History VideoGame / DragonQuestIX

[[caption-width-right:300:An MMO in the palm of your hand...]]

* QuirkyMinibossSquad: The Gittish Empire's Triumgorate: A Ganon-esque PigMan, a BloodKnight CatMan, and an evil Owl Man.

''Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies'' is the ninth installment of the ''Franchise/DragonQuest'' series, released on the UsefulNotes/NintendoDS. In this world, a race of {{Winged Humanoid}}s known as [[OurAngelsAreDifferent Celestrians]] watch over humankind from [[FloatingContinent The Observatory]]. They also protect the [[TheWorldTree Great World Tree, Yggdrasil]], nurturing and nourishing, for it holds the key to their destiny. Select Celestrians have taken up a vital duty: to act as guardians of the mortal realm.

* CombatMedic: Medislimes and their variants are often summoned by enemies to serve as such. Enemies with Kazing can serve as this.

* CombinationAttack: While all the members of your party have [[LimitBreak coups de grâce]], if certain basic and advanced classes are in your party together, they can use special Co-op de grâces that are usually a combination of their own separate ones.

* FakeDefector: [[spoiler:Aquila. His "defection" was just a failed BatmanGambit to kill the evil emperor.]]

* ManaDrain: Wands do pitiful attack damage but drain MP with every hit. Enemies can use Drain Magic, which does just that.
* MeaningfulName:

* MonsterClown: Moai minstrels are moais in clown makeup added by the Boa Bishops.

* RedEyesTakeWarning / MarkedChange: [[spoiler:The BigBad, right before taking on his [[OneWingedAngel true form]].]]

* RuleOfSymbolism: You are an angel, your boss is {{God}}. [[spoiler:The final boss is a Lucifer {{Expy}}. Furthermore, Celestria is a sort of female Jesus, giving up her life for the sake of the world by turning herself into a tree, a notable symbol of (among other things) life, death, rebirth, and sustenance. All of these concepts are important to ''[=DQ9=]'''s plot (the last of which mixes with salvation). Her father created the Celestrians for the purpose of saving her from this fate, but if a mortal eats a [[ForbiddenFruit fygg]], bad stuff tends to happen to the eater. [[AdamAndOrEve Sound familiar?]]]]

** The green crab enemy is called a [[WesternAnimation/TheFlintstones Crabber Dabber Doo]].

* SummonMagic: One of the Ranger skills sumons wolves to attack. Some enemies can also do this.

* SuicidalOverconfidence: Both averted and played straight. Enemies will cease to chase after you once your level is high enough, but it's quite possible that you will not have reached this limit even by the time you can one-shot an entire group of attackers. In addition, some monsters are apparently more aggressive than others, such as the badboons in the Alltrades area that will continue to charge at you a good fifteen levels after everything else in the vicinity has decided that discretion is the better part of valor.

* BonusDungeon: Rather than save them for after the main game, as is conventional, the Grotto system becomes available to you about a third of the way through the game. You can enter in and scour them for loot and experience, but be wary of the {{Bonus Boss}}es.

* DistractedByTheSexy: Happens at random based on your [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin charm]] stat. More likely to happen to Minstrels and Luminaries, due to a high natural charm stat and passive charm bonuses in their unique skilltrees. Can even affect the BigBad and {{Bonus Boss}}es. When it comes to distracting your enemies, gender is never a barrier.

* LegacyBossBattle: TropeNamer. You can fight every single BigBad (and some Dragons) from all the previous games as some of the {{Bonus Boss}}es. However they use the same [[RandomlyGeneratedLevels grotto]] system as the other Bonus Bosses, but with a few differences. Such as only one floor, and the fact that you can level up the bosses by giving up the EXP rewards. Beating them usually gives you some cosplay gear related to their original games or some Orbs.

** The Thief class has a LimitBreak called Itemized Kill, which guarantees an item drop from the enemy (even {{Bonus Boss}}es). It can be combined with the Armamentalist's Voice of Experience (more XP) to give Haulellujah (increased gold, XP and drops).

* CherryTapping: There are several quests that require you to kill one or more strong enemies with weak attacks. "Kill [[BonusBoss Atlas]][[note]]who has over ''6300 HP'' (the FinalBoss, by comparison, has "only" 4800 HP)[[/note]] with the Zam spell[[note]]which does 20-30 damage[[/note]]" is a good example.

* DamageReduction: The defense stat reduces incoming physical damage by 1 point per 4 points of defense. Some equipment also reduces specific types of [[DamageTyping elemental damage]] by a percentage. Late in the game, particularly against [[BonusDungeon grotto]] [[BonusBoss bosses]] and legacy bosses (as well as [[BossInMookClothing some of the more powerful monsters]] encountered deep in higher level grottoes) that can hit for several hundred damage, elemental damage reduction tends to be worth a lot more than defence.

* DungeonCrawling: Due to the Treasure Map system.

%%"The enemy are defeated" is technically grammatically correct, due to the translations using British English, and is in all of the modern ''VideoGame/DragonQuest'' English translations. Don't bother adding it under {{Engrish}}, BlindIdiotTranslation, etc.

''Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies'' is the ninth installment of the ''VideoGame/DragonQuest'' series, released on the UsefulNotes/NintendoDS. In this world, a race of {{Winged Humanoid}}s known as [[OurAngelsAreDifferent Celestrians]] watch over humankind from [[FloatingContinent The Observatory]]. They also protect the [[TheWorldTree Great World Tree, Yggdrasil]], nurturing and nourishing, for it holds the key to their destiny. Select Celestrians have taken up a vital duty: to act as guardians of the mortal realm.

By watching over humankind, granting their wishes and shielding them from harm, these guardians can collect "[[PunnyName benevolessence]]" (Don't worry, [[HurricaneOfPuns this being]] ''VideoGame/DragonQuest'', [[HurricaneOfPuns this isn't the only pun]]!) -- a positive energy that replenishes the great Yggdrasil and allows it to flourish. With enough energy, Yggdrasil will be able to bear fruit, producing the sacred fyggs that will enable the Celestrians to follow the path of their elders and ascend to the upper realms.

* ArbitraryHeadcountLimit: As per ''VideoGame/DragonQuest'' tradition, you can have up to four members in your active party. There's also a limit to how many characters you can create and have waiting at the Quester's Rest. On a related note, the game does pretty much everything it can to avoid showing more than five-ish modeled characters at once for the sake of rendering speed. All but the most important NPC's are billboarded sprites, your party members are often not shown in key cutscenes that involve several important (and thus modeled) characters, and monsters and party members in battle are often hidden even when standing onscreen unless they're in the middle of interacting.

** Using the character creation system, you can make expies of other characters designed by Toriyama. Among them, [[VideoGame/BlueDragon Shu]], [[VideoGame/ChronoTrigger Crono, Marle, and Lucca]], [[Anime/DragonBallZ Androids #17 and 18, and Gohan]], and [[Anime/DragonBallGT Uub]]... just to name a few. It's also possible to [[http://alkaplantestsite.webs.com/dq9/DQcoplayparty.jpg recreate]] virtually every previous ''VideoGame/DragonQuest'' hero. In fact, the game even offers their trademark garbs as some of the more useful equips.

* FieryRedhead: Possible, and a common archetype in ''VideoGame/DragonQuest''; interestingly, however, instead of the usual reddish-orange sported by most ''DQ'' redheads, ''IX'' instead features a [[color:maroon:much richer red]]. [[spoiler:Certain cosplay outfits include wigs to get that nice orange shade.]]

* GenreThrowback: To the early ''VideoGame/DragonQuest'' titles, especially ''VideoGame/DragonQuestIII''.

* HurricaneOfPuns: Towns. Dungeons. Enemies. Bosses. Characters. Flavor Text. ''Inns''. Too many to count. It's tradition for the VideoGame/DragonQuest series.

* InnBetweenTheWorlds: The Stornway Inn. Characters from different ''VideoGame/DragonQuest'' games (even ones from {{canon}} different times and worlds) can stay there, and you can travel to AlternateUniverse (other people's games) through it via Pavo and [[SocializationBonus The Rapportal]].

* KillerRabbit: The usual VideoGame/DragonQuest entries (except for the Bunicorns, who are literal killer rabbits; they don't appear in the bestiary for [=DQ9=]), but special mention to the Sanguini family. Early on, they're cute little fluff balls that you kinda feel bad about killing. Then they start getting aggressive and lots of teeth. Then you get the expanded bestiary entries and read that when they drink enough blood, they turn into demons. You get to fight those too -- they're called Manguinis, and they look a lot more demonic and a lot less cute (think [[Franchise/TheSlenderManMythos Slender Man]] with a [[Franchise/{{Pokemon}} Golbat]] mouth).

** MookPromotion / AscendedExtra: MonsterAllies aside, in VideoGame/DragonQuestMonstersJoker2, the local {{Alpha Bitch}}'s sidekick is a Teeny Sanguini. He's not evil, though, despite going all red-eyed and [=ohgodtheTEETH=] every time someone gets close to him. [[spoiler:He is, however, the local {{Big Bad}}'s soul given flesh after a GrandTheftMe situation.]]

** The names of places and characters from VideoGame/DragonQuestI, [[VideoGame/DragonQuestII II]], and [[VideoGame/DragonQuestIII III]] are all from the NES translations instead of the GBC/original. This is either a RegionalBonus to old-school players, a [[CallForward hint]] at potential Virtual Console ports, and/or an EarlyBirdCameo of a future remake(s) (which is odd, considering the characters from 1-3 came first). One can only hope for the last, though, especially if based on the [[UpdatedRerelease cell phone ports]], which are arguably the best-looking versions yet. Let the WildMassGuessing begin.

** The first OptionalBoss map you'll find is [[VideoGame/DragonQuestIII Baramos]], who then drops [[VideoGame/DragonQuestVI Murdraw's]] map, who then drops [[VideoGame/DragonQuestVIII Dholmagus's]] map, who drops only high level gear, no maps. [[spoiler:All three of these antagonists were infamous DiscOneFinalBoss characters from previous VideoGame/DragonQuest games.]]

* OneGameForThePriceOfTwo: An inverted variant: ''VideoGame/DragonQuestMonstersJoker2'', if it sees ''VideoGame/DragonQuestIX'' or ''VideoGame/DragonQuestVI'' in Tag mode (set up through Erinn in Stornway), will unlock new content. Conversely, the other two games do similar things if they see ''VideoGame/DragonQuestIX''. Somehow, Square Enix has standardized a protocol for ''VideoGame/DragonQuest'' games to see each other in Tag Mode, which is mind boggling when you think about it -- especially when you realize ''VideoGame/DragonQuestX'' is slated to be a UsefulNotes/{{Wii}} title (and, presumably, easy to link up to [=DSes=]). This concept was so mind-blowingly successful that it inspired the ''entire Streetpass system'' on the UsefulNotes/Nintendo3DS.
* OptionalBoss: ''Every VideoGame/DragonQuest last boss ever'', and quite a few [[TheDragon dragons]], too. Amusingly, they use the same Grotto system (you can even get a few of these maps randomly from higher ranked Grotto bosses, 1 in 20 chance), but they have only one floor, the boss floor. Bosses start at level 1, and upon beating them, you have the opportunity to give up the XP, allowing the boss to gain levels (which increases item and XP drop from the boss, but also increases the boss's stats and occasionally gives them new attacks). Most bosses after level 16 or so drop the next boss in the chain's map (rarely -- 10% chance at first, but rises as you level them up) and start dropping very high level gear. If you can beat them, that is. The first one of these most players will find is [[VideoGame/DragonQuestIII Baramos]]'s. Available in the post game via quest 62... [[GuideDangIt if you know where to look.]] Starts a chain of 3 maps, see MythologyGag above.

* RandomlyGeneratedLevels: The Grotto system makes a return from ''VideoGame/DragonQuestMonsters 1'' and ''2'', this time in a main series ''VideoGame/DragonQuest'' game. Randomly generated but using the same seed system, there are [[strike:about 250,000]] [[http://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/937281-dragon-quest-ix-sentinels-of-the-starry-skies/55674123 over 8 million]] separate dungeons that are the same with every copy of the game. You get access to one by doing a quest during the main game, one at the start of the post game, and get the others through Tag Mode and/or beating the bosses of other Grottos. [[NintendoHard If you can.]] Some of these have become very legendary in Japan due to the popularity of mass transit -- '''Masayuki's Map''', for example, has nothing but [[MetalSlime Metal King Slimes]] on the 15th floor (although the monsters from floors 10-14 are all stronger than the last boss, and come in groups of 3), the '''Kawasaki Locker''' has the same monsters on floor ''one'' (and they get worse from there) but it has some of the best treasure chests possible, etc etc. Masayuki was even interviewed in the Japanese media due to the popularity of his map.

* SpiritualSuccessor: While it has {{Mythology Gag}}s to ''all'' the games in the series, 9 can be best summed up as "VideoGame/DragonQuestIII with the VideoGame/DragonQuestVIII skill system."

* TimeDissonance: References to all of the ''VideoGame/DragonQuest'' games abound, simultaneously.

* BonusBoss: ''Every VideoGame/DragonQuest last boss ever'', and quite a few [[TheDragon dragons]], too. Amusingly, they use the same Grotto system (you can even get a few of these maps randomly from higher ranked Grotto bosses, 1 in 20 chance), but they have only one floor, the boss floor. Bosses start at level 1, and upon beating them, you have the opportunity to give up the XP, allowing the boss to gain levels (which increases item and XP drop from the boss, but also increases the boss's stats and occasionally gives them new attacks). Most bosses after level 16 or so drop the next boss in the chain's map (rarely -- 10% chance at first, but rises as you level them up) and start dropping very high level gear. If you can beat them, that is. The first one of these most players will find is [[VideoGame/DragonQuestIII Baramos]]'s. Available in the post game via quest 62... [[GuideDangIt if you know where to look.]] Starts a chain of 3 maps, see MythologyGag below.

** The first BonusBoss map you'll find is [[VideoGame/DragonQuestIII Baramos]], who then drops [[VideoGame/DragonQuestVI Murdraw's]] map, who then drops [[VideoGame/DragonQuestVIII Dholmagus's]] map, who drops only high level gear, no maps. [[spoiler:All three of these antagonists were infamous DiscOneFinalBoss characters from previous VideoGame/DragonQuest games.]]
** The second BonusBoss map you'll likely find is [[VideoGame/DragonQuestI Dragonlord]], gotten from a specific Grotto boss that only appears at random in level 80+ Grottos. L16+ Dragonlord drops the map for [[VideoGame/DragonQuestIV Psaro]], who drops the map for [[VideoGame/DragonQuestV Nimzo]], who drops only items. The gag here? [[spoiler:They all have OneWingedAngel forms.]]

* WithThisHerring: Many of the individual quests involve fighting a monster in ''just'' such a manner. Like... "Defeat the [[BonusBoss God Horse Nemean]] with a Laundry Pole."

* WeaponOfChoice: Each class has certain weapons they specialize in; several of these specialties are shared, and mastering a weapon allows ''any'' class to equip it. Certain weapon types can only be trained in by {{Prestige Class}}es, making unlocking them worthwhile simply to expand your characters' potential arsenal.

* DarkSkinnedBlonde: Stella, TheHero's ValleyGirl NinjaButterfly FairyCompanion. It's also possible to make a character with this trait.

* RewardedAsATraitorDeserves: [[spoiler:The village of Wormwood turns Corvus over to TheEmpire to be spared from them. They get massacred anyways. Quoth the Gittish sergeant, "I Lied."]]

* ManaDrain: Wands do pitiful attack damage but drain MP with every hit. Enemies can use the Absorb Magic ability, which does just that.

* MonsterWhale: There are several whale enemies, notably Leviathan (a story boss that's actually a transformed human, the real one is fought after the game is beaten) and the high-end undead FlyingSeafoodSpecial pale whale and stale whale.
* MoreDakka: the Have a Ball skill does this via ''juggling'', doing small amounts of damage to random enemies. Combined with tension, it brings even metal slimes down fast.

** The tavern where you create your party is run by [[VideoGame/DragonQuestIII a familiar face who fulfilled the same role long ago]]. Other characters show up throughout the series. The Dharma Temple returns. Several of these references were changed in the English localization. '''However''', localization choices like Count Uptaten and Patty are actually references to their translations of ''VideoGame/DragonQuestIV'' and ''VideoGame/DragonQuestV''. So they're still {{Mythology Gag}}s, just making reference to the modern localizations. While not consistent with the original Japanese names or the NES era translations, they are consistent with ''themselves''.

* ReptilesAreAbhorrent: Two of the main antagonists have reptilian traits: King Godwyn, the evil and cruel ruler of the Gittish Empire, can transform into a skeletal winged serpent. His ally Barbarus is a massive Eastern black dragon.

* RewardedAsATraitorDeserves: [[spoiler:The village of Wormwood turns Corvus over to TheEmpire to be spared from them. They get massacred anyways. Quoth the sergeant, "I Lied."]]

** The Ragin' Contagion — the boss that the protagonist fights inside the Quarantomb — was sealed away in a pot by the inhabitants of Coffinwell for about a hundred years before breaking out and infecting the entire village all over again.

* NiceHat: There's plenty of nice helmets and headgear to choose from. Also used humorously in the title screen cinematic: the Martial Artist is shown wearing an Iron Helmet that doesn't ''quite'' fit, making it look more like a hat than a helmet.

* {{DLC}}: Of the "already on-disc" variety. But now that Nintendo's online services has been discontinued, all of this is lost.

** The bane of every grotto explorer: chests don't give the same items every time, and often contain stuff that's too low to be considered VendorTrash.

* YouGottaHaveBlueHair: And pink, and green, and purple, and silver/grey...

* DistractedByTheSexy: Happens at random based on your [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin charm]] stat. More likely to happen to Minstrels and Luminaries, due to a high natural charm stat and passive charm bonuses in their unique skilltrees. Can even affect the BigBad and {{Bonus Boss}}es. When it comes to distracting your enemies, [[HoYay gender]] [[LesYay is never]] [[FoeYay a barrier]].