iz gud

I both love and hate that Dragon Quest games never innovate. This feels exactly like Dragon Quest from when I was a little kid, but with modern graphics.

Character design isn't very original. And why doesn't the avatar image match what the character actually looks like? Every NPC is almost completely expressionless. Camera controls are very restricted. Game world exploration is also rather limited. Saving your game and exiting to desktop is just a tad bit convoluted.

The music doesn't dim down when voices start to play. Feels like the game is trying to attack my ears. Music isn't handled very well when transitioning to cut-scenes. Making the experience feel rather awkward. NPC text can be difficult to read at times with their accents. It is so severe, I really wish they would have an option for normal spelling. (Just to put it out there, reading is already difficult enough being dyslexic.)

"Soundtrack", "Non-Battle Music" and "Protagonist's Voice" options seem to do absolutely nothing. The "Soundtrack" option being a distinct feature of the Definitive Edition. Which might be grounds enough for a full refund.

And the plot? SEEMS to be a typical cookie cutter plot. (I am not currently completed with the game) Save the world from some dark conspiracy. Overall, the story really doesn't seem bad. It just seems typical. It would be a lot better if music was properly handled. That combined with the almost completely expressionless characters does NOT make for anything in the slightest bit "immersive".

"Engage in Classic Turn-based Battles with a Modern Twist"
Exactly what is the modern twist supposed to be? Do they mean the pep powers? This is a 100% legit question... I don't know what this so-called "Modern Twist" is supposed to be. Furthermore, AoE attacks might not work in the way you expect. They will only become AoE when attacking multiples of the same exact enemy name. Strange!

I will be fair and give it a "Yes" for recommended. I certainly wouldn't say it is highly recommended. I would give the game a solid 3/5. Or, maybe an iffy 3.5/5. The game world isn't so bad. Overall, I like the game. It is cute and has a nice art style. Gameplay itself isn't so bad. But I am still early in it and hoping it will get a little less cookie cutter.

All-in-all, this is my first time playing any Dragonquest game. So, maybe my gripes are things people have come to expect from this franchise. I don't know.

~

Other thoughts? I haven't played the game in 2D mode.