Dragon Quest/Gameplay

A World of Fantasy As the hero destined to fight for the people of Alefgard, you are cast in a role which is set in an exciting but deadly universe. Role-playing games like Dragon Quest provide a setting in which your character must develop from a novice to a master, gaining knowledge, solving puzzles, and mastering the arts of sorcery and swordplay. There is no one correct way to play the game, but there are strategies that will serve you well as you seek clues to the mysteries of Alefgard. Take care that you do not become lost in this strange new world.

Controls

 * D-Pad: Direct your character through the world, in towns, and in dungeons. Also used to navigate and choose selections on any menu.
 * A: Bring up the menu or accept a menu option.
 * B: Close the menu or return to the previous menu.
 * Start: Pause.

Condition window
If you stand still momentarily, the Condition Window pops up on the left side of the Game Screen. In this window you will find your current condition listed for the following:

Watch your Hit Points carefully. The HP indicates how much damage you can take. The Level rises with increases in Experience.

Command window
By pressing the A button, both the Command Window and the Condition Window open up. The Command Window and its options are used to perform actions. Within the Command Window are most of the commands you will use during the game. It is here that you choose to speak to a man in a shop, open a door, search an area, or view your status.

Note: In the Dragon Warrior I & II release, Stairs and Take are removed from the Command Window. Your character will automatically use the stairs when he steps on them. Your character will automatically take the contents of a chest when he searches the chest at his feet. Additionally, choosing Status will open a sub-window that allows you a further choice between Equip and Status. Choosing Status brings up the Status Window as before, but choosing Equip allows you to equip and unequip armor and weapons, which you are not permitted to do in the Nintendo Entertainment System version (where the items you buy are automatically equipped, replacing the item you previously wore).

Battle screen
While hiking about Alefgard or stealing through the many dark caverns, from time to time you will encounter an enemy. Suddenly the monster is facing you and the Battle Screen will pop up. At this point you have four choices; you can Fight, Run, use a Spell, or use an Item. When choosing a course of action, you should take into account your HP and the strength of the enemy.

Status window
The status of your Strength, Agility, and other characteristics appear when you activate the Status Screen. The numbers increase as you defeat monsters, gain experience points and raise your overall level.

The type of weapon, armor and shield that you carry will affect your Attack Power and Defense Power. The Copper Sword, for instance, will give you an Attack Power higher than the Club.