Dragon Quest VIII may not be a perfect game, but it's one of the most polished and playable ones the PS2 has seen. It's also a testament to the fact that complexity is not always the answer. This game stays truer to its roots than any other currently surviving hit game series from the 80s, and it's all the better for it; it shows us that radical rethinking isn't always the key -- that developers can preserve the look, feel, and soul of a series across decades. It's a true achievement and a huge step beyond the last game in the series. It's a must-buy for any longtime RPG fan, and a recommended purchase for gamers looking for a break from the grit and confusion of modern-day gaming.