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Dragon Quest, a cornerstone of the JRPG genre, has spawned numerous spin-offs. One notable example is the manga Dragon Quest: Dai no Daibouken, known to English-speaking audiences as Dragon Quest The Adventure of Dai. This beloved series has now inspired Infinity Strash: Dragon Quest The Adventure of Dai, a video game adaptation developed by Square Enix. Does this game live up to the legacy of its source material? Let’s delve in.

Dai facing Hadlar

A Trip Down Memory Lane

For many, Dragon Quest The Adventure of Dai holds a special place in their hearts. The manga, with its captivating story and memorable characters, resonated with a generation. Infinity Strash offers a unique opportunity for fans to relive those cherished moments and immerse themselves in the world of Dai, Popp, Maam, and the rest of the iconic cast.

The main characters

The game faithfully recreates many key moments from the series, allowing players to experience the story firsthand. While some may find the localized names of skills and abilities different from what they remember, the core narrative and characters remain true to the original. Infinity Strash offers a deep dive into nostalgia, rekindling fond memories for long-time fans.

Gameplay screenshot

A Questionable Narrative Approach

Despite its faithful adaptation, Infinity Strash stumbles in its execution, particularly in its narrative presentation. Instead of utilizing in-game cutscenes and dialogue, the game relies heavily on still images taken directly from the anime, accompanied by voiceovers and narration. This approach creates a disjointed and passive experience, resembling a recap video rather than an interactive game.

Storytelling through still images

The inclusion of video player controls, such as fast-forward and rewind, further reinforces this disconnect. While some scenes are rendered with the game engine, showcasing the potential for a more dynamic presentation, these moments are few and far between. The limited use of in-game cutscenes is a missed opportunity, hindering the game’s ability to fully immerse players in the world.

Combat screenshot

Repetitive Gameplay and Lack of RPG Depth

Infinity Strash also falls short in its gameplay mechanics. The absence of equipment customization and a limited roster of enemies create a repetitive experience. The game’s progression system, centered around collecting Bond Memories in the Temple of Recollection, feels more akin to a mobile gacha game than a traditional RPG.

Temple of Recollection

The grind to acquire and upgrade these Bond Memories becomes tedious, forcing players to replay previous missions and navigate the roguelike Temple. This repetitive loop, coupled with the limited enemy variety, detracts from the overall enjoyment. While the hack-and-slash combat can be entertaining, it isn’t enough to compensate for the lack of depth and repetitive nature of the gameplay.

Enemy encounter

Conclusion

Infinity Strash: Dragon Quest The Adventure of Dai offers a nostalgic journey for fans of the series, but its flawed execution ultimately holds it back. The questionable narrative approach and repetitive gameplay prevent the game from reaching its full potential. While the game captures the spirit of the source material, its design choices ultimately hinder the overall experience. Fans hoping for a truly immersive and engaging adaptation may find themselves disappointed.