# Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride (Nintendo DS) Introduction ## Overview *Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride*, released on July 17, 2008, for the Nintendo DS by Square Enix and developed by ArtePiazza, is a remake of the 1992 Super Famicom classic. The Hero journeys from childhood to adulthood, marrying and raising children, to defeat Grandmaster Nimzo (*Wikipedia*). Designed by Yuji Horii with Akira Toriyama’s art and Koichi Sugiyama’s music, it enhances the original with 3D graphics, a third marriage option, and expanded monster recruitment (*GameFAQs*). Praised for its emotional story (*IGN*: 8.5/10), some noted repetitive grinding (*GameSpot*: 8/10). ## Why Play Dragon Quest V? *Dragon Quest V* on Nintendo DS delivers a polished RPG with a generational saga. Players control the Hero, exploring a 3D overworld, dungeons, and towns, battling monsters like Slimes and Hawk Men in turn-based combat (*GameFAQs*). Monster recruitment lets players befriend foes (e.g., Great Sabrecat), and marriage choices (Bianca, Nera, or Debora) shape the story and children’s stats (*dragon-quest.org*). The quest spans 25-35 hours, with battles taking 1-3 minutes. Its vibrant visuals and deep narrative appeal to *Dragon Quest VI* 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 generational saga in a 25-35 hour adventure - Turn-based combat with recruitable monsters (up to 71) - Three marriage options (Bianca, Nera, Debora) - Battle Nimzo and minions (e.g., Bjørn, Ladja) - Enhanced 3D visuals and Koichi Sugiyama soundtrack - Authentic Nintendo DS gameplay on our retro ROM platform ## Key Differences: Nintendo DS vs. Other Versions - **Nintendo DS (2008/2009)**: 3D graphics, third marriage option (Debora), English release (*Wikipedia*). - **Compared to Dragon Quest V (1992, Super Famicom)**: DS adds 3D visuals, Debora, more monsters; SFC is 16-bit, Japan-only (*GameFAQs*). - **Compared to Super Robot Taisen Compact 3 (2003, WonderSwan Color)**: *DQV* 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 2 (2004, Japan-only), iOS/Android (2015) (*dragon-quest.org*). ## Play