one that impacted me on that same level was Undertale (and it looks old too XD).

Maybe the remake gives off the same vibe. Or the other games in the series. Or tons of other games out there. But yeah… this one gave me a genuine feeling of adventure and accomplishment, my friend.


PS: Sorry for the HUGE text again—I just really like writing what I truly feel

I guess I'll give it a try (and don't worry about writing a lot, it just shows that you like what you are writing about, and I don't know about you, but I think getting info from passionate people is the best).

 

[zacharinolongpants]

For how primitive the first game is, I can't help but find it quite satisfying. I had the Gameboy Color remake growing up and that's a fantastic way to get through car rides and random stuff with family lol.

 

[arkasth]

Games like this are perfect for handhelds

 

[Dingalow]

You're on-point, honestly. DQ1 is not only a great introductory game for its series but I think it's a really good starting point for the JRPG genre. It is quite grindy but it's also really simple, not very punishing, and just a pleasant little adventure.

 

[kbcinharoxa]

You're on-point, honestly. DQ1 is not only a great introductory game for its series but I think it's a really good starting point for the JRPG genre. It is quite grindy but it's also really simple, not very punishing, and just a pleasant little adventure.

Yeah!! I see people not wanting to play / not recommending the franchise because it’s “dated” or always has the same “formula” or whatever. I haven’t played all of them, or even most of the franchise, so I can’t really say that for sure, but… come on. Maybe I just like any game, or maybe the game is actually good. Who knows? Opinions

 

[zacharinolongpants]

You're in for a treat once you get to III if you already like what's happening.

 

[kbcinharoxa]

You're in for a treat once you get to III if you already like what's happening.

Man, I liked the first game right away XD
My so-called “mini” review has already taken me 2–3 days :,v
Maybe I’m just too perfectionist, or maybe I just like writing and wasting my time… I’ll let people decide.

But honestly, it’s turning out really well-crafted. I’m this close to replaying the game just to record some footage. It’s been a fun project.
I also heard about DQ III and its personality mechanic — and I love that kind of thing in video games. Being who you choose to be, with your party reflecting your decisions, not just some random NPCs.

And, without wanting to say too much… our GOAT from DQ I defeated the Dragonlord with no companions. Just a sword, a shield, and a dream.



Please...... applause

 

[solnK!]

I also heard about DQ III and its personality mechanic — and I love that kind of thing in video games. Being who you choose to be, with your party reflecting your decisions, not just some random NPCs.

DQ IX kinda gices the same experience and feeling, I love it a lot, it's my favorite one :)