Dragon Quest Monsters
Gem Slimes
Ah, the Slimes of Dragon Quest. Their simple, yet elegant design has not only led to a well-deserved popularity, but an incredible amount of iteration in the Dragon Quest series. That is to say, there is an absolute army of differently themed Slimes across the DQ canon, each splintering off into their own subfamilies, with many recolors to choose from. Today, I'd like to focus on a particularly spectacular branch of the Metal Slime subfamily - the Gem Slimes.
First appearing in the GBC classic Dragon Quest Monsters - a game where you can raise your own monsters!! - the Gem Slime was known as the Gold Slime. Actually, that prior name does bring up a curious feature of the Gold/Gem Slime - what is it made of? It's in the shape of a gemstone, yet its color is distinctly golden, and yet also it's a slime monster. What does it feel like when you poke it? Squishy? Hard? Supple?
I need to know.
Anyway, "Gold Slimes" were a rare and powerful monster in both this game and its sequel, and quite difficult to obtain, only being born through the combination of two Metal Kings (themselves a fusion of the notoriously difficult-to-catch Metal Liquid Slimes.) It was worth the effort, though, as they have titanic defense and magic power as well as a host of useful resistances and immunities. And look at that face! Isn't that face worth any amount of tedious monster copulation? (Yes.) On top of that, their gem studded tiara shows that they have excellent taste. Nothing too flashy, just the right accent.
Soon being given their current title of Gem Slimes (Gold Slimes are now their own, separate thing!), these sparkly goofballs became a mainstay of the Monsters series, as well as even making appearances in the main games where they dropped copious amounts of cash when defeated. Of course, when Dragon Quest has a good idea, they run with it, so there are a host of Gem Slime palette swaps just waiting for us! Let's take a peek!