My 1st impressions after beating DQ Swords. While the controls are a bit unhearing, the game itself is a solid venture.

User Rating: 7 | Dragon Quest Swords: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors WII
Despite my hate for the last Dragon Quest game I played, VI, I still love the series, and strive to play as many games from the series as possible. It really is quite charming, and even with its supposed bad titles they can still be miles more entertaining than most games. I understand why Dragon Quest Swords isn't really heard of, but to hear that it's really bad just makes me wonder what game people played. Sure, DQ Swords isn't great but for such an out of the box experiment, it works. Personally, I like DQ Swords a lot more than DQVI, and think that more people should play the game because its overall enjoyable, short and sweet game.

While I understand that people may be put off that this DQ game is short, it certainly doesn't make it bad. The fact that it changed the perspective and made the game work and even more enjoyable is great. While the controls aren't top notch, it gets the job done and it really makes you feel a little more immersive in the DQ world. As well, the game requires a lot more skill then most DQ games do and for that I love it. I just love when I can go through games unaware that I'm under leveled, only to realize that I was simply too good. Or the simple idea that any stage is beatable no matter what level you are, as long as you play well. This is what makes DQ Swords so enjoyable for me, skill matters more than grindin. It's the type of action RPG I have come to love and respect. The fact that Square Enix was able to make such a bold move for a well-established franchise, and make it work impresses me and I really wish they continue this series again. The story was pretty good too, which is something I just don't understand is another gripe about this game. It held my interest throughout, didn't drag on for long, unlike a certain DQVI did, and it had some pretty good voice acting if you ask me. I also love that the stages are replayable and there is a scoring system to them. Where all the hate comes from I'm not really sure, but perhaps I love this game so much because I bought it at a 5$ price tag; I mean if it was higher than 10$ I probably be mad at this game too.

Conclusion: Dragon Quest Swords certainly isn't a horrible game like some fans may claim it to be, but it certainly isn't a prize winner either. With a decent story, a unique take on a franchise, and somewhat decent controls, Dragon Quest Swords is a game that can captive any fans interest, as long as they are interested.