Breath of Fire: Dragon Quarter

Traditionalists may find the new game too different for their liking, but gamers looking for a challenge with a great battle system should look into this title.

Expect to play through this game at least three times, if not more, in your quest to see everything that it has to offer. Thankfully this is a very good game, or else players simply wouldn’t spend the time to beat it again.

One of those truly original games that, while a tad liberal in the innovation department, manages to keep you entertained all the way through thanks to one of the best battle systems ever to grace an RPG..., a Now and Then, Here and There-esque anime-influenced presentation, and some of the most challenging moments a hardcore RPG gamer could hope for.

Players who are willing to stick it out will find an RPG of unrivaled depth, innovation, and replayability.

Brilliant battle system - arguably one of the finest ever devised. [Apr 2003, p.50]

The refreshing battle system is worthy of props.

A rather distinguishable style, an amazing soundtrack, and an interactive combat system.

It’s certainly not going to convert RPG nay sayers, but fans of the genre should find something new here.

Features an original tactical combat system and numerous gameplay twists that will surprise players well accustomed to the standard RPG blueprint.

You know you're playing this game over and it makes no bones about it. It's upfront and honest in that regard and even if you just play it once, you are certain to enjoy every juicy minute of it.

An addictive and undeniably daring game that feels more urgent and less epic than most RPGs, and the battle system is masterful. But it’s nothing like previous Breath of Fire games, and the forced repetition might kill it for you.

One of the most extraordinarily deep and innovative games I've ever experienced. [Apr 2003, p.84]

It's different than any RPG you've played before, and better than most. [Apr 2003, p.62]

If anything, Dragon Quarter will likely tear the Breath of Fire fan base apart... As intended, it's unlike anything you've experienced before. [Mar 2003, p.79]

I wanted something different too, but what I got instead is marvelous. [Apr 2003, p.52]

The attractive visuals ride the line between dark and cartoony with expressive characters. It's all tied together with its unique combat and restart schemes, which will either inspire you or drive you mad.

Short, sweet and tough as a bastard.

It's not that interesting all the way through, but the storyline does expand and the ending is something to fight for.

Honestly, I don't think I've ever had as much fun with RPG battles before. [Apr 2003, p.112]

It's designed to be played through multiple times, and won't show anywhere near the whole of its plot or locations first time out.

Good-looking stuff even if what most gamers will recall from their time with Dragon Quarter is being blinded by the darkness and a PSOne-sponsored shade of the color brown.

Such bastard generic cross-pollination will be of keen interest to those who have pigeonholed the console RPG as yesterday's bread, as Dragon Quarter variously suceeds in its misfit marriage. [June 2003, p.98]

A slightly better than average game that coasts along on the fact that it tweaks the traditional RPG formula. The innovations in the title are a hit-and-miss affair that generally obfuscate the fact that the game is little more than a traditional dungeon crawler with a few new wrinkles.

Its slow pace keeps it from really taking off. [Apr 2003, p.37]

But to start an RPG from the beginning just to save your experience is overly tedious. And starting from a save points at a loss of your stats is equally lame.

It's solid and has a ton of dungeon crawling. But don't expect the story to still be percolating in your mind six months after you finish.