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DRAGON QUEST IV vs its rivals

Side-by-side comparison against DRAGON QUEST IV's closest competitors — identity, store metrics, ratings & sentiment, and strategic intel.

DRAGON QUEST IV
This App
Black Desert Mobile
Nemesis
Warcodes - AI RPG Game
Contender
interactive: Play, Read, Build
Contender
RPG Astral Takers
Contender
QuestLord
Contender
Dragon Evil: Eternal Requiem
Peer
Spells of Genesis
Peer
Quest Portal VTT
Peer
Bean Battle: Princess Rescue
Peer
Core Identity
DeveloperSQUARE ENIX Co.,Ltd.Pearl Abyss Corp.COZY ORCHARDS, LLCHidden Lake Games LLCKotobuki Solution Co., Ltd.Lava LevelVision NetEverdreamSoft SAQuest PortalVoxel Cube Games
CategoryGamesGamesGamesGamesGamesGamesRole PlayingGamesSocial NetworkingAdventure
PlatformiOSiOS, AndroidAndroid, iOSiOSiOS, AndroidiOS, AndroidAndroidAndroid, iOSiOS, AndroidAndroid, iOS
Store Metrics
Rating4.5 / 54.6 / 54.5 / 54.4 / 52.3 / 54.6 / 54.4 / 54.7 / 54.8 / 5-
Ratings Count13232,5141,396973165675180327-
PriceUSD8.99FreeFreeFree$7.99$5.99FreeFreeFreeFree
Release DateAug 7, 2014Dec 8, 2019Oct 9, 2024Jun 17, 2024Apr 2, 2025Feb 8, 2013Apr 2, 2026Mar 30, 2017Jan 5, 2023-
Last UpdatedMay 14, 2025May 12, 2026May 26, 2026Aug 22, 2025Apr 9, 2025Sep 5, 2025Mar 18, 2026Mar 18, 2024Mar 24, 2026-
Sentiment & Reviews
Sentimentmixednegative--mixedpositive--mixed-
Score45/10035/100--50/10085/100--45/100-
Praises
  • Deeply engaging turn-based combat and character development systems provide long-term entertainment value for players
  • Console-level graphics and fluid combat animations keep players engaged in long-form sessions
--
  • Traditional JRPG mechanics
  • Retro-style grid-based dungeon crawling mechanics provide a nostalgic and engaging experience for classic RPG fans
--
  • AI assistant provides helpful creative support for dungeon masters during unexpected player actions
-
Complaints
  • Persistent cloud save synchronization failures prevent progress transfer between multiple Apple mobile devices
  • Persistent login failures and app restarts during Google account authentication block access for Android users
--
  • Navigation difficulties
  • Technical instability and loading failures on specific device configurations prevent access to the game world
--
  • Aggressive paywalling locks users out of previously accessible information after subscription cancellation
-
Requests
  • Implementation of landscape mode and controller support to improve ergonomics for mobile players
  • Improved onboarding and guidance for new players to navigate complex game systems
--
  • Quality-of-life features
  • Implementation of faster navigation or travel options to reduce backtracking through previously explored dungeon areas
--
  • Offline access to campaign data and character sheets for use during live sessions
-
Strategic Intel
Strengths
  • Chapter-based narrative structure provides high-intent player retention
  • Offline-first architecture removes connectivity barriers for travel-heavy users
  • Non-target combat mechanics build category authority
  • Console-grade visual fidelity drives high-end player retention
  • Deep customization creates long-term aesthetic investment
  • Barcode-scanning mechanic provides a tactile entry point for new users
  • Experimental AI-driven character creation offers high variety
  • Business simulation loops increase session length
  • Creative design tools provide non-linear engagement
  • Premium upfront pricing model avoids microtransaction-heavy progression
  • Controller support enables console-like play sessions
  • Premium, distraction-free design avoids modern monetization traps
  • Deep, dialogue-heavy narrative appeals to classic RPG fans
--
  • AI-powered storytelling tools provide a creative layer static character sheets lack
  • Cross-platform VTT capabilities facilitate live group play
-
Weaknesses
  • Cloud save failure rate causes progress loss
  • Lack of landscape orientation limits tablet ergonomics
  • Forced audio focus disrupts user media habits
  • Persistent Android login loops erode daily active habits
  • High-cost microtransactions gate meaningful character progression
  • Toxic world-chat moderation discourages new player retention
  • Lack of guild-based social infrastructure limits long-term retention
  • Monetization relies on external Patreon support rather than integrated gacha loops
  • $7.99 weekly subscription price exceeds category median
  • 97 total ratings indicate low market penetration
  • No social sharing features for user content
  • 0.7★ Android-iOS rating gap indicates platform-specific stability issues
  • Lack of automap forces manual navigation friction
  • Technical instability on specific hardware configurations
  • Cumbersome navigation and UI controls
  • Lack of procedural content limits replayability
--
  • Subscription cancellation locks users out of their own data
  • Mobile instability and login failures prevent campaign access
-
Pricingpaidfreemiumfreemiumsubscriptionpaidpaidfreemiumfreemiumfreemiumfree
MomentumZombieActiveActiveMaintenanceMaintenanceZombie-MaintenanceMaintenanceIntense
Update Cadence5 versions, 2 majors/6mo, ~821d avg5 versions, 3 majors/6mo, ~7d avg5 versions, 1 majors/6mo, ~6d avg5 versions2 versions, ~198d avg1 versions, 1 majors/6mo-5 versions2 versions, ~1d avg5 versions

Compare DRAGON QUEST IV head-to-head

Disclosure: Independent intel to help mobile builders succeed.

AI-powered analysis with editorial review, built from publicly available sources. Marlvel.ai is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by DRAGON QUEST IV, its developer, the app publisher, Apple, or Google Play. All trademarks, logos, and screenshots referenced remain the property of their respective owners.

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