A game which combines new and unique RPG elements into the classic series of Breath of Fire to make a unique fun game.
Before you arrive you walk through a corridor with a huge dragon that looks to have been dead for a long time but you hear a voice calling out to you in your head but you continue on. When you finally get to the cargo train that will be transporting it the train is attacked by rebels known as Trinity and you, Bosch, and your cargo get separated. Soon after you find a large monster carrying a small girl, seeing this you awaken to a mysterious and massive power bestowed upon you by the dragon giving you the ability to tap into power and turn into a dragon yourself. After defeating the monster and rescuing the strange girl with red wings you find out her name is Nina and she cannot speak. You two although first meeting seem to have a strong bond together and you have a strong desire to protect her. Soon after you meet the rebel that attacked your train and with the common goal of protecting Nina which for some reason Trinity is finds very important you three decide to work together to find safety.
The newest installment into one of the most amazing RPG series Breath of Fire, Dragon Quarter provides much to be looked at. With an amazing storyline mixing a battle of comrades, your will to protect Nina, and the truth behind your mysterious powers and Nina’s wings this story is timeless. Placed into a future world in despair your will and hope to protect Nina strive you through hardships while uncovering more of the mysteries of the world. If you are looking for an RPG with a great storyline and a good cast of characters then look no further this story is both unique and intriguing. This Breath of Fire is very different from the everyday RPG that you usually play it mixes in a variety of unique elements. The most unique feature is the “D-Counter” which is somewhat of a timer for the game that slowly rises as you move or use your dragon abilities. Now hold on before jumping to conclusions this counter barely increases as you move I mean it would take 100+ hours to max out your counter and the game is only roughly 20-25 hours which counts all the time you are fighting, shopping, watching story, or reading dialogue.
Now the big purpose of this counter not only a important part in the storyline it also limits the amount of dragon power you can use. Your dragon powers are unbelievably powerful you can kill a boss easily with only a few hits but it raises your counter very fast so you must limit its use. Another feature that comes with this counter is the ability to reset to the last save point at anytime or when you die allowing you to keep a percentage of your experience, money, and other things as well. Along with this you can reset the game starting from the beginning keeping your current items, skills, bonus experience, and some money.
The combat system is also different from most RPGs, it works off of a AP system on the same 3D area where you ran into the enemies. You can have 2 bars of AP every turn you get you get another bar so you can save up a turn for to accomplish more or you can use your AP and attack quicker and take the enemy out fast. Through this AP centered combat you can use your AP to change your equipment, use skills, use spells, or use items. You can chain attacks or spells by continuing after your attack with another as long as you have enough AP to make some large combos. Many games don’t use the exact same environments that you ran into the enemy to fight the enemies, which is a very nice and cool feature.
Although a shorter RPG this game has more replay value than most after you beat the game you can go back with a higher “D-Ratio” and be able to gain access to more dungeons, more items, more cut scenes, and even a secret boss. I would rate Breath of Fire: Dragon Quarter 9.1 out of 10 it combines a great storyline with many unique and new elements to its RPG gameplay. At first glace you might not like Dragon Quarter but if you give it a good try and try to get past the mysterious D-Counter I am sure you will find that it is a an amazing and unique game.
This review will show up as a 9 due to Gamespot unfortunately not allowing a 9.1 to be selected.