TouchArcade Rating:
Last year's Switch release of Square Enix's monster-collecting RPG, Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince, was a delightful experience despite some technical hiccups. Its charm and addictive gameplay surpassed other Dragon Quest spin-offs on the platform, rivaling the excellent Dragon Quest Builders 2. While a PC port was anticipated, a mobile release came as a pleasant surprise. Square Enix has announced that the previously Switch-exclusive title will arrive on iOS, Android, and Steam on September 11th, bundled with all previously released DLC, including the Digital Deluxe Edition content. See the trailer below:
Comparison images showcasing the game's visuals on mobile, Switch, and Steam are available on the official Japanese website. Here's one example:
Importantly, the store listings confirm that the real-time online battle mode from the Switch version will be absent in the Steam and mobile releases.
The Nintendo Switch version of Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince is priced at $59.99 (standard) and $84.99 (Digital Deluxe Edition). Given my enjoyment of the Switch version, I eagerly anticipate reviewing the mobile and Steam Deck ports upon their September 11th launch. This swift mobile porting is a welcome change from the typical delays seen in the Dragon Quest series (e.g., Dragon Quest Builders). The mobile price is set at $29.99, while the Steam version will cost $39.99. Pre-register on the App Store (iOS) and Google Play (Android).
Have you already conquered the monster-collecting challenge on Switch? Will you be embarking on this adventure on mobile or Steam?
Update: Added comparison image and website information.
