Is Dragon Quarter a good game? YES. To a certain kind of player at least, Dragon Quarters works and is a wonderful experience.
It has a unique setting, a story that works well without becoming convoluted or distracting from the game. The battle system is unique, reminding of Fallout 1&2. Each enemy is unique and requires a different strategy to defeat, so the game keeps you on your toes and doesn't fall into repetition. There is no traditional way to level grind.
So why did such a wonderful game get so much hatred? One word: Expectations. People expected a game similar to the previous Breath of Fires, yet the result could not have been more different. People expected a typical JRPG, but Dragon Quarter is not even a JRPG in any but the loosest sense of the term.
That's because Bo F:DQ is a unique game, there is literally no other game that plays like it, and its setting and story are also unique. Unique games have trouble enough being successful when most players dislike leaving their comfort zone, but not only was this a unique game, it was a betrayal of the expectations of the fans, which expected one thing and got another. The biggest subversion of player expectations since Metal Gear Solid 2 (an equally divisive game).
The game has its flaws. The saving system is terrible, easily the worst since Resident Evil 1. They created an alternative to level-grinding called SOL which doesn't really work. And for a game with very unique gameplay there is a distinct lack of tutorials or even a "beginner area", so the game forces you to learn the new battle system the hard way. Until you learn how to play this game properly, you're going to SUFFER. The locale graphics are also uninspired.
Despite these flaws I stand by my decision. This game is unique and a wonderful experience, just cast away all expectations before playing it, that's my advice.
When uniqueness meets expectations
Is Dragon Quarter a good game? YES. To a certain kind of player at least, Dragon Quarters works and is a wonderful experience.
It has a unique setting, a story that works well without becoming convoluted or distracting from the game. The battle system is unique, reminding of Fallout 1&2. Each enemy is unique and requires a different strategy to defeat, so the game keeps you on your toes and doesn't fall into repetition. There is no traditional way to level grind.
So why did such a wonderful game get so much hatred? One word: Expectations. People expected a game similar to the previous Breath of Fires, yet the result could not have been more different. People expected a typical JRPG, but Dragon Quarter is not even a JRPG in any but the loosest sense of the term.
That's because Bo F:DQ is a unique game, there is literally no other game that plays like it, and its setting and story are also unique. Unique games have trouble enough being successful when most players dislike leaving their comfort zone, but not only was this a unique game, it was a betrayal of the expectations of the fans, which expected one thing and got another. The biggest subversion of player expectations since Metal Gear Solid 2 (an equally divisive game).
The game has its flaws. The saving system is terrible, easily the worst since Resident Evil 1. They created an alternative to level-grinding called SOL which doesn't really work. And for a game with very unique gameplay there is a distinct lack of tutorials or even a "beginner area", so the game forces you to learn the new battle system the hard way. Until you learn how to play this game properly, you're going to SUFFER. The locale graphics are also uninspired.
Despite these flaws I stand by my decision. This game is unique and a wonderful experience, just cast away all expectations before playing it, that's my advice.
BOTTOM LINE- If you...
want a different experience
enjoy games that require strategy
appreciate a moderate challenge
is willing to learn a new kind of gameplay
Then Breath of Fire: Dragon Quarter is for you.
However, if you...
want a typical JRPG
want a faithful sequel to the previous Bo F games
want a beautiful game with breathtaking cutscenes
Then avoid this game like the Plague.