DQM: The Dark Prince - The BEST Monsters Game Yet! - Full Game Review!

[@davidvinc]

Buy the game and support the channel! amzn.to/3uJbXSM TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@thedavidvinc Patreon: www.patreon.com/davidvinc?fan_landing=true Twitter: twitter.com/TheDavidVinc Discord: discord.gg/davidvinc

[@vinnymac102]

This is the definition of a fantastic review. Clearly explain the game clearly explain the mechanics. He already mentions his on the switch so we know that there may be some performance related issues nothing to harp on. And he gave us a clear understanding of what to expect this is the way re views are done and this is why I respect this RPG channel

[@davidvinc]

Thank you so much for the kind words!!!

[@alexiere]

Dragon Warrior Monsters was my first game of the series. I loved the music, the gameplay, and the surprise monsters that were obtainable during synthesis, I loved it all. So I am enjoying this game to the fullest! ❤

[@elahem6940]

Same! It's wild to think how that game I played 20 years ago has had such a lasting impact on my taste in video games to this day.

[@mbe102]

I saw it in Nintendo Power and wanted it so bad. The idea of a game like Final Fantasy (it was the only fantasy JRPG I had experience with at the time) meets Pokemon just seemed so freaking cool.

[@spookypuppy13]

I just got this on PC yesterday and it's amazing. Most if not all of the performance issues from the Switch version are not present in the Steam version and load times are very short. This is the first of the Monsters games I've played and it is the most fun I've had in a long time.

[@dat_lamp]

Having grown up with DQ back in the good ol days of the NES, it's so great to see the series still thriving. Glad to see more representations of it in the West.

[@Epiphanetic_]

I’m about 9 hours in and loving it. Performance and graphics could be more polished but there’s so much else the game gets right. Gameplay and QOL for DQ Monsters is on point, I love the art direction in a lot of the environments, the battling and synthesis are addicting, great story and voice acting performances, awesome monster roster. I feel like all in all it delivers on the “JRPG comfort food” feeling that Dragon Quest provides.

[@davidvinc]

I couldn’t agree more!

[@CrashPad56]

i absolutely love this game, the progression, the user friendlyness, everything about it is so just so great. i haven't put this one down for days. thanks for another quality vid David!

[@curtneedsaride]

Great impressions! I grabbed it thanks to an eShop gift card around my birthday, and have been enjoying it a lot! It’s finally pulled me away from the non-stop Pokemon grinding I’ve been doing. I started out on the original DW on NES too, so the poor optimization and simple design of this doesn’t bother me. It’s just plain fun for those who like to grind and collect in the DQ world.

[@serenavox5540]

I am about 25 hours in now and I still can’t get enough of it! I’ve got a C rank monster and am mostly decked out with D ranks. 🎉

[@cardula7]

5:47 funny how we can play the same game for dozens of hours and have different experiences. I had a number of monsters get back up and offer to join me in Terrestria and the lower echelon of the Circle of Conquest before I unlocked fusing. Loving this so far, extremely underrated gem despite its flaws.

[@GvirusUser]

Thanks for the great review! I'm currently in love with the monster synthesis mechanics and have been grinding that out for hours now. Really glad we were able to get a new DQM game. Hopefully this one does well enough for Square to continue making more in the future.

[@blueythedragonknight3949]

I'm having a fun time with the game so far and if you're patient enough you can get some of the rarer monsters early, For example you can get a Hunter Mech and Green Dragon starting from the third level via synthesis. In regards to online battling, I wouldn't be surprised if there's already a competitive meta for this game, If you think that competitive pokemon is a nightmare to manage then i can assume that this will be a whole nuther level.

[@sharebear421]

Is there a hard difficulty?

[@6thstanza700]

I'm liking the game so far. My only issue is trying to get all the monsters in each area, which is causing my play time to balloon significantly. David, if you get further into the game, can you do a "Things I wish I knew before starting DQM"?

[@davidvinc]

I’ll consider it!

[@RetroKiwiDad]

I've been playing this so much the last few days, it is everything I enjoy about the DQM series. I am surprised you never got any monsters to get back up and join you. I've had it happen so many times, sometimes without even putting in any effort, I am pretty sure you have to become the big hitter first, so I tend to only scout after that, but it could just be a pure RNG thing.

[@optimusgotslimed3175]

Your review's are clear cut. Thanks David

[@davidvinc]

Glad you like them!

[@Sigurd_Fosite]

I'm excited to play this. My introduction to Dragon Quest was DQM: Joker for the DS. So, needless to say, Dragon Quest Monsters has a special place in my RPG gamer heart.

[@N0sSyndromeVA]

Finally a review that tells me if the game is good or not and doesn't only !@#$ about the framerate, lmao. Thanks David

[@murkywaters5502]

Excellent review! I wasn't going to get the game myself, but I enjoyed how you explained everything anyway.

[@PBK625]

I recently found your channel and I think I’ve watched your entire library in the past week 😂

[@greatbigeyeball]

DQM on gameboy was my first dragon quest game, absolutely LOVED this game. 35 hours since release day.

[@Mattaiko82]

In love with this game. Looking past the performance issues it gets pretty much everything right for me. Hopelessly addicted.

[@ShadyPlatinum777]

This reminds me of the Dragon Quest game on the Gameboy I had back in the day. Will definitely be picking this one up.

[@ahmedfalahy9337]

The changing of seasons reminded me of Zelda Oracle of Seasons, it can be kinda annoying to try locating monsters that only show up in specific seasons and weather...yes...RNG weather...sigh...I really hope sometime later in the game there would be an item that manipulates the weather

[@SnapshotNautilus]

This was very insightful! Thank you for sharing. I'm looking forward to playing it myself!

[@davidvinc]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@PaRoDiUzZ]

you can use monster munchies ,smoked sirloin etc to increase the chance of monster joining you after battle(does do a little increase while scouting too), wont work anytime, but at least more times than wasting them in your backpack.

[@rentazzo]

It’s very addictive. You will constantly be chasing dopamine hits for your next powerful monster catch and trying to build that perfect team to compete online with others. There’s lots of monster grinding but it’s fun because you have something concrete your are wanting to accomplish so you will get as much from this game as you put into it. There are over 500 monsters to collect and of course you can collect mini medals too for rare prizes. The only issue I have is that there are some minor graphical issues and hiccups and frame rate and slow down issues but you look past them very quick because the game is so fun

[@MountainHomeJerrel]

Hi David!! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this new game. I'm too busy with work to play RPGs now... At least I get to watch your videos and enjoy new RPGs that way. Take care!

[@HybridAngelZero]

The demo for this was super fun, definitely gonna be picking up the full game sometime. I'd also love to see how this ranks, in your opinion, compared to the other DQ Monster games 👀

[@SlimeBlueMS]

As someone who has played all of them, it's the best

[@docgetgood4158]

@@SlimeBlueMS as someone who has also played them all, it's the best ;)

[@thequestingbunny]

My first Dragon Quest game was Dragon Warrior Monsters on the Gameboy. I can't tell you just how much I LOVE this game. Those whiny younglings complain about so much. Ya'll have no idea what it was like to play with the pixel two-color graphics on a tiny screen! I see these graphics and I feel blessed. Even if it tears a tiny bit, I don't care! It's on my TV! It's in color! It's got the monsters I grew to love! What more do I need? And the synthesis/skill tree system IS SO DAMN FUN. OMG!! I'm not the biggest fan of the story right now. I hate how they give the illusion of choice in story scenes, but if you answer differently than you're supposed to, they just call you a liar and continue on anyway. Like, I hate that. When the [spoiler important NPC] asks you to join up with [spoiler important characters], and you agree, that NPC flat out calls you a liar! But I don't really care. I'm gonna have a Bunicorn Queen and I all ready have Angel Slime and I soooo want a Golden Dragon~ The monster gameplay is stellar. Wonderful super fun! Highly reccomended!

[@stunnedpanda]

One of my first Dragon Quest games was Dragon Warrior Monsters 2: Cobi's Journey (got the Game Boy Color versions of Dragon Warrior 1,2, & 3 around the same time). I haven't really touched the Monsters series since then and like 4 hours into Joker on the DS. It's so cool to see how many monsters there are now and how addicting the synthesis system is. I agree with you that it could definitely improve upon its story. Imagine if it had Dragon Quest XI levels of budget and care put into it. Hopefully the next entry in the series is better in that regard, but for now I am thoroughly enjoying it for what it is.

[@chriskoschik391]

Will get this for the wife, who loved DQ Builders and loves to watch me play my DQ3 and 5 on the SNES. Oh, and I’ll enjoy it too 😂😂😂 Dragon Warrior was also my first RPG. Got it with my Nintendo power sub haha! As always, thanks for the great review! Your FF5 tier list is my go to every play through!

[@germainetaylor1757]

I haven’t noticed any screen tearing but I adjusted the camera to fallow over the shoulder.

[@cactusman07pim]

I really enjoy this game once the synthesis system clicked with me I started making high rank monsters with powerful talents. Those Dragon Quest prequel, sequel spinoffs fascinate me, Dragon Quest Builders, Treasures, this game.

[@Vinispawn]

Still wainting for a Builders 3... I just love that game.

[@jhon1406]

You are the best JRPG channel for real!

[@davidvinc]

Thanks so much!!

[@MarxasThomas]

My first dragon quest game was dragon warrior monster for the GBC. Still have the cartridge, just wish we’d gotten the 3ds remake😢

[@VorpalBender]

I honestly didn't even know that there was a demo for this game, but if it's anything like Dragon Quest Monsters Jokers for the DS (which was the first Monsters type in the series for me to play) then I'm sure I'll enjoy it.

[@whiteiswong]

Would love a retrospective review after completion, which I'm sure may take months. I'm glad I fused a Hunter Mech in the demo but never got any large monsters. I'd probably rather use 2 small than 1 large anyways. Added note: Wow, multiple Japanese retailers are sold out of the game and Square tweeted for people to consider the digital version

[@morriganrenfield8240]

No suprise. Dq has long been a top selling game in Japan

[@elchawichem]

David I have to ask - how much is all that stuff on your walls and shelves worth? Looks like a pretty comprehensive collection.

[@MrKnightLoS]

I was told it's similar to in vibes Jade Cocoon 2. Would you say that's a fair description? Been chasing that feeling for a while.

[@AndreaMusso99]

I am gonna get this game for sure eventually, I also want to get treasure on switch too, I have not played many dragon quest games, but I loved the ones I played

[@JeanKP14]

Late but I wouldn't recommend Treasures unless you've played a lot of them. It's mostly references to other games in the treasures you collect, and it's pretty repetitive. Cute but I feel less quality than this game

[@arkavalon5347]

I'm still waiting for my copy since my order is still backordered. I'm a bit mad that I couldn't get it as soon as the others have. Since I can't seem to get any monsters with better abilities and stuff grinded from the Demo, I think I'll just not Synth at all. I don't think I did much though. If we can only have 16 (8 from the main party, and 8 from the Depot), how will the 8 from the latter be chosen? I'm worried since I've only ever been collecting all the monsters I could find in the areas, and have too many? I didn't do Synthesis much, other than the one that we could do in the last area.

[@tendtherabbits5412]

Thank you, David! The reviews for this game are scarce. I was waiting for this video from you 🙏

[@davidvinc]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@truepatriot3768]

David i think you kept dragon quest monster : caravan hearts in top 5 gba RPGs, i think its perfect time for you to review it

[@js5869]

I actually played dragon warrior monsters before I played any of the dragon warrior/quest rpgs. I’m a fan of the series, always glad when we get one in the states.

[@uppernimbus]

Whoops, I already bought the game before this video 🤣 Great discussion as always though 🎉

[@sarahwallis]

Dragon Warrior was my first RPG as well

[@timmer919hep]

this is the review ive been waiting for

[@RPG_Bliss]

Great review!

[@GreekTheGeek1]

Definitely picking it up but probably January I’ll have dealt with my backlog a little bit by then

[@3fkups]

Loving it so far. Haven't tried pvp yet hope the match making is good. My first rpg was also Dragon Warrior on the NES so this was a day 1 purchase for me.

[@papervoxels]

While I've been a massive Dragon Quest fan since I originally played Dragon Warrior 7 on PSX back in my high school days, and have enjoyed everything that I've seen of this game so far from KZbin content creators, one major issue that I have, and the largest hurdle preventing me from purchasing it, is that there appear to be actual gameplay features that are locked behind having the deluxe edition that give a massive quality of life advantage over players who only purchased the standard version 😞 I know that the DQ Monsters games have always been exclusive to Nintendo portable consoles, but hopefully this one releases on PC with a standard edition that includes the Switch deluxe edition features, similar to what Square did with the Final Fantasy 15 and Dragon Quest 11 PC ports, so that way I can justify purchasing it and not feel like I'm back in 2009, when all of the most anti-consumer practices were practically the standard. Here's hoping! 🤞

[@DanielGomezKing]

The game so far is awesome. I encountered a blue giant and got my a** whopped. Love how it has the old sound effects, like the Tara’s & cobi’s adventures.It’s what I miss about Pokémon. the classic sound effects of pikachus thunderbolt or when gameboy color gold silver and crystal came out and you used Lugias aurora beam it sounded so twisted and awesome digressed anyways back to DQM dark prince can’t wait to synthesis personally, I wish there were still eggs as I loved to collect them and never hatch them when I played this like 15 years ago I stored them ass eggs and loved the farm aspect of everything can’t wait till animal crossing lets you decorate your own aquariums omg this game is gonna open doors to so much better dragon quest monster series for the Nintendo switch 2!!!!! ❤if your a fan this is a must buy . 😊

[@irkanorphyn]

Dragon warrior on nes was my first. ❤

[@Murasakitsuyukusa]

Thanks for the great review, it reassured me to purchase the game, lol.

[@davidvinc]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@deatho0ne587]

After having a bit of time to stew over the game, being in upper I have some comments in general to it. Likes - Psara got fleshed out a bit more than when he was just in DQ4 - Minor dislike thievery bad vs killing all humans okay, even though they should be bad for the same reason to Psara - Like the way that combining works and that it is not just for skills - Combat fells good Dislikes - UX mostly and load times - Why is there no "Load Game" button in-game? - Dislike going to title or out of the game, then continuing - Zoom points, things that would save loading times - There should have been a Zoom point outside of the Tower - This could have allowed for one Tower, just make the Door go to different regions (if one option it just goes to that one) - There should be a Zoom point inside of the Monster Coliusem - There should be a Zoom point inside of the starting area of every Dungeon - DLC annoyances - All of it should be in the tower and/or easily accessible through menues - Understand the characters were not in DQ4 but this is sort of a "What if" - Mole Hole - Seems just bad all around - Why is this paid DLC in the first place? - System would rather have SMT method in all honesty, but if this - Either give full exp/gold (per level) or killing a monster auto-captures without items or both - Make it where you can find all monsters per rank/size everytime you dive and if you capture one they are there again - Have had the game just die on me and lost a few hours of grinding something - Think this might be a Switch thing though since have seen it in other games - Monster/screen teaing is an issue, but that is very minor to me Overall - I am pleased with the experience, think it is a good RPG in general, and a good capture game. Just the issues I have mentioned above would most like make me rate it 7.5/10 maybe.

[@volijay1019]

Ah snap! A fellow OG! Also, you keep feeding monsters meat until they cant eat anymore, and then i would say give it at least 10 turns, and then kill. They should almost always get back up wanting to join you.

[@SadlySorrowful]

This is more or less a new version of dragon warrior monster joker 2. Liquid metal slime, nightclubber and balhib was the best team I had.

[@JeererDaClown]

I LOVED these games as a kid. Can't help but feel a little let down by the overall quality though, at least compared to DQXI. End of the day though, I'm having fun.

[@26moreedays]

do you have a video on the dq franchise in general? like where to start or a top games of the franchise list

[@davidvinc]

I have tons of videos about the series! :)

[@26moreedays]

@@davidvinc yea im an idiot, it's all right there

[@RMHVids]

How does the game run on switch? Looks a bit choppy from your gameplay footage…

[@Mighty10917]

Even after a long break since the 3DS the Producer said that DQ Monster will continue... Still will get the game :)

[@ken878]

I am loving this game and happy that a new one came to modern day console.

[@civilwildman]

Im tempted to look into this game. I’m under the impression it’s a prequel to DQ4. On a side note, Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age is finished! :D

[@jeffereykizior1605]

Nice recap

[@eduardoe3683]

Is there any multiplayer?

[@Shinky]

I've only gotten about 5 hours into this game but I'm loving it so far. My only real complaint is the performance issues but honestly its not a big loss. Though it is making me wanna fire up Dragon Quest 4 again...

[@tweezy5804]

Sounds like shin megami with the fusions. Some of the monsters actually remind me of a lighter kids version of shin megami. Heard the roster is huge! Def going to pick it up.

[@Koby411]

2:20 20 hours in the demo? I hit the end of the demo in about 4 hours.

[@jaretco6423]

I never played the Dragon Quest Monster games before. But I have heard great things about it. I wanted this game because it looks good. May not have to be perfect. But I just wonna have an good time.

[@Rugend]

I miss the big monsters and the map of DQMJ 2 , i would love a switch port , and i played about 20 hours on full game and 10 on the demo , this game is a 10/10 so fun , and the strategic part of this game is insane

[@rmrj88]

I wish they'd bring joker 3 to the US. I'd buy it

[@Rugend]

@@rmrj88 my brother played it on an emulator with an english patch , i would play it too but it lags on my phone

[@taylorclukey2314]

That bling 👀

[@garion333]

Yeesh, drop the bit about defending the technical performance. Otherwise, props for getting a review out right quick.

[@davidvinc]

I’m not defending it, I was making viewers aware of it while at the same time saying that I wasn’t personally bothered by it. That’s what reviews do, they point out flaws and features while also giving your personal perspective.

[@Truekaruminmr]

I like it! I hope that they make a cool dlc for this game :)

[@germainetaylor1757]

I never played the demo I downloaded it but never got around to playing it but that’s a good thing because I ended up buying the Game anyway and avoided all spoilers for the game I am really enjoying the game so far .

[@rmrj88]

There's a couple rewards that came with the download If I remember right

[@klissattack]

I used the beastie bits you get from one of the arenas. Feed it to them and then beat the crap out of them and they'll join after the fight. At least for me it worked all 10 times I tried it

[@mikewolf7145]

2:12 "get revenge on his Father" sounds like the story of Lucifer in the Bible!!

[@genrukin]

It is a pretty good game well worth the money i never played the early Dragon quest games kinda makes me want to try them though.

[@jaimereupert4247]

I'm playing the demo. ❤

[@inaha7111]

Damm 20 hours for the demo only, that's like 2/3 of Dqm Joker.

[@thommccarthy1139]

Good loop but reeeeeallllly hope they can patch performance. It's better in handheld but I play mostly docked.

[@-Chrome-]

I've had monster wanting to join me without trying the scout command, tho

[@davidvinc]

Nice! It must be either really rare, or I’m just very unlucky

[@mq9724]

i'll buy it soon, cant wait to spend 100+ hours catching/fusing monsters lol

[@mageslime]

Based on where I am in the game, some of the story takes place during Dragon Quest 4

[@eliechaya9690]

Love from Belgium 🇧🇪 ❤

[@Cerana1182]

How is this compared to Treasures? I liked Treasures, but it got stale fast. I'm hoping this is more entertaining? Thanks!

[@likealaddertothesun]

DQM series is just too good that I can abide some performance issues and am glad the full game has more story elements in the beginning than the demo. It's a shame Square Enix doesn't prioritize this series more though.

[@zadi10gaming16]

I really wish this game and Treasures came out on the playstation as well. I can only afford 1 console, and buy few games. Exclusives are never a good thing.

[@Faceplay2]

I just wish there was towns to explore

[@davidvinc]

There are, each circle has its own little town

[@Faceplay2]

@@davidvinc yeah basically a pointless cave with the three same shops to go to. Know what I’m talking talons I’m talking about like what we saw in dragon quest 11. Or heck even the first dragon quest joker game on the DS. You know a proper town NPC to talk to to, buildings to find secrets or items in. I understand the character is sort of the villain, but I just wish there was more things to do in the world space besides just battle. Part of why I absolutely loved some of the prior dragon quest games what is the world that you’re exploring even out of combat zones like all the surprises you would find as you would go to new locations in dragon quest 11

[@CrowYaeger]

I knew Psaro looked familiar and I couldn't put my finger on why but then you said "Manslayer" and now I feel dumb

[@femtrooper]

I think I am going to wait on this one. Maybe in the future, but I dunno, haha, just not feeling it I guess!!!

[@davidvinc]

I thought the same when I played the demo, I thought it would be boring. But let me tell you, the full game is so addictive - you’ll love it!

[@femtrooper]

@@davidvinc Okay! I won’t write it off then!!! Maybe a sale and I’ll pick it up.

[@ParasaurolophusZ]

Minor optimization issues don't really bother me in games as long as they don't break the game. Like you, I grew up on the flicker-screen games of the NES. I know a lot of people get really triggered and think any skip in performance makes something the worst game ever, and this is really common on the Switch, since it supposedly is not the easiest system to develop for as a third party. I'm used to judging games for their content over graphics, and as long as it doesn't break, then small issues get a pass from me!

[@TheDizzyDungeoneer]

You never had one ask to join??? How long did you play?

[@davidvinc]

As of this point, I’m 27 hours in, and I’ve had exactly ONE monster ask me to join without using meat.

[@TheDizzyDungeoneer]

@@davidvinc the bad luck holy moly I am sorry friend

[@ddaodao9332]

Still wait for my to deliver 😢

[@cjcobracommander84]

I understand the gripe with the graphics because they're a definite downgrade from DQ11 and not quite up to par for a game this late in the switch lifecycle. With that said if the game is engaging enough you should be able to forgive shortcomings.

[@DisoulsoundOfficial]

looks like a late ps2 game..but still,it looks like fun.👍👍

[@schultz4966]

I’m honestly jealous of people who aren’t really bothered by the awful performance. It’s not like I wanna be bothered by it, it’s just so rough to look at.

[@isssma0]

Dragon Quest Monsters is one of my favorite series. TBH, I didn't feel good on the first hour. Especially the beginning sequence. It has its flaws, and it looks dated, in a similar vein to Pokemon, but still, this just eats up your time, and just really enjoyable.

[@shahriarmohammadsoukhin6467]

I love this game, i love the series, i love jrpg

[@thatanonwholurksmoar7386]

Alright, Grandpa, old harden veteran of the NES era, prepared you for subpar performance on modern games. Back in my days, stick and stones had better performance than today's computer games. But honestly, the complaints are valid because this game does feel half baked. Coming from someone who also grew up on the nes and snes era and drowned in the DQ series among other rpgs. This game needed a little bit more time in the oven, me thinks.

[@PapiPoliteRPG]

Great review my friend! Hopefully this helps more people jump on board the DQ Train baby!! WOOOOOO! 🎉😁