7th Dragon III Code: VFD

 3DS
  • Publisher: Sega
  • Release Date: Jul 12, 2016
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 30 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 30
  3. Negative: 0 out of 30
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  1. GameCritics
    Jul 7, 2016
    95
    Being a bit soft on the narrative is a sin that many games commit, and while I’m generally a big story guy, 7th Dragon III: Code VFD performs so fantastically in all other aspects that I can’t scold it for not making me examine the human condition. For players who want an excellent RPG-lite or a nonstandard dungeon crawler, this game is the total package—it’s got some of the most entertaining mechanics I’ve seen in years, it’s as smooth as butter to play, and everything about it oozes polish. It’s not only going to be one of the best 3DS games released this year, but one of the best 3DS titles overall.
  2. FNintendo
    Apr 13, 2017
    90
    If simple to customize, involving plot, rich characters and entertaining combats are hallmarks of the RPG genre, 7th Dragon III Code: VFD nails them all with a high standard. This game stands out for its gameplay and audiovisual environments thanks to its combat system, its rich plot and interesting characters that make the whole experience much more involving. Being easy to customize only adds another layer of depth to the experience, making it one of the most enjoyable RPGs available for the 3DS.
  3. We Got This Covered
    Jul 7, 2016
    90
    Bursting with charming characters, gorgeous fantasy worlds and addictive turn-based combat, 7th Dragon III: Code VFD makes me wonder why Western gamers didn't see this series sooner.
  5. Nintendo Life
    Jul 7, 2016
    90
    With top-class character customization, a delightfully different combat system and a slick nature-futuristic style, 7th Dragon III Code: VFD is a fantastic addition to the 3DS' JRPG library.
  6. God is a Geek
    Jul 7, 2016
    85
    7th Dragon III Code: VFD is a superb dungeon crawler with some refreshing mechanics but suffers from a few performance issues on the 3DS.
  7. Nintendojo
    Jul 8, 2016
    83
    So, if your love for RPGs comes from a love for strategic thinking and party customization, then 7th Dragon III absolutely deserves a look.
  8. Vandal
    Dec 12, 2016
    80
    This is one of those games that won't get much attention, but it's a great RPG, with good characters and engaging gameplay. Even if you didn't play other episodes, it's worth a try.
  9. Meristation
    Dec 5, 2016
    80
    7th Dragon Ends well for his fans but does not arrive in the best way to the new potential players because a confusing story. Luckily a very good combat system keeps it interesting for everyone.
  10. EGM
    Jul 12, 2016
    80
    While it gets bogged down by story and character elements that I found to be the opposite of fun far too often, 7th Dragon III Code: VFD offers up a stellar RPG experience that’s stuffed full of enjoyable gameplay mechanics and ideas.
  11. Game Revolution
    Jul 12, 2016
    80
    Unlike an actual dragon, 7th Dragon III Code VFD might not set the world on fire, but JRPG lovers should give it a chance all the same. There’s a lot to do and sink your teeth into, and it’s a perfect game to show to people who might find these sorts of games too daunting.
  12. RPGamer
    Jul 12, 2016
    80
    7th Dragon III doesn't try to break new ground or provide a deep meaningful story. What it does do is entertain players thoroughly through its lengthy adventure and a plethora of classes and skills to toy with.
  13. USgamer
    Jul 7, 2016
    80
    Despite some combat balancing issues and some occasionally too-linear design, 7th Dragon III offers a top-class portable role-playing experience. Thankfully, you don't need to be familiar with the unlocalized earlier games in the series to grasp the story, and its wealth of customization options make for a fairly breezy RPG experience... at least until you get to those brutal True Dragon fights, anyway.
  14. NintendoWorldReport
    Jul 7, 2016
    80
    While I personally don’t feel it reaches the highs of the Etrian Odyssey series, it’s still a compelling and unique RPG with diverse classes and engaging turn-based combat.
  15. ZTGD
    Jul 7, 2016
    80
    From its solid character customization to its strategic and enjoyable combat, it’s yet another great JRPG to grace the 3DS.
  16. GameSpot
    Jul 7, 2016
    80
    Even with a couple of quibbles, it’s hard to deny the quality of 7th Dragon III taken as a whole. It’s challenging without being frustrating, unique in both its visual and character class design, and remains an engaging romp from chapter one to the finale.
  17. Gamers\' Temple
    Jul 7, 2016
    79
    That said, there is definitely an audience for this game, and those folks will absolutely love every second of Code: VFD. So with that in mind, I can feel good about giving the game a somewhat hesitant recommendation. It won't please everyone, but if any of this sounds good to you, Code: VFD is a worthy purchase.
  18. RPG Fan
    Jul 11, 2016
    78
    7th Dragon III Code: VFD rewards those who are dedicated to its unique brand of role-playing and feeds the rest to the dragons.
  19. SpazioGames
    Dec 9, 2016
    75
    If you can ignore the fact that there are four or five better choices for the same genre on the 3DS family of console (Etrian Odysseys and Persona Q anyone?), 7th Dragon III Code VFD is a competent dungeon crawler, that features original jobs, a solid combat system and a fairly uninspired story.
  20. The Games Machine
    Dec 6, 2016
    72
    A solid dungeon crawler, affected by some technical issues and a tasteless plot.
  21. Eurogamer Italy
    Jan 18, 2017
    70
    7th Dragon III Code VFD is a good dungeon crawler for people who never played this kind of games. The art direction is interesting, the characters' classes are fresh and the original soundtrack from Yuzo Koshiro is a blast.
  22. Universo Nintendo
    Aug 16, 2016
    70
    An average RPG with a great battle system.
  23. Digitally Downloaded
    Jul 11, 2016
    70
    Even with some of the issues that mean it might only be for JRPG fans – especially the dungeon crawling monotony, this is, nonetheless, yet another feather for the JRPG cap for the Nintendo 3DS, and represents yet another reason to settle in with your 3DS for dozens of hours of fantasy fun.
  24. Destructoid
    Jul 7, 2016
    70
    If you want a rich, engrossing story with unique characters that grow over time, turn around and walk away now, as this is very much a niche dungeon crawler that will only speak to specific members of the community.
  25. Cubed3
    Jul 7, 2016
    70
    Despite its somewhat pedestrian fundamentals, it manages to strike a good balance between plot and a strangely captivating class system.
  26. Everyeye.it
    Dec 8, 2016
    68
    Despite some good ideas related to the combat system, 7th Dragon III CODE: VFD, adds nothing particularly innovative to the dungeon crawler scene.
  27. Stevivor
    Dec 6, 2016
    65
    While the game world is richly styled and interesting, the frame rate will chug as you enter the larger areas.
  28. GameGrin
    Jan 9, 2017
    60
    Whilst not an outstanding score, this game is still fun and I had a blast reviewing it. The pacing of the battles make it very accessible for the general player without much experience with strategy JRPGs. But with the mundanity of certain aspects of the game, pacing being off and with its current RSP. It’s hard to recommend unless on sale.
  29. TheSixthAxis
    Dec 22, 2016
    60
    Despite the plethora of content on offer with 7th Dragon III: Code VFD, this is a dull game. What good ideas there are within the class system and the initial premise of the plot, they’re almost negated by the tediousness of the dungeon crawling that’s barely disguised, combined with a narrative that ticks all the RPG tropes. An utterly forgettable experience when compared to the best RPGs of the year.
  30. 4P.de
    Dec 19, 2016
    60
    Quotation forthcoming.
  31. RPG Site
    Jul 7, 2016
    60
    It's difficult to recommend 7th Dragon III: Code VFD. The unique class and party systems are watered down by mundane structure and generally low game difficulty. Story beats are either too predictable or lessened by a connection to other games most English players haven't experienced. Those who are fans of turn-based class systems can still find enjoyment here, but it's hard to see the game leaving any lasting impact.
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  1. Kotaku
    Oct 19, 2016
    Flashy turn-based battles with plenty of room for strategy, varied character classes with several different avenues of advancement, plenty of semi-optional activities to keep me occupied when I need a break from the main quest—these are things I crave. Toss in a random cat cafe, a mini dating sim, a healthy sense of humor and the odd washed-up Power Ranger wannabe, and I’m in JRPG heaven, silly name be damned.

Awards & Rankings

23
#23 Best 3DS Game of 2016
26
#26 Most Discussed 3DS Game of 2016
16
#16 Most Shared 3DS Game of 2016

User Reviews

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User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 62 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 50 out of 62
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 62
  3. Negative: 9 out of 62
  1. MonkiReviews
    Mar 12, 2017
    8
    This is a great game. The story stands out because the characters are playing a VR game turned to a challenging real adventure. They need toThis is a great game. The story stands out because the characters are playing a VR game turned to a challenging real adventure. They need to work together to stop the dragons after beating the game. The demo convinced me to buy it and I have never regretted it.… Full Review »
  2. Mmmmph
    Aug 1, 2016
    9
    This game feels like it came out in the 90's and the gameplay ideas came out of somebody saying "you know what would be cool!" And dependingThis game feels like it came out in the 90's and the gameplay ideas came out of somebody saying "you know what would be cool!" And depending on what you're expecting that can either be a good thing or a point against it.
    For me personally I like it a lot, I like that the agent class can hack enemies and do stuff to them even though they're hacking a plant or a bug and it doesn't really make sense. I like that one of the tank classes is an unarmed class that heals people with chiropractic moves, all of this feels like a massive departure from your bog standard boring "warrior, rogue, mage" archetypes and not in a "we call our warriors 'agarbib' " sort of way.
    The writing is very 90's JRPG as well, walking around and talking to NPC's it feels like this was a remake of something from back then and I love it. To be more specific when you talk to an NPC its fairly clear that somebody somewhere had a little story for them that isn't in the game and possibly nobody will ever see, but you feel like if you talked to the developer they would know that NPC even if they only ever had one line in the entire game.
    That's the feeling I get from this that I think is sorely lacking in say the Etrian Oddesy series which I feel is sort of a lifeless foray into what feels too much like a graph paper dungeon. As opposed to a world that you can feel effort was put into like this.    … Full Review »
  3. snakekill321
    Jul 12, 2016
    9
    This game has a great ambiance, and soundtrack. The unlimited customization and gripping story will keep you coming back for more. While TheThis game has a great ambiance, and soundtrack. The unlimited customization and gripping story will keep you coming back for more. While The difficulty may seem like a small turn off for more hardcore JRPG fans, this is a super fun, laid back, a exquisite JRPG that is unique and fun, and honestly fills that unique voi I felt after finishing Stella Glow.… Full Review »
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