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Dragon Quest, a cornerstone of the JRPG genre, has a rich legacy of spin-off titles. Dragon Quest Treasures, a new entry focusing on monster collecting and treasure hunting, attempts to carve its own niche within this beloved franchise. Does it succeed in capturing the magic of Dragon Quest? Let’s delve into the world of Draconia and find out.

Dragon Quest Treasures

A Lighthearted Adventure

Recent JRPGs have often explored darker, more complex narratives. Dragon Quest Treasures, however, offers a refreshing change of pace with its lighthearted and whimsical story. The game follows the childhood adventures of Erik and Mia, siblings familiar to players of Dragon Quest XI. Unhappy with their life as pirate apprentices, they escape and stumble upon a pair of flying creatures, Purrsula the cat and Porcus the pig, who reveal themselves to be spirits. This encounter grants Erik and Mia the ability to understand animals and sets them off on a quest for hidden treasures.

Dragon Quest Treasures

The narrative focuses on the joy of discovery and the bonds of friendship, offering a welcome respite from more intense storylines. While the plot may lack the depth of some mainline Dragon Quest titles, it provides a charming and enjoyable experience. This lighthearted approach is a welcome contrast to the darker narratives prevalent in many modern JRPGs.

Gameplay: Simple Yet Engaging

Mirroring its lighthearted story, Dragon Quest Treasures features accessible gameplay suitable for all ages. The core loop is simple enough for short bursts of play but engaging enough to keep players hooked. Combat is real-time action, reminiscent of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, but significantly streamlined. Players control Erik or Mia, utilizing basic attacks and a slingshot with various ammo types.

Dragon Quest Treasures

The key gameplay mechanic is monster recruitment, similar to Pokemon. Each monster possesses a “Forte,” such as Sprint, Launch, Glide, Stealth, or Scan, which can be used to traverse the environment and solve puzzles. Monsters also provide clues to treasure locations through the Fortune Finder compass. This combination of exploration, combat, and monster collecting creates a compelling gameplay loop.

Dragon Quest Treasures

The open-world structure allows players to explore at their own pace and choose their own challenges. Whether battling low-level creatures near the train station or venturing into dangerous territories, the game offers a flexible experience.

Dragon Quest Treasures

Collecting Treasures and Building Your Base

Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of Dragon Quest Treasures is the process of collecting treasures and rebuilding your base. These treasures often reference past Dragon Quest games, offering a nostalgic touch for longtime fans. The thrill of discovering a treasure, protecting it from rival gangs, and displaying it in your base adds a satisfying layer to the gameplay loop.

Visuals and Sound: A Familiar Charm

Visually, Dragon Quest Treasures retains the signature style of Akira Toriyama, featuring vibrant colors and familiar monster designs. The soundtrack is a love letter to the franchise, incorporating classic melodies that accompany Erik and Mia’s adventures. While the graphics may not be cutting-edge, the game maintains a consistent and charming aesthetic.

Dragon Quest Treasures

A Limited Bestiary

Despite its monster-collecting focus, Dragon Quest Treasures suffers from a surprisingly limited roster of creatures. With only 74 monsters to recruit, and many being simple recolors, the game falls short of the variety offered by other monster-collecting titles. The restrictive recruitment conditions for some monsters further exacerbate this issue.

Dragon Quest Treasures

Oversimplified Combat

While the streamlined combat is suitable for casual play, it can become repetitive over time. The addition of the slingshot with various ammo types attempts to add depth, but it doesn’t significantly enhance the combat experience. The lack of direct control over monsters during battles, coupled with the simple mechanics, can make combat feel more like a chore than a thrilling challenge.

Dragon Quest Treasures

Conclusion: A Charming but Flawed Adventure

Dragon Quest Treasures offers a charming and accessible experience, perfect for players seeking a lighthearted adventure. The treasure-hunting and monster-collecting mechanics are engaging, and the visuals and soundtrack evoke the spirit of the franchise. However, the limited monster roster and oversimplified combat hold the game back from reaching its full potential. While enjoyable in short bursts, these flaws may prevent it from captivating players for extended periods.

Dragon Quest Treasures