# Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen Introduction ## Overview *Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen*, released on February 11, 1990, for the Famicom by Enix and developed by Chunsoft, is the fourth *Dragon Quest* title, later released as *Dragon Warrior IV* in North America (1992). Players control multiple characters across five chapters, uniting as the Chosen Ones to defeat Psaro the Manslayer (*Wikipedia*). Designed by Yuji Horii with Akira Toriyama’s art and Koichi Sugiyama’s music, it introduced a chapter-based narrative and AI-controlled party members (*GameFAQs*). Praised for its storytelling (*Nintendo Power*: 4.7/5), its high difficulty was noted (*IGN*: 8/10). ## Why Play Dragon Quest IV? *Dragon Quest IV* delivers a unique chapter-based RPG experience. Players guide characters like Ragnar, Alena, and the Hero through distinct stories, exploring a vast overworld, dungeons, and towns, battling monsters like Slimes and Lethal Armours in turn-based combat (*GameFAQs*). Chapter 5 unites the party, with gear upgrades (e.g., Zenithian Sword) and spells like Kafrizzle (*dragon-quest.org*). The quest spans 25-35 hours, with battles taking 1-3 minutes. Its 8-bit charm and narrative depth appeal to *Dragon Quest III* 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 a chapter-based saga in a 25-35 hour adventure - Turn-based combat with AI-controlled party members - Unite eight Chosen Ones to battle Psaro - Upgrade gear and learn spells in towns - Iconic 8-bit visuals and Koichi Sugiyama soundtrack - Authentic Famicom/NES gameplay on our retro ROM platform ## Key Differences: Famicom/NES vs. Other Versions - **Famicom (1990)/NES (1992)**: Japan (Famicom), North America (NES, as *Dragon Warrior IV*), 8-bit visuals (*Wikipedia*). - **Compared to Dragon Quest III (1988, Famicom)**: *DQIV* adds chapters, AI party; *DQIII* has class system (*GameFAQs*). - **Compared to Super Robot Taisen Compact 3 (2003, WonderSwan Color)**: *DQIV* 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**: PlayStation (2001), Nintendo DS (2007, as *Chapters of the Chosen*), iOS/Android (2014), Switch (2019) (*dragon-quest.org*). ## Play Dragon Quest IV Online Play *Dragon Quest IV* (1990, Famicom/NES) instantly on Classic Joy Games with NES emulators. Also available on RetroGames.cz, EmulatorGames.net, OldGameShelf.com (4.6/5 from 45 votes), or *Nintendo Switch Online* (2019). Physical copies cost $30-$80 (cart) or $100-$250 (CIB) on eBay (*PriceCharting*). Use Nestopia or RetroArch. Strategy: Grind near Endor for early levels; equip Zenithian Armor in Chapter 5. Cheat: Enter “abcdefg” at name entry for high stats (*GameFAQs*). Note: Some emulators may glitch during Psaro’s transformation (*vizzed.com*). Join Classic Joy Games and defeat Psaro now!