Having navigated through numerous Square Enix JRPGs on mobile platforms, the realization of how remarkable it is to engage with a title like Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince on my iPad didn’t strike me immediately. However, as I invested more time into this newest installment of the franchise, I discovered just how enjoyable the gaming experience can be on a tablet and how suited it is to the mobile format.
In line with previous titles in the spin-off franchise, Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince revolves around the art of monster capturing and training. Distinct enough from Pokémon, it fosters a sense of partnership with the creatures, as if you are working alongside them rather than merely raising them as combat instruments. The narrative also cleverly supplements the lore surrounding Psaro and Dragon Quest IV, presenting novel revelations and motivations for a character we have come to view as a potentially sympathetic villain over the years, establishing a solid foundation right from the outset.
One of the standout features of Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince is its visually appealing presentation on the iPad, marking it as one of Square Enix’s promising JRPGs for mobile devices. While there were instances of texture issues in the PC variant, even my five-year-old tablet handles the game smoothly, which is quite reassuring! It successfully maintains performance even with numerous monsters displayed simultaneously on the screen. The classic Dragon Quest art style significantly contributes to this, along with the design decisions that emphasize vibrant aesthetics.
However, what truly impressed me was how the gameplay mechanics of Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince align wonderfully with the mobile format. Despite the combat and gameplay style differing from Pokémon, it retains that enticing monster capturing allure that keeps players engaged. The challenge of discovering new monsters for your team, enhancing their abilities, and progressing through the game is genuinely captivating. Additionally, I have a love for collecting characters in these kinds of games, and my fondness for Slimes transforms my playthrough into a delightful ‘slime time,’ especially since I yearn for a Goonache Goodie and find the Scallop Slime and Onion Slime utterly adorable.
While not flawless, the mobile experience is quite competent. I missed using a controller, although the touchscreen controls in Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince are quite proficient. I did encounter some frame rate issues during certain attacks or when many characters were visible at once, but such instances are typical for mobile adaptations of JRPGs. Personally, I prefer solo play offline for these titles, so the absence of Online Battles wasn’t a drawback for me, though it might be for others.
Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince is the type of mobile RPG I continually return to. I often find myself playing for short bursts of 15 to 30 minutes, indulging in adventure and monster capturing. I relish the character designs and often get excited about my recent discoveries before diving back into other games. It’s a convenient title to have for gaming on the go.
You can get Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince on various platforms including the Nintendo Switch, PC, and mobile devices.
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