Dragon Warrior II (USA)

Dragon Warrior II is a classic role-playing game (RPG) on the NES, continuing the saga of the hero Roto. Players assume the role of the Prince of Midenhall, a descendant of Erdrick (Roto), embarking on a quest to save the world from the evil sorcerer Hargon. A significant new feature compared to its predecessor is the ability to recruit and control a party of up to three characters.

The combat system in Dragon Warrior II retains the traditional turn-based gameplay. Encounters with monsters occur randomly as players navigate the overworld map, dungeons, or caves. Once in battle, players issue commands to each character in their party: Attack, Spell, Item, or Run. Each character possesses unique strengths and weaknesses:

• Prince of Midenhall: The main protagonist, boasts strong physical combat abilities, can equip various weapons and armor, and learns some basic healing spells.
• Princess of Moonbrooke: A powerful mage with formidable offensive spells and support magic, though physically frail.
• Prince of Cannock: A hybrid warrior-mage character, capable of decent physical damage and learning supportive and healing spells.

The world in Dragon Warrior II is significantly larger than the first installment, featuring numerous towns, villages, dungeons, and caves to explore. Players will gather information, purchase equipment, and seek out crucial items to advance the storyline. A new feature introduced is the ability to sail, opening up new areas across the seas.

The primary objective of the game is to collect various Crests to open the path to the land of Rhone, Hargon's lair. After defeating Hargon, an even more dangerous foe, Malroth, emerges, challenging the player to the ultimate battle. Dragon Warrior II is renowned for its considerably higher difficulty compared to its predecessor, requiring players to grind levels and strategize carefully to overcome its challenges.