DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: The Dark Prince
Last updated: 2025-04-02
- Deep, rewarding monster synthesis system
- Fun, charming core gameplay experience
- Nostalgic Dragon Quest experience for fans
- Superior performance on PC platform
- Weak, uninspired, and rushed story
- Missing online PvP battles
- Reviews
(sample size) - 568
- Helpful reviews
- 77%
- Unhelpful reviews
- 21%
- Protest reviews
- 1%
- 68%Helpful reviews with positive sentiment
- 33%Helpful reviews with negative sentiment
- Positive points
- 829
- Negative points
- 963
- Gameplay points
- 194
- Perf. points
- 99
- Rec. points
- 358
- Misc points
- 58
| Point | Description | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Deep, rewarding monster synthesis | The monster synthesis/breeding system is a major highlight, offering depth, customization, and rewarding experimentation. The removal of gender restrictions and other streamlining features make the system more accessible and enjoyable. Players appreciate the ability to create powerful and unique monsters through strategic combinations. | 94% |
| Fun, charming core gameplay | The game is praised for its enjoyable core gameplay loop, charming art style, and overall fun factor. Many reviewers highlight the engaging monster collecting and battling mechanics, as well as the game's smooth performance and quality-of-life improvements. The game's visuals, monster designs, and music are also frequently mentioned as positive aspects. | 83% |
| Nostalgic Dragon Quest experience | The game successfully captures the essence of the Dragon Quest series, evoking nostalgia for older titles and appealing to long-time fans. Reviewers appreciate the classic Dragon Quest art style, music, and monster designs, as well as the game's faithfulness to the series' core mechanics. The game is also compared favorably to the Dragon Quest Monsters Joker series. | 68% |
| Superior PC port performance | The PC version of the game offers significant improvements over the Switch version, including better performance, higher resolution graphics, and faster loading times. The inclusion of all DLC from the Switch version at a reasonable price is also a major selling point. The game also runs well on Steam Deck. | 40% |
| Engaging story, memorable characters | The game features a great and engaging story with plot twists, memorable characters, and rich world-building. Psaro's quest for vengeance and his interactions with companions add personal and emotional depth to the narrative. The story is a retelling of the origins of Psaro from Dragon Quest IV. | 20% |
| Includes all DLC content | The PC version includes all DLC content, which was previously sold separately on the Switch. The Mole Hole DLC is a particularly worthwhile addition, simplifying monster hunting and streamlining the synthesis system. The inclusion of all DLC at a good price is a positive. | 11% |
| Convenient quality-of-life features | The game includes quality-of-life features such as auto-battle, speed-up functions, and skippable cutscenes. These features make grinding easier and respect the player's time. The game also offers frame rate options, including 144fps and unlimited. | 11% |
| Complete monster collection possible | The game allows for complete monster collection, as there are no distribution-limited monsters. Completing the Monsterpedia and all achievements provides a sense of accomplishment. Shiny monsters are a positive addition. | 10% |
| High-quality voice acting | The game features almost full voice acting in the main part, with excellent voice actors. The arena announcer is a particularly good character. The voice acting is a positive addition and is of high quality. | 7% |