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These quirky shop folks are bit players in the tale, but they offer some extra entertainment beyond the main story. The pink bow-adorned brute that runs the game shop solicits multiplayer for up to four players featuring Dart Attack -- you move the board and catch arrows launched at you -- and the amusingly named Slime Crisis. Both games are a great way to practice for the main adventure since they use exactly the same mechanics of sword and shield, but they also offer high score challenges if you're so inclined. The rest of the shopkeepers offer weapons, armor and items along with the arm-wrenching Tombola, which is just another way to get you to "spin the handle" using the Wii remote in order to win a crappy prize.

Those that are completely enamored of Dragon Quest or those who have kids and are looking for a way to introduce them to the basics of role-playing games will probably love this game. It's got a fantastic soundtrack that's full of traditional tunes from the series along with some new compositions, and it's got that great Toriyama character design along with a very traditional story. Unfortunately, the game is over not long after you've started and it's unlikely that you'll go back and play through it again and again. There's just too little game to make it more than a rental or bargain bin buy, even if you know it'll charm you right off your feet with that Dragon Quest style. Get it for the kids and take a weekend off from the hardcore RPGs to finish it yourself.

This review is based on a retail copy of the game provided by the publisher.