"This game is so close to surpassing DW4"

I actually wasn't really planning on buying this game, because I've already played number four in the series, and I felt that any other in the Dragon Warrior series game couldn't compare, and I would feel disappointed. I didn't get a disappointment when this game appeared under the Christmas tree with my name on it though; I got a refreshing surprise of a game which is very close to actually being better than Dragon Warrior Four. Both games have pros and cons, but number four simply outweighs number three. However, DW3 does surpass DW4 in some areas. I'll explain as I go along.

Graphics: 10/10

These graphics are quite pretty; they are actually better than DW4's graphics. Not only are they very detailed and cleaner looking, the enemies have attack animations, something the enemies lacked in DW4. These aren't mediocre animations either; just wait until you see a Mummy attack. SWEET! The graphics are not only outstanding on the GBC, but if you play this game on the stretched out screen of the GBA, they look even better. If not for Alone In the Dark, I would have said that this game is, graphically, the most impressive GBC game out there.

Gameplay: 9/10

The battle system in DW3 is a very simple and good one, yet it is somewhat repetitive after some time. However, unlike some games, in this game it is possible to walk more than two steps without running into an enemy. Quite a relief. The controls are really pretty simple, but this is a good thing. It's basically 'A' to search the ground for items, and 'B' to go to the menu, which display things like items, spells, plan, etc.

The class system is something unique and refreshing to this game; it's another aspect in which this game does surpass DW3. In this game you choose the class of your party members, and each class has a specialty unique to his own class. Later in the game it is even possible to change the class of one or more of your members into a different class, but this reverts the level of your character back to one. Also, the ability to choose your party members, a feature that this game offers, allows you to obtain all 4 members of your party very early in the game. You can have your entire party assembled before you have your first random encounter if you wish.

Story: 7/10

It's not really as epic as I expected, and little character development makes this game more shallow than DW4. The story line isn't too rich, and at times seems corny. You are told your father, a great hero, died by falling in a volcano. I thought this was far funnier than it was sad. I mean, how honorable is it for a great warrior die other than in battle? Oh well.

Another negative thing about this story line is it doesn't really progress as you go along. You don't learn more about the evil lord, you don't learn more about the roots of your father, etc. In DW4, the story was far more engaging, and at times seemed remarkably sad and dramatic, for an NES game that is. The character development was excellent, while in this game it is almost non-existent. Sorry, but this story just wasn't really special. (On a side note, some of the suggestive themes in this game are hilarious.)

Replay: 10/10

This is a strong point. Leveling up, finding all tiny medals and monster medals and such is quite a challenging and lengthy task, yet still fun. Playing through the game a second time is made more fun by having the ability of trying the game with new classes and new strategies. This game can be played every day and still have more to offer.

Overall: 9/10

Not quite up to the standards of it's sequel, DW4, this game is still excellent. Very fun, and very long. You won't be disappointed by this cart, and that's no opinion; it's a fact.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 02/25/02, Updated 03/28/02