Play Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen Online

Summary

Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen hit the Nintendo DS as the opening entry of the Zenithian Trilogy, turning the original 2D RPG into a 3D/2D hybrid that exploits the system’s dual screens and animated monsters. It adds a hot‑air balloon for rapid map travel, day‑and‑night cycles, travel doors, and a wagon that lets you choose which heroes join the fight.

The standout feature is the Tactics AI, letting you assign individual behavior—damage‑focused, healing, MP saving—and a “Follow Orders” mode to manually control every party member in later chapters. A casino appears early, offering slots, poker and monster betting, while new search‑drawer mechanics and collectible mini medals create extra hunting grounds.

The English edition integrates 13 regional dialects—Scottish‑flavored Burland, Russian‑tone Zamoksva—and updates spell and character names to match later series standards; the Party Chat system was removed entirely.

Critics praised its nostalgic charm despite a retro feel, noting characters like Ragnar as refreshingly distinct. By mid‑2009 the DS version sold over 1.4 million copies worldwide and was nominated for Best RPG at the 2008 IGN awards.

Storyline

Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen splits the adventure into five distinct chapters, each spotlighting a future party member. Chapter 1 follows royal soldier Ragnar McRyan, who investigates missing children with his companion Healie, a healslime who wants to become human.

Chapter 2 tracks Princess Alena of Zamoksva, her tutor Borya and chancellor Kiryl as she enters the Endor tournament, restores her father's voice, and returns home to find the castle empty.

Chapter 3 introduces merchant Torneko, a husband and father who leaves Lakanaba to fund a shop in Endor and later finances an underground tunnel to a distant continent in search of legendary weapons.

Chapter 4 follows dancer Maya and fortune‑teller Meena, sisters seeking revenge on Balzack, the traitorous apprentice of their father, and their escape from the Palais de Léon with the help of Oojam.

Chapter 5 centers on the nameless Hero, the sole survivor of a mountain village destroyed by Psaro the Manslayer. The Hero reunites with the four protagonists, gathers the Zenithian armor, defeats Estark the Ruler of Evil and finally vanquishes Psaro. The DS remake adds Chapter 6, an alternate ending where the party teams with a redeemed Psaro to defeat the Dark Priest Aamon and restore Rose.