Puzzle & Dragons Z + Puzzle & Dragons – Super Mario Bros. Edition leverages the proven match-3 formula to deliver an engaging gaming experience.
For those unfamiliar, “match-3” gameplay involves aligning three or more identical game elements in a row. The objective is to create chains of as many elements as possible, ideally five or more. This concept is popularized by titles such as Candy Crush Saga, known for its simple yet addictive gameplay. The Puzzle & Dragons series has enjoyed considerable popularity in Japan. With this release, the series aims to expand its reach to Western audiences. Nintendo 3DS has previously seen a free-to-play title in this vein with Pokémon Shuffle.
In Puzzle & Dragons Z + Puzzle & Dragons – Super Mario Bros. Edition, players essentially receive two games in one, each featuring distinct narratives and settings. Puzzle & Dragons Z presents a classic, isometric Japanese role-playing game reminiscent of 90’s titles from Square Enix (Chrono Trigger), while also evoking Nintendo classics like Zelda: A Link to The Past and the Pokémon series. The game shares similarities with Pokémon, including a system for collecting eggs that hatch into dragons, thereby expanding the player’s team. The dialogue is extensive, characteristic of Japanese RPGs, and may seem geared towards a younger audience with its child-friendly anime style. The core gameplay is engaging, requiring players to create attack chains by manipulating power orbs on a game board to defeat enemies. Puzzle Dragons distinguishes itself from games like Candy Saga by allowing players to move an orb freely across the playing field within a time limit. This facilitates the creation of longer chains but also demands strategic planning based on the player’s team composition and the enemy’s vulnerabilities. As the story progresses and players acquire rare dragons and train them, the game mode becomes increasingly compelling.
The second game, Puzzle & Dragons – Super Mario Bros. Edition, retains the fundamental gameplay structure but is set in the Mushroom Kingdom, incorporating familiar characters and environments from the Mario universe. This game mode is particularly engaging, providing ample gameplay with minimal interruption and a comprehensive tutorial for newcomers. While initially appearing simple, the game allows for strategic customization by combining character strengths and utilizing found items. For example, a Koopa acquiring wings transforms into a flying Koopa with altered stats and characteristics.
The game’s graphics and sound are appropriately polished for the genre. While it doesn’t fully exploit the capabilities of the New 3DS in terms of speed or 3D features, it maintains a stylish and appealing aesthetic suitable for a wide range of players. The controls are intuitive, and the interface is generally clear. While the intricacies of chains and character attributes may initially seem complex, they become readily apparent with gameplay experience.
The game effectively refines a simple genre by integrating it into both a JRPG adventure and the world of the Mario franchise. Puzzle & Dragons – Super Mario Bros. Edition is easy to pick up but difficult to master, a hallmark of engaging game design. This title is highly recommended, and further content in the form of DLC is rumored to be in development.
Så här sätter vi betyg på Senses