Puzzle & Dragons Z + Puzzle & Dragons: Super Mario Bros. Edition

 3DS
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 55 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 34 out of 55
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 55
  3. Negative: 8 out of 55
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  1. Mando44646
    Oct 23, 2015
    6
    Not really all that impressed with the game. Story is passable, gameplay is decent, but it just *feels* like the mobile game it came from. Not really a game made for a dedicating gaming system. I'd pass unless you get it cheap
  2. EvilstuffGaming
    May 23, 2015
    8
    This is one of the best puzzle games I've played in a long time. I haven't been really playing long enough to warrant a higher rating, but from how I'm doing so far, i'd say around a 9/10. with my rating here being where I predict I'll be mid-late game. The P&DZ story is about you and your friends trying to stop the evil organization Paradox from destroying the world, where P&DM... wellThis is one of the best puzzle games I've played in a long time. I haven't been really playing long enough to warrant a higher rating, but from how I'm doing so far, i'd say around a 9/10. with my rating here being where I predict I'll be mid-late game. The P&DZ story is about you and your friends trying to stop the evil organization Paradox from destroying the world, where P&DM... well you can guess what happens based on EVERY MARIO GAME EVER! The gameplay's pretty decent too, and the expansive roster of enemies from all over the Mario universe will leave you collecting. Older players might generally not enjoy this sort of genre, but younger players will most likely suck it in like a lollipop.… Expand
  3. NatT96
    Jun 27, 2015
    4
    I don't know what Nintendo is trying to do here but it does not work at all. the game gets so boring so darn fast. The game play from the SMB's side is solid, but the puzzle and dragons side is just so dull and boring as hell. I would have to say its puzzle game play aspect is spot on as it does work well, but man it just feels like a game that would be free 2 play and does not match theI don't know what Nintendo is trying to do here but it does not work at all. the game gets so boring so darn fast. The game play from the SMB's side is solid, but the puzzle and dragons side is just so dull and boring as hell. I would have to say its puzzle game play aspect is spot on as it does work well, but man it just feels like a game that would be free 2 play and does not match the price tag at all. I returned this title and never looked back.… Expand
  4. Maddox121
    May 24, 2015
    9
    It is very fun extra fun. it is a blast. you get to fight classic mario enemies and get combo attacks. im stuck on W 3-5 thats why i didnt give it a 10
  5. ForTheUSSR
    Jun 24, 2015
    4
    At least on the mario side, this gets a 4. I beat the mario version, but I haven't played the PAD Z side. The puzzle mechanic itself actually makes for fun gameplay, but it's everything else that brings the game down. It gets very repetitive and even grindy as you progress. Enemies seem to become ridiculously strong, so even if you are matching things really well, you still can fail. Not aAt least on the mario side, this gets a 4. I beat the mario version, but I haven't played the PAD Z side. The puzzle mechanic itself actually makes for fun gameplay, but it's everything else that brings the game down. It gets very repetitive and even grindy as you progress. Enemies seem to become ridiculously strong, so even if you are matching things really well, you still can fail. Not a good design for a puzzle game. The only way I was able to progress was by using boo mario and boo luigi, which give a huge multiplier when you match 3 different colors in one combo. Other strategies I tried just weren't viable. It just gets so boring that, towards the end, you'll find yourself wishing it would just be done so you can call it finished and move on with something more enjoyable. There's so many other titles on the 3ds that manage to be enjoyable throughout their length.… Expand
  6. dilemma
    Nov 4, 2015
    9
    This is what hand held games are all about.

    I've never played any of the previous Pad games so this is my first one and wow did I enjoy it. It's a bejeweled / RPG rolled into one. There are a TON of different characters to collect, in which you can level them all up, and even evolve them into their next stage. Here's a short pros and cons. Pro: Ton of characters Many    This is what hand held games are all about.

    I've never played any of the previous Pad games so this is my first one and wow did I enjoy it.

    It's a bejeweled / RPG rolled into one.

    There are a TON of different characters to collect, in which you can level them all up, and even evolve them into their next stage.

    Here's a short pros and cons.

    Pro:
    Ton of characters
    Many different team set ups
    Easy to pick up and play
    Combos are rewarding, you can click and drag your orbs to wherever you wish

    Cons.

    I don't really have any, perhaps the price for the game?
    I believe it's a really well polished handheld game.    … Expand
  7. JJTX
    Mar 24, 2019
    7
    Puzzle & Dragons is a unique take on the tired and true "match three" puzzle genre that has dominated mobile gaming for more than a decade. That said, even with familiar Super Mario characters added, it failed to capture me quite like it has done for millions of fans of the original game in Japan. The mechanics are complicated, and I never did figure out exactly how to be consistently successful.
  8. s11
    Feb 25, 2019
    10
    Puzzle & Dragons Z + Puzzle & Dragons: Super Mario Bros. Edition is a fun RPG/Puzzle game bundle. The story of Puzzle & Dragons Z is rather simple:

    You're a newly recruited Dragon Tamer who just passed their test. Meanwhile, an organization called "Paradox" is set on destroying the world. You and your friends must save Dracomacia from Paradox with the help of 250+ different    Puzzle & Dragons Z + Puzzle & Dragons: Super Mario Bros. Edition is a fun RPG/Puzzle game bundle. The story of Puzzle & Dragons Z is rather simple:

    You're a newly recruited Dragon Tamer who just passed their test. Meanwhile, an organization called "Paradox" is set on destroying the world.
    You and your friends must save Dracomacia from Paradox with the help of 250+ different monsters/dragons.

    The story of Puzzle & Dragons: SMB Edition is, well, the classic Bowser-kidnaps-Peach Mario-must-rescue-her plot, with the Puzzle & Dragons Z mechanics thrown in.

    Pros:
    - Game bundle is cheap
    - Fun and challenging
    - Engaging story
    - Unique combat mechanic (this is the only RPG bundle that I'm aware of that uses a match-3 system)
    - Awesome music (Both PAD and the SMB Edition
    Cons:
    - RNG can be very hostile at times
    - Obscure (the mobile original: Puzzle and Dragons is available only in Japan/North America)

    If you like a fun and challenging RPG bundle that is cheap, to play on the go, on New Nintendo 3DS/2DS "Puzzle & Dragons Z + Puzzle & Dragons: Super Mario Bros. Edition" would be my 1st suggestion    … Expand
  9. JackMahBoi
    Apr 21, 2017
    7
    There's enough strategy and simplicity that the game is at least worth buying and playing,, but after a bit it can get quite repetitive and boring. Puzzle & Dragons just feels too much like it's trying to be Pokemon mixed in with puzzle elements, so I'm afraid I can only give this a sort of meh, sort of good review.
  10. msp99
    Jun 15, 2021
    9
    The best match-three game I ever played. Especially the Super Mario themed expansion is much fun! Really a hidden gem for the 3DS.
  11. Nielssie0420
    Sep 11, 2019
    5
    The gameplay mechanics are solid, but I think it is repetitive. You do get two games for the price of one so there's that, but I didn't find myself playing this game for hours on end.
  12. Kingboozx3
    Sep 17, 2020
    10
    Every Puzzle game is just as boring and similar as the last one with nothing to keep you playing other than for the game play through many boring levels. Puzzle and Dragons Z changes that. This game combines the classic Puzzle and Dragons formula and adds so much onto it with a hub world, and 6 main kingdoms to explore. It's always fun to see what monsters you'll meet next and the musicEvery Puzzle game is just as boring and similar as the last one with nothing to keep you playing other than for the game play through many boring levels. Puzzle and Dragons Z changes that. This game combines the classic Puzzle and Dragons formula and adds so much onto it with a hub world, and 6 main kingdoms to explore. It's always fun to see what monsters you'll meet next and the music are phenomenal! The game also has a colorful cast of characters in a compelling story! Oh and the Mario version is cool too I guess. The main attraction is Puzzle and Dragons Z however if you just want a less story focused experience the Mario version is very good as well. The background artwork for each Mario level is really well designed and looks like a new Super Mario Bros game in 3D and the custom artwork and animations for the characters and Koopalings look pretty solid!… Expand
  13. ND-Bringer
    May 27, 2021
    4
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I had high hopes for this one, I really did. But this game is the equivalent of someone dangling pictures of dragons in your face.Sure, the dragons look really cool, but you can't keep me entertained forever. My main focus is on the Puzzles & Dragons Z part of this 2 for 1 deal. Since it has a story. Your objective is to collect the world pieces with your dragon partner Pokemon Syrup, in order to save the world from the evil Paradox organization led by Lord Dogma.Its nice story formula and all, colorful anime characters, exquisite backdrops, a lovely array of sound effects between each cutscene.But when all is said and done, I just feel empty inside, even after beating the final battle on the first try.Don't get me wrong, I think this is a good game, but no amount of shiny colors will change my opinion of this game. Big problem 1, the only point of wireless connection is exchange items and compare high scores. This unfortunately, is the real focus of the game. Unlike most monster training games, your only opponent here is the computer. Even Yo-Kai Watch 1 had this option, giving you a reason to get better at the game. Big problem 2, earning experience in this game is a chore.Its not the worst thing in the game seeing how you can feed your monsters Jewel Dragon eggs every once and awhile, but that would make the game too easy. So here's the tip of the iceberg, Monsters have LEVEL LIMITS! Meaning stage one creatures can only go up to level 30 until they evolve. That doesn't sound so bad, but you need to collect chips from defeated monsters. And these luck-based mechanics are just as bad as the ones in Yo-Kai Watch 2! It can take 5 minutes or 5 hours just get the stuff you need in order to raise your team's level. And guess what? The highest level a monster can reach is level 99 and all of your monsters need to be about level 90 on average just to stand a chance against the final boss. Furthermore, THE GAME TAKES FLIPPING FOREVER TO COMPLETE! And there's a long post game to go with it. I...I just don't care. The game brags about all of the rare dragons you can collect and use in battle. But all I see is 6 pictures shooting elemental balls. Sure, each monster has their own sound effect and animation attack. Again, good job on those designs GungHo Online Entertainment, it just gets old fast. Seeing them over and over and over again...it just slows things down. Thankfully, you can turn them off though. But the game just gets slower when you run into enemies that stun your monsters for a couple turns. Even in those easy 3 or 4 color dungeons, their mere existence really ticks me off. Well, they may be just pictures, but at least I can build a team of my favorite monsters to make this journey more comfortable. I've spent 3 hours trying to get this Naga creature, I sure hope one of them drops an egg pretty soon...EXCEPT THATS IMPOSSIBLE!!! I can understand why legendary monsters can't be obtained by random drops, but Naga looks like common monster! They're even mentioned in the dungeon monster info. Am I just supposed to just magically know which monsters I can and can't obtain? It's gets worse where in order to evolve my monsters to the highest stage, I have to see if those super rare monsters will drop chips or not in battle. And fighting these guys over and over again is just a pain. It's best that you just use the free rare chips and eggs you get from completing side quests and work with that. The last thing you want to do is make this game go any longer. As for the story, their's some decent characters here and there. But the more interesting genius characters, I'm pronouncing dead, because they don't appear anywhere else in the game after you've cleared all of their levels. And Dogma creates some kind of rivalry with the player that consist of 3 showdowns. An automatic loss that inspires the player to get stronger, a pretty dang easy level in the final world, and one where he uses the Sky Dragon of Death. Why does he wish to recreate the world? Why does he hate humans? Whatever his backstory is I somehow missed it.A well designed villain who lacks a decent backstory as far as I'm aware.And we also have this Enigma character, he has potential to be one of those interesting characters that is neither good or evil. Asking the player questions like, "Is darkness evil?", it breaks the game like Sarah and Nick's introversions and help keeps things fresh. However, I can't deny my feelings for the final battle in the Avalon Temple. It just...sucks. Enigma is revealed to be the real villain and possesses Dogma's body while he's fusing with Arkvelza. And just for fun, he instantly absorbs all of the other Sky Dragons.This final boss looks awesome, but even with 8 animations its gets old fast. Syrup is reveled to be the Sky Dragon of Life and we use the power of friendship to save the day. After he's freed, Dogma vows to return one day and claim vengeance.I've seen this type of climax too many times, I feel nothing:(… Expand
  14. AlexMakesToast
    Nov 23, 2022
    5
    Puzzle and dragons + mario = 5/10
    ............................................................
  15. MarkusZ
    Aug 5, 2023
    10
    What a surprise! It's so much fun. I played around 150 hours until I leveled up everything and beat the final boss

Awards & Rankings

22
#22 Best 3DS Game of 2015
21
#21 Most Discussed 3DS Game of 2015
32
#32 Most Shared 3DS Game of 2015

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
73

Mixed or average reviews - based on 59 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 37 out of 59
  2. Mixed: 21 out of 59
  3. Negative: 1 out of 59
  1. Atomix
    Jun 30, 2015
    88
    GungHo Entertainment knew perfectly well how to make a match-three that was different from its predecessors, it added depth by using RPG elements and took advantage from tactile technology that, obviously, adapted greatly in the Nintendo 3DS.
    Read full review
  2. games(TM)
    Jun 27, 2015
    50
    It provides a bit of fan fare and not much else. [Issue#162, p.103]
    Read full review
  3. Edge Magazine
    Jun 21, 2015
    50
    A whole lot better on phones than it is on 3DS. [July 2015, p.115]
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