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Dragon Quest VIII: The Journey of the Cursed King (2004)

Duration: 39:44

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This is video #073 in my playthrough of Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King for the Nintendo 3DS. This video contains commentary. To view the non-commentary version, click here: https://youtu.be/SLVlIwMqoe0

Dragon Quest VIII [3DS] (No Commentary) Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIZ8kn0xML267JIRtemtw0O3h4JsM3hlZ

Dragon Quest VIII [3DS] (Commentary) Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIZ8kn0xML27cRYV-4gns176P5JY09UfC

Previously, the party explored the Dark Ruins and found the healing spring on Basement Level 4. Now, they are nearly ready to face that infernal jester, Dhoulmagus.

Dhoulmagus has two forms. The first form drops 4,300 experience points. So, after resuming, the party grinds a little bit so that Angelo will level up after the first form. The recharge of HP and MP will be useful for the second form.

When they are done, they recharge their HP and MP at the healing spring (time 4:22).

They continue downstairs to the lower part of Basement Level 4 (time 4:34).

A scene takes place as they go through the door at the end (time 4:49). Dhoulmagus awaits ahead.

The party approaches the circle underneath Dhoulmagus for another scene (time 5:58).

The first phase of the battle against Dhoulmagus begins (time 7:27). Dhoulmagus can summon a couple of doppelgangers. The doppelgangers can laugh, which is a waste of a turn, or attack. Dhoulmagus's main form has several additional moves. He can act twice in a round. He can use Disruptive Wave, which removes the party's buffs. He can fire thorns from his staff to hit the entire party. He can throw debris, which deals two strikes against random targets. When his eyes gleam, he can put a party member to sleep. Dhoulmagus can also heal his troop with Multiheal.

To make this battle manageable, make sure that Angelo is Level 30 so that he knows the spell Multiheal. Otherwise, the hero will often have to help with the healing. Since Dhoulmagus knows Disruptive Wave, psyching up to max tension can be a waste of time. The party should first take out the doppelgangers and then focus on Dhoulmagus himself. Jessica (and Angelo, if he knows the spell) can Oomph the protagonist and Yangus. Then, the protagonist and Yangus can deploy their strongest attacks against Dhoulmagus.

The party eventually subdues Dhoulmagus's first form (time 14:26). Davilas reaches Level 32. He learns the spell Kasizzle, the upgrade of Sizzle. He obtains 6 skill points. He puts them into Courage for a total of 79. Yangus reaches Level 31. He obtains 7 skill points. He puts them into Humanity for a total of 34. At 32 points in Humanity, he becomes a Considerate Companion and learns the spell Share Magic. Share Magic donates some of Yangus's MP to the selected party member. Angelo reaches Level 31. He obtains 7 skill points. He puts them into Charisma for a total of 24. At 19 points in Charisma, he becomes a Hot Knight and learns the ability Angel Eyes.

A scene takes place after the battle (time 16:01). Dhoulmagus assumes a cool demonic form.

Then, the second phase of the battle begins (time 19:14). We are treated to the game's awesome second boss theme. Dhoulmagus can act twice in a round. He still has Disruptive Wave at his disposal. Aside from his normal attack, he can fire feathers from his wings to hit the entire party. He can breathe fire. He also has Kasizzle and Kacrackle spells at his disposal. His high-speed combo deals a flurry of five attacks on a party member.

With Dhoulmagus's powerful attacks, Angelo's Multiheal spell is very useful. The protagonist should help out with healing when necessary. Jessica should keep Oomph up on the protagonist and Yangus. She can also put up Magic Barrier and Insulatle to mitigate Dhoulmagus's magic and breath damage, though they will probably get dispelled by Disruptive Wave.

In time, the party defeats Dhoulmagus (time 25:55).

A scene takes place after Dhoulmagus's defeat (time 26:10). Dhoulmagus is dead, but not everything turns out as the party hopes. The shot at the end of the scene is unsettling.

Another scene takes place at the inn in Argonia (time 29:43). They get some well-deserved rest.

The next scene takes place in the morning (time 30:23). Unfortunately, there is a new wrinkle. Jessica has left without a trace!

We regain control of the party in Argonia's inn (time 30:45).

They ask around in the inn and then among Argonia's citizenry. It sounds like Jessica has headed north, where there is a checkpoint. There is a stonemason's town called Arcadia in that direction.

Next time, the party will head to the northern checkpoint and then to Arcadia beyond.

Thanks for watching!

Recording date: November 2, 2019

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