Summary

Release Year: 1990
Genres: Adventure, Role-playing game (RPG)
Platforms: Family Computer, Nintendo Entertainment System
Developers: Chunsoft
Publishers: Enix Corporation

Dragon Warrior IV: A Timeless Classic

Released in 1990 for the NES, Dragon Warrior IV (known as Dragon Quest IV outside of North America) is a classic role-playing game that continues to be enjoyed by gamers today. It is the fourth installment in the Dragon Warrior/Dragon Quest series, and it was one of the first RPGs to feature a chapter-based story with multiple protagonists.

Dragon Warrior IV’s story is told in five chapters, each of which focuses on a different protagonist or group of protagonists. The first four chapters introduce us to the hero’s future companions: Ragnar, the burly swordsman; Meena, the wise and beautiful princess; Torneko, the greedy but good-hearted merchant; and Alena, the tomboyish princess and skilled martial artist. Each chapter tells the story of how these characters came to join the hero’s party and how they grew as individuals.

The fifth and final chapter brings all of the characters together as they begin their journey to save the world from the evil Archfiend, Psaro. Along the way, they must face numerous challenges, including treacherous dungeons, powerful monsters, and even their own inner demons.

Dragon Warrior IV’s gameplay is typical of early JRPGs. Players explore a top-down world, fighting monsters in turn-based battles. The game features a wide variety of classes and spells, and players can customize their party to suit their own playstyle.

One of the things that sets Dragon Warrior IV apart from other RPGs of its era is its story. The game’s characters are well-developed and relatable, and the story is full of twists and turns. The game also features some of the most memorable bosses in the series, including the fearsome Archfiend, Psaro.

Dragon Warrior IV was a critical and commercial success, and it is still considered one of the best RPGs ever made. The game has been praised for its story, characters, gameplay, and graphics. It has been ported to numerous platforms over the years, and it is still available for purchase on the Nintendo Switch and mobile devices.

Characters

Dragon Warrior IV features a cast of memorable and well-developed characters. Each of the five playable characters has their own unique backstory and motivations, and they all grow and change throughout the course of the game.

Ragnar: A burly swordsman who is the first character the player controls. Ragnar is a brave and loyal warrior, but he is also haunted by the death of his father.
Meena: A wise and beautiful princess who is the second character the player controls. Meena is a skilled healer and a powerful mage, but she is also kind and compassionate.
Torneko: A greedy but good-hearted merchant who is the third character the player controls. Torneko is always looking for a good deal, but he is also a loyal friend and a skilled fighter.
Alena: A tomboyish princess and skilled martial artist who is the fourth character the player controls. Alena is a strong and independent woman, but she is also kind and caring.
The Hero: The fifth and final character the player controls. The Hero is a young man who is destined to save the world from the evil Archfiend, Psaro.

Gameplay

One of the unique features of Dragon Warrior IV is its chapter-based story. The game is divided into five chapters, each of which focuses on a different protagonist or group of protagonists. This allows players to experience the story from multiple perspectives and to get to know the characters better.

Story

Dragon Warrior IV’s story is one of the most memorable and well-written in the series. The game’s characters are well-developed and relatable, and the story is full of twists and turns. The game also features some of the most memorable bosses in the series, including the fearsome Archfiend, Psaro.

The story begins with the hero being born in the small village of Burland. As he grows up, he learns of a prophecy that foretells of a great evil that will threaten the world. The hero sets out on a journey to find the legendary Zenithian Sword, the only weapon that can defeat the evil Archfiend, Psaro.

Along the way, the hero meets his four companions: Ragnar, Meena, Torneko, and Alena. Together, they must face numerous challenges, including treacherous dungeons, powerful monsters, and even their own inner demons.

In the end, the hero and his companions defeat the Archfiend, Psaro, and save the world from destruction.

Legacy

Dragon Warrior IV is considered one of the best RPGs ever made. The game was a critical and commercial success, and it has been ported to numerous platforms over the years. The game’s story, characters, gameplay, and graphics have all been praised by critics and fans alike.

Dragon Warrior IV has had a lasting impact on the RPG genre. The game’s chapter-based story and its focus on character development have been influential in many later RPGs. The game is also credited with helping to popularize the JRPG genre in the West.

Dragon Warrior IV is a classic RPG that stands the test of time. The game’s story, characters, gameplay, and graphics are all top-notch, and it is still a blast to play today. If you are a fan of RPGs, then you owe it to yourself to check out Dragon Warrior IV.