Dragon Warrior 2, also known as Dragon Quest 2, is an iconic role-playing game (RPG) released in 1987. Developed by Chunsoft and published by Enix, the game is a sequel to the original Dragon Warrior and follows the adventures of three heroes who must save the kingdom of Alefgard from the wicked Hargon and his minions. One of the most challenging aspects of Dragon Warrior 2 is navigating the vast and treacherous world of Alefgard, which is divided into several regions with distinct landscapes, enemies, and treasures.
The Starting Point: Midenhall Castle
Your journey in Dragon Warrior 2 begins in Midenhall Castle, the home of the Prince of Midenhall, who is one of the three heroes. The castle is located in the northeast corner of the game world and is surrounded by a moat and a forest. Inside the castle, you can talk to the king, the princess, and other characters who will give you hints and quests. You can also equip your heroes with weapons, armor, and items at the armory and item shop, respectively. Before you venture into the wilderness, make sure to save your game at the king’s throne room and take note of the password, which will allow you to resume your progress later.
Exploring the Overworld
The overworld of Alefgard is a vast and open area that connects all the regions and dungeons of the game. You can move your heroes around the overworld by walking or sailing, depending on the terrain and your progress. Walking is the default mode of transportation, and it allows you to encounter random battles with monsters, find hidden items or caves, and talk to NPCs who may offer you clues or rewards. Sailing, on the other hand, is available only after you obtain a ship, which is necessary to cross rivers, lakes, and oceans, and to explore islands and coastal areas. However, sailing also exposes you to sea monsters, which are stronger and more dangerous than land monsters.
Mastering the World Map
One of the most useful features of Dragon Warrior 2 is the world map, which you can access by pressing the select button on the NES controller. The world map shows you the entire game world from a bird’s-eye view and highlights the locations of towns, castles, dungeons, and other landmarks. It also displays your current position, the direction you are facing, and the distance to your destination. By using the world map, you can plan your route, avoid getting lost, and find shortcuts or hidden areas. Note that some regions of the game world are only accessible by using special items or spells, such as the Rainbow Bridge or the Return spell.
Conquering the Dungeons
In Dragon Warrior 2, dungeons are underground or underwater areas that are populated by strong monsters, traps, puzzles, and treasures. Dungeons are usually accessed by finding their entrance on the overworld or by using a key or a spell. Once inside a dungeon, you must navigate its maze-like corridors, defeat its guardians, and solve its puzzles to reach the boss and claim the reward. Some dungeons require you to have specific items or spells, such as the torch or the outside spell, to progress. Others have hidden rooms, secret passages, or invisible walls that can only be revealed by using certain items or spells. To succeed in the dungeons, you need to have a strong party, good equipment, and enough resources, such as magic points, healing items, and keys. Don’t forget to save your game before entering a dungeon, as it may take hours to complete.
Conclusion
Dragon Warrior 2 is an epic adventure that requires skill, strategy, and patience to complete. By mastering the map, exploring the world, and conquering the dungeons, you can become a true dragon warrior and save the kingdom of Alefgard. Use this guide as a reference to navigate the game world, but don’t forget to discover its secrets and make it your own. Happy gaming!