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Dragon Quest is a long-running series of role-playing video games with a sizeable selection of spin-offs, novels, manga, and anime adaptations. Most people recognize it for its mascot, the mostly harmless bouncing blue slime, a googly-eyed monster present in each of the title’s many incarnations.

Although Dragon Quest is usually categorized as a console game, the newest title to be added to their list of very special spin-offs is an online PC game playable through Yahoo! Games. It’s called Dragon Quest Monster Parade and is sure to draw the attention of slime lovers everywhere! Curious parties can try out the game’s open beta test starting in just a couple days, and anyone who registers to play early will get a special present from makers Square Enix!

Judging by the promotional video for Monster Parade, this game differs greatly from the series’ standard turn-based fighting system. Players take on the role of a “caravan master,” driving their carriage across the countryside. A group of self-selected friendly monsters leads the way, there to eliminate any aggressive beasts that block the path.

The open beta test for Monster Parade will go live at 3 p.m. Japan Standard Time on August 22. In order to play, one must possess a Yahoo! Japan online account. The game requires an internet connection running either Internet Explorer (version 8 or higher) or Firefox 6, as well as having Flash Player 10 installed.

It is possible to take part in the beta test without registering in advance. However, those who sign up early will be given a special lemon slime monster at its start. This special gift is only available to players who pre-register to take part in the beta test. The cutoff for early registration will be 1 p.m. on August 22, just two hours before the beta becomes playable.

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If you’re a fan of Dragon Quest, RPGs, or online games in general, be sure to head over to Yahoo! Games in the next day or so and take advantage of this free opportunity to test out an all-new game! If you need a pit more convincing, check out the game’s promotional trailer here!

Source: Gamer via Hachima Kikou (Japanese)
Images: Dragon Quest Monster Parade