《勇者鬥惡龍：假面女王與鏡之塔》（英文名稱：Dragon Quest Swords: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors，日文原名：ドラゴンクエストソード 仮面の女王と鏡の塔）是由Genius Sonority 與Eighting合作開發，Square Enix負責發行。於2007年登上Wii平台的動作角色扮演遊戲，是《勇者鬥惡龍》系列首次嘗試結合體感操作與第一人稱視角的衍生作品。不屬於本傳編號系列，而是風格較為輕快、操作直覺、以體驗為導向的作品，專為Wii的遙控器設計，適合全年齡層玩家遊玩。

劇情設定在《勇者鬥惡龍VIII》的世界觀延伸上，背景是「阿爾索塔王國」，年輕的主角，正準備參加傳統的成年試煉。試煉途中卻發現王國深陷神秘詛咒與陰謀之中，與戴上奇異面具的女王以及通往異界的鏡之塔有著密切關聯。為揭開事件真相並保衛國家，決定攜手伙伴展開冒險。劇情雖簡潔，卻保有《勇者鬥惡龍》一貫的幽默感與王道英雄旅程，並穿插親情、友情與成長的主題，尤其在結局部分更流露出濃厚的情感描繪。

最大特色是採用第一人稱視角加上Wii遙控器揮劍操作的系統，以身歷其境的方式進行戰鬥與冒險。會自動前進在既定路線上，沿途會出現怪物、寶箱與岔路，需利用Wii Remote模擬揮劍，根據敵人位置與攻擊方向進行橫斬、直斬或對角斬，甚至能施展劍技與連段攻擊。揮劍方式自由度高，讓人彷彿親自上陣砍殺怪物，體驗「用劍冒險」的快感。

而除攻擊，防禦也是戰鬥關鍵之一。螢幕上有一面透明的「盾牌區域」，需適時按下按鈕或揮動盾牌阻擋敵方攻擊，甚至反彈魔法彈回去。部份敵人會針對玩家破綻發動攻擊，需要眼明手快地斬斷飛來道具、閃避突擊，增添戰鬥的臨場壓力與刺激感。

可收集、強化多種不同的劍，包含火焰劍、冰之劍、閃電劍等屬性武器，並透過素材系統來進行鍛造強化。還可與不同的同伴（如善用魔法的女祭司、勇敢的少年劍士、忠心的士兵等）一同冒險，每位同伴會在戰鬥中輔助攻擊或治療，帶來不同風格的組隊體驗。

畫面風格延續《勇者鬥惡龍》系列的明亮色彩與鳥山明設計的角色美術，畫風活潑而親切。雖然因Wii的硬體限制畫質不算頂尖，但整體表現乾淨、順暢，場景從森林、火山、雪原到鏡之塔內部均具備幻想風格的氛圍。敵人設計延續系列招牌風格，例如史萊姆、哥布林、魔法幽靈等經典怪物都以可愛風趣的樣貌出現，戰鬥氣氛雖緊張但不失娛樂感。

音樂由系列御用作曲家椙山浩一操刀，保持傳統JRPG的史詩感與冒險氛圍，包含主題旋律、戰鬥曲與城鎮BGM等皆富有記憶點，搭配語音與效果音使整體表現更具臨場感。在市場上雖非系列主流代表，但憑藉體感操作與親民風格，在日本與歐美均有不錯銷售表現。尤其是對家庭玩家、輕度玩家與兒童而言，是容易上手、趣味十足的冒險遊戲。不過部分核心RPG玩家則認為遊戲內容偏短、自由度較低、重玩性不高，對於深度或戰略性有一定要求的玩家而言可能略感不足。

總結來說，這是成功結合《勇者鬥惡龍》世界觀與Wii體感操作的動作RPG，透過揮劍與防禦的即時戰鬥方式，打造出新鮮的冒險體驗。雖非傳統的深度角色扮演，但以其娛樂性與互動感來說，是Wii平台上少數能以體感傳達「英雄旅程」的作品，值得喜愛本系列或動作體驗型遊戲的玩家嘗試。

Dragon Quest Swords: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors (Japanese title: ドラゴンクエストソード 仮面の女王と鏡の塔) is an action role-playing game developed jointly by Genius Sonority and Eighting, released by Square Enix for the Wii in 2007. As a spin-off from the mainline Dragon Quest series, it marks the franchise’s first attempt at integrating motion controls and a first-person perspective. While not part of the numbered entries, this title adopts a lighter, more accessible tone with intuitive controls tailored specifically for the Wii Remote, making it suitable for players of all ages.

The story is set in an extended universe based on Dragon Quest VIII, taking place in the kingdom of Argonia. The young protagonist is preparing for a traditional coming-of-age trial when he discovers that the kingdom is under the influence of a mysterious curse, closely linked to a masked queen and a mysterious structure known as the Tower of Mirrors. Determined to uncover the truth and protect the kingdom, he sets out on an adventure with his companions. While the plot remains relatively straightforward, it retains the series' trademark charm, humor, and classic hero’s journey, and culminates in an emotionally resonant ending that highlights themes of friendship, family, and personal growth.

The game’s standout feature is its first-person swordplay system using the Wii Remote, offering an immersive combat and exploration experience. Players follow a predetermined path, encountering monsters, treasure chests, and branching routes along the way. By swinging the Wii Remote, players simulate slashes—horizontal, vertical, or diagonal—based on enemy positions and attack patterns. Special techniques and combo attacks can also be performed, providing a high level of control and making players feel like they’re truly fighting monsters with a sword in hand.

Defense is just as important as offense. A translucent shield zone appears on the screen, requiring players to press a button or move the Wii Remote to block incoming attacks, and sometimes even reflect magic spells back at enemies. Some foes target player weaknesses with sudden or ranged attacks, making quick reflexes essential for slicing projectiles or dodging lunges, enhancing the thrill and intensity of combat.

Players can collect and upgrade a variety of swords—such as fire swords, ice blades, and thunder-infused weapons—using a material-based forging system. The player is also joined by different companions, including a magic-wielding priestess, a brave young swordsman, and a loyal soldier. Each ally offers support in battle, through healing or additional attacks, allowing for a dynamic and varied party-based experience.

Visually, the game maintains the bright and colorful aesthetic of the Dragon Quest series, with character designs by Akira Toriyama, known for his iconic and charming art style. While limited by the Wii’s hardware, the graphics are clean and smooth, featuring a range of fantasy-themed environments including forests, volcanoes, snowy fields, and the eerie interiors of the Tower of Mirrors. Classic monsters such as Slimes, Goblins, and spell-casting ghosts return with their familiar cute-yet-menacing designs, keeping the tone lighthearted despite the intense combat.

The soundtrack, composed by the legendary Koichi Sugiyama, preserves the epic and adventurous spirit of traditional JRPGs. Memorable themes for battles, towns, and exploration are accompanied by voiceovers and sound effects that add to the game’s overall immersive quality.

While not a core title in the Dragon Quest franchise, Dragon Quest Swords enjoyed solid sales in both Japan and Western markets, thanks to its accessible gameplay and family-friendly appeal. It particularly resonated with casual gamers, children, and households seeking a fun and easy-to-play action RPG. However, some hardcore RPG fans found it lacking in depth, freedom, and replayability, as the game offers a relatively short and linear experience without complex strategic elements.

In summary, Dragon Quest Swords is a successful experiment in merging the Dragon Quest universe with Wii motion controls, delivering a refreshing and interactive adventure through real-time swordplay and defense mechanics. While it may not satisfy those seeking traditional RPG depth, its entertainment value, intuitive gameplay, and faithful franchise atmosphere make it one of the few titles on the Wii that truly captures the feeling of embarking on a hero’s journey through motion-based gameplay. A worthwhile experience for fans of the series and action-oriented RPGs alike.