In a new round of information for the next title in the Dragon Quest Monsters series, The Dark Prince, we get a look at some of the main building blocks of the game, including its story and characters, and an introduction to the world of Nadiria and the many monsters that dwell within.
Formally announced for the Nintendo Switch, it’s set to release on December 1st, 2023. The game features Dragon Quest IV‘s Psaro as its protagonist, who is cursed by his father to be unable to harm any monster. His quest for revenge sees him don the title of ‘monster wrangler’, taming the various beasts of Nadiria as his own personal army. He is joined by a young elvish woman with magical prowess, and Toilen Trubble, researcher in search of magical ingredients. Fizzy, a monster seeking out the best wranglers, becomes a mentor to Psaro.
Taking place in Nadiria, an underworld full of monsters, each realm has levels called “Circles” in which there are three echelons. These areas also change with the seasons, which also changes the monsters you can encounter — and there’s a lot. Over 500 different types of monsters are in the game, and with a revamped synthesis system you’ll be able to create new and familiar monsters all the same.
Available day and date with the game’s launch, three pieces of DLC: “The Mole Hole”, “Coach Joe’s Dungeon Gym”, and “Treasure Trunks” that also come with a unique outfit for Psaro.
From Square Enix:
Story
This new adventure follows Psaro – a name that DRAGON QUEST fans may remember from DRAGON QUEST IV: Chapters of the Chosen (although since this game is completely standalone, so it doesn’t matter if you don’t).
Poor Psaro is cursed by his own father, the ruler of the monster realm of Nadiria, and rendered incapable of harming any creature of monster blood.
In defiance, Psaro becomes a monster wrangler and soon commands his very own army of loyal monster minions. On his quest for revenge against his father, he meets Rose, a young elvish woman, and a mysterious man who goes by the name of Toilen Trubble. Together they head off to face the perils awaiting them in Nadiria.
Psaro’s ultimate goal is vengeance, but he’ll need to befriend many monsters and tread many dark paths before he’s capable of fulfilling that ambition.
Characters
As you’d expect from a game bearing the DRAGON QUEST name, this monster-wrangling adventure is filled with colorful characters. Let’s introduce some of the main players:
Psaro
Voiced by: Gwilym Lee
Psaro is the main protagonist of the story. He’s a young demihuman, whose silver hair and red eyes make him instantly recognisable. He sets out to become a monster wrangler in order to defeat his father, the Master of Monsterkind.
Toilen Trubble
Voiced by: Hyoie O’Grady
A young researcher of magic with a self-confessed propensity for five-finger discounts, Toilen joins Psaro to scour Nadiria for magical ingredients not found in the human world.
He’s known to get more than a little excitable at the prospect of finding rare items.
Rose
Voiced by: Emma Ballantine
Rose is an invaluable ally to Psaro, who joins him on his forays into Nadiria and uses her mystical elven powers to reveal the path through this foreboding land. Rose is a gentle, kind-hearted soul, but unafraid to stand up for what she believes in.
Fizzy
Voiced by: Harriet Carmichael
This cheeky creature has made it her life’s mission to seek out the best and brightest monster wranglers of the world. Fizzy becomes something of a mentor to Psaro, and teaches him the basics of monster wrangling.
The Varied Vistas of Nadiria
Much of the story in DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: The Dark Prince takes place in Nadiria – an underworld domain where monsters reign supreme.
Nadiria is divided into a number of realms, called ‘Circles’, with each one comprised of three separate areas: a lower, middle and upper echelon.
The Circle of Temper
The Circle of Indulgence
A world that changes with the seasons
Even in Nadiria, time marches on, and the seasons cycle in familiar fashion. As the seasons change, so too does the landscape – and the monsters that inhabit it. A new time of year brings with it fresh discoveries and more monsters to befriend.
Meet the monsters
DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: The Dark Prince is the newest game in the DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS series. As tradition dictates, the main character is adept at forming powerful bonds with the monsters they meet. These monster allies will join the hero on their adventure, fighting in their stead against the enemies they encounter.
In that sense, this game is no different. But unlike his predecessors, Psaro is under the influence of a curse, placed upon him by his father, the ruler of Nadiria. As a result, he’s unable to harm any creature of monster blood himself.
Psaro resolves to become a monster wrangler, training up his team of monsters or creating new ones through the power of synthesis.
With over 500 different types of monster, and a revamped synthesis system, there are brand-new monster combinations to discover and many familiar friends – and arch enemies – from other titles in the DRAGON QUEST series to create. And with the game’s online capabilities, you can now do battle with monster wranglers the world over.
Goomulonimbus
These sneaky slimes summon thunderstorms and gales from the comfort of their cloud.
Vegandragora
This dragon maintains a symbiotic relationship with the flower that sprouts from its head.
Ronin Raccoon
This monster peers deep into the psyche of its foes to determine how best to strike them down.
Release date DLC
Three sets of DLC will go on sale to coincide with the release of the main game: The Mole Hole, Coach Joe’s Dungeon Gym, and Treasure Trunks! Progress through this additional content to earn rewards that will help you on your quest, as well as new outfits for Psaro to wear. Content will be available to purchase from Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch.
The Mole Hole
Delve underground for a reunion with monster types you’ve befriended once before. You’ll also have the opportunity to scout monsters that are otherwise very tricky to synthesise. This DLC ncludes the ‘gothic vestment’ outfit.
Coach Joe’s Dungeon Gym
Explore these randomly generated dungeons and battle legions of powerful monsters. Each dungeon comes with unique requirements that require players to carefully assess and construct their party. Dispatch the boss that awaits in the final room to earn rare items that will aid you in raising ever-stronger allies. This DLC includes the ‘cake-maker’s clobber’ outfit.
Treasure Trunks
Every time you open these mysterious treasure chests, you’ll obtain an exciting reward. However, you’ll have to wait a little while before you can open the chest up again and obtain the next exciting reward on the list! Keep opening them and you’re guaranteed to get your hands on some very enticing items indeed! This DLC includes the ‘monstrous mail’ outfit.
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