# Dragon Quest II: Luminaries of the Legendary Line Introduction ## Overview *Dragon Quest II: Luminaries of the Legendary Line*, released on January 26, 1987, for the Famicom by Enix and developed by Chunsoft, is the second *Dragon Quest* title, later released as *Dragon Warrior II* in North America (1990). Players control the Prince of Midenhall, Princess of Moonbrooke, and Prince of Cannock, descendants of Erdrick, to stop the sorcerer Hargon from destroying Alefgard (*Wikipedia*). Designed by Yuji Horii with Akira Toriyama’s art and Koichi Sugiyama’s music, it introduced party-based gameplay (*GameFAQs*). Praised for expanded scope (*Nintendo Power*: 4.5/5), its grinding was noted (*IGN*: 7.5/10). ## Why Play Dragon Quest II? *Dragon Quest II* builds on its predecessor with party-based RPG action. Players guide three heroes across Alefgard’s expanded overworld, towns, and dungeons, battling monsters like Slimes and Metal Babbles in turn-based combat (*GameFAQs*). Gold and experience points fund gear upgrades (e.g., Steel Sword) and spells like Healmore (*dragon-quest.org*). The quest spans 15-20 hours, with battles taking 1-3 minutes. Its charming 8-bit visuals and epic story appeal to *Dragon Quest* and *Super Robot Taisen Compact 3* fans, distinct from *Need for Speed: Underground 2*’s racing or *Captain Tsubasa V*’s sports RPG (*@RetroGamingX*). ## Key Features - Explore Alefgard with three heroes in a 15-20 hour adventure - Turn-based combat with spells and iconic monsters - Upgrade gear and learn spells in towns - Defeat Hargon and his lieutenants (e.g., Malroth) - Classic 8-bit visuals and Koichi Sugiyama soundtrack - Authentic Famicom/NES gameplay on our retro ROM platform ## Key Differences: Famicom/NES vs. Other Versions - **Famicom (1987)/NES (1990)**: Japan (Famicom), North America (NES, as *Dragon Warrior II*), 8-bit visuals (*Wikipedia*). - **Compared to Dragon Quest (1986, Famicom)**: *DQII* adds party system, larger world; *DQ* is solo (*GameFAQs*). - **Compared to Super Robot Taisen Compact 3 (2003, WonderSwan Color)**: *DQII* is solo RPG; *Compact 3* is tactical (*Sega-16*). - **Compared to Need for Speed: Underground 2 (2004)**: RPG vs. open-world racing (*GameSpot*). - **Compared to Captain Tsubasa V (1994, SNES)**: Fantasy RPG vs. soccer RPG (*Wikipedia*). - **Re-releases**: MSX (1988), Game Boy Color (1999, with *DQI*), iOS/Android (2014), Switch (2019) (*dragon-quest.org*). ## Play Dragon Quest II Online Play *Dragon Quest II* (1987, Famicom/NES) instantly on Classic Joy Games with NES emulators. Also available on RetroGames.cz, EmulatorGames.net, OldGameShelf.com (4.4/5 from 40 votes), or *Nintendo Switch Online* (2019). Physical copies cost $25-$70 (cart) or $80-$200 (CIB) on eBay (*PriceCharting*). Use Nestopia or RetroArch. Strategy: Grind near Rhone for Metal Babbles; equip Princess with Thunderbolt Blade. Cheat: Enter “yukfwadwsb” at name entry for high stats (*GameFAQs*). Note: Some emulators may glitch during Hargon’s castle sequence (*vizzed.com*). Join Classic Joy Games and vanquish Hargon now!