Overall score on pook's 100-point system (TM): 86, rounded up to 9. A nice history lesson in Japanese gaming also happens to be a satisfying and long RPG at the same time.
-the breakdown-
Graphics (30/30, judged by system)- as good as it gets for the Gameboy Color, with some parts approaching the GBA in quality. Nicely detailed environments, and cleverly animated enemies help bring this game to life.
Sound- FX/Voice (6/10) It's a gbc game so i don't expect much, but the fx dpt is nearly mute until a battle and even then there are very few fx. Seems the most sound variety is in battle/magic sounds.
Sound- Music (7/10) A much better variety of music overall than the first two games combined, but not a lot that sticks in your head.
Gameplay- Length/Replay (15/15) Easily a 40 hour game. Impressively most of it is spent productively, not training, though some is required. Beyond that, an insane collection game and some bonus dungeons-all of which are optional, probably extend the game another 40 hours to get 100 completion, however this extra stuff is mainly filler and not very compelling.
Gameplay- Story (3/5) There is SOME story, but it's pretty standard for modern times, while probably having been way cool 15 years ago.
Gameplay- Game Design (25/30) Again, very difficult to judge. i don't expect them to overhaul the game for today's standards since it is a port. that said, from what i've read significant changes were made to the original 2 games. Overall DW3 is a well-done and well-balanced RPG. It's MORE of everything from the first two games-more monsters, spells, character classes. Larger world, more, more, more! The 4-player party introduced in DW2 is enhanced by including the ability to change classes multiple times, allowing characters to really progress and change over time-useful in light of the post-game questing you may want to do.
Final Thoughts- If you like japanese RPGs but have never played these games, it's worth the history lesson alone, and the game itself is well done anyway. It's a prequel to 1+2, actually, so if you haven't played either cartridge, play DW3 first…then maybe skip 1+2. You'll be going backwards in terms of fun. As old as it is, this game comes highly recommended.
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