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

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Dragon Quest Heroes: The World Tree's Woe and the Blight Below
Item: Dragon Quest Heroes: The World Tree's Woe and the Blight Below
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2015

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Old-School Style, Side View Perspective, RPG, Fighting, Single Player

AvailableOct 13, 2015

PlatformPC, PlayStation 4

DeveloperOmega Force

Overview

In Dragon Quest Heroes, the protagonists must rise up against insurmountable odds, challenging swarms of enemies and conquering gigantic monsters in an exhilarating action game. Filled with characters and monsters designed by world-renowned artist Akira Toriyama.

Elsewhere

7.4

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

18%

Mixed (50-79)

75%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Dragon Quest Heroes: The World Tree's Woe and the Blight Below are quite varied. Some critics, such as GameCrate and GamePro Germany, appreciate the story for its clever and funny moments, as well as the inclusion of beloved characters from the Dragon Quest series. They also mention that the story adds value to the game's presentation and provides character development. Additionally, RPGamer praises the genuine approach and delightful writing for each character, emphasizing the power of friendship. These positive aspects of the story contribute to the overall enjoyment of the game for players who appreciate humor and character-driven narratives. On the other hand, several critics express more negative opinions about the story. PC Gamer criticizes it as trope-heavy and inane, with long cutscenes and dialogue. Destructoid finds the writing and story to be basic and lacking evolution throughout the game. Slant Magazine criticizes the game for not exploring the dramatic potential of its premise and focusing on dumbfounded human protagonists, while also mentioning the lack of complicated feelings about massacring former friends. These criticisms highlight some of the weaknesses in the story, such as its clichéd nature, lack of depth, and missed opportunities for emotional exploration. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the story of Dragon Quest Heroes: The World Tree's Woe and the Blight Below is a mixed bag. While it may be clichéd and trope-heavy, it still manages to provide entertainment through its humor, character development, and inclusion of beloved characters from the Dragon Quest series. The game's lighthearted and simple narrative appeals to some critics, who appreciate its charm and Saturday-morning-cartoon-esque feel. However, others find the story lacking in depth and emotional complexity, which prevents it from reaching its full potential. Ultimately, players who enjoy a more traditional and light-hearted story with a focus on comedy rather than drama may find the story of Dragon Quest Heroes enjoyable.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics have mixed opinions on the story of Dragon Quest Heroes: The World Tree's Woe and the Blight Below. Some praise its humor, character development, and beloved characters, while others criticize it as trope-heavy and lacking depth. The game's lighthearted and simple narrative appeals to some, but others feel it misses emotional exploration. Overall, it's a fun and charming story for those who prefer comedy over drama.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

60%

Mixed (50-79)

33%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Dragon Quest Heroes: The World Tree's Woe and the Blight Below are quite varied. There are several positive aspects that the critics highlight. Many critics praise the musou-style gameplay, which involves running around large battlefields and taking down hordes of enemies. The ability to switch between characters on-the-fly and the inclusion of a 'monster medal' system for summoning monsters onto the battlefield are also appreciated by reviewers. The combat is described as fast-paced, flashy, and fun, with simple mechanics and the ability to cast spells. The game offers a variety of playable characters, each with their own unique play style and abilities, adding depth and variety to the gameplay. The inclusion of RPG elements such as skill-trees, leveling up, and item customization is also seen as a positive aspect of the gameplay. However, there are also some negative aspects that critics point out. Several critics mention that the gameplay can become repetitive, with a focus on button-mashing and a lack of tactical or challenging elements. The AI of party members is criticized by some reviewers, stating that it could have been better. The camera is also mentioned as problematic in certain situations. Some critics mention that the combat can feel mindless and lacking in variety, with a limited list of combos and a lack of strategic depth. The presence of filler content and awkward controls are also mentioned as negatives. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Dragon Quest Heroes: The World Tree's Woe and the Blight Below offers an enjoyable musou-style gameplay experience with RPG elements. The game's combat is described as fast-paced and satisfying, with the ability to switch between characters and summon monsters adding diversity and keeping the button-mashing interesting. However, the gameplay can become repetitive and lacks tactical depth, with some critics mentioning issues with the AI and controls. Despite these criticisms, the game is generally seen as a fun and enjoyable experience, particularly for fans of the musou genre and the Dragon Quest series. Critics such as Attack of the Fanboy, CGMagazine, and GameCrate highlight the positive aspects of the gameplay, while critics like PC Gamer, Twinfinite, and Slant Magazine express more negative opinions.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics have mixed opinions on Dragon Quest Heroes: The World Tree's Woe and the Blight Below gameplay. Positives include praised musou-style combat, character-switching, and monster summoning. However, some find the gameplay repetitive with button-mashing and lacking tactical depth. AI, camera issues, and limited combos are also criticized. Overall, the game offers enjoyable combat with RPG elements but falls short in variety and strategic depth for some critics.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

78%

Mixed (50-79)

22%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Dragon Quest Heroes: The World Tree's Woe and the Blight Below are overwhelmingly positive. The majority of the critics praised the game's visuals, with many highlighting the unique art style and character designs by Akira Toriyama. GameGrin and Attack of the Fanboy both mentioned the game's amazing and gorgeous visuals, with the latter stating that Toriyama's designs reached new heights on the PS4. CGMagazine and Destructoid appreciated the polished and distinctive character models, while Game Revolution commended the rounded, colorful aesthetic and smooth animations. PlayStation LifeStyle and We Got This Covered specifically mentioned the appealing cartoony aesthetic and beautiful 3D fantasy locations. Overall, the positive opinions of the critics highlight the game's successful translation of the beloved anime and manga art into a fun and fantastical world. However, there were a few critics who expressed some reservations about the game's visuals. Brash Games mentioned that the environments were not as fantastic as expected from next-gen hardware and felt bland in some areas. RPGamer also criticized the lack of uniqueness and uninteresting exploration in the environments. GameTrailers pointed out issues with cluttered screens and camera tracking during battles, which affected the overall visual experience. Despite these criticisms, they were relatively minor compared to the overall positive reception of the game's graphics. In conclusion, the critics' opinions regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Dragon Quest Heroes: The World Tree's Woe and the Blight Below were overwhelmingly positive. The game's unique art style, character designs by Akira Toriyama, and polished visuals were highly praised by the majority of the critics. The positive feedback highlighted the game's successful translation of the beloved anime and manga art into a visually appealing and immersive world. While there were some minor criticisms regarding the environments and technical issues, they did not overshadow the overall consensus that the game's graphics were very good.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics overwhelmingly praise the stunning visuals and unique art style of Dragon Quest Heroes, with accolades for Akira Toriyama's character designs. Some minor criticisms about bland environments and technical issues exist, but overall, the game successfully brings beloved anime and manga art to life in a visually captivating world.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

80%

Mixed (50-79)

20%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The overall sentiment regarding the Sound Design and Music of Dragon Quest Heroes: The World Tree's Woe and the Blight Below is largely positive. Multiple critics praised the game for featuring classic Dragon Quest sounds, songs, and jingles, which added to the nostalgic charm of the game. GameGrin and Attack of the Fanboy specifically mentioned the recognizable Dragon Quest style soundtrack and memorable sound effects. CGMagazine commended the music selection for mixing classic Dragon Quest themes into an upbeat and intense fusion of rock and orchestral. RPGamer also highlighted the game's classic Dragon Quest tunes and pleasant original music. The voice acting was generally well-received, with Brash Games praising the nicely done voice acting with varying accents that added a sense of realism. RPG Fan also mentioned the well-performed variety of accents in the voice acting. While the majority of critics had positive opinions about the Sound Design and Music, there were a few negatives mentioned. PlayStation LifeStyle noted that while the music compositions were fine, the presentation was underwhelming. RPGamer found the choice to have in-battle voices only come through the PlayStation 4 controller's speakers to be odd. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the Sound Design and Music of Dragon Quest Heroes: The World Tree's Woe and the Blight Below is a strong aspect of the game. The use of classic Dragon Quest sounds, songs, and jingles created a nostalgic and immersive experience. The music selection, mixing classic themes with rock and orchestral elements, was praised for its upbeat and intense fusion. The voice acting received positive feedback, with critics highlighting the well-performed accents and banter between characters. While there were a few minor criticisms, such as the underwhelming presentation and odd choice of in-battle voices coming through the PlayStation 4 controller's speakers, the overall sentiment remains positive.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics rave about Dragon Quest Heroes: The World Tree's Woe and the Blight Below sound design and music, praising classic Dragon Quest sounds and memorable tunes. The mix of rock and orchestral elements in the soundtrack is lauded for its intensity. Voice acting receives compliments for varied accents. Some critics found the presentation underwhelming and the choice of in-battle voices through the PS4 controller odd. Overall, the game's sound design and music enhance the nostalgic and immersive experience, despite a few minor criticisms.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

43%

Mixed (50-79)

57%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The overall sentiment towards the voice acting in Dragon Quest Heroes: The World Tree's Woe and the Blight Below is predominantly positive. Critics such as Brash Games and GameCrate praise the voice acting, highlighting the varying accents and the sense of realism they bring to the game. CGMagazine goes a step further, describing the voice acting as superb in both English and Japanese. RPG Fan also commends the voice acting, specifically mentioning the variety of accents and excellent performances by the cast. These positive opinions indicate that the voice acting successfully enhances the overall experience of the game, adding depth and authenticity to the characters. While the majority of critics have positive views on the voice acting, there are a few who do not provide specific opinions or mention any negatives. GamesBeat, for example, does not explicitly discuss the voice acting but focuses on the charm and humor in the dialogue. This lack of mention may suggest that the voice acting did not stand out as either exceptionally good or bad. However, it is important to note that this critic's opinion does not necessarily indicate a negative sentiment towards the voice acting. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in Dragon Quest Heroes: The World Tree's Woe and the Blight Below is well-executed and enjoyable. The positive comments from Brash Games, CGMagazine, Digital Chumps, GameCrate, Gaming Age, and RPG Fan highlight the strengths of the voice acting, including the use of varying accents, emotional delivery, and matching the characters' personalities. While there are no explicit negative opinions mentioned, the lack of specific discussion from GamesBeat suggests that the voice acting may not have been a standout aspect of the game for them. However, considering the overall positive sentiment, it can be concluded that the voice acting in Dragon Quest Heroes: The World Tree's Woe and the Blight Below is generally well-received by the critics.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics praise the voice acting in Dragon Quest Heroes: The World Tree's Woe and the Blight Below, highlighting accents and realism. Some critics, like GamesBeat, don't mention voice acting but focus on charm and humor. Overall, voices are seen as enhancing the game's experience, with positive feedback outweighing any negatives.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

50%

Mixed (50-79)

50%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance of Dragon Quest Heroes: The World Tree's Woe and the Blight Below, the reviewers had generally positive opinions across all gaming platforms. Starting with the PC version, both GameGrin and PC Gamer praised the game for running smoothly without any major issues. GameGrin specifically mentioned the absence of framerate, stuttering, lag, or other technical problems. PC Gamer did note some flaws, such as Xbox button prompts and limited resolution options, but overall, the PC port was deemed to run well without serious performance issues or crashes. Moving on to the PS4 version, the majority of critics were satisfied with the technical performance. Destructoid described the framerate as "buttery smooth," while Gamers' Temple highlighted that the game ran smoothly without any framerate slowdowns or technical issues. RPG Fan also mentioned the absence of framerate issues and stability problems. However, GamesBeat noted inconsistent framerates with noticeable dips, and GamingTrend pointed out occasional hitches in the main base area. Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall sentiment for the PS4 version leaned towards positive technical performance. When considering the overall consensus of the critics for all gaming platforms, it is evident that Dragon Quest Heroes: The World Tree's Woe and the Blight Below generally delivered a solid technical experience. The game received praise for its smooth performance and lack of major technical issues across both PC and PS4 platforms. While there were a few mentions of minor framerate hitches and inconsistencies, these were not considered significant enough to detract from the overall enjoyment of the game. The positive feedback from critics such as GameGrin, Destructoid, and Gamers' Temple further reinforces the notion that the technical performance of Dragon Quest Heroes was commendable across multiple platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Dragon Quest Heroes: The World Tree's Woe and the Blight Below received positive reviews for its technical performance on PC and PS4, with smooth gameplay and minimal issues noted. Despite some minor framerate hitches, critics praised the overall solid experience of the game across various platforms.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

33%

Mixed (50-79)

61%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

Dragon Quest Heroes: The World Tree's Woe and the Blight Below has received mixed opinions regarding its replay value. Several critics, such as GameGrin, CGMagazine, Digital Chumps, EGM, Game Informer, GameCrate, and PlayStation LifeStyle, highlight the game's positive aspects in terms of replayability. These include the abundance of content, multiple characters from the Dragon Quest franchise, leveling system, additional content, optional sidequests, alchemy system, in-game awards, treasure maps, crafting, and strategic depth. These features provide depth and variety to the gameplay experience, appealing to fans of the series and completionists who enjoy exploring all that the game has to offer. However, there are also critics who express concerns about the game's replay value. Game Revolution mentions the absence of multiplayer, which could have added an additional layer of replayability. Gamers' Temple and GamingTrend mention that while the game offers side quests, crafting systems, and optional challenges, it can become repetitive over time, leading to boredom and a lack of variety. Slant Magazine also criticizes the repetitive nature of the game and the lack of mystery or progression variety. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Dragon Quest Heroes: The World Tree's Woe and the Blight Below offers a decent amount of replay value, but it is not without its flaws. The game's abundance of content, character variety, leveling system, additional content, optional sidequests, and crafting provide positive aspects that contribute to its replayability. However, the absence of multiplayer, repetitive gameplay, lack of variety, and limited challenge in side quests are mentioned as potential drawbacks. Fans of the Dragon Quest franchise and hack & slash games may find enjoyment in replaying the game, while others may feel that once the campaign is finished, there is little incentive to play it repeatedly.

TL;DR

replay value

Dragon Quest Heroes: The World Tree's Woe and the Blight Below offers a mix of replay value. Critics praise its abundance of content, character variety, and strategic depth, appealing to fans and completionists. However, concerns are raised about the lack of multiplayer, repetitive gameplay, and limited challenge in side quests. While some enjoy exploring all the game has to offer, others find it lacking in variety and incentive for repeated playthroughs.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

63%

Mixed (50-79)

36%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

Dragon Quest Heroes: The World Tree's Woe and the Blight Below has received a generally positive reception from the critics. Many reviewers praised the game for its solid gameplay experience and nostalgic elements. GameGrin describes it as an excellent game that is deserving of players' time, offering a complete and utter joy to play. Attack of the Fanboy states that the game is a shining example of a partnership done right, attracting new fans to both franchises. CGMagazine mentions that Dragon Quest Heroes may appeal to both fans of the Dragon Quest franchise and newcomers to the series, indicating its broad appeal. Game Informer even goes as far as to say that Dragon Quest Heroes represents the most fun the reviewer has had with the musou genre, highlighting the added RPG elements and fantastic art style. However, there are some critics who found drawbacks in Dragon Quest Heroes. PC Gamer mentions that the game becomes too repetitive, making it hard to figure out who the game is really for. Destructoid acknowledges that Dragon Quest Heroes has its charms and a beautiful art style, but there are a few things holding it back from greatness. Twinfinite gives a low score of 3.5 out of 10, stating that the game may not meet the expectations of long-standing Dragon Quest or Warriors fans. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Dragon Quest Heroes: The World Tree's Woe and the Blight Below is a fun and enjoyable game. It successfully combines the Dynasty Warriors formula with the Dragon Quest franchise, providing a unique and refreshing experience for fans of both genres. The game's charm, colorful visuals, and ample content are often highlighted as its strengths. While there are some criticisms regarding repetitive missions and the game's appeal to certain fan bases, the positive aspects outweigh the negatives. The majority of critics recommend Dragon Quest Heroes, especially for fans of the series or those looking for a new action-RPG experience.

TL;DR

Dragon Quest Heroes: The World Tree's Woe and the Blight Below is praised for its solid gameplay and nostalgic elements, with critics calling it a joy to play and a successful partnership between franchises. While some found it repetitive and lacking in certain areas, the game's charm, visuals, and content shine through. Overall, it offers a fun and unique experience for fans of action-RPGs, despite a few drawbacks.

CRITIK

Reviews

105 reviews found

100

Gaming Age

PlayStation 4

Oct 12, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Dragon Quest Heroes is a great game that is worth checking out, especially for Dragon Quest fans.

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We Got This Covered

PlayStation 4

Oct 20, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Dragon Quest Heroes: The World Tree’s Woe and the Blight Below is an amazing action game that should bolster the popularity of the series in North America. It is a must-play for all gamers.

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GameGrin

Sep 15, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Dragon Quest Heroes is an excellent game that is more than deserving of your time. It offers a solid experience, nostalgia, and a complete and utter joy to play.

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PlayStation LifeStyle

PlayStation 4

Oct 12, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Dragon Quest Heroes: The World Tree's Woe and the Blight Below is a solid action-RPG with nostalgic elements.

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RPG Fan

PlayStation 4

Nov 9, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer had a lot of fun with Dragon Quest Heroes and recommends it to fans of hack & slash games. However, they acknowledge that some players may find the missions repetitive.

GamingTrend

PlayStation 4

Oct 27, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Dragon Quest Heroes: The World Tree’s Woe and the Blight Below is an excellent musou game and a blast to play. It retains its Dragon Quest heritage beautifully, while still creating an experience fun for any fan of musou gameplay.

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ZTGD

PlayStation 4

Oct 13, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is described as fun with gorgeous visual style and fantastic pacing. It is recommended for fans of the genre and even those usually put off by it.

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GamesBeat

PlayStation 4

Oct 26, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review concludes that Dragon Quest Heroes is interesting enough to warrant a look, with its charm, colorful visuals, and ample content. It suggests that both action fans and Dragon Quest aficionados will find enjoyment in the game.

Digital Chumps

PlayStation 4

Oct 12, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Dragon Quest Heroes is absolute fun.

GameTrailers

PlayStation 4

Oct 15, 2015

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is praised for capturing the joy and enthusiasm of the Dragon Quest series, overshadowing its shortcomings. The overall score given is 8.2.