Dragon Quest Heroes: The World Tree's Woe and the Blight Below

 PlayStation 4
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 254 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 172 out of 254
  2. Mixed: 43 out of 254
  3. Negative: 39 out of 254
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  1. ChaseWSanders
    Oct 15, 2015
    9
    If you are a Dragon Quest fan, it's a no brainer. I would recommend this game to anyone who is longing for Dragon Quest XI. I am a DQ fan, hence the 9.

    If you are a Dynasty Warriors fan, I would give this a 7.5-8. It has a lot of RPG elements that fans of the DW genre may not like. Still, my personal opinion is that this is the best DW like game to date. It's better than Hyrule Warriors    If you are a Dragon Quest fan, it's a no brainer. I would recommend this game to anyone who is longing for Dragon Quest XI. I am a DQ fan, hence the 9.

    If you are a Dynasty Warriors fan, I would give this a 7.5-8. It has a lot of RPG elements that fans of the DW genre may not like. Still, my personal opinion is that this is the best DW like game to date. It's better than Hyrule Warriors for sure.

    If you are a fan of Action RPGs, I would say rent it. You may just fall in love with it, and fall in love with Dragon Quest.

    If you don't like Dragon Quest, Dynasty Warriors, or Action RPGs...how did you even find out about this game? Regardless, give it a pass. You're probably Tom McShea from IGN.    … Expand
  2. xirruss
    Oct 13, 2015
    8
    Je ne suis pas un fan de la série,j'ai joué a un peut-être même deux dragon quest...mais celui ci a quelques choses de différents,beaucoup disent qu'il ressemble au dernier Zelda sur wiiu(que je n'ai vraiment pas apprécier)moi après quelques heures de jeu,je suis vraiment surpris,okay l'histoire est un peu ''childish'' ...mais tout ce passe dans le gameplay,les combat sont impressionnantJe ne suis pas un fan de la série,j'ai joué a un peut-être même deux dragon quest...mais celui ci a quelques choses de différents,beaucoup disent qu'il ressemble au dernier Zelda sur wiiu(que je n'ai vraiment pas apprécier)moi après quelques heures de jeu,je suis vraiment surpris,okay l'histoire est un peu ''childish'' ...mais tout ce passe dans le gameplay,les combat sont impressionnant les graphiques sont tres réssis grace a akira toriyama qui a déjà fais dragon balls et chrono trigger.Un très solide Jrpg enfin sur ps4… Expand
  3. Lucid_Gaming
    Oct 13, 2015
    10
    Runs beautifully and the artwork is amazing. It is a must have if you're a DQ fan, and if not i still would definitely recommend picking this game up.
  4. Kai82
    Jun 30, 2020
    8
    This is a spin off of Dragon Quest that can be best described as Dynasty Warriors or Kingdom Hearts in Dragon Quest style. It is an Action adventure with RPG elements. Storywise: The Kingdom of Arba enjoyed peace between man and monsters. When a dark menace appeared the whole world is in danger. This is the set up for the story. It is not that original but has some good ideas and twistsThis is a spin off of Dragon Quest that can be best described as Dynasty Warriors or Kingdom Hearts in Dragon Quest style. It is an Action adventure with RPG elements. Storywise: The Kingdom of Arba enjoyed peace between man and monsters. When a dark menace appeared the whole world is in danger. This is the set up for the story. It is not that original but has some good ideas and twists that keep you going. The battle system is as I said close to Dynasty Warriors or Kingdom Hearts. You have standard attacks and special moves at your disposal. The dodge ability is pretty useful and you should get used to it as soon as possible. You can of cause grind levels to overpower your enemies but it takes more effort than in other games later on. A nice feature is that during the game heroes from old Dragon Quest games join your party. It is a good fan service but also features different play styles. It is always possible to switch between your characters and encouraged to experiment with different party compositions. Another new feature is that you can summon monsters to your aid. If you defeat monsters you get sometimes monster medals. With them you can summon them to help you in battle or get an one time effect. There are of cause side quests and a crafting system that works with obtained loot. I must mention that the Dragon Quest series is closely related to Akira Toriyama who is most famous for Dragonball. He is responsible for the art style and character design including the enemies. The graphics and art style is really good but they go for an less realistic more anime style. This is a turn off for some but I like this style. The soundtrack is solid as ever. Overall a real enjoyable game even if I like the main Dragon Quest games better.… Expand
  5. Darkresurrect
    Oct 17, 2015
    10
    This games is amazing, anyone with the likes for dragon ball & final fantasy looks and the gameplay of the final dynasty warriors games will have a great time playing it. The game has beautiful graphics, nice well implemented JRPG mechanics and it "repetitive" it's nothing but grinding for leveling up your characters and use your new abilities earned with skill points. I don't know aboutThis games is amazing, anyone with the likes for dragon ball & final fantasy looks and the gameplay of the final dynasty warriors games will have a great time playing it. The game has beautiful graphics, nice well implemented JRPG mechanics and it "repetitive" it's nothing but grinding for leveling up your characters and use your new abilities earned with skill points. I don't know about the stupid complaining people about the lack of online multiplayer, every game in this new gen gets a big turn down thanks to the concentration of developers of focusing only on the stupid counter part of the multiplayer. I love old school games that are better only whit the great single story not pointless games like **** a pointless grinding fps with a terrible bad story, the point is grinding with friends through a pessimist story for brag about who gets the best gear in it's online play only f***g nature. Come on guys we need more old school games back with online features for DLC and events, but for multiplayer it's not always the need.… Expand
  6. oathkeepings
    Oct 22, 2015
    8
    Originally, I wasn't interested in getting this game. I wasn't really trying to invest in another Dynasty Warriors-esque game with a beloved game as the skin. But, one day I decided to drop by my local game store and try out the demo, and ended up changing my mind.

    Yes, this game is exactly what any Dynasty Warriors game could provide to you. Very similar to Hyrule Warriors in concept.    Originally, I wasn't interested in getting this game. I wasn't really trying to invest in another Dynasty Warriors-esque game with a beloved game as the skin. But, one day I decided to drop by my local game store and try out the demo, and ended up changing my mind.

    Yes, this game is exactly what any Dynasty Warriors game could provide to you. Very similar to Hyrule Warriors in concept. BUT, the story and gorgeous graphics swayed me into giving this game a fighting chance, and I don't regret the decision to buy it. Do I think it's worth $60? Not exactly. I'd probably rather purchase it at $45-50, but being the Square Enix fangirl I am, I gave them my money. So if your hesitant on buying, buy it used so you can return it, or wait until it goes on sale. I personally don't think any game that's extremely similar to another should be full price, but as I said earlier, I gave it a go anyway.

    The voice acting is pretty good, it's graphically beautiful to look at, and it has some unique combat perks in it that make it fresh and interesting. My advice though, is at the beginning when you're choosing your settings, turn off the auto-lock. It's really annoying and makes it hard to move around the map when fighting bosses. The music is really great and yeah, overall this game is definitely great, just not really worth the $60 price tag in my opinion.

    Everyone should probably stop complaining that it's exactly like Dynasty Warriors. That was the objective. People should really do their research before they buy games.~

    SIDENOTE: I see people complaining about frame-rate... I got my game on launch and it's been completely fluid for me. I've never had it lag once, so I'm not sure what these other people are on about.    … Expand
  7. Schm2616
    Oct 26, 2015
    9
    Games does exactly what its supposed to.. Kills monsters!

    Limited Character development- But their are a ton of characters to choose develop so it evens out. My only real complaint is the wait time in the menu's (shops, healers quests etc). They look artificially created and long when you need to fill 8-9 healing gems. Overall, its a pretty good game, story is ok, but the gameplay    Games does exactly what its supposed to.. Kills monsters!

    Limited Character development- But their are a ton of characters to choose develop so it evens out.

    My only real complaint is the wait time in the menu's (shops, healers quests etc). They look artificially created and long when you need to fill 8-9 healing gems.

    Overall, its a pretty good game, story is ok, but the gameplay is top notch    … Expand
  8. Zhon
    Oct 29, 2015
    9
    The game is good, with amazing visual and sound, good old musou, but lacks multiplayer. A must-have for DQ fans, a nice piece for ps4 owners and a wonderful warm-up for DQ XI.
  9. StratoCut
    Oct 13, 2015
    9
    Beautiful art, 60fps all the time !!!! I don't like Dynasty Warrios but this game it's great, music 10, cant wait for DH2 and DQXI !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!M
  10. sigmaklin
    Oct 15, 2015
    10
    Dragon Quest Heroes is a game that's far better than the Dynasty Warriors Franchise. Colorful Art Style, Variety of Enemies, and great music. Definitely recommend it.
  11. Teh_Beavs
    Oct 17, 2015
    9
    Awesome, if you enjoy Dynasty type hack and slash games and/or RPG's this is perfect for you. With elements from both genre's it makes a really rewarding experience. Good variety of enemy types and game mechanics it can keep you entertained. I am not a Dragon Quest fan just somehow missed out on them, even with not having the backstory of these characters it still makes for a great gameAwesome, if you enjoy Dynasty type hack and slash games and/or RPG's this is perfect for you. With elements from both genre's it makes a really rewarding experience. Good variety of enemy types and game mechanics it can keep you entertained. I am not a Dragon Quest fan just somehow missed out on them, even with not having the backstory of these characters it still makes for a great game and easy to follow story. Combat may seem simple at first but switching between characters on the fly and throwing out abilities keeps it fresh and allows more depth as you learn each characters moves. Highly recommend not missing out on this title!… Expand
  12. 2Way5ontheHop
    Oct 16, 2015
    9
    I have put about 20% into this game and feel it is fun. The graphics are great and I have had 0 frame issues. The story is a little lame, but it doesn't hurt the game itself. It reminds me of a childish Diablo III, with a mix of Dragon Quest and Dragon Warrior. I am not disappointed that I bought this game for 60.
  13. ryuzaki57
    Oct 18, 2015
    8
    Welcome home. Those are the words the president of Sony Computer Entertainment Asia addressed to Yuji Horii when unveiling Dragon Quest Heroes. There had indeed been nearly 10 years without a Dragon Quest title on a Playstation system. After a smashing success in Japan where it shipped 1 million copies, this action spin-off of the famous RPG franchise comes to the West only of PS4. GoodWelcome home. Those are the words the president of Sony Computer Entertainment Asia addressed to Yuji Horii when unveiling Dragon Quest Heroes. There had indeed been nearly 10 years without a Dragon Quest title on a Playstation system. After a smashing success in Japan where it shipped 1 million copies, this action spin-off of the famous RPG franchise comes to the West only of PS4. Good thing since that's the one I'll tell you about.

    The now well-known studio Omega Force being in charge, it is a Musô-like game (like a Samurai Warriors) which is delivered to us. You thus have in hands an action-RPG like any other, where you'll level-up, learn skills, create accessories and do side-quests to get stronger. Combat is in real-time and each character has 3 or 4 combos with various combinations of square and triangle. It's kinda too few, but there are also 4 magic spells that you can activate quickly with L1, and a highly destructive super-attack you can unleash when your fury gauge is filled. Magic and physical attacks can be linked in seamless fashion so that control can be mastered in no time. Only drawback : dodging is set on R2, which not as convenient as circle (used in God Eater for example).

    But KoeiTecmo and SquareEnix haven't merely copied the Musô formula with a Dragon Quest skin. The game system is different. In Dragon Quest Heroes, you'll be very often defending a location or a NPC as monsters come from everywhere. You have to cover all sides at the same time : before you can clean one part of the frontline, monsters will alread been rushing on another side. In order to complete those missions, you'll be able to rely on ally monsters (that you acquire by picking up medals) and place them at strategic locations to have them hold the ground for you. There are dozens of them, actually the entire bestiary of the series! The game is pretty easy in its first half so that's a bit disappointing, and the enemy troops are always not as massive as in Samurai Warriors. That said, the challenge makes more sense in the late stages of the story, where stronger fiends make battles really fierce. Let's stress that some free DLCs in Japan throws you against insane opponents. The big letdown is the lack of multiplayer, despite it being traditionally a huge added-value of “Warriors” games.

    Before being an action game, this new SquareEnix title is a Dragon Quest, a true and pure one. Of course, you can play as legendary characters such as Alina and Manya from Dragon Quest IV, Jessica and Yangus from Dragon Quest VIII, Bianca and Flora from Dragon Quest V. 13 in total in you include the main characters created for this game. Both have a personality and fit in the Dragon Quest universe very well. Against you march numerous classic enemies of the series, like Slimes and Killer Machines. Not to mention gigantic statues and dragons which are impressive bosses.

    This title is a true rejuvenating experience because the it sticks to the Dragon Quest universe from back to front. Music, sounds and even the icons during the dialogs are the same as years ago! In the Japanese version, even the writing style is taken from former episodes, that is to say few kanjis and spaces between the words (which is traditionally implemented in games aimed at kids, like Pokemon). In the same way, dialogs are easy-going but keep to comic tone of the series, though it prevents the story to be surprising in whichever way.

    While you do feel nostalgic by playing it, it doesn't mean Dragon Quest Heroes is not modern. True, it's not the most complex PS4 game graphically speaking but it remains visually stunning. That's not for the character/background modeling, average for the system, but for the incredible flurry of sparkling colors, especially of magic and skills. Animation is of great quality too, as the rapid frame rate never drops. There are also lots of tiny animation details like when the characters are stun or exhaust the magic that make it a whole new Dragon Quest experience. The numerous cut-scenes are beautiful and extremely well directed, like in pretty much every SquareEnix title. The last artistic feature is the small blurry effect that occurs when you beat a boss, which is truly exciting for people like me who love to use their Share button.

    Dragon Quest's return on Playstation is a definitive success with that PS4 episode. It reunites both the old and the new and can appeal to any Japanese gaming fan. A fun and exciting game so fully Dragon Quest that it gives shivers of nostalgia.    … Expand
  14. Gamingking007
    Nov 5, 2015
    10
    Awesome fun game !!! Full of adventure and the story is pretty cool! Gameplay is aweome especially with the massive hordes! Great graphics too!! Thanks Square!!! Loved It!
  15. Locke_VI
    Oct 31, 2015
    8
    If you are looking for classic Dynasty Warriors style, this ain't it. But if it could be described as an "introductory version" as it it overlays the basic elements with the colourful and amusing Dragon Quest world. The main story line would be comparable to what we got with Hyrule Warriors, but it lacks the adventure maps of the latter game while going back to previously defeatedIf you are looking for classic Dynasty Warriors style, this ain't it. But if it could be described as an "introductory version" as it it overlays the basic elements with the colourful and amusing Dragon Quest world. The main story line would be comparable to what we got with Hyrule Warriors, but it lacks the adventure maps of the latter game while going back to previously defeated maps is... lacking. Instead of replaying the missions, you merely get fields of monsters to pointlessly grind out for items and levels. While that was disappointing, the overall style and story still leaves this as a solid game.… Expand
  16. Mr_Anderson
    Oct 19, 2015
    10
    As usual, the red reviews are jealous Xboners who can't play. This game is awesome if you own a PS4 - If you own a Xbox well, what can I say, you're an idiot. You illogically can't let go of your inferior system simply because... why again? and resort to coming on to Metacritic in a lame attempt to spread your misery to others. Tsk tsk. I pity you.

    This game is awesome, if you have a    As usual, the red reviews are jealous Xboners who can't play. This game is awesome if you own a PS4 - If you own a Xbox well, what can I say, you're an idiot. You illogically can't let go of your inferior system simply because... why again? and resort to coming on to Metacritic in a lame attempt to spread your misery to others. Tsk tsk. I pity you.

    This game is awesome, if you have a PS4! However, I can definitely see why it would suck if you don't... all that salt in the wound is really starting to add up.    … Expand
  17. WeekBoxDone900p
    Oct 15, 2015
    10
    I love this game, there is so much to do and being able to capture and use monster minions like pokemon is amazing. I love the Classic Square Enix JRPG-feel of DQH with all the sidequest and leveling up. this game is soo much better than Hyrule Warriors and Dynsty Warriors.
  18. Steyraus
    Aug 20, 2020
    8
    A very cool MUSO take on the Dragon Quest games, never even though of this and it gels so well. The frame rate and visuals are stunning, 60 FPS makes all the difference. Game play is like most MUSO games where you mangge your battle with sword swinging mayhem.
  19. Deependra
    Nov 23, 2015
    10
    This game is worth every penny! Challenging, good story, nice effects, and also got very smooth, well balanced characters. The skills are amazingly distributed which is suiting respective characters according to their class.
    I will highly recommend people to get their hands on this game
    Since it is simply entertaining :)
  20. Brent_Marchant
    Nov 20, 2015
    8
    An entertaining, informative biopic about an exceptionally talented screenwriter blacklisted during the Red Scare of the 1950s. The film features a dynamite, award-worthy lead performance by Bryan Cranston, as well as terrific supporting portrayals by John Goodman, Helen Mirren, Michael Stuhlbarg and a host of other players depicting legendary Hollywood icons. Ironically, though, theAn entertaining, informative biopic about an exceptionally talented screenwriter blacklisted during the Red Scare of the 1950s. The film features a dynamite, award-worthy lead performance by Bryan Cranston, as well as terrific supporting portrayals by John Goodman, Helen Mirren, Michael Stuhlbarg and a host of other players depicting legendary Hollywood icons. Ironically, though, the film's script leaves something to be desired at times (especially in the first hour), but its many other fine attributes help to cover this shortcoming well. A sumptuous cinematic feast with an important reminder of how important it is to protect our fundamental civic rights and values.… Expand
  21. Ensigned
    Dec 4, 2015
    10
    There is no question I have been disappionted in the PS4 this generation. So few quality games. And then, there is Dragon Quest Heroes. Best reason to own a PS4 a right here.
  22. WiserCarli
    May 11, 2016
    9
    Juego al que le sacaras partido solo si te gustan o bien los dinasty warriors y juegos del genero musou o eres amante de la saga dragon quest, si perteneces a uno de esos grupos el juego te encantara ya que este es un juego enfocado para ese tipo de publico reducido, sino perteneces a este grupo probablemente el juego te parezca aburrido ya que el juego va de matar hordas de enemigos de laJuego al que le sacaras partido solo si te gustan o bien los dinasty warriors y juegos del genero musou o eres amante de la saga dragon quest, si perteneces a uno de esos grupos el juego te encantara ya que este es un juego enfocado para ese tipo de publico reducido, sino perteneces a este grupo probablemente el juego te parezca aburrido ya que el juego va de matar hordas de enemigos de la saga quest por cada pantalla. Es un juego precioso y muy entretenido que puedes sacarla un monton de horas si sabes exprimirlo bien… Expand
  23. nicolas_sky
    Nov 30, 2016
    8
    WiiU tiene a Hyrule Warriors, y Playstation 4 tiene a Dragon Quest Heroes. Este ultimo es un excelente musou muy divertido, con una excelente jugabilidad, varios personajes extraidos de diferentes juegos del universo Dragon Quest, ademas que cuenta con graficos excelentes. Dragon Quest Heroes es muy recomendable.
  24. Tiziown
    May 22, 2021
    9
    The best musou i've ever played, great gameplay with RPG features, great characters to use and enemies to defeat and overall a really solid game.

Awards & Rankings

78
#78 Best PS4 Game of 2015
72
#72 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2015
28
#28 Most Shared PS4 Game of 2015

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 75 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 59 out of 75
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 75
  3. Negative: 2 out of 75
  1. CD-Action
    Jan 12, 2016
    80
    Dragon Quest meets Dynasty Warriors and provides dozens of hours of fun (one dozen less would have been beneficial though), tons of side quests, all Japanese DLCs and plenty of special attacks to discover. If you’re looking for a Japanese action RPG and you’re not allergic to Warriors, you should give Dragon Quest Heroes a chance. [13/2015, p.54]
  2. Pelit (Finland)
    Jan 4, 2016
    84
    Simple and fast-paced tactical combat game, with heavy influences from the Dynasty Warriors series. Dragon Quest fans should feel right at home here. [Dec 2015]
  3. Gamers' Temple
    Dec 22, 2015
    80
    Dragon Quest Heroes isn't the best game of the holiday season, but it sure manages to carve out a nice niche for itself.
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