Dragon Warrior Monsters

"My favorite game ever!!!!!!!!!!"

Yes, I know that it might be pathetic that my favorite game ever is an E-rated Gameboy Color game, but I absolutely fell in love with this game. Even today, I play it over and over, and I enjoy this game more than any other. Little did I know, when I bought this game that it would become my favorite game of all time. I simply got it because it looked cool. Dragon Warrior Monsters can be described as a more complex Pokemon game. The monster development is still one of the most involved "leveling up" systems out there, even years after its release. And as for the basic gameplay, it can be beat. Here's the breakdown for Dragon Warrior Monsters.

Note: Unlike console games, I feel that it's unfair to include graphics and sound ratings in this review considering that it is a Gameboy Color game and we all know about the limited capabilities of the GBC. As such, I will still break down the graphics and sound, but they will be labeled N/A.

Storyline: 9/10
The storyline is rather basic. Basically, you are Terry (or whatever you choose to name him). Your sister gets kidnapped by Warabou, a monster from the kingdom of GreatLog. Watabou, a monster from the kingdom of GreatTree soon follows in an attempt to stop Warabou, but fails. Instead, he takes you back with him to GreatTree, noticing that you speak the monster's language and think you are the chose Monster Tamer. You go to GreatTree with him only to find that all of the monsters in the monster farm have escaped into the Monster Gates. Now, it is your job, as the Master Monster Tamer, subdue this monster uprising.
As I said, the story is simple. But it is still strong. Often times, I don't necessarily even want a super complicated story like in the Hack.// series. it also makes a lot of sense with the gameplay, something that some games don't necessarily do.

Gameplay: 10/10
What makes a game good if not the gameplay. DWM has some of the best RPG style gameplay that I've seen. The battles are the basic, tun-based style, but it is executed very nicely. You have several options and can choose between completely directing your battle down the the move, or you can choose a general strategy for battle and the monsters will pick the appropriate moves. However, what makes this game better than most is the monster development system. If you've played Pokemon, you know how much of a pain it is to level up your monsters after lv. 60. While Dragon Warrior Monsters still involves leveling up, it gets complicated with a monster breeding system. Yes, there is now a breeding system in Pokemon, but it plays a very small and insignificant role. In DWM, you cannot survive without breeding. You see, breeding monster allows you to get new, more powerful ones to beef up your party. You may start with a little Slime at the beginning, but plan out what you want to do later in the game, and you'll eventually end up with monsters name Darkdrium or Kingleo. Its this breeding system that makes the game so great and harder than Pokemon. It is absolutely essential to breed monsters or you will not be able to win. It is actually possibly the most enjoyable part of the game, planning out your monster combinations to get that perfect monster.

Graphics: N/A
The game is a GBC game, so what do you expect from it. It's simple, low powered handheld fun.

Sound: N/A
What game didn't sound like generic cell phone ringtones on the GBC. Again, a non-factor.

Replay Value: 10/10
With hundreds of different party combinations and monsters to breed, you play the game a little different every time.

Difficulty: 9/10
This game gets rather tricky at times. You can get frustrated sometimes, but just know that every problem can be solved with breeding.

Overall: 10/10
This is by far my favorite game ever. If you want a more difficult Pokemon, then get this game.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 03/29/06