The third Blue Dragon game changes the formula yet again, this time to real-time combat RPG.
Gameplay 7- In the traditional way of doing things, BD-AS follows real-time RPG's closely. You go form place to place tracking down and doing quests, as shown by crown icons on the screen and seek to solve the story behind these events. Battles are a matter of attacking, dodging, and hope your party members look likethey know what they are doing. One of the biggest obstacles is the party AI. Sometimes the friends can be pretty dumb but generally they get the job done.
controls work, and you can either use the buttons or the touch screen. Rather than sticking to one shadow, you can use any of them, and use different skills from each at the same time. Your character doesnt level, its the shadows that do and your stats change depending on which is equipped.
One issue with the same is there are often times where you are stuck on what to do next, and to find the next quest you have to run about searching for that icon on the map screen.
Graphics 9- One of the better looking DS games. Objects are modeled well, though a little low-textured, but that is a physical limitation of the DS hardware.
Sound 8- Everything in the audio is recycled from the first games. There are a few scenes of voice overs, with decent quality.
Fun Factor 8- included alongside the main story are the special bosses available behind locked doors scattered about Jibral. Multiplayer is good fun provided you know someone else with this game.
Replay Value 8- The quest is decent length at over 30 hours, and with the exlusive multiplayer missions and options, the price is well worth it.
Final Score 40/50