Nick's Game Review of Dokapon Kingdom

Fun With Friends
Nick - wrote on 10/19/11

Dokapon Kingdom goes back to my roots of what I believe a true RPG should be, a turn-based RPG. What makes it even more attractive is the fact that it allows for local multiplayer, so you can play it with your friends. This RPG is like any other traditional turn-based RPG where you are traveling through a kingdom fighting invading monsters, gaining experience and goodies along the way.

Story:
The main goal, to have more money than your friends by the end of the game so you win the hand of the princess, which can even happen if you choose to play a female role (which may be to your liking?). Quests are given by the King, and many of them cause competition between your friends to see who can please the King first. The story is nothing amazing, and pretty typical of this type of game.

Presentation:
This game is on the Wii, so the graphics aren't up to par. The game does have a bit of a kiddy feel to it with its look, and many of the enemies aren't quite detailed enough and look a little 2D. Being a turned based RPG, there could have spent more time on character and enemy detail, as well as the animation after choosing your attack action.

Gameplay:
One difference with the game is you dice roll to move to different spots, like a board game. This acts as good way to take turns between your friends, as you try to accomplish tasks. But it does end up placing a bit of luck, instead of strategy, in completing quests before your friends, and ultimately winning the game. I did like the fact that the game is centered around screwing your friends over along the way, instead of working together. If you fall behind in the game relative your friends, you can become a darkling, with one main goal, to screw your friends. This eliminates any of your friends getting bored just because they've fallen behind, but can end up pissing people off at the same time.

Originality:
This game is pretty typical and predictable turn-based RPG. What makes it stand out is the local multiplayer aspect, competing against your friends, instead of working as a team. The dice roll aspect for moving also makes it stand out.

Replay Value:
This game has pretty good replay value as there are several occupations you can master during the game, including some that are difficult to come across. Building your character up differently, or even being a darkling and screwing over your friends as much as possible can make this a game you play a couple times at least. Overall the game isn't very long, or very difficult, so you might feel like going through it again to get your money's worth.

Recommendation:
If you like turn-based RPGs, and want to find one that you can play with friends, this game is right up your alley. If you want something that is a challenge, or is action based, skip it. Overall I would recommend it, I only wish it was on another system besides the Wii so they can improve on the graphics.