Breath of Fire: Dragon Quarter

 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: Capcom
  • Release Date: Feb 18, 2003
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 28 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 28
  3. Negative: 1 out of 28
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  1. Gamezilla!
    94
    It’s nice to see the occasional role-playing game that isn’t formulaic, something that shows the developer took some time to create a plot worth living in a game worth playing. Dragon Quarter does that so surprisingly well and in so many different ways, it almost transcends the RPG genre.
  2. Into Liquid Sky
    91
    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.
  3. GamingTrend
    91
    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.
  5. GameZone
    87
    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.
  6. GameSpy
    85
    Players who are willing to stick it out will find an RPG of unrivaled depth, innovation, and replayability.
  7. GameNow
    83
    Brilliant battle system - arguably one of the finest ever devised. [Apr 2003, p.50]
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  8. Game Revolution
    83
    The refreshing battle system is worthy of props.
  9. IGN
    82
    A rather distinguishable style, an amazing soundtrack, and an interactive combat system.
  10. Boomtown
    80
    It’s certainly not going to convert RPG nay sayers, but fans of the genre should find something new here.
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  11. GameSpot
    80
    Features an original tactical combat system and numerous gameplay twists that will surprise players well accustomed to the standard RPG blueprint.
  12. Cheat Code Central
    80
    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.
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  13. GamePro
    80
    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.
  14. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    80
    One of the most extraordinarily deep and innovative games I've ever experienced. [Apr 2003, p.84]
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  15. GMR Magazine
    80
    It's different than any RPG you've played before, and better than most. [Apr 2003, p.62]
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  16. Game Informer
    80
    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]
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  17. Play Magazine
    80
    I wanted something different too, but what I got instead is marvelous. [Apr 2003, p.52]
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  18. G4 TV
    80
    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.
  19. TotalGames.net
    80
    Short, sweet and tough as a bastard.
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  20. GameBiz
    80
    It's not that interesting all the way through, but the storyline does expand and the ending is something to fight for.
  21. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    77
    Honestly, I don't think I've ever had as much fun with RPG battles before. [Apr 2003, p.112]
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Awards & Rankings

66
#66 Best PS2 Game of 2003
97
#97 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2003
35
#35 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2003

User Reviews

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User Score
6.6

Mixed or average reviews- based on 51 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 30 out of 51
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 51
  3. Negative: 12 out of 51
  1. PsychoG
    Dec 29, 2014
    8
    One of my personal favorite RPG's of all time, Breath of Fire: Dragon Quarter has an engaging story and extremely fun combat. It was a boldOne of my personal favorite RPG's of all time, Breath of Fire: Dragon Quarter has an engaging story and extremely fun combat. It was a bold decision to have the game step away from the formula of it's predecessors and take the series in a different direction and while many loyal fans of the series were disappointed by the changes, it'd be fair to say that had the game not been labelled a Breath of Fire game most of them wouldn't have had an issue.

    This is most definitely a game intended to be played over and over again. Partly because unless you are extremely skilled, you aren't going to be able to get through the story on your first attempt due to certain boss battles being extremely difficult on the first play through and starting from the beginning or from your last save with some extra party exp to spread around can make all the difference and secondly in order to unlock all of the cut scenes to learn the entire story behind the events of the game.

    The limiting of Ryu to a single dragon form when traditionally he had access to many different forms was a risky one but in my opinion it worked. Instead of having 50 or more forms of which you'd possibly use 5 or 6 throughout the entire game. DQ gives you a single extremely powerful, almost invulnerable form with the catch being that you can only use it so much until you die from it and have to start over from the beginning. It forces you to be strategic about using the form only for tough fights you wouldn't be able to beat otherwise rather than being cheap and using your dragon form for every fight.

    Overall Dragon Quarter is a unique experience that changes up an old formula and adds an engaging story and likable characters to a new combat system like nothing any game had offered before it.

    + Great combat system
    + Engaging story
    + Excellent replay value
    + A bold step in a new direction for the series, it's different but by no means bad

    - The holding back of certain story elements can leave the player confused as to why certain things happen until later runs through the game
    - Environments are very repetitive, especially through the middle part of the game    … Full Review »
  2. VendonJura
    Sep 27, 2018
    2
    I do love Breath of Fire games but Dragon Quarter had an totally annoying mechanic. There was a counter when it reached 100 you died and thereI do love Breath of Fire games but Dragon Quarter had an totally annoying mechanic. There was a counter when it reached 100 you died and there was no way going back. If you did not reach the end boss then you could never finish the game. If this death clock would not be in the game it would be one of the best Breath of Fire games ever. But this mechanic made me sell the game. Wish there would be an HD Remaster of this game but WITHOUT that death counter nonesense.… Full Review »
  3. theNILE
    Jun 13, 2013
    1
    One of the most disappointing RPGs I've ever played... You don't really feel anything for the characters, there is a reason to like or hateOne of the most disappointing RPGs I've ever played... You don't really feel anything for the characters, there is a reason to like or hate them but they are so lackluster in their detail and personality that you just don't want to get attached to a character from the start. The dialogue is almost as bad, nearly every conversation is irrelevant, terribly short or doesn't contribute to the story. The music is also very mediocre. Pivotal emotional moments fail terribly due to all I've stated so far. The pacing of the game is very irritating, some parts are drawn out way too far and having a turn-based battle system with tedious encounters you cannot avoid doesn't help, you just want to rush to the end of the game. Events occur and you just get thrown into action, the way the events occur are clearly not thought out well. There is little sense of direction in the game underground, it's just "we have to reach the surface".… Full Review »
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