Jerry

I'd like to continue my series of DW thoughts and memories with the final game of the Erdrick trilogy: Dragon Warrior III!  The final game of the Erdrick trilogy ended with a bang and regardless of how you feel about the game, there's no doubt that Enix upped the ante this time around.  So now I ask you this: when was the first time you ever played it? What were your initial reactions? Do you still feel the same today? If not, why? Which version is your favorite to play? How would you put it against the other games in the series? Do you still play it? Are there any unique memories you've had playing this game?

For me, I first happened upon this gem at my cousin's house.  It would be the final Dragon Warrior game I played for many years and I never got to beat it at my cousin's house.  However, that could be because I spent quite a long time in front of the Dhama Shrine leveling my players and changing classes.  I remember being amazed by the ability to create my own party, rather than have pre-made cousins like in DW2.  Soon, the world was talking about the exploits of Pencil the Hero, Jerry the Warrior, Vince the Merchant and Eraser the Cleric.  Together, we forged through hordes of enemies, changing classes quite often, even creating our own town!  I do remember beating Baramos and fully believing the game had been won (which my cousin played up heavily).  When Zoma revealed himself, it blew me out of the water, especially stepping into the dark world and hearing that familiar tune.  Unfortunately, I never got to finish cause my cousin sold his games for a SNES.  Skip forward to the year 2007 where I find a used copy for the GBC.  Playing through it again reimmersed me in the series and the ending was quite awesome.

Personally, I love almost everything about this game.  From the earth-like world map, the customization of your party and classes, creating your own town and the amazing storyline, this game truly shines and is one of my favorite games of all time.

What are some of your experiences?

(If you'd like to share your experiences or memories with the first and second games [or even vote on their polls], please click the links below)

Dragon Warrior
Dragon Warrior 2

A couple years ago, I made a topic about the first game in the DW series and your thoughts/memories. Unfortunately, I lost my account information, but I've since recovered it. Reading all of your opinions and memories of the first Dragon Warrior was a blast and quite fun (I just wish I hadn't forgotten so I could interact a bit more). Now, I'd like to hear your opinions and memories on Dragon Warrior II, the first sequel and, for many, the first game in the Dragon Warrior series that we actually had to buy (as many received #1 from Nintendo Power). When was the first time you ever played it? What were your initial reactions? Do you still feel the same today? If not, why? Which version is your favorite to play? How would you put it against the other games in the series? Do you still play it? Are there any unique memories you've had playing this game?

My first experience with this game was at my cousin's house. We had just finished the first game and I was eagerly anticipating the next one. I remember starting it up and watching the opening cutscene and became determined to defeat Hargon. I grinded outside Midenhall for a while, leveling up against the multiple enemies and taking in DW2. I remember getting frustrated because my hero wasn't learning any magic until my cousin finally explained the party member system and how their names change based on yours (which was and still is pretty cool). It didn't make me happy, though after getting my two party members, I quickly forgot as I was no longer alone in this adventure. Having my cousins in game to share the adventure with me became immsersive (I even began to call my cousin Orfeo). Pencil, Orfeo and Kailin may have had their weaknesses, but through constant fighting and leveling, there seemed to be no obstacle that could trump us! ...That is, until the infamous road to Rhone, where many a gravestone lay from my futile attempts to break through monster ranks.

One of my favorite moments from this game was finding Alefgard in the middle of the map and exploring all my favorite locations as they were 100 years later. Finding the grandson of Dragonlord (who my cousin told me was the true final boss after you beat Hargon, though I later found out the truth) as well as Erdrick's sword was simply amazing. It caught me completely off guard ("That looks like Alefgard! ...No way it is!").

Though it's not my favorite Dragon Warrior game, it certainly holds a special part of my heart and I certianly won't forget how difficult this game was. What are some of your memories and opinions on this game?

(By the way, if you'd like to comment on the first game, head over here )