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Dragon Quest isn’t just a series of numbered RPGs. The franchise boasts a rich tapestry of spin-offs, including titles like Dragon Quest Heroes, Builders, and Treasures. Among these, Dragon Quest Monsters holds a special place, captivating players with its unique monster-taming gameplay and engaging narratives. However, Western audiences have waited over a decade for a new entry since Dragon Quest Monsters Joker 2, with Joker 3 remaining a Japan-exclusive. Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince arrives on Nintendo Switch, carrying the weight of revitalizing the series and serving as a poignant release following the passing of the legendary artist Akira Toriyama. Does it live up to the hype? Let’s delve into our review.

Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince Gameplay

Exploring the Dark Prince’s Past

While some Dragon Quest titles share connected narratives, like the Erdrick Trilogy, most stand alone. The Dark Prince doesn’t require prior knowledge, but longtime fans will instantly recognize the protagonist, Psaro, the infamous antagonist from Dragon Quest IV. This game serves as a prequel, exploring Psaro’s origins and the tragic events that shaped his villainous path.

Psaro the Dark Prince with Rose

The narrative unfolds as Psaro, a half-human, half-demon hybrid, seeks a cure for his ailing human mother. His plea to his demonic father, King Randolfo, is met not with compassion, but a cruel curse: an inability to harm monsters. Forced to find an alternative, Psaro embarks on a journey to tame monsters, ultimately encountering Rose, his future love interest. Together, they traverse the land of Terrestria, seeking justice for Psaro’s mother.

Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince Scenery

The Dark Prince’s story offers a refreshing perspective within the Dragon Quest universe. Shifting focus from the traditional virtuous hero to a morally complex anti-hero breathes new life into the narrative. While the game is filled with nods to Dragon Quest IV, prior knowledge isn’t essential to enjoying the standalone story. However, Psaro’s silence, a staple of Dragon Quest protagonists, feels like a missed opportunity, especially considering his more vocal role in his original appearance.

Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince Battle

A Monster-Taming Masterclass

The core gameplay loop of Dragon Quest Monsters remains captivating: encounter monsters, choose to recruit or battle, synthesize monsters to create stronger combinations, and repeat. The Dark Prince retains this addictive formula, offering a satisfying blend of exploration, combat, and monster management.

Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince Monster Synthesis

Players control a party of four monsters, engaging in traditional turn-based combat. Recruiting involves showcasing the strength of your team, with a percentage chance indicating the likelihood of success. Reaching level 10 allows monsters to be synthesized, inheriting skills and stats from their “parents.” This system provides endless hours of experimentation, as players strive to create the ultimate monster team.

Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince Monsters

The Dark Prince maintains a challenging difficulty curve. Strategic team composition is crucial, requiring healers, support, and debuffers to overcome tough bosses. Combined with the vast roster of over 500 monsters, the gameplay loop remains engaging and rewarding.

Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince Exploring

A Visual and Auditory Delight

The Dark Prince showcases Akira Toriyama’s signature style, from the vibrant world and character designs to the memorable monster illustrations and soundtrack. Nadiria, divided into distinct regions with three levels each, offers a visually stunning and diverse world to explore. Each area boasts unique characteristics, providing ample motivation to uncover its secrets.

Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince Scenery

The sheer variety of monsters, each meticulously designed, is particularly commendable. Even familiar creatures like slimes boast over 40 variations, showcasing Toriyama’s creativity. The soundtrack, while not groundbreaking, provides a nostalgic and comforting backdrop for the adventure. The game performs smoothly, even on handheld devices, ensuring a seamless and immersive experience.

The Grind and Narrative Disconnects

The addictive gameplay loop comes with a price: grinding. Leveling monsters for synthesis and combat can be time-consuming, especially with the constant experimentation and team rotation. While fans of monster-taming games may find this enjoyable, others might find the repetitive nature tedious. Features like fast-forwarding and auto-battle help alleviate the grind, but the core issue remains.

Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince Battle

As a prequel to Dragon Quest IV, The Dark Prince features numerous callbacks and connections. However, some plot points feel underdeveloped or rushed, leading to occasional confusion, even for those familiar with the original game. The encounter with The Chosen, the heroes of Dragon Quest IV, lacks the emotional impact it deserves, feeling somewhat perfunctory.

Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince Exploring

Conclusion

Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince successfully revitalizes the series, offering a compelling narrative, addictive gameplay, and a visually stunning world. While the grind and some narrative disconnects might detract from the experience for some, the game remains a worthy addition to the Dragon Quest franchise. It’s a must-play for fans of monster-taming RPGs and a fitting tribute to the legacy of Akira Toriyama.

Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince Ending