Search for games

Type three or more characters to search...

Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince cover image

Links

Amazon

Twitch

MONSTER

Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince
Item: Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2023

GenresAdventure, Third Person Perspective, RPG, Single Player

AvailableDec 1, 2023

PlatformNintendo Switch

DeveloperArmor Project

Overview

Journey into a fantastical world on a quest for revenge in DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: The Dark Prince. Psaro is cursed and is unable to harm anything with monster blood. Now, he must become a Monster Wrangler to create an army for battle. The hunt for high-ranked monsters takes Psaro through the ever-changing seasons of Nadiria and its unique environments, with rivers of bubbling lava, mysterious ancient ruins, and soaring towers of cake. Along the way, Psaro meets the kind-hearted elf, Rose, who joins his adventure to seek out ever-stronger monsters. The key to Psaro's success lies with synthesis: the ability to combine two monsters and create a stronger offspring. Each new creation brings Psaro one step closer to his goal of becoming the Master of Monsterkind.

Elsewhere

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince boasts a promising narrative that deepens the lore of Psaro and explores mature themes, earning praise for its humor and pacing. However, critics widely agree that its execution falls flat, lacking emotional depth and character development, often feeling clichéd and bland. While some players may appreciate the fresh take on a familiar character, many are left wanting a more compelling story. Overall, it’s a tale with potential, marred by significant shortcomings.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

23%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

68%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

10%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The overall sentiment regarding the story of Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince reveals a mix of appreciation for its themes and character arcs, along with criticisms of its execution. Critics like Digital Chumps and RPGamer commend the narrative for its effort and bold approach, noting that it explores the origins of Psaro, the antagonist from Dragon Quest IV, and adds layers to his character. The game is praised for its humor and pacing, with Digitally Downloaded highlighting the well-written narrative that captures the essence of the Dragon Quest series. Additionally, some reviewers, such as Nintendo Life and Hey Poor Player, appreciate the darker, more mature themes and the anti-hero character, suggesting that these elements provide a refreshing twist to the typical hero's journey. Conversely, many critics point out significant shortcomings in the story's depth and execution. For instance, Digital Chumps and Game Informer note that the narrative lacks emotional depth and fails to develop the protagonist's motivations adequately. Others, like God is a Geek and GAMINGbible, describe the story as bland and intrusive, with a choppy narrative arc that detracts from the overall experience. Critics such as Checkpoint Gaming and Hardcore Gamer echo these sentiments, stating that the story's simplicity and reliance on clichés undermine its potential impact, making it feel unremarkable compared to other entries in the series. In summary, while Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince features an intriguing premise and offers a unique perspective on a well-known character, the execution leaves much to be desired. Critics generally agree that the story is engaging in concept but falters in emotional resonance and character development. The mixed reviews suggest that while some players may find enjoyment in the familiar themes and humor, others may be left wanting a more robust and compelling narrative experience. Overall, the consensus leans towards a recognition of the story's potential, tempered by its execution flaws, as articulated by a range of critics from But Why Tho? to Shacknews.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince impresses with its deep monster fusion system and addictive gameplay loop, earning praise from critics for customization and strategic team-building. However, it suffers from simplistic combat, grinding issues, and early-game pacing problems, making it feel repetitive. While enjoyable for monster-collecting fans, it doesn't innovate enough to stand out in the genre.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

73%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

27%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince has garnered a generally positive reception among critics, particularly for its core mechanics of monster collection, breeding, and turn-based combat. Many reviewers, such as Digital Chumps and RPGamer, highlight the game's depth, emphasizing the robust fusion system that allows players to create over 500 unique monsters. This fusion mechanic is praised for adding a strategic layer to gameplay, encouraging experimentation and customization in team-building. Critics like Noisy Pixel and God is a Geek also commend the addictive nature of the gameplay loop, which combines monster wrangling with exploration and battles, making it a compelling experience for fans of the genre. However, several reviewers point out notable shortcomings in the gameplay. Critics like But Why Tho? and Checkpoint Gaming mention that while the combat can be enjoyable, it often lacks complexity, making it feel shallow at times. The early game experience is described as a slog due to performance issues and excessive grinding, which some, like Game Informer and RPG Fan, argue can test players' patience. Additionally, the combat system is often described as simplistic, with some critics, such as Cubed3 and SpazioGames, pointing out that it does not introduce any new mechanics compared to previous titles in the series or similar games like Pokémon. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince offers a solid and enjoyable gameplay experience, particularly for fans of monster-collecting games. While the fusion and customization aspects are widely praised, the repetitive nature of combat and the need for grinding are common criticisms that may deter some players. Critics like Digital Trends and Eurogamer Germany encapsulate this sentiment by acknowledging the enjoyable elements of monster capture and training, while also noting the game's reliance on familiar mechanics that may not innovate enough to stand out in a crowded genre. Ultimately, the game appears to deliver a satisfying experience for its target audience, albeit with some caveats regarding depth and pacing.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince impresses with charming monster designs and vibrant art, but suffers from significant performance issues and outdated graphics. Critics praise the creativity and unique aesthetics, yet many highlight frame rate drops, blurry textures, and low-quality visuals, leading to a general disappointment in the game's overall graphical fidelity. While there's potential charm, it falls short of expectations, lacking the polish and detail fans hoped for on the Nintendo Switch.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

77%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

17%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince have garnered a mix of praise, particularly for its charming monster designs and vibrant art direction. Critics like But Why Tho? highlighted the creativity and variety in monster designs, while God is a Geek noted their endearing and goofy qualities. Additionally, some reviewers, such as RPGamer and Impulsegamer, appreciated the distinct visual identity of different areas within the game, particularly the seasonal changes that add visual freshness. Multiplayer.it also commended the clean and detailed graphics reminiscent of anime, suggesting that the game retains a certain aesthetic appeal that aligns with the series' established style. However, a significant number of critics pointed out various performance issues and graphical shortcomings that detract from the overall experience. Checkpoint Gaming and Shacknews mentioned frame rate drops and blurry textures, while Digital Chumps described the landscapes as unremarkable and outdated. Cubed3 and Hobby Consolas echoed these sentiments, criticizing the low-quality visuals and simplistic character designs. The general consensus among critics is that while the monster designs are charming, the overall graphical quality feels lacking, with many reviewers, including Eurogamer Germany and Hey Poor Player, labeling the visuals as outdated and unimpressive. In summary, the overall sentiment regarding the graphics and visual design of Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince leans towards disappointment, particularly concerning performance issues and visual fidelity on the Nintendo Switch. While there are commendable aspects, such as the creative monster designs and vibrant art direction, the technical limitations and lack of detail in character models have left many critics, including Digital Trends and Noisy Pixel, feeling that the game does not meet the expectations set by its predecessors or the current standards of the platform. The consensus suggests that while the game has its charms, it ultimately suffers from a lack of polish and visual depth.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince features praised voice acting and nostalgic soundtrack remixes, but faces criticism for low-quality sound effects and a repetitive, unoriginal score. While some reviewers celebrate its charm and familiarity, others find the music lacking in innovation, leading to a divided reception overall.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

17%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

75%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince have drawn a mix of appreciation from various critics, highlighting several positive aspects. Many reviewers, such as Noisy Pixel and RPG Fan, praised the voice acting, noting its charm and dynamic performances, particularly in the English cast. The presence of both Japanese and English voice options was also positively received, with Gaming Age appreciating the fairytale-like quality of the over-the-top accents. Additionally, Hardcore Gamer and Meristation found the soundtrack enjoyable, with Hardcore Gamer specifically mentioning the modern remixes of classic Dragon Quest tunes, especially those from Dragon Quest IV, which many fans found nostalgic. SpazioGames echoed this sentiment, highlighting the music as a standout feature due to its familiarity and the inclusion of some new tracks. Despite these positives, there are notable criticisms regarding the sound design and music. Hobby Consolas described the sound effects as low-quality and the music as forgettable, indicating a lack of memorable compositions. Multiplayer.it echoed this concern, labeling the soundtrack as repetitive and reliant on midi tracks from previous games, which could detract from the overall experience for players seeking fresh content. RPGamer also pointed out the mixed quality of the music selections, emphasizing the reuse of tracks from earlier titles, which may leave some fans wanting more innovation in the series' musical direction. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests a divided perception of the sound design and music in Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince. While many reviewers appreciated the nostalgic elements and the charm of the voice acting, others felt that the music did not live up to expectations, with several citing the reliance on past compositions as a drawback. Critics like RPG Fan and Noisy Pixel found value in the nostalgic aspects, while Hobby Consolas and Multiplayer.it raised concerns about the quality and originality of the music. This blend of opinions indicates that while the game maintains some of the beloved qualities of the Dragon Quest franchise, it may not fully satisfy all players in terms of auditory innovation and sound design.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince’s voice acting is a mixed bag. Critics praise its charm and whimsical accents, enhancing the fairy-tale vibe, yet many lament the silent protagonist Psaro, which undermines emotional depth and makes interactions feel one-sided. While some enjoy the quirky performances, others criticize the overall quality as low, leading to a disconnect in storytelling. Ultimately, the voice acting adds character but falls short in execution, leaving many players underwhelmed.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

18%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

73%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince has garnered some positive attention from critics, particularly for its charm and the whimsical atmosphere it creates. Gaming Age praises the over-the-top, stereotypical accents, suggesting that they enhance the fairytale-like quality of the game. Similarly, Noisy Pixel highlights the English voice acting as "cheesy and charming," contributing positively to the overall experience. RPG Fan also echoes this sentiment, noting the dynamic performances within the English voice cast, which adds a layer of personality to the characters. This suggests that while the voice acting may not be universally acclaimed, it has found favor among some reviewers who appreciate its lighthearted and entertaining approach. However, the criticisms surrounding the voice acting are significant and cannot be overlooked. Several critics express disappointment regarding the silent protagonist, Psaro, whose lack of voice detracts from the emotional weight of the narrative. Checkpoint Gaming and GAMINGbible both point out that the absence of a voiced protagonist makes interactions feel one-sided and diminishes the storytelling impact. Hobby Consolas raises concerns about the overall quality of the English voice acting, labeling it as low standard and contributing to a poor audio experience. Additionally, Press Start Australia notes the jarring effect of a silent protagonist interacting with voiced characters, further emphasizing the disconnect this creates in the game’s narrative. Overall, the consensus among critics reveals a mixed sentiment towards the voice acting in Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince. While some reviewers appreciate the charm and whimsical nature of the performances, particularly in the English version, there is a notable concern regarding the silent protagonist and the quality of the voice acting itself. Critics like RPGamer and Malditos Nerds highlight the drawbacks of Psaro's silence, indicating that it undermines the character's power and emotional resonance. Ultimately, while the voice acting adds a unique flavor to the game, the absence of a voiced protagonist and the varying quality of performances leave a significant portion of the audience feeling underwhelmed.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince on Switch faces harsh criticism for its technical performance, with complaints about frame rate dips, freezes, and loading issues overshadowing its charm. While some improvements have been made post-launch, many reviewers deem the performance "unacceptable" and reminiscent of older consoles. Gamers seeking a smooth experience should think twice before playing.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

48%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

52%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince on the Nintendo Switch has garnered a variety of opinions from critics, with some acknowledging the game's charm despite its issues. For instance, RPGamer notes that performance has improved since launch due to bug fixes and quality-of-life updates, suggesting that the developers are actively working to enhance the experience. Additionally, Nintenderos mentions that while there are occasional performance drops, they do not significantly affect the overall experience, indicating that some players may still find enjoyment in the game despite its shortcomings. However, the majority of critics express significant concerns regarding the game's technical performance on the Switch. But Why Tho? highlights constant frame rate dips and freezes during battles, while Checkpoint Gaming points out low draw distances and stop-motion animations, which contribute to a frustrating gameplay experience. Many reviewers, including God is a Geek and Shacknews, describe the performance as "unacceptable" and "running quite poorly," with common issues such as choppy frame rates, long loading times, and texture pop-in. Digital Trends and Hardcore Gamer also mention that these performance issues can detract from the overall enjoyment of the game, making it difficult to recommend, especially in households with multiple players. Overall, the consensus among critics leans heavily towards disappointment regarding the technical performance of Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince on the Nintendo Switch. While some reviewers like RPGamer acknowledge improvements post-launch, the overwhelming sentiment is that the game suffers from serious performance issues that hinder the experience. Critics such as Eurogamer Germany and GamesHub emphasize that the game's performance feels reminiscent of older console generations, suggesting that it may be too ambitious for the Switch's capabilities. As a result, many players seeking a seamless gaming experience may want to consider these technical drawbacks before diving into the game.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince shines with positive replay value, boasting over 500 monsters and 40 hours of main story gameplay. Critics praise its addictive mechanics and multiplayer features, enhancing long-term engagement. However, some raise concerns about a lack of innovation and restricted online play for casual gamers, which may limit its appeal. Overall, while the game offers substantial content and replay incentives, it faces scrutiny over its longevity and freshness compared to genre competitors.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

61%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

39%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The overall sentiment regarding the replay value of Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince is largely positive, with many critics highlighting the game's extensive content and engaging mechanics. For instance, Cubed3 notes that the game features over 500 monsters and offers around 40 hours of main story gameplay, which alone provides significant replay value. Critics like Hardcore Gamer and Impulsegamer emphasize the addictive nature of capturing and synthesizing monsters, while others, such as Hobby Consolas and Nintenderos, point out the competitive multiplayer modes and online features that can keep players engaged for the long haul. The seasonal system mentioned by Digitally Downloaded also adds depth to the exploration, encouraging players to revisit previous environments, thus enhancing the game's replayability. However, there are notable criticisms regarding the game's long-term replay value. Digital Trends raises concerns about the lack of evolution and innovation that may hinder sustained engagement, suggesting that while the fusion system is enjoyable, it might not be enough to keep players returning indefinitely. GamesHub echoes this sentiment, mentioning that the game does not quite measure up to its competitors in the genre, which could limit its appeal to dedicated fans. Additionally, Worth Playing points out that the online multiplayer aspect feels restricted unless players possess top-ranked monsters, which could deter casual players from fully enjoying the competitive elements of the game. In conclusion, while the majority of critics agree that Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince offers substantial replay value through its vast array of monsters, engaging gameplay mechanics, and online features, there are underlying concerns about its longevity and potential limitations in innovation. Critics like Noisy Pixel and RPGamer highlight the addictive gameplay loop and the availability of post-game content, which are strong incentives for replay. However, the critiques from Digital Trends and GamesHub suggest that the game may not fully satisfy all players in the long run, particularly those seeking fresh experiences. Overall, the consensus leans towards a favorable outlook on replay value, albeit with some reservations regarding its depth and innovation compared to other titles in the genre.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

40%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

60%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall sentiment regarding Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince reveals a mixed but generally favorable reception, particularly among dedicated fans of the Dragon Quest franchise. Critics such as Digital Chumps and RPG Fan highlight the engaging gameplay mechanics, specifically praising the monster-collecting and fusion systems that are central to the experience. GamesHub notes the game's ability to balance a darker tone with humor, while Noisy Pixel appreciates the addictive nature of the gameplay, suggesting that it can captivate both returning fans and newcomers alike. Additionally, Gaming Age mentions the colorful cast of characters and the accessibility of the game for those unfamiliar with the series, indicating that it serves as a decent entry point for new players. Despite the positives, many reviewers consistently point out significant shortcomings that detract from the overall experience. Performance issues are a common theme, with critics like Checkpoint Gaming and God is a Geek emphasizing how these technical flaws hinder enjoyment, particularly during exploration and grinding. The narrative execution is also criticized; Digital Trends and Hobby Consolas mention that the story lacks depth and polish, which diminishes the overall impact of the game. Additionally, several reviews, including those from Cubed3 and Press Start Australia, describe the presentation as uninspiring, with outdated graphics and sound design that fail to meet modern gaming standards. In conclusion, while Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince is recognized for its engaging gameplay and nostalgic elements that appeal to long-time fans, the consensus among critics is that it suffers from notable technical and narrative shortcomings. Many reviewers, such as Hardcore Gamer and Meristation, suggest that the game is best suited for hardcore fans of the series who can overlook its flaws. The general recommendation is that while the game has its merits, particularly in monster-collecting mechanics, it may not stand out enough for casual players or those seeking a polished RPG experience.

TL;DR

Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince earns a mixed yet favorable reception, praised for its engaging monster-collecting mechanics and dark humor. However, it suffers from significant performance issues, an underwhelming narrative, and outdated graphics, making it best suited for hardcore fans rather than casual players.

MONSTER

Reviews

54 reviews found

Digitally Downloaded

Nintendo Switch

Dec 8, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review describes Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince as an exceptional return for the series and suggests that it has the opportunity to break through, especially with Pokémon not meeting universal acclaim. The reviewer recommends buying the game.

Read full review

RPG Fan

Nintendo Switch

Jan 3, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince is an enjoyable monster-collecting spin-off that captures the charm and appeal of the Dragon Quest series. It is a welcome addition to the lineup for returning fans and potential newcomers.

Read full review

Nintenderos

Nintendo Switch

Dec 4, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince is a comprehensive monster-capturing game with a nostalgic story set in the world of Dragon Quest IV. While lacking complexity, it will be highly enjoyable for fans of the series.

Hey Poor Player

Nintendo Switch

Dec 14, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is described as a wonderfully whimsical and delightfully dark entry into the Dragon Quest Monsters franchise, with some shortcomings in graphics and lack of free-roaming experience.

Read full review

TheSixthAxis

Nintendo Switch

Dec 10, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer overall enjoys the game and praises the monster-catching and synthesizing mechanics. They mention that it's not everything they wanted it to be, but still highly recommend it.

Read full review

RPGamer

Nintendo Switch

Apr 24, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince offers a compelling return for the series with deep monster mechanics, engaging exploration, and innovative fusion system. While narrative execution and post-game content have some shortcomings, the core gameplay loop is undeniably fun and satisfying for fans of the genre.

Read full review

Noisy Pixel

Nintendo Switch

Dec 8, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince is a worthy resurgence for the beloved spinoff series. Despite some flaws in the narrative pacing and technical performance, the addictive gameplay and player freedom make up for it. Fans of Dragon Quest IV will particularly enjoy this game, but newcomers can still find themselves invested and enthralled.

Read full review

Gaming Age

Nintendo Switch

Jan 2, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince is a fun entry point into the series that doesn't require prior knowledge. It delivers solidly on the monster-training gameplay and has a colorful cast of characters. However, it may not stand out enough for some players and the art style may not appeal to everyone.

Read full review

Shacknews

Nintendo Switch

Dec 14, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game has an intriguing story and soundly structured gameplay, but suffers from poor technical performance and a disappointing story execution.

Read full review

CGMagazine

Sep 14, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Overall, it is a solid port of an underrated game, now free from performance issues, making it a good choice for fans.

Read full review