Dragon Warrior III (USA) (GBC)

Dragon Warrior III (also known as Dragon Quest III in Japan) for the Game Boy Color is a classic role-playing game (RPG) that casts players as the son or daughter of the great hero Ortega, who disappeared while attempting to defeat the Archfiend Baramos. Your mission is to continue your father's legacy, assemble a party, and embark on a quest to vanquish Baramos and save the world.

The gameplay of Dragon Warrior III follows a traditional yet captivating RPG formula. Players begin their journey in the kingdom of Aliahan, where you can customize your protagonist's gender, name, and even personality. A distinctive feature of the game is its party recruitment system. Instead of simply finding pre-set characters, you create them at Ruida's Tavern. Here, you can choose various vocations for your party members, such as Warrior, Mage, Priest, Martial Artist, Merchant, Thief, and Goof-off. Each vocation possesses unique strengths and weaknesses, allowing for diverse party strategies.

Combat in Dragon Warrior III is classic turn-based, where you and your enemies take turns attacking. Encounters with monsters typically occur randomly as you traverse the world map or explore dungeons. Players must manage their hit points (HP) and magic points (MP), utilizing skills, spells, and items wisely to achieve victory. After each battle, characters earn experience points (EXP) and gold, which are used to level up, learn new abilities, and purchase equipment.

Another prominent feature is the ability to change vocations (class change) for your party members once they reach a certain level. This allows for deeper customization of your team, enabling unique and powerful combinations. The GBC version of Dragon Warrior III also includes several new additions compared to the original NES release, such as improved graphics, a Monster Medals collection system from defeated monsters, and a bonus dungeon with fresh challenges and a hidden boss.

The world of Dragon Warrior III is vast and full of mystery, ranging from bustling towns and grand castles to dark caves and perilous forests. Players will interact with NPCs, solve puzzles, uncover secrets, and complete side quests to progress deeper into the main storyline. The music and graphics, though simple, retain the series' charming aesthetic, providing a nostalgic experience for players.