Intro to Basic DQ-8 Game Elements - Guide for Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King
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***************************************** * * * DRAGON QUEST VIII * * * * JOURNEY OF THE CURSED KING * * * * * ***************************************** * * * FAQ: * * INTRODUCTION TO DRAGON QUEST VIII * * * * BASIC GAMEPLAY RULES * * * ***************************************** * * * FOR THE PERSON WHO HAS PLAYED * * * * DRAGON QUEST VIII * * * * @ NOT ONCE * * * * @ ONLY ONCE OR TWICE * * * * OR * * * * @ HASN'T PLAYED MANY RPGs * * * ***************************************** * * * FAQ: Copyright by KATZNKITZ * * * * Work Completed: Nov 15th, 2006 * * * ***************************************** *=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=* * * * If you contribute, you'll receive full credit: * * * * ideas, corrections, suggestions for improvement, etc. * * * * through cheatcodes.com * * * *=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=* +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ + TABLE OF CONTENTS + +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ 0-1. COPYRIGHTS, ETC. 0-1.A. COPYRIGHT MATTERS. 0-1.B. ABOUT THIS FAQ. 1-0. SPECIFICS FOR DRAGON QUEST VIII. 1-0.A. SIGNIFICANCE OF OPENING SCENES. - Battle Choices. - Why Heal at the Inn? - Saving the Game. - The DQ-8 Save Menu. 1-0-B. TOWNS, DUNGEONS, & THE FIELD. - Maps Available in the Game. 1-0.C. ALCHEMY POT (BASICS). - What is an Alchemy Pot? 1-0.D. THE HERO'S TEAM. - Starting Stats. - Starting Equipment. - Upgrading Your Team. - Skills & Skill Points. - Recommended Early Skill Development. 1-1. MENUs IN THE GAME. 1-1.A. THE MAIN MENU. - Four Sub-Menus. - The MISC Menu. - The Item Bag. - Personal Inventory. 1-1-B. BUYING & SELLING ITEMS. - The Buy Screen. - The sell Screen. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ + + + 0.1. COPYRIGHTS, ETC. + + + +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ =================================================================================== ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + 0-1.A. COPYRIGHT MATTERS + ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ SquareEnix holds the copyright for the Dragon Quest VIII RPG including all characters, items, and story line. This FAQ is based on that story and is intended to give hints and suggestion for playing the game. I am not related in any way to SquareEnix or any employee thereof. This walkthrough is copyright by the author, Kay Allan a.k.a. katznkitz. You may use any part of this under the following conditions: (1) You must give credit to Kay Allan. (2) Do not alter this WALKTHROUGH; however, you may quote small sections of it, with proper credit. (3) Any part of this FAQ may be used ONLY for non-commercial or not-for-profit uses and MUST receive the author's permission for such use. This copyright applies to all DRAGON QUEST VII WALKTHROUGHs created by KATZNKITZ (KAY ALLAN). =================================================================================== +++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + 0-1.B. ABOUT THIS FAQ + +++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ~ THIS FAQ IS DESIGNED FOR THE PERSON WHO HAS LITTLE EXPERIENCE WITH RPGs... OR... THE PERSON WHO WANTS TO MAKE SURE HE/SHE HASN'T MISSED ANYTHING... OR.... THIS IS YOUR FIRST OR SECOND TIME OF PLAYING DRAGON QUEST VIII... + This FAQ covers the earliest activities in the Game. - IF YOU HAVE ALREADY GONE TO THE SECOND CONTINENT BY FERRY: * This FAQ is not for you. EXCEPT... * For a quick review for things you may have missed. = Such as: > Locations of Treasure Chests (T.Chests in these FAQs). > The SIDE QUEST involving the Waterfall Hut. NEW GAME: Input your choice for the Hero's name. For this series of FAQs, he will be called "HERO". ~=~=~=~=~~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~ SKIP THIS FAQ IF YOU ARE FAMILIAR WITH: - THE BASIC ELEMENTS OF DRAGON QUEST VIII INCLUDING: * SKILL POINTS. * THE ALCHEMY POT. OR.... - YOU HAVE A LOT OF EXPERIENCE PLAYING RPGS. ~=~=~=~=~~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~ SEARCHING FOR SPECIFIC ITEMS (Ctrl + F): - Use headings in the "CONTENTS" section to tell you what to look for. OR... - Look for the following keyword: RECOMMEND .... Has recommended actions in specific circumstances. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ + + + 1.0. SPECIFICS FOR DRAGONQUEST VIII + + + +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ ~ DRAGONQUEST VIII is like many other RPGs but there are some differences. + Particularly in the use of: - VIDEO (also referred to as Cut Scenes). * You are NOT able to skip these. - SKILL POINTS & WEAPON ATTRIBUTES. - The use of an ALCHEMY POT. * It can provide bigger and better equipment. AND... * Much stronger healing items. =================================================================================== +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + 1-0.A. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE OPENING SCENES + +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ~ VIDEO. + Anything shown in sepia tones (a reddish-brown coloring) is a scene from someone's memory. - Full color scenes means it is happening in "real time". + In the first part of the game, there is a lengthy video. - During the video, you do not have control except for during a fight with three blue SLIMES. ~ The sub-title of this game is "Journey of the Cursed King" but the cursed king is NOT the villain of the story, he is a victim. ~ OPENING SCENES. + The castle in the opening scenes is Trodain Castle, where King Trode and his daughter Media live. - These scenes introduce you to: * The villain of the story, Dhoulmagus, with long hair and strange clothes. > He calls himself the JESTER. * The king of the castle, King Trode, a very short man. * His daughter, Medea, taller than her father. * HERO, who is a guard on one of the terraces the castle. - Dhoulmagus steals the "SEALED SCEPTRE" from the top of the castle's central tower. * Dire consequences result. = Thorny vines worm their way throughout the castle's rooms and walls. = An earthquake ruins the castle. = King Trode and Medea are cursed. * Only HERO, knocked unconscious, is unchanged (curses seem to have little or no effect on our HERO). + Dhoulmagus escapes. ~ THE QUEST: + Find Dhoulmagus and remove the curse. BUT... + The quest may change its emphasis as the party progresses through the game. ~ VIDEO: "REAL-TIME" SCENES. + Munchie, Hero's pet mouse sees the column of black smoke rising from the town of Farebury. - He rushes back to everyone and you find Trode doesn't seem to like him. - A new person is in the party, YANGUS. * Later in the game, you'll find out how he joined. ~ FOR THE FIRST TIME YOU FIND YOU HAVE CONTROL FOR A SINGLE BATTLE. ___________________________________________________________________________________ ------------------- - BATTLE CHOICES - ------------------- ~ The FIRST BATTLE begins as three Slimes attack. + You are given the choices (as in all battles) to: Fight ......... Start the battle. Flee .......... Run away from the battle (you don't get EXP [experience] if you do, but sometimes it IS worthwhile). Intimidate .... Try to scare the enemies (it may or may not work). And you don't get EXP for any enemY that fleeS. Tactics ....... How you want team members to act in battles. + In this battle, choose "Fight". - Choices once the fight starts: * Attack ...... With currently equipped weapon. * Abilities ... Each character develops skill as the game progresses. Skills mostly are specific to a particular type of weapon. * Spells ...... As the game progresses, each ally develops their own set of magic spells. * Items ....... Access only items that are in that character's inventory. Can equip another weapon IF one is in their inventory. * Defend ...... On guard for a single turn, improves defense slightly. * Psyche Up ... Increases tension making for a stronger attack (can raise up to four times, one time with each turn. - Once adds 5 points to Attack. - Twice adds 20 to Attack. - Three times, adds 50 to Attack. - Four times, adds 100 to Attack. ~ BATTLE STRATEGY (to keep this battle as short as possible): + YANGUS hits hard enough that he can almost always defeat a Slime with one blow. - Hero isn't so strong. - There are three slimes: * Have YANGUS hit the one on the left. * Have HERO hit the one on the right. - That should leave two slimes: * Have YANGUS hit the one that was in the middle. * Have HERO hit the same one as before. + After the fight, the party moves off towards the town. WARNING! + EVEN IF YOU GET HURT: - DON'T SLEEP AT THE INN UNTIL TRODE TELLS YOU TO!!! * You will not fight any more battles before then. * Save your money. + When you do stay the first night at the Inn, You'll get a peephole view of Trode banging on something (it's the Alchemy Pot). ___________________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------- - WHY HEAL AT THE INN? - ------------------------- 1. Less cost: + 6 G for each stay at the Farebury Inn (3 G. each). + 8 G for EACH Medicinal Herb which does NOT restore MP. 2. Increasing a Level (any party member) DOES NOT FILL THE HP OR MP GAUGES. + Sleeping at the Inn fully restores both HP & MP to the Maximum. + Medicinal Herb restores up to 35 HP. - But items for restoring MP are not available for a long time into the game. 3. Leveling up to get MP. + Level 3 is the first to give MP points to Hero. - I recommend staying at an Inn after each increase in Experience Level. * AND SAVING YOUR GAME. ___________________________________________________________________________________ ------------------- - SAVING THE GAME - ------------------- ~ If you are not aware how important it is to FREQUENTLY save your game... + You haven't played many RPGs (Role Playing Games). ~ NOTHING! repeat NOTHING! can be more annoying than: + For all your party members to be defeated in a battle. + And to lose ALL the progress you've made since the last save. - If you start over OR... - To lose half your gold coins if you chose to continue. ___________________________________________________________________________________ ----------------------- - THE DQ-8 SAVE MENU - ----------------------- ~ On the town map you see an icon that looks something like a gold candlestick (the cross's arms are turned up). + In this game you can only save at a place where a priest or nun is standing, usually, but not always inside a Church ~ Saving menu: + 'Confession' records your progress in the game. + 'Divination' shows how many EXP each character needs to get to the next EXP level. + 'Resurrection' allows you to restore a character who has 'fallen' in battle (HP = zero). - If someone falls in Battle, you have to lug around a coffin! * While dead, the person does not get EXP. - IT'S EXPENSIVE to use this menu item. - Two spells, when available, can be used to resurrect a fallen character: ZING ...... works about half the time. KAZING .... always works. + 'Purification' cures poison. - Not as expensive as Resurrection, but costs rise. - One spell cures poison: SQUELCH ..... always works. + 'Benediction' removes a cursed item (weapon OR armour) that is equipped. - Cost is fairly expensive. - Hero is least affected by curses of any kind. ~ You can save the game as a new slot on the Memory card, or save it over a pre-existing game. + You get the chance to continue. OR... + To rest (shut down the game). ~ SAVE OFTEN!!! =================================================================================== ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + 1-0.B. TOWNS, DUNGEONS & THE FIELD + ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ~ There are three types of locations: - Towns ...... This includes such places as Maella Abbey. > There are no monsters in towns. - Dungeons ... These may be actual dungeons (underground). > They may also be above ground, at least in part. > Dungeons are full of nasty monsters. - Field ...... This is all areas that is not dungeons or towns. > All the countryside on any island or continent. > You will meet up with many monsters in the Field, but not as many as in a dungeon. ~ Once you have been to one of the towns or villages or certain other special locations: + You can return instantly to these locations using either: CHIMAERA WING ..... An item that allows you to travel to any town or village you have already visited. ZOOM .............. A magic travel spell received by Hero when he has 8 Courage skill points (more later about Skill Points). + Using ZOOM gives you the ZOOM Menu which lists all locations you can return to. ___________________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------- - MAPS AVAILABLE IN THE GAME - ------------------------------- ~ WORLD MAP. + NOT AVAILABLE UNTIL YOU COMPLETE THE RUINED ABBEY DUNGEON. + Pressing [SQUARE] displays: - Part of the region you are in (a close up view) with your party's location at the center. - By pressing [X], you can see the whole map. + The cursor (red arrow) shows your location on either the close up or the whole map. + Later, near the final battles, you get the power to fly. - When you use the World Map after landing, a red star shows your APPROXIMATE location (it's nowhere near as accurate as the red arrow). ~=~=~=~=~~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~ ~ DUNGEON MAP. + To use the map, you must first find the Treasure Chest which contains it. + Dungeon maps only show one floor at a time. - When the "ups and downs" of the stairs and ladders are confusing, maps are available in this series of WALKTHROUGHs. ~=~=~=~=~~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~ ~ TOWN MAPS. + At first the only maps you can access (by pressing [SQUARE]) are those in each town. + Map Icons for stores: - Shield (red) ............... Armour. - Crossed Swords (blue) ...... Weapons. - Chimaera Wing or Feather ... Trail supplies. + Other Map Icons: - Grey brick cylinder ..... A well. - "Candlestick" Cross ........ Church where you can save. - INN ........................ Place to stay "until evening" OR "overnight". - Mug with "suds" ............ Tavern; called a "Pub" in this game. - Gold circle (coin) ......... Bank (only available in three places). + Because the Town maps are "bird's eye" views, it isn't always possible to see where you need to go. - The exterior of Trodain Castle is probably the worst example of a "Town Map". * In Towns Maps: > When you press [SQUARE], your location is shown by a red arrow pointing in the direction the party is looking. > However, if you press [SQUARE] when inside a building, a red star indicates which building you are in. + WALKTHROUGHs include an approximation of each town map with buildings, booths, etc., identified. =================================================================================== +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + 1-0.C. ALCHEMY POT (BASICS) + +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ~ When you sleep at the Inn for the first time, you get a peek at Trode hammering something. + This is the ALCHEMY POT he brought away from Trodain Castle, - It needs repairing. + Trode doesn't finish repairing the Alchemy Pot until the party is on the Ferry between PORT PROSPECT and PEREGRIN QUAY. - They are the third and fourth places on their journey. ___________________________________________________________________________________ --------------------------- - WHAT IS AN ALCHEMY POT? - --------------------------- ~ The pot can be used to transform selected items (called ingredients) into something different and (usually) of more value. + Recipes are found, mostly in books, in towns and in some dungeons. - There is a side quest where you can find several hidden parchment copies of special recipes. + Not all recipes are complete: - The WALKTHROUGHs give complete recipes, when they can be used. - That is, when the right ingredients are available. ~ A more detailed description of using the Alchemy pot is available in FAQs on cheatcodes.com: + ALCHEMY POT INTRO. + ALCHEMY RECIPES. ~ Recipes take time to finish making the new item. + If you listen carefully, you will hear a pinging Chime. - When you hear the chime, the item has been completed. * Don't waste any time; put new ingredients in the pot. * It really pays to keep the Alchemy Pot busy ALL the time. - It is easy to miss the chime, so every now and then, check the Pot to see how it's doing. + You cannot access the Alchemy Pot in any dungeon with ONE exception (Castle Trodain). WARNING! + Some things are not worth the time or effort to make. - These WALKTHROUGHs do NOT use all possible recipes. * To find more, see the above FAQ (ALCHEMY RECIPES). - A few recipes actually make something of less value (be warned)! =================================================================================== ++++++++++++++++++++++++ + 1-0.D. HERO'S TEAM + ++++++++++++++++++++++++ ~ Eventually Hero's team consists of: 1. MUNCHIE (from the beginning): + It is tan-colored with a black mane going all the way down from its head, along its spine to its tail; the tail ends in a black fuzzball. + He has interesting abilities when he eats cheese during a battle (taking Hero's turn). + He is also small enough to explore mouseholes in special circumstances. 2. YANGUS (from the beginning): + He is a roughneck, probably a one-time thief. + He doesn't have a lot of magic, but he is strong in attack. 3. JESSICA (after defeating the ocean monster Khalamari) : + She learns black magic cpells for attack. + She may also learn some beneficial spells for members of the party. 4. ANGELO: (after Abbot Francisco is killed by Dhoulmagus) + He has the most magic for both attack and healing, including KAZING (for resurrecting a fallen ally). + At least at first, he has a rather objectionable character. ~=~=~=~=~~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~ ~ MUNCHIE CAN BE A VITAL MEMBER OF HERO'S TEAM. + If he is fed cheese in a battle: - Then Munchie uses Hero's turn to deal out damage to the enemies or healing to the party (depending on the type of cheese). - Different kinds of cheese has different effects. + He is also essential for progress in the game when small mouseholes or wall cracks are available for exploration. ~ YANGUS: + He's a rather fat man dressed in baggy pants and vest, a rough-and-ready rascal. - King Trode calls him a "low life". + He is a useful person in Battle. NOTE: By pressing
you can talk to members of your team. + They'll tell you what the team is currently supposed to be doing. - They may also give advice (?!) not always politely! ___________________________________________________________________________________ ------------------- - STARTING STATS - ------------------- ~ Starting Stats of HERO & YANGUS: | | | | | | NEEDED EXP PERSON | LEVEL | HP | MP | SPELLS | STRENGTH |(NEXT LEVEL) ___________|_______|____|____|________|__________|_____________ HERO | 1 | 22 | 0 | none | 8 | 14 -----------+-------+----+----+--------+----------+------------- YANGUS | 1 | 30 | 0 | none | 11 | 12 -----------+-------+----+----+--------+----------+------------- + HERO starts getting MP at Level 3. - Most of the magic spells he learns come as he levels up. * A few others come with the use of SKILL POINTS. + YANGUS gets MP, but the only way he can learn magic spells is through the use of SKILL POINTS. (See the FAQ "SKILLS DEVELOPMENT" on cheatcodes.com for more details.) ~ CAUTION: + Increasing a Level (any party member): - DOES NOT FILL THE HP OR MP GAUGES. - You WILL need to stay at the Inn after Hero gets to Level 3. - I recommend staying at an Inn after each increase in Experience Level. * AND SAVING YOUR GAME. ___________________________________________________________________________________ ----------------------- - STARTING EQUIPMENT - ----------------------- ~ Items of any kind may be kept in the ITEM BAG ~ Equipment of HERO & YANGUS at the start of the game: + These are very low level items. PERSON | WEAPON | ARMOUR | HEADGEAR | ___________|________________|______________________|____________| HERO | SOLDIERS SWORD | PLAIN CLOTHES | BANDANA | -----------+----------------+----------------------+------------+ YANGUS | OAKEN CLUB | BANDIT'S GRASS SKIRT |LEATHER HAT | ___________|________________|______________________|____________| ~ RECOMMEND: + After you have collected all the 'goodies' available in Farebury: - You should have a total of four Medicinal Herbs. * These will be in Hero's personal inventory. * 'TRANSFER' two of them to Yangus's personal inventory. - During a battle, each character can access ONLY their own personal inventories. * No access to the Item Bag. * In an emergency, having a Medicinal Herb accessible may mean the difference between LIFE and DEATH! + Have at least one CHIMAERA WING in the Item Bag. - Being able to ZOOM back to Farebury (instead of battling back) may also mean the difference between LIFE and DEATH!!! + Upgrade their equipment as soon as you can afford it. =================================================================================== ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + 1-1.C. UPGRADING HERO & YANGUS + ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ~ As with most RPGs, the stronger the characters on the team, the easier it is to get through the game without being totally defeated even once. NOTE: There are gamers who just want to "get on with the Game". - Problem with that is that you may have to spend a lot of time: * Reviving your weaker characters (and that COSTS). * Doing portions of the game over again... and maybe again.... ~ Be sensible: + Upgrade your characters as fast as you can. ~ Basic Process: + Battles, battles and more battles. + Upgrade to recommended levels mentioned in the WALKTHROUGHs. - At least at first, don't try to move through the game too fast. ~ As you can see, Yangus is stronger and has more HP than Hero. + That's the reason for improving Hero's defense (and resilience) first. - In battles, it doesn't take many hits to reduce Hero's HP to quite low. + Before leaving FAREBURY for the first time, you should have 116 G. * See the RECOMMENDs above (with the Armour Shop and Weapon shop lists) for purchases. + After getting the defense equipment, save your money to buy: - GIANT MALLET for Yangus. - BOOMERANG for Hero. ~ RECOMMEND: + WHEN EITHER OF THE CHARACTERS REACHES ANOTHER EXP LEVEL. - STAY AT THE INN SO HP AND MP CAN BE INCREASED TO THE NEW MAX. - SAVE!!! ___________________________________________________________________________________ ----------------------------- - HERO'S EXPERIENCE LEVELS - ----------------------------- ~ When he reaches EXP (experience) Level 3, Hero learns his first spell: HEAL. - Stay close to Farebury until this happens. * And watch HP while battling. - You'll need HEAL before you go further from the town. + Hero learns more magic spells as his EXP Levels increase: - Level 4: ........... SQUELCH (cures poison). - Level 6: ........... EVAC (exit dungeon from any location inside). - Level 11: ........... SIZZ (Fire attack, group of enemies). - Level 18: ........... MIDHEAL (restore 75-95 HP, one ally). - Level 20: ........... SIZZLE (stronger Fire attack, group). - Level 27: ........... FULLHEAL (restores max HP, one ally) - Level 29: ........... ZING (50% chance of resurrection). - Level 32: ........... KASIZZLE (Fire attack, group). - Level 65: ........... DRAGON SOUL (needed for battling the Dragons). ~ RECOMMEND (before entering the WATERFALL CAVE): 1. Assign 8 SKILL POINTS (see below) to Courage to get ZOOM (as long as he has MP); he can use this in the Field to return to Farebury. 2. Raise HERO to Level 5. - In the cave, fight to upgrade to Level 6. - Having EVAC is to be highly recommended BEFORE tackling the Cave's BOSS. ___________________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------- - SKILLS & SKILL POINTS - ------------------------- ~ As characters gain EXP levels: + They receive "Skill Points" they can use to build one or more of five "Weapon Skill/Attributes". - The first time Skill Points are awarded is when Hero & Yangus each reach EXP Level 4. + Each of these skill can be built up to 100 Points. - But it is unlikely you'll build all of them to 100 before the finish of the game. + HERO's Skills: Swords ........... Weapon skills when equipped with a sword. Spears ........... Weapon skills when equipped with a spear. Boomerangs ....... Weapon skills when equipped with a boomerang. Fisticuffs ....... Skills when NO WEAPON IS EQUIPPED. Courage .......... Additional spells learned. + YANGUS: Axes ............ Weapon skills when equipped with an axe. Clubs ........... Weapon skills when equipped with club, mallet or hammer. Scythes ......... Weapon skills when equipped with a scythe. Fisticuffs ...... Skills when NO WEAPON IS EQUIPPED. Humanity ........ Spells & abilities learned. ~ The first three of the skills relate to equipped weapons. + Access to Boomerang skills, for example, requires the Boomerang to be equipped. - That's why you need (as soon as you can) one of each type of weapon in the character's personal inventory. * Then you can switch weapons in the middle of a Battle if you need to use a particular skill. ~ The FISTICUFFS Skill: + The 'FISTICUFFS' SKILL MEANS NO WEAPONS CAN BE EQUIPPED. - Unless you like fist fights, you may wish to leave developing this set of skills until last. - To unequip all weapons: * Select the equipped weapon in the character's inventory by pressing [X]. * Select 'Transfer' and transfer the weapon to the Item Bag. * Select the weapon in the Item Bag and transfer it BACK to the character (because you may need it in a battle). * Select 'NO' when asked if you want to equip it. + Each person's set of Fisticuff skills is unique. ~ The fifth skill is specific to each individual. - The skills that can be developed for Hero through courage (or Yangus through Humanity) are very valuable. RECOMMEND: + There is a specific sequence of building skills that provides more benefit in the earliest parts of the game. ___________________________________________________________________________________ --------------------------------------- - RECOMMENDED EARLY SKILL DEVELOPMENT - --------------------------------------- ~ The first level Hero gets skill points is EXP Level 4 and he should be at EXP Level 5 or 6 before tackling the WATERFALL CAVE. + He generally doesn't get more than two, three, or four each time he Levels Up. - So it may take more than one Level Up to increase a particular skill. + Hero gets 14 Skill points by the time he gets to Level 9 (Yangus gets 24). - By the time he gets to Level 9, he should have the first two of the following skills, and be building towards the third. + SKILLS NEEDED TO BEGIN WITH: - +5 attack ........ When equipped with a SWORD. - ZOOM ............. Warp from anywhere in the Field to already visited towns. - DRAGON SLASH ..... More damage (with extra damage to dragons). NOTE: In the following charts, LV = Experience Level; SP = Skill Points. + Process/sequence of assigning Skill Points (the + amount are the actual points received at each EXP Level UP): | | | ASSIGN POINTS TO: | | | |---------+---------| | LV | SP | SWORDS | COURAGE | RESULT +----+----+---------+---------+------------------------------- | 4 | 2 | +2 (2) | -- | | 5 | 2 | +2 (4) | -- | +5 ATTACK when SWORD equipped | 6 | 3 | -- | +3 (3) | | 7 | 2 | -- | +2 (5) | | 8 | 3 | | +3 (8) | ZOOM (same as Chimaera Wing) | 9 | 2 | +2 (6) | -- | +----+----+---------+---------+------------------------------- ~=~=~=~=~~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~ ~ Yangus gets a total of 24 Points by the time he gets to Level 9. + By Level 9, he should have the first four of the following skills and be started on the fifth: + SKILLS NEEDED TO BEGIN WITH: - WHISTLE .......... Brings battles to you. - +5 attack ........ When equipped with a CLUB. - HEAL ............. It is nice to have two people with this spell. - HELM SPLITTER .... Reduce an enemy's defense. - +5 attack ........ When equipped with an AXE. | | | ASSIGN POINTS TO: | | | |---------+---------+---------| | LV | SP |HUMANITY | CLUBS | AXES | RESULT +----+----+---------+---------+---------+------------------------------- | 4 | 3 | +3 (3) | -- | -- | | 5 | 3 | +1 (4) | +2 (2) | -- | WHISTLE (start a battle). | 6 | 4 | -- | +4 (6) | -- | | 7 | 4 | +1 (5) | +3 (9) | -- | +5 ATTACK when CLUB equippped | 8 | 5 | +5 (10) | -- | -- | HEAL | 9 | 5 | -- | -- | +5 (5) | +----+----+---------+---------+---------+------------------------------- ~ For more information on skills look in the "DQ-8 SKILL DEVELOPMENT" FAQ on cheatcodes.com. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ + + + 1.1. MENUS IN THE GAME + + + +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ ___________________________________________________________________________________ ----------------- - BUTTON CODES - ----------------- ~ KEYCODES that may be used in FAQs & WALKTHROUGHs: DIRECTION KEYPAD: [UP], [DOWN], [LEFT], [RIGHT] CONTROLLER: [X], [CIRCLE], [SQUARE], [TRIANGLE], . ~ KEYCODES USED IN THE GAME. [CIRCLE] ....... Used to access the MAIN and other Menus. [SQUARE] ....... Used to access a map. [TRIANGLE] ..... Used to CANCEL (exiting from a menu, etc.) ........ Used to talk to other members of the party =================================================================================== ++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + 1-1.A. THE MAIN MENU + ++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ~ To access the Main Menu, press [CIRCLE]. ___________________________________________________________________________________ ------------------- - FOUR SUB-MENUs - ------------------- ~ There are four sub-headings: 1. ITEMS ........ The screen shows each character's personal inventory, the iterm bagnand the amount of gold currently held. - Pressing [X] on a particular character allows you to use, equip, transfer, remove, or discard such items. - When you select the Item Bag (small bag at the bottom of the screen), you have choices: * View Bag's Contents. * Organize Contents: > Place all items in personal inventory into the Bag. > Sort items by type (helpful as it puts healing items first. > Alphabetically (helpful when you want to find a particular ingredient for the Alchemy Pot. * You're also told how many pages of items there are. 2. MAGIC ........ Lists the magic skill available in the Field to each character at the present moment in the game. - The lists grow as new magic is learned. 3. ATTRIBUTES ... Describes the character (sex, strength, agility, resiliance, wisdom, attack, defense, and EXP gained). - Lists the current amount of SKILL POINTS assigned to each of the five levels of Weapon Attributes. 4. MISC. ........ Special acivities that don't belong under the other headings. ___________________________________________________________________________________ ----------------- - THE MISC MENU - ----------------- ~ This Menu starts with the following headings: + HEAL ALL ......... Allows healing (and curing) of all characters in the party. - MP is necessary for using this menu item. - The computer does the healing in a way that uses the LEAST MP. - When Angelo joins, it is his MP and Magic Skills used (until he runs out of MP). + TACTICS .......... Each person or the whole party can be assigned to a particular tactic. - Choices: * Show no mercy. * Fight Wisely. * Focus on Healing. * Don't use magic. * Get Psyched up (ups tension in order to hit harder). * Follow orders. + LINE UP .......... Allows you to change the battle position of a character. - Put them to the back to reduce damage (but this may be a problem if the party is ambushed). - Order of placement in battle can be changed. + EQUIPMENT ........ Allows you to change everyones equipment at the same time. - Press [X] to show five slots. - The icons are for weapon, armour, shield, headgear and accessory (in that order. + SETTINGS ......... Can change the screen settings. - NORMALl is for ordinary TVs. - WIDE is for wide-screen TVs. - SOUND allows you to change from Stereo to Monaural and back. - CAMERA changes the battle scene view. + HELP ............. Offers help for four situations: - CONTROLS. * Shows which buttons do what. Cannot adjust. - WHEN HP & MP RUN LOW. * Advice for this situation. - WHEN FAR FROM CIVILIZATION. * If ALL characters fall in battle, your Gold is halved. - SAVING YOUR PROGRESS. * Advice on where and how to save. + BATTLE RECORDS ... Battle log, which tells you: - Number of battles, monsters defeated or Intimidated. - How many victories, times wiped out, and times fled. - Total gold obtained. - Maximum damage in a single turn and on which monster. - Advice from Trode (changes as you progress). - Other menu choices. * Defeated Monster List. > View all monsters. > View by family. * Collected Items list (in the bottome right lists the number of types of ritems collected so far). > All > Weapons > Armour > Shields > Helmets (headgear) > Accessories > Items (Trail Supplies) > Important Items (such as getting the CRYSTAL BALL (Kalderasha) or the TOOL BAG (man in Waterfall Hut). * Pressing [X] on the item displays a description. ~ As the game progresses, this list expands: + BATTLE RECORDS ... Adds "View by habitat" after you have received the World Map. - Displays the World Map with red and blue dots on the regions you have already visited. * Red dots: Lists the monster all through the region that you have defeated. > ??? ... indicates monsters you havent yet met in that region. > Pressing [X] on a monster's icon displays the monster and information about it. = Pressing [CIRCLE] animates the monster to display one of its battle techniques (up to five). = Repeat pressing [CIRCLE] to view all techniques. * Blue dots: Lists the monsters defeated in the region's dungeon. ... Adds "Alchemy Recipe Book" after you get the ALCHEMY POT. - Depending on the items you've made in the pot, recipes collected or used: * All Recipes * Incomplete Recipes * Weapons * Armour * Shields * Helmets * Accessories * Items - You can disply the recipes in order of Type, or Alphabetical order (Press [LEFT] or [RIGHT]). + ALCHEMY POT ...... Added when the ALCHEMY POT becomes available. - You can check the progress of a particular item. - Or place new ingredients in the Pot. * When an item is completed: > It is placed in Hero's inventory (you'll need to transfer it to the Item Bag). AND... > You are asked to put new ingredients in the Pot (be prepared beforehand). * You can select ingredients from each character's personal inventory OR from the Item Bag. > If the ingredients are incorrect, the Pot blows its top and the ingredients are returned to inventory. - The Pot has two slots at first, later three (so you can make more valuable items). ___________________________________________________________________________________ ----------------- - THE ITEM BAG - ----------------- ~ Items of any kind may be kept in the ITEM BAG. + Basically there are two types of items: - Equipment: armour, headgear, shields, and weapons. - Trail supplies: medicinal herbs, antidotal herbs, and other healing items. + There is no limit to how many different items you can keep in the bag. - Trail supplies are NOT limited to 99 of each. + The Item Bag is availbe in the field or in towns. - It is NOT available during Battle. ~ You can sort the items in the item Bag: + By "Type". - Healing items come first and in the order of strength (weakest first). * Medicinal Herb, Strong Medicine, etc., ... adds HP. * Antidotal Herb, Strong Antidote, etc., ... cures poison, may add HP. - Other items, including, various types of Cheese. * Spicy types (fire attacks), Cold types (ice attacks), etc. - Equipment by type will display in the order of strength (weakest first). * Weapons, Armour, Helmets, Accessories, . ___________________________________________________________________________________ ----------------------- - PERSONAL INVENTORY - ----------------------- ~ In addition to the Item bag, each character has a personal inventory. + There are 12 'slots' for containing items. + Several slots contains the character's equipment - Except at the start, the equipment must physically be equipped (shown by an 'E' in the bottom right corner of each slot). - Pressing [X] on a slot containing an item gives the choices: USE ............ Allows trail supplies to be used on anyone in the party. TRANSFER ....... Allows an item to be moved to another slot in personal inventory OR... To be moved to another member in the party. To be moved to the ITEM BAG. EQUIP .......... Allows an item to be equipped. OR... REMOVE ......... Un-equips an equipped item. DISCARD ........ Allows you to throw an item away [SELL RATHER THAN DISCARD]. NOTHING ........ Cancels the command (So does pressing [CIRCLE]). =================================================================================== +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + 1-1.B. BUYING & SELLING ITEMS + +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ___________________________________________________________________________________ ------------------- - THE BUY SCREEN - ------------------- ~ When you talk to the owner of a store, his inventory displays. + Purchase screen: - At the top are the tabs: BUY; SELL; and a tab showing how much gold you have. - Below that, icons of four items for sale are displayed on the left half of the screen * Icons of the party members are on the right half of the screen. * On the left of the items' icons is a gauge: > If it is dark, only four items are available. > If the lower part is light colored, more than four items are for sale. * Below the pictures is the total number of items available, such as 1/4 (first of four) or 1/6 (first of six) etc.. - Pictures of the items for sale are on the left with the quantity currently being bought (always starts at '1') and the price. * To buy more than one item, press [RIGHT]. - On the right half of the screen is shown: * At the top, the type of item for sale (Items; Armour; Weapons). > In stores that sell both armour and weapons, only the word 'Armour' appears. * Below that is the list of members currently in the party. ~ Information on the right side of the screen. + Trail supply items: - Shows how many of the particular item are currently carried by each party member. - Below the list of party members is an icon of their supply bag with the number of the displayed items currently in the bag. + Weapons or armour: - As the cursor marks any item, you can see if it will improve the defense or attack of each character currently in the party. - To help you decide whether to buy: * Red numbers = reduced attack/defense. * Green numbers = increased attack/defense. * Black numbers = equivalent to current attack/defense. * If the person cannot equip the item, the words: "cannot be equipped" are displayed in red. ___________________________________________________________________________________ ------------------- - THE SELL SCREEN - ------------------- ~ When you select "SELL": + The icons of members of your party are displayed together with the items in each person's inventory. - Below that is the Item Bag. + Selecting any person or the Item Bag allows you to sell any item you choose. - The selling price is shown when you select any item. - A few items cannot be sold (not ever)! - A few items can be sold, but they may be the only one you can find in the game. * The Shop Owner will warn you that you may not be able to get another one. * As far as I know, these items may be sold without problems in the game. > You have to decide. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ + + + 1-2. GETTING READY FOR THE FIRST QUEST + + + +=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+ ~ Make sure you have two Medicinal Herbs in Hero's and Yangus's personal inventory. + Starting equipment: HERO: YANGUS: SOLDIER'S SWORD OAKEN CLUB PLAIN CLOTHES BANDIT'S GRASS SKIRT BANDANA LEATHER HAT =================================================================================== ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + 1-2.C. UPGRADING EQUIPMENT + ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ~ RECOMMEND BEFORE LEAVING TOWN: + You have enough money to buy the following : - WAYFARER'S CLOTHES (Hero @ 70 G.) .... Sell the PLAIN CLOTHES. ~ RECOMMEND AS SOON AS POSSIBLE: + Buy the following as you have the money for it: 1. LEATHER SHIELD .... (Hero @ 70 G.) 2. LEATHER ARMOUR .... (Hero @ 180 G.) - Transfer the WAYFARER'S CLOTHES to Yangus and equip it for him. - Put the BANDIT'S GRASS SKIRT in the item bag. 3. GIANT MALLET ...... (Yangus @ 240 G.) RECOMMEND: + DON'T, REPEAT DON'T buy Hero a LEATHER HAT or a COPPER SWORD (save your money). - You'll find a LEATHER HAT and a COPPER SWORD in the Waterfall Cave. + Before leaving for ALEXANDRIA: - Buy the BOOMERANG (Hero @ 420 G.) =================================================================================== NOW YOU ARE READY TO GET STARTED ON THE GAME..... +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ KATZNKITZ WALKTHROUGHS CURRENTLY ON CHEATCODES.COM: WALKTHROUGH I: 1. FAREBURY REGION. 2. ALEXANDRIA REGION. 3. PORT PROSPECT. 4. PEREGRIN QUAY. 5. MAELLA REGION. 6. THE RUINED ABBEY. WALKTHROUGH II. 7. KINGDOM OF ASCANTHA. 8. WISHER'S PEAK. 9. PICKHAM. 10. MORRIE'S ARENA. 11. TRODAIN CASTLE. 12. MOLE HOLE. 13. THE MAGIC SHIP & OCEAN. ~=~=~=~=~~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~ OTHER DQ-8 FAQs BY KATZNKITZ: + VALUABLE EARLY SKILLS-ATTRIBUTES. + USE OF DQ8 SKILL POINTS. + UNDERSTANDING ALCHEMY. + LOCATIONS OF ITEMS YOU CAN BUY. + LOCATIONS OF MINI MEDALS (Part 1). All are on cheatcodes.com +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++