# Dragon Quest III: The Seeds of Salvation Introduction ## Overview *Dragon Quest III: The Seeds of Salvation*, released on February 10, 1988, for the Famicom by Enix and developed by Chunsoft, is the third *Dragon Quest* title, later released as *Dragon Warrior III* in North America (1992). The Hero, child of Ortega, forms a party to defeat the archfiend Baramos in Alefgard and beyond (*Wikipedia*). Designed by Yuji Horii with Akira Toriyama’s art and Koichi Sugiyama’s music, it introduced class systems and party customization (*GameFAQs*). Lauded for depth (*Nintendo Power*: 4.8/5), its grinding was noted (*IGN*: 8/10). ## Why Play Dragon Quest III? *Dragon Quest III* expands RPG gameplay with class-based party customization. Players create a team of up to four characters (e.g., Warrior, Mage) to explore a vast overworld, dungeons, and towns, battling monsters like Slimes and Raven Lunatics in turn-based combat (*GameFAQs*). Class changes at Dhama Temple and gear upgrades (e.g., Meteorite Armband) offer strategic depth (*dragon-quest.org*). The quest spans 20-30 hours, with battles taking 1-3 minutes. Its 8-bit charm and epic scope appeal to *Dragon Quest II* 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 - Lead a customizable party in a 20-30 hour adventure - Turn-based combat with class-based skills (e.g., Firebal) - Class changes at Dhama Temple for strategic flexibility - Battle Baramos and uncover Alefgard’s secrets - 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 (1988)/NES (1992)**: Japan (Famicom), North America (NES, as *Dragon Warrior III*), 8-bit visuals (*Wikipedia*). - **Compared to Dragon Quest II (1987, Famicom)**: *DQIII* adds class system, larger world; *DQII* has fixed party (*GameFAQs*). - **Compared to Super Robot Taisen Compact 3 (2003, WonderSwan Color)**: *DQIII* 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**: Game Boy Color (2000), iOS/Android (2014), Switch (2019) (*dragon-quest.org*). ## Play Dragon Quest III Online Play *Dragon Quest III* (1988, Famicom/NES) instantly on Classic Joy Games with NES emulators. Also available on RetroGames.cz, EmulatorGames.net, OldGameShelf.com (4.7/5 from 60 votes), or *Nintendo Switch Online* (2019). Physical copies cost $30-$80 (cart) or $100-$250 (CIB) on eBay (*PriceCharting*). Use Nestopia or RetroArch. Strategy: Recruit a Sage at Dhama; grind near Rimuldar for Metal Slimes. Cheat: Enter “qwertyuiop” at name entry for high stats (*GameFAQs*). Note: Some emulators may glitch during Baramos’ fire animation (*vizzed.com*). Join Classic Joy Games and vanquish Baramos now!