Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince
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In an more and more crowded genre where Hero must befriend and levy devil for conflict , Dragon Quest Monsters : The Dark Princeis a standout . The latest entry in this spin - off series , which recently celebrated its 25th anniversary , features the iconic monsters ofDragon Questand more than a few placeable face from pastDQtitles . It ’s a game for longtime sports fan and starter likewise , one that ’s approachable as a first - time entry or one that works as a trek down memory lane celebrating the series ' past .
Thestory focuses on a young Psaro , whose adult version serves as the main scoundrel ofDragon Quest 4 . In the decades sinceDQ4was first released , Psaro remains perhaps the best - written and coolest antagonist the serial has ever offered , so it ’s bully have to search his backstory some more . Knowing the story ofDQ4is nice , but not required . It ’s right to reckon ofThe Dark Princeas an splendid fan - fiction prequel . Rather than worry about fitting it into some canyon or timeline , The Dark Princecan be altogether enjoyed as a altogether standalone secret plan and story .
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Monster Synthesis & Combat Overview
The primary gameplay focus ofDragon Quest Monsters : The Dark Princeis on recruiting monsters and then synthesise them to create better ally . Monster synthesis is excellent and absorbing , and at least half my playday was spent experimenting with monster type and attempt to make the most powerful creatures possible . monster can only be synthesise once they make level 10 , which may take a small endeavor initially , but is soon moot after the third or 4th field in the game . This is because monsters in the wild are now above that grade . It can , however , mean newly - synthesized monsters have to ride in a Reserves slot for a few battle to level off up .
New goliath can inherit traitsand abilities from their parent , which is where strategizing and experiment come in . The turn - based fight is excellent , and the " Auto - Battle " and " firm " focal ratio - up selection all make grind layer or barrel through ring even easier . Those who want to micromanage their monsters can do so by giving verbatim and individual Orders , or if a broader approach is accept , then sorting through Tactics is key . Basically , this all meansThe Dark Princecan be played however the user sees primed . As the game give out along , though , calculate out Tactics and using items will be necessary - even if some participant prefer being less methodical and maintain Auto - Battle on .
ogre can be fought in the wild , but there are also struggle contests - one in the human world at the Endor Colosseum and the other at the Maulosseum in Nadiria , the world of monsters . These unlock periodically throughout the story and often must be completed to move the narrative forwards , with each rank becoming more challenging . While these fight are a means to violate up the story , they sometimes feel unnecessary . Dragon Quest Monsters : The Dark Princecould’ve cut its colosseums completely , and the story and geographic expedition would ’ve still worked dandy . Of naturally , then it probably would n’t have finger like aDQ Monstersgame - but if this were simply running around in the wild as Psaro with a band of behemoth , I would ’ve still been sell .
Performance Problems Are The Only Real Issue In The Dark Prince
There ’s a lot tolove aboutDragon Quest Monsters : The Dark Prince , but its exclusivity on the Nintendo Switch means its somewhat bogged down by the restriction of that console table . This think of the computer graphic and fps sometimes dunk , especially in handheld mode . The only real issue I on a regular basis experienced was stuttering , especially in areas with a lot of colossus or in season that used a lot of animation . This happened in both handheld and docked mode , although never for very long .
The good news here is thatDQ Monstersisn’t inevitably the kind of plot that postulate to wait groovy to be nifty , and the portability of the Switch mostly outweigh the slight public presentation issues . By now , many Switch owners are used to these consequence , so ( to borrow a musical phrase ) it is what it is . Other than some performance problems , Dragon Quest Monsters : The Dark Princeis smooth sailing .
Storytelling & Exploration In DQ Monsters Is Pretty Great
MainlineDragon Questgames have amazing stories to tell , but withDQ Monstersgames , it often feel like storytelling admit a backseat to gameplay . That ’s not wholly the case inThe Dark Prince . While no one will equate its story to the narrative heights of mainline entries , it ’s surprising how much narrative is actually here . And that goes double for characterization , especially with Psaro .
Even the monster Nonproliferation Center feel like they have a ton of enactment packed into their bite - sized lines . They are as lovely and humorous as I ’ve amount to expect fromDQ(and especiallyMonstersgames ) . The paronomasia - base names of monsters really glisten - from a reptile with a musical horn for a nose called Croc - a - Doodle - Doo to a mustached confect monster called Sugar Baddie , it ’s out of the question not to grin at the clever name on video display here .
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The areas inDragon Quest Monsters : The Dark Princeare open but contract . Each expanse generally takes 30ish minutes to research , and most behemoth are n’t easily watch ( or " scout " ) until the floor bring forward . complete an area make Psaro ’s reputation mature , meaning giant in that point location are now easy to reconnoiter . A gameplay cringle begin to organise - battle monster , tear down up the party , toy through the story beats , and then go back through the sphere to guide monsters . Despite some areas being small , season change - offer unequalled monstrosity , landscape alterations , and more . This certainly add to the replay economic value , and despite performance issues , the seasonal changes are smooth and do n’t command loading screen .
Review Score & Final Thoughts
All of this coalesces into a game that is surprisingly chill but also full of surprise . The storytelling , characters , and monsters are all trademarkDQ . And with post - gamey content ( no freebooter here ) , the good times can keep on roll . The ringing on exhibit here , along withDragon Quest ’s key signature sense of humour , make bold anyone to play it without a smile . Dragon Quest Monsters : The Dark Princeis one of the most fun games of the twelvemonth .
A computer code for the digital Deluxe Edition of Dragon Quest Monsters : The Dark Prince was provide to Screen Rant for the determination of this review .
