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How Metascores Are Calculated
60
Adventure Island: The Beginning
Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games. |
Five years have passed since the defeat of the Deathbringer, and the kingdom of Avalonia joyously celebrates what seems to be an everlasting era of peace. However, a closer look reveals that things are amiss. Calamity arises within the kingdom, as unfamiliar and powerful monsters invade the outskirts of town. With the Deathbringer gone, what explanation is there for the onset of these monsters? And what of the queen, who has come to hide her face behind a strange mask? Make your way through the perilous journey, solve the baffling mysteries and return order to Avalonia. [Square Enix]
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more... 90
N-Europe
Not the long epic DQ adventure people want, can be fun to play while it lasts, but some might not be compelled to play for a while it once it's completed.
 80
GamePro
Still, Dragon Quest Swords: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors offers a unique blend of game genres that coalesce together into an interesting game experience. [Mar 2008, p.84]
80
Cheat Code Central
Its great story, wonderful voice acting, and some pretty awesome Wii-mote gameplay make this a pretty good bet for the casual gamer, and who knows, maybe even a hardcore gamer or two as long as they don't mind the simple nature of the game.
80
Pelit (Finland)
A quite interesting actionadventure. The hack'n'slash-battles are simply entertaining. Too bad the movement is too restricted. [Aug 2008]
79
Official Nintendo Magazine UK
A simple but fun on-rails slasher. [May 2008, p.84]
78
Game Informer
This won't appeal to everyone, but those willing to put up with tired genre formulas are bound to have some fun. [Mar 2008, p.102]
73
GameZone
A relatively short game, SWORDS is imminently accessible by gamers of all ages.
72
GameTrailers
It’s not an ideal experience on any level: it’s too long as an arcade game, and too short as an RPG, but it’s sure to find a niche--especially by trumpeting the brand it’s built upon.
70
The New York Times
A Wii game that at least goes through the motions of telling a story is something; I suppose half an epic is better than none.
70
GotNext
It isn’t the prettiest title for the Wii, but if RPGs tickle your fancy, it’s still worth a try.
70
Nintendojo
If you're looking for an on-rails slasher that is good for 7-10 hours, you will probably enjoy this title. If you’re looking for a full-fledged RPG experience, however, you’re better off looking elsewhere.
70
RPG Fan
Dragon Quest Swords was originally intended to be a launch game for the Nintendo Wii system and it definitely shows.
70
Nintendo Power
Still, while Dragon Quests Swords isn't exactly epic, it is entertaining overall. [Mar 2008, p.88]
70
IGN
If you’re looking for a hardcore, 50+ hour experience, this isn’t it. What DQ Swords brings to the table, however, is an extremely accessible role playing experience that works to capture new gamers in the world of Dragon Quest.
70
Play Magazine
This is like an indie version of DQ--a sweet little aside between epics. [Mar 2008, p.50]
70
GameSpy
Fans probably won't be bothered by being forced to muck through the multiple load-screens or unskippable cut-scenes, but gamers just here for the action may find these elements too much to bear.
70
NintendoWorldReport
The Dragon Quest atmosphere of Dragon Quest Swords only goes so far before you start itching for some gameplay variety (although the visuals never get old).
70
Cubed3
Dragon Quest Swords, despite it's rather unfortunate full name, is an all-round solid title.
70
n-Revolution Magazine UK
Ideal for anyone looking for a very casual RPG, but DQ Swords will prove far too simple a game for almost anyone else. [Issue#23, p.70]
68
Games Master UK
The usually reliable series runs aground in a Wii game that's equally diverting and dull. [June 2008, p.70]
67
Gaming Age
It works well as a beginner RPG, and even provides a solid, but simple play thru for RPG vets. Just don't expect anything mind blowing or new, and realize that the motion controls aren't quite perfect, and you should have a pretty good time.
65
Deeko
So is Dragon Quest Swords a game you should rush out and purchase on a whim, without thinking about paying your rent or eating for a day or two? I wouldn't go that far, but it certainly is a good diversion for gamers looking for something to sate their gaming tastes.
65
Worth Playing
If you can get past the shaky controls and low replay value, you'll have a fun experience, especially if you're a Dragon Quest fanatic. However, if the controls aggravate you, the entire experience is going to be more of a chore than a game.
65
PALGN
Perhaps the most casual Dragon Quest game to date, TMQATTOM is a case of too little, too late, and is difficult to recommend to anyone but a casual or perhaps younger gamer.
64
Gamer 2.0
While Dragon Quest fans can rejoice in a good game to enjoy, it just doesn’t offer the same kind of quality experience that its roman numeral brethren have pulled off so well.
60
Games Radar
There's just not much to do. The story is dull, the game is short, the voiceovers are horrible and - thanks to the on-rails mechanic - there's nothing to explore. The gameplay is there, but with a total lack of depth, most gamers will get bored in about two hours (if they haven't succumbed to carpal tunnel by then).
60
Zentendo
With nice presentation values and a generally easy challenge, it isn’t hard to overlook the game's flaws. However the poor design choices and questionable accuracy on the IR aiming really keep this game from coming close to legacy of the main series.
60
EuroGamer
It's a game best recommended to non-RPG fans, those who want a short, light adventure that eschews grinding (until the final area at least) and detailed stat-management for bright character and brevity. But even on these terms, the recommendation is at best a very gentle one.
60
VideoGamer
As an introduction to RPGs Dragon Quest Swords might find an audience, but anyone hoping it will be a proper entry in the hugely popular series will be severely disappointed.
60
AceGamez
Dragon Quest Swords: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors is a decent attempt at bringing the Dragon Quest series to a new, much younger or more casual audience while trying to cater for long-time fans.
59
GamingXP
Folks who like an epic RPG with many characters, a lot of equipment and a big world to explore should better buy another game. The game dynamics seems to be innovative on the first sight, but after a few hours they turn out to be very confining.
58
The Wiire
A sense of antiquation to the whole design reverberates throughout, which some people will enjoy out of nostalgia or for the simplicity compared to modern RPGs; others will be disgusted by what they find to be a regression for the genre.
58
NGamer UK
This is a truly sub-par DQ effort. Genius Sonority managed to spoil "Pokemon Battle Revolution" and they weave that same inept magic here. [JPN Import; Oct 2007, p.64]
57
Electronic Gaming Monthly
It's too poky and awkward to work as a new-age light-gun shooter, too shallow to work as an RPG, and too mediocre to merit attention.[Mar 2008, p.74]
56
Jolt Online Gaming UK
When a game is this easy, predictable and limited, hardcore gamers are too busy praying for DS versions of the original Dragon Quest games to be bothered with it.
55
1UP
Even when considered as an action-driven arcade game though, the awkwardness of controlling the namesake swords takes too much away from the overall enjoyment.
55
Kombo
By no means is Dragon Quest Swords a bad game. Rather, it is just too repetitive, simple and shallow to warrant the attention of most gamers.
55
GameSpot
This disappointing, bare-bones spin-off has its moments, but not enough of them to make it worth playing.
55
Hardcore Gamer Magazine
You're given the story setup, the potential of the control system, and a sharp visual style....but it comes with training wheels. [Spring 2008, p.50]
50
GameDaily
Most of the gameplay consists of weak slashing attacks, some of which don't read clearly in the heat of combat. The lack of exploration and a solid storyline hurt as well. These Swords dull way too quickly.
42
GameShark
A game that fails to deliver. The visuals and sound are mediocre. The battle system is repetitive and mind-numbing. The level design is linear. The story is confusing and lacks depth.
42
Game Revolution
If the main Dragon Quest series is the main course, then Dragon Quests Swords is a frothy aperitif - not enough to fill you up completely, but appetizing enough to get you interested in the next meal.
40
Gamer.nl
The series had some good games but this latest addition doesn't convince us. The storyline and fighting are simply poor. The movements just aren't right. The developers probably had good idea, we just don't see them in-game.
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