Best Handheld Dragon Quest Games, Ranked

Highlights

Dragon Quest games span various platforms and budgets, with some titles remaining exclusive to Japan.
Handheld devices offer a variety of Dragon Quest games, from tactical battles to ARPG experiences.
Despite similarities, Dragon Quest 11 on 3DS has unique differences from the PS4 version, offering a fresh experience.

As a longtime enthusiast of JRPGs, I’ve always found myself drawn to the captivating world of Dragon Quest. With countless hours spent battling monsters, crafting strategies, and immersing myself in the rich lore, it’s no wonder that the series has become one of my all-time favorites.

The Dragon Quest series, renowned as one of the best Japanese Role-Playing Game franchises globally, has graced numerous platforms and catered to various budgets. Despite its global popularity, many games from this franchise have remained exclusive to Japan. Titles from the Dragon Quest franchise can be traced back to the Nintendo Entertainment System, with each new system launch seeing the release of even more impressive Dragon Quest games.

Regardless of the type of mobile device someone prefers for gaming, they’re likely to find a version of the popular series, Dragon Quest. This rundown will concentrate on games initially launched on portable devices and not those that were brought over at a later stage during their lifespan.

7 Dragon Quest Wars

A Quick & Engaging Tactical Battler

In simple terms, Dragon Quest Wars is a strategy and combat-based game where action unfolds on a grid layout. Each battle involves forming a team of creatures with unique skills, some of which complement each other exceptionally. Players strategize by moving and directing actions for their creatures, such as attacking or healing. Initially, battles could be played online; however, given the game’s age, the online service is no longer available.

Instead, the game offers a local multiplayer mode, enabling nearby gamers to connect their devices. Unfortunately, one disappointment with this game lies in its lack of a narrative campaign, meaning players can’t immerse themselves in a compelling story while using the exciting tactical combat system.

6 Dragon Quest Heroes: Rocket Slime

Stack & Store Items To Overcome Obstacles

In the beloved series of Dragon Quest games, slimes are a distinctive and beloved element, appearing in numerous spin-offs as well. This particular game is no exception, boasting an abundance of these jiggly creatures. The unique gameplay mechanics of Rocket Slime set it apart. Players can elongate their character and then release, causing a rocket to blast forth like a projectile, colliding with objects and enemies. This interaction can propel these entities skyward, where they can be captured mid-air and stacked on top of one another.

Players can collect piled-up objects by tossing them onto a designated cart. During massive, on-the-move castle battles, players must arrange and load the fortress’s weaponry. One of the game’s most appealing aspects is its abundance of hidden references to other franchises, such as Final Fantasy and Chrono Trigger.

5 Dragon Quest Heroes 2

Dragon Quest Meets Dynasty Warriors

Many portable games are essentially re-releases of AAA titles from older console generations. On the other hand, numerous Dragon Quest games offer an experience akin to AAA console games, with multiple versions available across platforms. Dragon Quest Heroes 2 is a sequel that’s as good as its predecessor, developed by Omega Force, creators of the Dynasty Warriors series, and it follows a similar gameplay style.

In this game, you’ll manage multiple characters, each boasting unique skills, as you engage in intense battles against hordes of monsters simultaneously. Although you’ll swiftly defeat numerous lesser adversaries with just a few strikes, there are also formidable bosses that may seem intimidating when your level is low.

4 Dragon Quest Builders

A Full Fledged ARPG Minecraft

Many might presume that this game is merely a version of Minecraft dressed up like Dragon Quest. But, it’s quite different. Far from being an action role-playing game (ARPG) in disguise, Dragon Quest Builders offers a rich and immersive ARPG experience. Players can gather weapons, undertake quests, uncover hidden secrets, enhance their abilities to become more powerful, and follow a complex narrative. As players advance through the game, they will explore fresh regions with unique survival rules, strategies for expanding their base, and methods to optimize everything.

In this game, players have the freedom to dismantle and rebuild the landscape, similar to numerous voxel-based sandbox games. Remarkably, players can immerse themselves in the game for extended periods without losing sight of the narrative’s progression. For Minecraft enthusiasts yearning to unleash their creativity, there is a sandbox mode that becomes even more expansive and intricate with its sequel.

3 Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker 3 Professional

Capture, Ride, & Fuse Over 700 Monsters

Dragon Quest 5, released back in 1992, was among the pioneers to incorporate creature-catching mechanics. Remarkably, Pokemon Red didn’t debut until 1996, making Dragon Quest 5 an early adopter of this feature. Interestingly, it wasn’t until the Dragon Quest Monsters series that these elements took center stage in a Dragon Quest game. Although multiple Dragon Quest Monster games have been localized for Western markets, Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker 3 is not one of them. Fortunately, a devoted fanbase has managed to modify this game, making it playable in English.

In the game, players can gather and nurture a variety of monsters. Additionally, they will combine these creatures to produce even stronger ones. Recently, the game has launched an extended edition titled “Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker 3 Professional“. This updated version welcomes back the heroes from the initial two games and introduces over 200 fresh monsters and new areas to explore. If you’re a Nintendo Switch owner eager to delve into this spin-off series, consider giving “Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince” a try.

2 Dragon Quest 9: Sentinels of the Starry Skies

The First Handheld Mainline Dragon Quest Game

In contrast to prior mainline Dragon Quest games that primarily appeared on home consoles, it wasn’t until Dragon Quest 9 that a handheld device became the platform for a mainline game launch. Playing this installment is much like its predecessors, but an added feature allows players to automate their party members’ actions during battles to expedite them.

As someone who has spent countless hours immersed in various RPGs throughout my gaming life, I find myself yearning for a more engaging and immersive experience in the game currently under discussion. The lack of dedicated story companions in this title is a glaring omission that other mainline games have masterfully utilized to enhance their narrative depth. However, it’s not all doom and gloom. The multiplayer feature, which lets up to three friends join another player’s game and team up for cooperative combat, is nothing short of exhilarating and a feature that I believe more entries in this series should adopt. It’s moments like these that make me feel like we’re on an epic adventure together. And as a long-time fan, I truly think this game could benefit from a remake on the Switch, offering a whole new generation of gamers the chance to experience its unique charm and gameplay mechanics.

1 Dragon Quest 11: Echoes of an Elusive Age

One Of The Greatest Dragon Quest Games Of All Time

There are several aspects about Dragon Quest 11 that Western fans might not be aware of, as it was initially launched on both the 3DS and PS4 platforms in Japan, but only the PS4 version was released in the West. Interestingly, the 3DS version remained exclusive to Japan. Despite having the same basic storyline, there are notable differences between the two versions. For instance, the overworld in the 3DS variant is more linear compared to its counterpart. Additionally, some alterations have been made to how cutscenes unfold, and the graphics are significantly distinct – while both adhere to the same art style created by Akira Toriyama.

The primary distinctions lie in the level structures; certain sections adopt unique arrangements tailored to the specific platform they’re designed for. Both games are exceptional, and those who appreciated the original should consider playing it again on the alternative system for a fresh experience.

2024-08-19 16:44