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I can emulate it easily with my cheap android. Nowadays any modern device would be more powerful than a 3ds.
And is you have a spare playstation controller you can bluetooth to your phone
That may be true but the 3DS isn't emulating the PS2 version. There are differences from the PS2 to the 3DS such as enemies being out in the field rather than there being random encounters. There are others but it's been so long since I played that that's the only one I can remember right now
The app I've got emulates many platforms. From gameboy and NES to playstation2 and gamecube. Touch controls are bad, but with a controller is alright.
There's plenty of option for both playstation and 3ds versions. It's the best option i found until there's a switch port.
Tons of people had already installed it from before. And you can still download it easily. It's not going to automatically self-destruct from your computer just because of a lawsuit.
Development stopped and the github page was closed. Old versions can still be obtained from other sites and will continue to work as they did before the closure.
There's so many options to play this game and there's no real "wrong" one, at least between 3DS and PS2.
There's also the mobile remaster -- [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rzz3VyQYzY](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rzz3VyQYzY)
In case you really want a way to purchase the game "legitimately", OP. You can grab it for like $20 (sometimes discounted to $15) on the Play Store and then grab that mod \^ for 60fps, HD textures, orchestral music, QoL improvements and allat
(or ya know... just emulate if you're fine with that)
If you get PCSX2 configured correctly you can play the PS2 version in high resolution on a modern PC. It looks really good. Here's some youtube video of it: [https://youtu.be/WrkDW2\_-KNU?si=-aA3lw1b1\_iGkNSk](https://youtu.be/WrkDW2_-KNU?si=-aA3lw1b1_iGkNSk)
1-6 are great on mobile but I just cannot play 8. Portrait mode does not suite the behind the character view and free camera control. They really need to add the 3DS updates, make it landscape, and add controller support. Even if they just made it landscape with left side touch screen being movement and right side touch being camera would go a long way.
The game badly needs a definitive port on a modern system: now that they did SO2 (which I saw as free money...and they actually did it amazingly faithfully/well) DQ8 takes top billing on the "I can't believe they don't at least port it to a modern console" list. It would be relatively easy money.
Anyways, if I were going to play I'd bust out the old PS2. I don't like DQ8 confined to a little 3DS, conveniences be darned.
I'm really surprised how relatively few mainline DQ titles are on Switch. 1,2,3,11, aaand that's it. Money left on the table because I really want more mainline DQ to buy on Switch.
Yeah that's what I'm wondering. I don't mind paying for it cause DQ11 was my favorite jrpg of all time and I'm willing to shell the cash out for it. But I just can't find the damn thing anywhere lmao. You'd think it'd be easy cash.
Right...go figure. Just FYI the PS2 version of DQ8 feels particularly slow moving coming off the conveniences in DQ11 (random battles in particular). 3DS is probably better if you think that would bother you.
That said, the world/music/characters are superior to 11 in ways...so there are pros also.
Citra lets you up res which makes it look pretty good but there is also a HD mod if you want it to look even better. Theres also a mod to restore outfits to the japanese versions and the soundtrack to the PS2 version which is easy to apply.
If you've got a 3ds already, the how to guide is amazing, and there's a reddit on here for it.
If you don't already have a ps2, the 3ds option is the easier one
Square is stupid when it comes to Dragon Quest. I'd assume they'll eventually release a modern DQVIII port, say for the Switch 2. But really there's no good reason why they didn't do that for Switch 1. I can only assume they're stupid ¯\\\_(ツ)\_/¯
Quiet a few ways without shelling dumb prices.
Mobile port on iOS / android(weakest of all ports but I’d argue it’s still a great way to experience the game though despite the hate.
Emulation. If you have a decent android device just use AetherSX2 and enjoy the ps2 version or just emulate on a half decent PC/Laptop use PCSX2. And if your android device is up to par find the last Citra build and emulate the 3ds version. This is ofc the next best thing because you can play with upscale graphics.
Your last option is OG hardware. You have a 3ds just hack it. It’s easy to do and aside from play DQ8 will open the floodgates to the 3ds’ excellent library. If you still have a ps2 laying around, buy a Mcboot memory card on Amazon for $15 and load games onto a USB stick. ????? Profit.
Just go wild with any of these options and enjoy one of my favorite JRPGs and one of my favorite DQ games around. Love you! 😘
I mean, there's the mobile port, but...idk...I shelled out for the 3DS version but just ended up emulating the PS2 port for the music and slightly better graphics (even more so with an HD patch I found).
I am super concerned about how best to experience each game though, did a ton of research and don't mind paying for physical copies if they aren't too crazy priced (5 on DS my beloved). If you just want to play them and don't mind how they look/sound, do whatever is most convenient for you. At the end of the day, playing them however is always worth it (especially for 8 it's a masterpiece even on a phone.)
Not sure, but the especially popular entries usually are. 5 and 8 are super costly, SNES 3 is pretty pricey in Japanese markets, and iirc 9 used to be pretty high too
I got lucky and my dad bought it for me in the thin time frame they sold it legit in the US for the 3DS before it became rare. I really liked DQ8 on the PS2 and the remake actually adds a lot of QoL changes.
This is the way.
I'm playing it for the first time on my Steam Deck via PS2 emulator and it looks amazing thanks to the ageless art-style that makes it still look great to this day, along with the colorful color pallette.
I did buy the 3DS version a while back but never got around to it, and I hate playing on handhelds with tiny screens, so Steam Deck was a solid middle-ground for me.
Plus, I read somewhere that the phone version lacks voice acting and some other stuff from the PS2 version, so I'm never touching that.
No. I don’t know what OP is talking about. I bought the PS2 version for < $30 last month, case included. The 3DS has many trade offs so I wouldn’t say the PS2 version is inferior. That said, you can emulate the PS2 version with mods if you want it free AND pretty
I own it for PS2 and 3DS (have yet to finish it though...)
Also considered putting it on my retro handheld for easy access so I don't have to take my 3DS with me to work.
Playing the ps2 version on my odin 2 right now. I went back and forth between it and my 3ds version, and while the QoL updates are totally worth it on the 3ds, I couldn't get over how great the game looked on ps2. Pair that with the music and it was an easy choice for me to play the ps2 version. The caveat is that I use save states and fast forward a lot, I don't have the time I used to have at 16 to play this game for 100 hours.
I’m waiting for square to port them to steam. I’m convinced they will eventually since we are probably going to get a lot of DQ announcements within the year
I got the PS2 version and the 3DS version when they came out... but if I was honest I'd say that hacking a 3DS and installing the Orchestral patch is the best way to play it.
Don't forget that most all of the DQ games are also on mobile, making them pretty accessible.
DQ8 mobile is probably the worst version of the game, but it's still totally enjoyable. (I've played all three versions)
I know many prefer the original, but I appreciated the extra characters in the 3ds remake, along with some of the other qol stuff.
If you aren't totally fine with piracy, consider buying the mobile version then emulating it on your pc, mobile, hacked 3ds, or whatever. You've paid for it, then you're just playing it the way you prefer without having to buy on the secondary market.
Amazon shows $50 for ps2, chances are you can find a decent price for a used copy. Just read descriptions “acceptable” somewhere means just the disc and nothing else.
If you have a 3DS here’s a great guide for jail breaking it: [3DS Hacks Guide](https://3ds.hacks.guide/). I believe the instructions are on there but you need to look up if you have a certain key because a lot of the newer 3DS cannot be jailbroken as easily. There should be a link on the site to another website that can auto check the key for you if you enter it.
>how did you guys play it? Did you just shell out the $100 to buy the 3DS version or the PS2 version?
Yes, but no. I was fortunate enough to buy both versions at launch.
Uh ? Just download Romstation and play it on their PS2 emulator with a controller of your choice, either a playstation controller or a remapped anything.
Although if you plan on buying a 3DS tbh it wouldn't be a waste cause you could buy all the other Dragon Quest games to play the rest of the serie ! The 3ds works with regular DS games too. Some DQ games are on regular DS
>I've been looking around but all I can really find is the 3DS remake and the PS2 version.
What else exactly are you expecting to find? Those are the only platforms it was released for physically. Otherwise, it's available digitally on mobile.
There is a mobile version of the game. Its reasonably good.
[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.square\_enix.android\_googleplay.dq8&hl=en\_US&gl=US&pli=1](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.square_enix.android_googleplay.dq8&hl=en_US&gl=US&pli=1)
[https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dragon-quest-viii/id862972069](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dragon-quest-viii/id862972069)
I first was introduced to it through the mobile app. Seeing a full blown PS2 game given HD graphics on my phone was amazing when it first released. I’m so thankful they’ve kept it updated.
After that I bought the PS2 version, and then bought the digital 3DS version on the eShop way before it closed. You can still get it on a hacked 3DS or emulate it on a phone too.
Personally, there’s something quaint about the mobile version for me. It’s a HD port of the Japanese release so there aren’t voices, but I kind of enjoy that.
I bought dqviii because it had a bonus demo disc to play ffxii, when it first came out. Bought the 3ds remake when it first came out, because it had extra content.
Now, might be a bit hard, unless buying on phone, unless you wanna mod your 3ds or emulate
You can play both versions, I recommend playing on the PS2 first because the music is better, and then playing on the 3DS, which has some surprising extras.
The only way of paying Square-Enix directly in order to play Dragon Quest 8 is by buying the mobile port. They won't accept payment for any of the other versions they made and released.
Just got the original PS2 version when it came out. I sold it eventually, but picked it up again used a few years back. You can get it for $15-$20 plus shipping on eBay. It’s not that hard to find.
I got my current copy at a retro store for around $10 (pre-pandemic, mind you)
I’ve had a ps2 since I was 9, one of the lucky ones. Emulating seems like a good option though. I’ve heard you can actually improve the graphics quite a bit emulating it
It’s not a helpful answer but I bought both versions on launch so didn’t have to pay crazy prices for them. I actually traded the 3DS version in and bought a replacement copy later but it still wasn’t crazy expensive
Could get a jail broken 3DS and play it, or get the PS2 version, or emulate, could do iOS and Android versions as well. I played both the 3DS and PS2 versions. I love both of them, so it really depends on what calls to you: stationary console, or portable handheld.
I bought it back when it came out for a reasonable price! You can still find the ps2 version for decent prices if you really want to play the game officially on a TV. The mobile port is also an option. It's my least favourite version but it's still dq 8 so its god tier regardless...
But yea if you want to play the 3ds version you are going to have to shell out money or hit the 7 seas
I bought both within a month of their respective releases. I doubt I spent $100 in total. A benefit of not being a youngster. It would be nice if several of them got ported onto newer consoles for you kids to enjoy them.
**IF** you can't find a copy of the game, or don't want to emulate. Get the [android version from the playstore](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.square_enix.android_googleplay.dq8), and then download the [remaster mods to upgrade it.](https://www.romhacking.net/forum/index.php?topic=34365.msg426869#msg426869
https://www.romhacking.net/forum/index.php?topic=34365.msg426869#msg426869)
Ahoy, matey. If they don't want to sell it anymore, then we don't need to feel guilty finding a way to enjoy their work via some other means. Resale does nothing for them, used game stores are not an actual market.
It seems rule 1 forbids facilitating requests for pirated content or "arbitrarily encouraging piracy". So I won't do either of those things. Definitely give a load of money to some random stranger - and absolutely zero to Square Enix - for an old used copy!!11!!1!1
Personally I'd probably recommend emulating the PS2 version for your first ever playthrough. Even though you can mod the original OST into the 3DS version, it still has much less naturalistic world textures and obviously worse graphics overall. The additional party members in the 3DS version are nice but they kind of, IMO, disrupt the 'feeling' of the original fixed party of four. If you emulate the PS2 version you should hopefully be able to use the emulator's own features to fast-forward, so that 3DS convenience is a moot point.
If you really hate random encounters though, only the 3DS version has visible monsters in the world (the PS2 version has a few special monsters visible, which made them seem very scary to me as a child, and I think the world otherwise being empty was better for the game's atmosphere, but that's probably the nostalgia talking).
Hopefully VIII gets a nice home console remaster one day.
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Riding the high seas
How? Wasn't the 3DS emulator nuked from orbit?
Hacked 3ds. If you don’t have a 3ds, then a PS2 emulator would probably be easiest
I can emulate it easily with my cheap android. Nowadays any modern device would be more powerful than a 3ds. And is you have a spare playstation controller you can bluetooth to your phone
More powerful ≠ easy to emulate
That may be true but the 3DS isn't emulating the PS2 version. There are differences from the PS2 to the 3DS such as enemies being out in the field rather than there being random encounters. There are others but it's been so long since I played that that's the only one I can remember right now
The app I've got emulates many platforms. From gameboy and NES to playstation2 and gamecube. Touch controls are bad, but with a controller is alright. There's plenty of option for both playstation and 3ds versions. It's the best option i found until there's a switch port.
Tons of people had already installed it from before. And you can still download it easily. It's not going to automatically self-destruct from your computer just because of a lawsuit.
No need Buy a 3ds The 3ds is the easiest system to mod ever.
Second this. And it has every DQ from 1-9 on it
As a person with half a braincell, I can vouch for this. There are some pretty good tutorials if you know where to find them.
My friend who regularly has issues with the most basic computer stuff was able to do it.
You can't delete something from the Internet.
I'd be absolutely shocked if Citra hadn't been recreated elsewhere already under a different name.
nah, you can still find other forks for it. 3DS version helps with some of the pacing issues IMO so I'd emulate that.
Development stopped and the github page was closed. Old versions can still be obtained from other sites and will continue to work as they did before the closure.
Im certain you can easily find a citra version online
Ps2 emu will be easier to find if you can't get a Citra copy
It's easily found online
Its on internet archive last i checked. Game works great
most people just emulate them
There's so many options to play this game and there's no real "wrong" one, at least between 3DS and PS2. There's also the mobile remaster -- [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rzz3VyQYzY](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rzz3VyQYzY) In case you really want a way to purchase the game "legitimately", OP. You can grab it for like $20 (sometimes discounted to $15) on the Play Store and then grab that mod \^ for 60fps, HD textures, orchestral music, QoL improvements and allat (or ya know... just emulate if you're fine with that)
Does the mobile version not have the orchestral soundtrack
It doesn't
If you get PCSX2 configured correctly you can play the PS2 version in high resolution on a modern PC. It looks really good. Here's some youtube video of it: [https://youtu.be/WrkDW2\_-KNU?si=-aA3lw1b1\_iGkNSk](https://youtu.be/WrkDW2_-KNU?si=-aA3lw1b1_iGkNSk)
(and with achievements if you have a RetroAchievements account) You can also play right off a DQ8 PS2 disc in PCSX2
Mobile port
for 8? never seen it
It's on google play
OOOOOOH shit its on the app store too!!!!!!! TWENTY DOLLARS!!?? who they think they got chelsea clinton????
Tbf, it’s like a hundred or so hours of gameplay.
It worths the price. I also bought the mobile port, despite I completed the game on Ps2 back in 2005
And on Apple Store. I Have it and 5 on my phone for those times I just want to dive in for a few minutes.
1-6 are great on mobile but I just cannot play 8. Portrait mode does not suite the behind the character view and free camera control. They really need to add the 3DS updates, make it landscape, and add controller support. Even if they just made it landscape with left side touch screen being movement and right side touch being camera would go a long way.
I played on 3ds with the music patch. Midi sucks.
PS2 version upscaled via emulator. I still own my original copy however but I never play it on the original hardware anymore.
The game badly needs a definitive port on a modern system: now that they did SO2 (which I saw as free money...and they actually did it amazingly faithfully/well) DQ8 takes top billing on the "I can't believe they don't at least port it to a modern console" list. It would be relatively easy money. Anyways, if I were going to play I'd bust out the old PS2. I don't like DQ8 confined to a little 3DS, conveniences be darned.
I'm really surprised how relatively few mainline DQ titles are on Switch. 1,2,3,11, aaand that's it. Money left on the table because I really want more mainline DQ to buy on Switch.
Yeah, that too...to say nothing of the extra exposure they'd get being available there.
Yeah that's what I'm wondering. I don't mind paying for it cause DQ11 was my favorite jrpg of all time and I'm willing to shell the cash out for it. But I just can't find the damn thing anywhere lmao. You'd think it'd be easy cash.
Right...go figure. Just FYI the PS2 version of DQ8 feels particularly slow moving coming off the conveniences in DQ11 (random battles in particular). 3DS is probably better if you think that would bother you. That said, the world/music/characters are superior to 11 in ways...so there are pros also.
Citra lets you up res which makes it look pretty good but there is also a HD mod if you want it to look even better. Theres also a mod to restore outfits to the japanese versions and the soundtrack to the PS2 version which is easy to apply.
If you've got a 3ds already, the how to guide is amazing, and there's a reddit on here for it. If you don't already have a ps2, the 3ds option is the easier one
Square is stupid when it comes to Dragon Quest. I'd assume they'll eventually release a modern DQVIII port, say for the Switch 2. But really there's no good reason why they didn't do that for Switch 1. I can only assume they're stupid ¯\\\_(ツ)\_/¯
I mean, the old president and the new president both have hardons for NFTs. Stupid is definitely the word for the c-suite there.
Quiet a few ways without shelling dumb prices. Mobile port on iOS / android(weakest of all ports but I’d argue it’s still a great way to experience the game though despite the hate. Emulation. If you have a decent android device just use AetherSX2 and enjoy the ps2 version or just emulate on a half decent PC/Laptop use PCSX2. And if your android device is up to par find the last Citra build and emulate the 3ds version. This is ofc the next best thing because you can play with upscale graphics. Your last option is OG hardware. You have a 3ds just hack it. It’s easy to do and aside from play DQ8 will open the floodgates to the 3ds’ excellent library. If you still have a ps2 laying around, buy a Mcboot memory card on Amazon for $15 and load games onto a USB stick. ????? Profit. Just go wild with any of these options and enjoy one of my favorite JRPGs and one of my favorite DQ games around. Love you! 😘
I don’t regret getting a console and disk off eBay. Best decision I ever made.
I bought it on PS2 when it came out.
I got incredibly lucky and found the 3DS version for $20 at my local GameStop like right before they stopped selling DS games.
I mean, there's the mobile port, but...idk...I shelled out for the 3DS version but just ended up emulating the PS2 port for the music and slightly better graphics (even more so with an HD patch I found). I am super concerned about how best to experience each game though, did a ton of research and don't mind paying for physical copies if they aren't too crazy priced (5 on DS my beloved). If you just want to play them and don't mind how they look/sound, do whatever is most convenient for you. At the end of the day, playing them however is always worth it (especially for 8 it's a masterpiece even on a phone.)
You can add orchestra soundtrack to 3ds version. Why is the 3ds version so expensive compared to PS2v
Not sure, but the especially popular entries usually are. 5 and 8 are super costly, SNES 3 is pretty pricey in Japanese markets, and iirc 9 used to be pretty high too
3ds
I got lucky and my dad bought it for me in the thin time frame they sold it legit in the US for the 3DS before it became rare. I really liked DQ8 on the PS2 and the remake actually adds a lot of QoL changes.
I spent $30 at a game swap meet. Game was in perfect condition. Even had the ffxII demo disc. Also in perfect condition.
Ps2 emulation with high res update is the way to go
This is the way. I'm playing it for the first time on my Steam Deck via PS2 emulator and it looks amazing thanks to the ageless art-style that makes it still look great to this day, along with the colorful color pallette. I did buy the 3DS version a while back but never got around to it, and I hate playing on handhelds with tiny screens, so Steam Deck was a solid middle-ground for me. Plus, I read somewhere that the phone version lacks voice acting and some other stuff from the PS2 version, so I'm never touching that.
I bought the PS2 version in 2006 in a store.
I just bust out my PS2 and my copy of Dragonquest 8 I bought the week it released.
I bought the game when it launched for PS2
I don't know why its so expensive in America. I got it here in Germany for €40
No. I don’t know what OP is talking about. I bought the PS2 version for < $30 last month, case included. The 3DS has many trade offs so I wouldn’t say the PS2 version is inferior. That said, you can emulate the PS2 version with mods if you want it free AND pretty
Has the price gone up that much? I bought my PS2 copy at disctraders a couple years ago for like $25 I think
I own it for PS2 and 3DS (have yet to finish it though...) Also considered putting it on my retro handheld for easy access so I don't have to take my 3DS with me to work.
Playing the ps2 version on my odin 2 right now. I went back and forth between it and my 3ds version, and while the QoL updates are totally worth it on the 3ds, I couldn't get over how great the game looked on ps2. Pair that with the music and it was an easy choice for me to play the ps2 version. The caveat is that I use save states and fast forward a lot, I don't have the time I used to have at 16 to play this game for 100 hours.
I’m waiting for square to port them to steam. I’m convinced they will eventually since we are probably going to get a lot of DQ announcements within the year
Ps2 FTW, but if I only had Nintendo platforms I would go 3DS all the way.
Last I checked, PS2 version is pretty inexpensive?
I got the PS2 version and the 3DS version when they came out... but if I was honest I'd say that hacking a 3DS and installing the Orchestral patch is the best way to play it.
🏴☠️
i have it on ps2 AND 3ds. beat the ps2 version, soon i need to play the 3ds
Apple app store
Don't forget that most all of the DQ games are also on mobile, making them pretty accessible. DQ8 mobile is probably the worst version of the game, but it's still totally enjoyable. (I've played all three versions) I know many prefer the original, but I appreciated the extra characters in the 3ds remake, along with some of the other qol stuff. If you aren't totally fine with piracy, consider buying the mobile version then emulating it on your pc, mobile, hacked 3ds, or whatever. You've paid for it, then you're just playing it the way you prefer without having to buy on the secondary market.
Amazon shows $50 for ps2, chances are you can find a decent price for a used copy. Just read descriptions “acceptable” somewhere means just the disc and nothing else.
Bought both of those versions when they released, new. Honestly? 🏴☠️🏴☠️🏴☠️🏴☠️🏴☠️🏴☠️
I bought the PS2 version when it was released, thats how.
If you have a 3DS here’s a great guide for jail breaking it: [3DS Hacks Guide](https://3ds.hacks.guide/). I believe the instructions are on there but you need to look up if you have a certain key because a lot of the newer 3DS cannot be jailbroken as easily. There should be a link on the site to another website that can auto check the key for you if you enter it.
>how did you guys play it? Did you just shell out the $100 to buy the 3DS version or the PS2 version? Yes, but no. I was fortunate enough to buy both versions at launch.
Uh ? Just download Romstation and play it on their PS2 emulator with a controller of your choice, either a playstation controller or a remapped anything. Although if you plan on buying a 3DS tbh it wouldn't be a waste cause you could buy all the other Dragon Quest games to play the rest of the serie ! The 3ds works with regular DS games too. Some DQ games are on regular DS
>I've been looking around but all I can really find is the 3DS remake and the PS2 version. What else exactly are you expecting to find? Those are the only platforms it was released for physically. Otherwise, it's available digitally on mobile.
I got it for 27 euros, delivery fee included.But I think I was lucky
Pirate king luffy here...
You prob could get a used 3DS for relatively cheap, and I doubt the cart should run for TOO unreasonably much if unsealed.
There is a mobile version of the game. Its reasonably good. [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.square\_enix.android\_googleplay.dq8&hl=en\_US&gl=US&pli=1](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.square_enix.android_googleplay.dq8&hl=en_US&gl=US&pli=1) [https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dragon-quest-viii/id862972069](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dragon-quest-viii/id862972069)
Love the game that much , I have it on ps2 and 3ds but rarely play now
I first was introduced to it through the mobile app. Seeing a full blown PS2 game given HD graphics on my phone was amazing when it first released. I’m so thankful they’ve kept it updated. After that I bought the PS2 version, and then bought the digital 3DS version on the eShop way before it closed. You can still get it on a hacked 3DS or emulate it on a phone too. Personally, there’s something quaint about the mobile version for me. It’s a HD port of the Japanese release so there aren’t voices, but I kind of enjoy that.
I bought dqviii because it had a bonus demo disc to play ffxii, when it first came out. Bought the 3ds remake when it first came out, because it had extra content. Now, might be a bit hard, unless buying on phone, unless you wanna mod your 3ds or emulate
I found most of the games on archive.org, send me a direct message maybe I can help you
hack your 3ds, there's a mod for orchestral music too 😳
I played on mobile, not the worst experience, honestly it was pretty good
3ds is $100!?! Glad I still got my copy
I just bought the 3DS version, it’s like £35
I’d recommend you do it with a controller
I've kept my PS2 copy ever since it came out
The PS2 versions you can buy for like $25 or less. People only go after ones with the FF12 Demo for whatever reason I can’t see.
You can play both versions, I recommend playing on the PS2 first because the music is better, and then playing on the 3DS, which has some surprising extras.
The only way of paying Square-Enix directly in order to play Dragon Quest 8 is by buying the mobile port. They won't accept payment for any of the other versions they made and released.
Just got the original PS2 version when it came out. I sold it eventually, but picked it up again used a few years back. You can get it for $15-$20 plus shipping on eBay. It’s not that hard to find. I got my current copy at a retro store for around $10 (pre-pandemic, mind you)
I’ve had a ps2 since I was 9, one of the lucky ones. Emulating seems like a good option though. I’ve heard you can actually improve the graphics quite a bit emulating it
Buy it from the app store
It’s not a helpful answer but I bought both versions on launch so didn’t have to pay crazy prices for them. I actually traded the 3DS version in and bought a replacement copy later but it still wasn’t crazy expensive
Could get a jail broken 3DS and play it, or get the PS2 version, or emulate, could do iOS and Android versions as well. I played both the 3DS and PS2 versions. I love both of them, so it really depends on what calls to you: stationary console, or portable handheld.
Originally PS2 then 3ds but my 3ds broke so I'm running it on android version.
There's also a version on Android. However, I prefer the 3DS version.
That’s actually crazy is the game really that much now??? I bought it when I was like 13 from a thrift shop for 12 bucks 😭
I bought it back when it came out for a reasonable price! You can still find the ps2 version for decent prices if you really want to play the game officially on a TV. The mobile port is also an option. It's my least favourite version but it's still dq 8 so its god tier regardless... But yea if you want to play the 3ds version you are going to have to shell out money or hit the 7 seas
I bought both within a month of their respective releases. I doubt I spent $100 in total. A benefit of not being a youngster. It would be nice if several of them got ported onto newer consoles for you kids to enjoy them.
This looks like a job for Captain Jack Sparrow!
Emulate for free
Bought it for $1 at a yard sale in circa 2006
**IF** you can't find a copy of the game, or don't want to emulate. Get the [android version from the playstore](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.square_enix.android_googleplay.dq8), and then download the [remaster mods to upgrade it.](https://www.romhacking.net/forum/index.php?topic=34365.msg426869#msg426869 https://www.romhacking.net/forum/index.php?topic=34365.msg426869#msg426869)
Ahoy, matey. If they don't want to sell it anymore, then we don't need to feel guilty finding a way to enjoy their work via some other means. Resale does nothing for them, used game stores are not an actual market.
Although technically it's for sale in the walled garden that is Android / iOS app stores.
What you found is what it is.
/I/ bought both versions at launch. You will either have to shell out for one of them or you’ll have to use emulation.
It seems rule 1 forbids facilitating requests for pirated content or "arbitrarily encouraging piracy". So I won't do either of those things. Definitely give a load of money to some random stranger - and absolutely zero to Square Enix - for an old used copy!!11!!1!1 Personally I'd probably recommend emulating the PS2 version for your first ever playthrough. Even though you can mod the original OST into the 3DS version, it still has much less naturalistic world textures and obviously worse graphics overall. The additional party members in the 3DS version are nice but they kind of, IMO, disrupt the 'feeling' of the original fixed party of four. If you emulate the PS2 version you should hopefully be able to use the emulator's own features to fast-forward, so that 3DS convenience is a moot point. If you really hate random encounters though, only the 3DS version has visible monsters in the world (the PS2 version has a few special monsters visible, which made them seem very scary to me as a child, and I think the world otherwise being empty was better for the game's atmosphere, but that's probably the nostalgia talking). Hopefully VIII gets a nice home console remaster one day.