Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride

Gaming Age (A) (100%)

Overall, I'd say this is probably my favorite entry into the Dragon Quest series, and one that I'm definitely glad was ported over to the DS so I could get a chance to check it out. If you've been a fan of the series then I can't see any reason why you wouldn't enjoy this, but even if you're new to the games, or even the genre, I think this is a pretty good entry point to see what they're all about, and one that shouldn't let you down. The difficulty isn't particularly high, and the main story is certainly engaging enough. Definitely worth owning for DS owners and RPG fans alike, and I look forward to checking out the eventual port of Dragon Quest VI down the line.

Gaming since 198x (5 out of 5) (100%)

Grandiose, épique, fantastique, les superlatifs ne manquent pas pour qualifier cet épisode de la légendaire saga de Yuji Hori. Ce remake DS fait honneur au mythe et propose tout ce qui fait le charme d'un RPG japonais de qualité, dans la plus pure tradition du genre. Une petite perle de plus, à ne surtout pas manquer, surtout qu'il coûte une misère.

1UP (A+) (100%)

Dragon Quest V is the most moving videogame I've played in ages. That might seem an unlikely claim, especially given the vintage of the material. It's a remake of a 1991 Super NES RPG that was never released outside Japan, and its dated appearance doesn't do much to hide its age. Not to mention its archaic random battles, its simple turn-based combat, and its complete lack of CG cut-scenes and dynamic camera angles. Nevertheless, the squashy, big-headed sprites who pantomime their way through DQV's world of lumpy polygons and goofball accents tell an arresting and affecting story that lends an actual sense of purpose to the countless battles you'll fight against all those grinning slimes.

Cheat Code Central (4.7 out of 5) (94%)

Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride has certainly been a long time coming. Almost 20 years after the original release in Japan, Dragon Quest V has finally made its North American debut, and I couldn't be happier with it. The game is definitely a must-buy for the serious RPG fan, as it has all the ingredients of a truly great RPG: an epic storyline and a solid yet unique battle system. Although it has been ported to the DS, Dragon Quest V is one of the biggest RPGs of all time, and it is certainly an adventure worth taking, even if it has taken more than a decade to be released!

Game Revolution (A-) (91%)

It's a real joy to me to have titles like Dragon Quest V released on a system like the DS. There are games that, for one reason or another, will never see the light of day in the US that have enjoyed success overseas, and with a system like the DS, it seems that their day to be viewed by America is here. Early on in the system's lifespan, I remember a few complaints floating around about the DS being just a gimmick and just a way to port over older games... where's the harm in that?

GameFocus (9.1 out of 10) (91%)

If you own a DS this is one title you must go out and buy and if you do not have a DS go out and buy one for this game as this is certainly by far the single best Role Playing Game on Nintendo’s amazing handheld platform. A near perfect game for RPG fans to enjoy for years to come.

Gaming Nexus (A-) (91%)

On the surface it looks like a simplistic role-playing game with cartoony graphics and a less-than-serious story. But Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride is so much more than that. It's a deep adventure game full of memorable characters and an epic story. It's a game that takes you on a journey that lasts some twenty years. And best of all, it's a quest you likely have never gone on. For that reason alone, Dragon Quest V is a must-own!

HonestGamers (Staff reviews only) ( ) (90%)

Dragon Quest V doesn't need to make such efforts to resonate with gamers, even in the face of all of its 21st-century competition. Whether you waited 15 years like me or you're just hearing about the game now, make sure that you make every possible effort to promptly add it to your DS library. The old classic that we never got to play is finally here and it's an adventure that we never should have been allowed to miss.

Kombo.com (9 out of 10) (90%)

Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride is the best DS RPG. With an amazing story, music, graphics, and overall package, you'll have a hard time finding a better DS RPG. With so many options and little things to do, you'll find yourself killing time as casinos or talking to the village folk. If you want a new DS game or just want a great RPG for any system, this won't disappoint. Buy this game now.

GamesRadar (9 out of 10) (90%)

DQ V is a missing link for western gamers, a step forward in RPG design that, when played now, puts many design choices in later works into perspective. And though current titles have built on its innovations in the years since its release, this advancement in storytelling is still captivating now. The adventure in Dragon Quest V is a history lesson in two ways: not only do you explore the exciting and full life of its hero, but it’s also a look into an important stage in the evolution of RPGs.

Official Nintendo Magazine (90 out of 100) (90%)

But perhaps the most epically epic thing about Heavenly Bride is the sense of fulfilment and gratification it gives you at nearly every turn. Yes, you do have to put the hours in, and yes some of it is grinding out experience points from repeated battles, but I'm damned if it doesn't pay you handsomely for it. Not only is there the never ending thrill of hearing the fanfare that greets your upping a level (second only to Zelda's ba-ba-ba-baah chest opening), but there's the joy of finding a double hard hammer in the next town, or a board game to while away some time. The sense of excitement at something brilliant being around the next corner makes this almost impossible to put down for weeks. Magnificent.

Destructoid (9 out of 10) (90%)

I don't get the opportunity to use the words frequently enough in RPG reviews, but the only fitting description for the reward of grinding your way through Dragon Quest V's story is deep satisfaction. RPGs aim to draw you in with the telling of a story, but they often add padding to be able to claim "sixty hours of gameplay"! While Dragon Quest V offers a solid 25 hours or so, each of those hours is densely packed with real content that engages you emotionally and makes you think and feel as you go. For a portable RPG choice, you honestly can't do much better unless you're toting a copy of Chrono Trigger DS around with you (and if you're a fan, here's betting that you finished that months ago!)

Pocket Gamer UK (9 out of 10) (90%)

The DS is fast becoming the RPG fan's platform of choice (it even threatens to dwarf the impressive reputation of its illustrious predecessor the Super Nintendo in this regard) and Dragon Quest: Hand of the Heavenly Bride is yet another excellent title to add to the already imposing ranks. While it contains a few antiquated elements that betray its 17-year-old lineage, the core gameplay and immaculate storytelling effortlessly smooth over these superficial cracks. It's been a while, but this is well worth the wait.

Worth Playing (9 out of 10) (90%)

I highly recommend Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride because it's an example of great storytelling, solid gameplay and excellent overall presentation. The monster recruitment system works well, though it's a shame that it only briefly appears in other games in the series. DQ5 should definitely meet your needs until the release of Dragon Quest IX later this year.

Jeuxvideo.com (18 out of 20) (90%)

Avec La Fiancée Céleste, c'est l'un des chapitres majeurs de la saga Dragon Quest qui nous arrive enfin sur DS dans une version entièrement localisée. L'attente fut longue mais elle en valait la peine. Beaucoup plus riche sur le plan narratif que son aîné, ce Dragon Quest V se démarque aussi par son système de monstres à enrôler et de générations successives permettant de suivre la destinée du héros sur une vie entière, ou presque.

Jeuxvideo.fr (9 out of 10) (90%)

Supérieur au quatrième volet à quasiment tous les niveaux (profondeur du scénario, du gameplay et du level-design...), Dragon Quest : La Fiancée Céleste est une expérience exigeante qui se révèle au final aussi riche et plaisante que longue. Un achat de choix donc dans le genre des jeux de rôle à la japonaise sur Nintendo DS.

RPG Site (9 out of 10) (90%)

Dragon Quest V is a game that requires little explanation or exposition. It’s Dragon Quest. You know how it looks, sounds and plays, and DQV is one of the finest specimens in the series. It’s a major stepping stone and evolution in RPG development and had a major effect on the designs of many of today’s finest RPGs. This remake is, like DQIV, superb. It’s been created with love, care and attention, and doesn’t show even the slightest hint of laziness or neglect. Indeed, it’s quite the opposite. While the gameplay is still slightly archaic, still a SNES RPG evolved directly from a 20 year old NES title underneath, in this game it’s the striking design that matters. The striking presentation, great music, art and interesting gameplay are only the icing on the cake. The star of the show here is the plot. It’s the kind of story rarely seen in RPGs – less world-shattering, more intimate and more moving for it.

Pokémon World / Pocket World (9 out of 10) (90%)

Just like Pokémon, the Dragon Quest games might look similar, but they offer some truly magical RPG goodness!

411mania.com (9 out of 10) (90%)

If you have played through the original before, I wouldn’t recommend buying it unless you are a huge Dragon Quest fan, or if you want to see the changes. If you haven’t, and you’re a fan of RPGs, I would give this game a very high recommendation.

Multiplayer.it (9 out of 10) (90%)

Un titolo assolutamente imprescindibile nel panorama JRPG di tutti i tempi: questo è Dragon Quest V e se i remake possono servire anche a farci recuperare perle del passato che i dirigenti giapponesi volevano negarci, allora ben vengano i remake! La Sposa del Destino mostra un po', è vero, i segni del tempo e della sua natura di remake, ma si tratta solo di piccoli dettagli in un disegno complessivo grandioso, epico, godibile al massimo grazie alla sapiente miscela di avventura, combattimenti, dramma, comicità, magia, tipica solo delle più grandi esperienze. Accomodatevi pure senza timore se sapete di amare il genere, ed una volta tanto anche se non lo amate rischiate, niente come DQV potrebbe farvi cambiare idea!

GamingTrend (89 out of 100) (89%)

Sometimes, when you hear so many good things about a game over a period of years, expectations can get built up to an impossible degree. Then, when we finally play the game, it's good, but not the world-beater we've been expecting. That doesn't happen with DQ5. It's every bit as good as advertised. The story, gameplay, and little nooks and crannies sprinkled throughout are all worth the wait. It's a game where you want to see everything that the game offers throughout its 30-plus hours of gameplay just because it's all so good. I'm so glad that we've finally been able to play this game. I hope that Square Enix sees that these remakes are successful and keeps on releasing them over here, especially seeing as there are many games that we've still never seen. In the meantime, go out and get Dragon Quest V, and enjoy one of the best "lost" RPGs of the Super Nintendo generation.

IGN (8.9 out of 10) (89%)

Dragon Quest V is a must-play RPG, pure and simple. By extension, that means that Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride is also a must-play RPG, though I can’t help but wish we were getting it sooner than 17 years late, and with a bit more fanfare and polish. The core game is simply incredible, offering some of the best story, gameplay, and customization available in the Super NES era, and most of the DQ series to boot. The DS version is the only one we’ve got, and while I wouldn’t go as far as to call it the definitive version without having a chance to experience the original, the updated script is very well done, things like the fan-missed party chat option (removed from DQIV on DS) is now back, and the sheer amount of impressive gameplay found in the nearly doubled in size monster battle system is immense.

3D Juegos (8.9 out of 10) (89%)

Si tienes una Nintendo DS, los RPG te pierden y deseas disfrutar de una aventura sin tener que consultar el diccionario de inglés-español, éste es el videojuego que andabas buscando. Un título que sigue revitalizando los números de una saga deseosa de recuperar el tiempo perdido. La deuda rolera de Square-Enix con los europeos ya se ha saldado, y de qué manera. Dragon Quest V se convierte desde hoy en uno de los mejores RPG existentes para esta consola.

Vandal Online (8.8 out of 10) (88%)

La nueva edición de Dragon Quest, sin duda, es uno de los mejores títulos de rol de los que hasta el momento pueblan el catálogo del género en la consola. A pesar de que, fundamentalmente, es un título antiguo, con un sistema de juego muy clásico que no aprovecha casi las posibilidades específicas de la portátil, y un apartado técnico mejorado, pero de tintes bastante retro, no por ello deja de ser todo un hito dentro de la historia del género de rol y, por tanto, un juego que merece la pena ser jugado, tanto por los aficionados de edad que no lo pudieran disfrutar en el momento de su salida, como por las nuevas generaciones de jugadores.

RPGFan (86 out of 100) (86%)

There's a lot I couldn't say in this review, because there are things I don't want to spoil. Some might say I already spoiled the reader by giving away the basic layout of the game (the "generation" system, which has been re-used in such RPGs as SaGa Frontier II). But there's more to it than that, and if you've never played the game before (and if you don't speak Japanese, you probably haven't), you really ought to give this one a try. If you've played and enjoyed other games in the series, then there's no question that you'll want to add Dragon Quest V to your roster. The memorable cast, the party chat feature, and the simple-yet-addictive gameplay mechanics will have you coming back for more. And in the case of Dragon Quest V, you might just do that, since the story has slight variations depending on which woman you take to be your lawfully wedded wife.

GameSpot (8.5 out of 10) (85%)

Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride's gorgeous presentation, cleverly designed plot, and fun monster taming system create an addictive, thrilling adventure. It's unfortunate that the original Super Famicom version of Dragon Quest V and the PlayStation 2 remake that followed 12 years later were never released in North America or Europe, but now that this great DS version has arrived, you really have no excuse not to experience this role-playing gem.

NintendoWorldReport (8.5 out of 10) (85%)

Dragon Quest V is a fantastic RPG. While this conservative update is still mired by old-fashioned game mechanics, the fifth entry in the fabled series is carried by its unique story structure and the once-innovative and still engaging monster collection. It is highly recommended to all RPG fans, but newcomers to the genre should cut their teeth elsewhere.

JeuxActu (17 out of 20) (85%)

Après un Dragon Quest : L'Epopée des Elus adapté à la va-vite, Square-Enix semble s'être rendu compte de son faux-pas et nous confie un Dragon Quest : La Fiancée Céleste à la technique irréprochable. Riche, bien réalisé, disposant d'un scénario fort et d'idées très actuelles, ce dernier n'en reste pas moins un diamant à affiner avec patience et abnégation. Dragon Quest : La Fiancée Céleste n'est pas un titre dans lequel il est aisé de rentrer, mais mérite sans aucun doute les sacrifices concédés. Espérons simplement que Square-Enix nos gratifiera d'un remake de l'épisode VI plus en accord avec les attentes actuelles. Voilà en tout cas une nouvelle fois une aventure faisant de la DS l'une des machines les plus dotées en RPG de qualité.

Meristation (8.5 out of 10) (85%)

La línea ascendente de Square Enix nos lleva a descubrir una de las principales apuestas de la compañía en nuestras tierras, la continuación no estricta de Chapters of the Chosen en donde se da una nueva vuelta de tuerca al concepto del remake aportando numerosas novedades respecto al cartucho original de SNES. La Prometida Celestial es otro buen ejemplo de la increíble simbiosis entre este género y Nintendo DS, otro título de obligada colección, con todo lo que ello conlleva.

Gamer 2.0 (8.4 out of 10) (84%)

What makes Dragon Quest V so good is the fact that while it remains true to the entire series with its basic role-playing mechanisms, it provides enough of a unique experience to keep players engaged for hours upon hours. As stated, the game is about a man’s life throughout many adventures, and the changes that happen throughout the land over time definitely help make the overall plot one of the best, yet basic plots in the genre. This is one of the few RPG’s that truly make the player feel like he or she is playing the role of the hero, and it’s seriously been a while since an RPG has had that kind of impact.

PC Action (Germany) (2 out of 7) (83%)

Gäbe es einen Preis für den dämlichsten Untertitel, Dragon Quest 5: Die Hand der Himmelsbraut würde ihn glatt gewinnen. Aber lassen Sie sich davon nicht in die Irre führen. Abgesehen vom doofen Titel passt alles: die gegenüber dem SNES-Vorbild etwas aufgebohrte Grafik, die Atmosphäre und natürlich auch das durchdachte Kampfsystem.

Retroage (8.3 out of 10) (83%)

Podsumowując, Dragon Quest: Hand of the Heavenly Bride na Nintendo DS to bardzo dobry jRPG z ciekawą fabułą która jest jednocześnie typowa i niezwykła zarówno dla serii jak i gatunku, dobrą grafiką i udźwiękowieniem. Zdecydowanie polecam każdemu miłośnikowi jRPG posiadającemu DSa, tym bardziej że jest to pierwszy raz kiedy gra została wydana poza granicami Japonii i posiada wiele dodatków względem oryginału wydanego na SNESa.

GameZone (8.2 out of 10) (82%)

Dragon Quest V is one of the most requested Dragon Quest games that, until now, was never released in America. Don’t miss your chance to find out what all of the fuss was about and what creator Yuji Hori states is his favorite in the Dragon Quest series. All of the simple, eloquent charm of the Dragon Quest legacy is intact with DQV. Sure this is a remake and if you by chance happened to play the original version already there might not be much else to offer. But for the majority of you DQV is a worthy collection to your DS library of legendary RPGs.

Gamers.at (81 out of 100) (81%)

Ich fühle mich sowohl in Final Fantasy als auch in Dragon Quest mittlerweile zuhause und habe die Vorzüge beider Serien kennengelernt. Trotzdem schafft es auch Die Hand der Himmelsbraut leider nicht, mich endgültig zum totalen Fan von Dragon Quest zu machen. Erstens fehlt mir die Story, zweitens lässt mich so manche Designentscheidung - wie etwa das Gruppieren von Monstern in Kämpfen oder das Speichersystem - einfach nur den Kopf schütteln. Rollenspielfans sollten allerdings dennoch zugreifen - Dragon Quest V ist nicht umsonst einer der beliebtesten Teile der Serie.

Legendra (8 out of 10) (80%)

Dragon Quest V s'imposera comme une excellente suite pour tous ceux qui ont appréciés Dragon Quest IV. Globalement on retrouve les mêmes défauts que dans les épisodes précédents, ce n'est donc pas avec DQV que les allergiques à la saga changeront d'avis. Le jeu apporte son petit lot d'innovations et de bonnes idées (aventures générationnelle, recrutement des monstres, etc.) le tout dans un univers réussi et se traîne toujours les même défauts (difficulté, level up obligatoire, peu d'indications, entre autres). Au final Dragon Quest V est un bon jeu qui remplit parfaitement son rôle. Il ne reste plus qu'à attendre Dragon Quest VI pour la conclusion de la trilogie Zenithia.

Gamer.nl (8 out of 10) (80%)

Dragon Quest V: The Hand of the Heavenly Bride lijkt vooral grafisch erg op Dragon Quest IV: The Chapters of the Chosen. Het verhaal is de cruciale factor waardoor deze game beter is dan zijn voorganger. Daarnaast is de gameplay op bepaalde gebieden aangepast, waardoor een reeds sterk concept nog sterker is geworden. Dragon Quest V eindigt daarom ook zeker boven zijn voorganger.

GamePro (US) ( ) (80%)

Painful level grinding aside, Dragon Quest V is a fantastic, innovative experience. If you're going to play this game, make sure to devote it the time that it deserves, since Dragon Quest V can be as much a daunting game as it is a fun one.

G4 TV: X-Play (4 out of 5) (80%)

The game’s only real misstep comes in the character Sancho – a friend of the hero’s family who speaks in a shameful caricature of a Mexican accent. Luckily, these slimy moments are scarce and nowhere near nasty enough to ruin such an engaging, delightful, and expertly crafted game.

Nintendo-Online.de (8 out of 10) (80%)

Sind die Entwickler bei Arte Piazza bei „Dragon Quest IV“ noch den einfachen Weg gegangen und haben einfach das Playstation 1-Remake für den Nintendo DS umgesetzt, musste man beim fünften Ableger anders vorgehen. Mit einer Mischung aus PS1- und PS2-Wurzeln wurden die besten Teile übernommen, was zum bisher gelungensten „Dragon Quest“-Teil auf Nintendos DS führt. Aber auch den restlichen DS-Rollenspielen wird von „Dragon Quest: Die Hand der Himmelsbraut“ das Fürchten gelehrt. Für alle, die auch nur ein klein wenig Interesse an klassischen japanischen Rollenspielen haben, geht das Spiel sofort in die Pflichtkaufliste über. Angesichts des einsteigerfreundlicheren neunten Teils sollten Neueinsteiger eher zu „Dragon Quest IX“ greifen.

Gamekult (8 out of 10) (80%)

Encore un remake pour Square Enix, mais quel remake ! En transposant Dragon Quest V sur DS, l'éditeur nous rappelle pourquoi la série est encore aujourd'hui une institution du RPG japonais. Cet épisode est même l'un des plus réussis en termes de scénario, porté par une aventure riche en émotions, comme pour mieux marquer les temps forts de l'existence. Les nouveaux venus pourraient arguer d'une progression un rien austère, la faute à des dialogues succincts qui vont droit à l'essentiel, ou une gestion de la difficulté moins permissive que chez la concurrence. Mais le système de combat est tellement rapide et la progression tellement rythmée, réalisation et système de jeu oblige, qu'il est difficile de ne pas tomber sous le charme un rien désuet de ce miracle du old school. Surtout quand il brille tel un rubis au bout des doigts.

videogamer.com (8 out of 10) (80%)

This is the crux, really. If you fancy a punt on The Hand of the Heavenly Bride, you'd better know what you're getting in to. If you love early 90s JRPGs, or loved The Chapters of the Chosen, then you'll be fine, and will easily sink a good 30 hours of your life into the game. If the idea of random battles, saving only at far away points and sink or swim gameplay gives you the fear, however, steer clear. Get the more accessible Chrono Trigger instead. Still, the entrancing storyline and compelling combat make it all worthwhile. Roll on the DS release of DQ6.

Eurogamer.net (UK) (8 out of 10) (80%)

But what remains here, seventeen years after its first release, is a game that's confident within its boundaries, an experience whose strength lies in its childlike (though not necessarily childish) approach. It's a game that boasts an indisputable wider significance - but today, it's worthwhile primarily because it's a joyfully innocent fable, albeit one whose impact lies in the telling more than in the tale.

TotalVideoGames (TVG) (8 out of 10) (80%)

This is a fantastic well crafted adventure with an epic story and plenty of aspects to keep you busy for a long time indeed. However, no amount of presentation enhancements can mask the authentic but slightly dated nature of the retro game mechanics.

Game Positive ( ) (80%)

Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride is a masterful remake of one of the most influential RPGs of the 16-bit era. Whether you enjoyed it via fan translations or in any other way you could get it, there is a lot to like in this delightful little package. It's a brilliant tribute to a long-running, successful series that will hopefully make a few more stateside debuts in the future. If you haven't experienced a Dragon Quest title before now, this is the game to begin with.

4Players.de (77 out of 100) (77%)

Die Hand der Himmelsbraut baut im Wesentlichen auf Spielmechanik und Präsentation des Vorgängers auf. Im Gegensatz zur Chronik der Erkorenen spielt sich das drei Generationen umspannende Familiendrama allerdings wesentlich flüssiger, da man nicht mehr die meiste Zeit mit stupidem Aufleveln verbringt. Zwar ist die Handlung nicht ganz so originell konzipiert und erzählerisch ähnlich schwach präsentiert wie im vierten Teil der Saga, aber das nimmt man angesichts der strafferen und storyintensiveren Struktur bei gleicher Spielzeit gern in Kauf. Den größten spielerischen Unterschied stellt wohl das Rekrutieren von Monstern dar, wodurch die altmodischen Zufallskämpfe etwas abwechslungsreicher und individueller ausfallen.

NGamer (7.5 out of 10) (75%)

Not that many gamers will be able to face the challenge twice, mind. The light, breezy storyline, joyously retouched visuals and simple gameplay mechanics make this an accessible game for the beginner, but the amount of time spent on the battlefield with your stylus to the grindstone will eventually turn away all but the most hardened of RPG veterans.

Game Informer Magazine (7.5 out of 10) (75%)

Despite a clear desire to update, Square Enix and ArtePiazza have left the flow of gameplay much closer to a classic RPG than any recent Japanese RPG. Old-school fanatics should enjoy the gorgeous audio and visuals, but beware the slow crawl to victory.

InsideGamer (7.5 out of 10) (75%)

Qua uiterlijk is de game een mix van plus- en minpunten. Zo staan de mooie gevechtsanimaties van de vijanden en de prachtige 3D-omgevingen in schril contrast met de lelijke en platte world map en de amper geanimeerde sprites van de personages. Wel is het erg geinig dat je de camera in steden en kerkers rond kunt draaien met de schouderknoppen. Op deze manier kun je soms ingangen vinden die je niet kunt zien als de camera altijd op dezelfde plek staat. Daarnaast belooft de game georkestreerde muziek, maar die ben ik eigenlijk alleen tegen gekomen in het hoofdmenu. De rest klinkt gewoon als de standaard 16 bit-muziek zoals we die van vroeger kennen.

Cynamite (7 out of 10) (70%)

Das Alter von knapp 15 Jahren merkt man dem Titel leider deutlich an. Die Story ist unspektakulär und die Dungeons relativ klein, doch dafür könnt ihr Monster für eure Gruppe rekrutieren. Fans von asiatischen Rollenspielen kommen aber trotzdem auf ihre Kosten.

Pelaajalehti (7 out of 10) (70%)

Suhtautuminen Dragon Quest V:een riippuu hyvin pitkälle siitä, kuinka vanhan koulukunnan JRPG:ihin suhtautuu ylipäänsä. Kaikki pelin aikanaan merkittävät innovaatiot on käytetty ja jalostettu eteenpäin myöhemmin, eikä sen suuri tarina itsessään ole kovin vakuuttava. Persoonallisen kerrontansa, tunnelmansa ja kevyen otteensa puolesta se on kuitenkin viime aikojen nautittavimpia DS-roolipelejä. Sen suurin uhka on oikeastaan Chrono Triggerin DS-versio. Toisin kuin Dragon Questit, se peli on oikeasti ajaton. Näin ne omat koirat purevat.

RPGamer (3.5 out of 5) (70%)

This is Dragon Quest. Love it or hate it, you know exactly what you are getting. There are a few things done unusually well in this specific title, namely a story the player should actually care about, an even and consistent pace that was missing in Dragon Quest IV, less need to level grind, a party-forming mechanic that gives the player several diverse options to consider, and an overall experience that develops and changes over the course of the game, flowing naturally with the plot and maintaining a fresh feel for the battle system.

D+PAD Magazine ( ) (60%)

Hand of the Heavenly Bride is a solid, old-school adventure with the same problems and delights that any title from the period has. If you’re a supporter of the series or just a sucker for this type of action, then you probably won’t be disappointed. But for the rest of you, HotHB does nothing that will change your stubborn opinions.