• Publisher: Capcom
  • Release Date: Feb 16, 2003
Metascore
78 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 28 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 28
  2. Negative: 1 out of 28
  1. It's nice to see the occasional role-playing game that isn't formulaic, something that shows the developer took some time to create a plot worth living in a game worth playing. Dragon Quarter does that so surprisingly well and in so many different ways, it almost transcends the RPG genre.
  2. Expect to play through this game at least three times, if not more, in your quest to see everything that it has to offer. Thankfully this is a very good game, or else players simply wouldn't spend the time to beat it again.
  3. Traditionalists may find the new game too different for their liking, but gamers looking for a challenge with a great battle system should look into this title.
  4. One of those truly original games that, while a tad liberal in the innovation department, manages to keep you entertained all the way through thanks to one of the best battle systems ever to grace an RPG..., a Now and Then, Here and There-esque anime-influenced presentation, and some of the most challenging moments a hardcore RPG gamer could hope for.
  5. 85
    Players who are willing to stick it out will find an RPG of unrivaled depth, innovation, and replayability.
  6. The refreshing battle system is worthy of props.
  7. 83
    Brilliant battle system - arguably one of the finest ever devised. [Apr 2003, p.50]
  8. 82
    A rather distinguishable style, an amazing soundtrack, and an interactive combat system.
  9. It's different than any RPG you've played before, and better than most. [Apr 2003, p.62]
  10. It's certainly not going to convert RPG nay sayers, but fans of the genre should find something new here.
  11. Features an original tactical combat system and numerous gameplay twists that will surprise players well accustomed to the standard RPG blueprint.
  12. Short, sweet and tough as a bastard.
  13. If anything, Dragon Quarter will likely tear the Breath of Fire fan base apart... As intended, it's unlike anything you've experienced before. [Mar 2003, p.79]
  14. 80
    It's not that interesting all the way through, but the storyline does expand and the ending is something to fight for.
  15. 80
    An addictive and undeniably daring game that feels more urgent and less epic than most RPGs, and the battle system is masterful. But it's nothing like previous Breath of Fire games, and the forced repetition might kill it for you.
  16. 80
    The attractive visuals ride the line between dark and cartoony with expressive characters. It's all tied together with its unique combat and restart schemes, which will either inspire you or drive you mad.
  17. One of the most extraordinarily deep and innovative games I've ever experienced. [Apr 2003, p.84]
  18. I wanted something different too, but what I got instead is marvelous. [Apr 2003, p.52]
  19. You know you're playing this game over and it makes no bones about it. It's upfront and honest in that regard and even if you just play it once, you are certain to enjoy every juicy minute of it.
  20. Honestly, I don't think I've ever had as much fun with RPG battles before. [Apr 2003, p.112]
  21. Its slow pace keeps it from really taking off. [Apr 2003, p.37]
  22. Such bastard generic cross-pollination will be of keen interest to those who have pigeonholed the console RPG as yesterday's bread, as Dragon Quarter variously suceeds in its misfit marriage. [June 2003, p.98]
  23. Good-looking stuff even if what most gamers will recall from their time with Dragon Quarter is being blinded by the darkness and a PSOne-sponsored shade of the color brown.
  24. A slightly better than average game that coasts along on the fact that it tweaks the traditional RPG formula. The innovations in the title are a hit-and-miss affair that generally obfuscate the fact that the game is little more than a traditional dungeon crawler with a few new wrinkles.
  25. It's designed to be played through multiple times, and won't show anywhere near the whole of its plot or locations first time out.
  26. But to start an RPG from the beginning just to save your experience is overly tedious. And starting from a save points at a loss of your stats is equally lame.
  27. It's solid and has a ton of dungeon crawling. But don't expect the story to still be percolating in your mind six months after you finish.
  28. 40
    The pathetic attributes of this failed experiment are disgusting. Breath of Fire: Dragon Quarter is a poor excuse for an RPG. It is an attempt at innovation, perhaps. But it can also be the lazy solution for a group of developers who didn't want to put in the time to make a quality RPG.
User Score

Generally favorable reviews- based on 16 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 12
  2. Negative: 2 out of 12
  1. 0
    This game is nothing like its predecessors. It's monotonous, and guarantees that you will have to restart the game. If you die, you are given the option to restart the game, which you must to in order to keep getting strong enough to tackle the next obstacle. This is fine, however you are limited on how many times you can save! Your saves are as limited as the amount of save coins. The battle system is interesting. You move your characters around like a SRPG, but it doesn't have much function. You will find yourself running over a lot of traps and just dying.I had no desire to continue this game after getting the game over screen 5 separate times. This game is an insult to the Breath of Fire series. It feels incomplete. Worst RPG game I've played. Full Review »
  2. R.D.
    0
    An appauling game which does the BOF series no justice at all. The main character, Ryu, speaks, and looks and sounds like a completely idiot, Nina looks like a stick-thin frog and the battle system is just awful, I took it back after 10 minutes of gameplay because it was just that tedious and appauling. Full Review »
  3. JeffK.
    10
    This is honestly the greatest game of all time. I have beaten it twice and the plot and storyline are unbelievable it is like an awesome movie the only flaw is when it ended the ending video is almost touching I hope they make another one no I pray they do! Full Review »