DQM: The Dark Prince
DQM: The Dark Prince is a premium monster-collection RPG for iOS and Android, porting the console synthesis and exploration mechanics to mobile.
The App DNA
What makes this app unique?
Users hire this title for a complete, non-gacha monster-wrangling experience that avoids the recurring microtransaction pressure found in competing mobile RPGs.
For Fans of the Dragon Quest series and RPG players seeking a premium, non-gacha monster-collection experience.
What does it look like?
Key features
Combine two monsters to create a new, stronger offspring with unique traits
Traverse environments that change weather and path availability based on in-game seasons
How much does it cost?
Premium upfront pricing removes microtransaction pressure but sets a high barrier to entry compared to free-to-play RPGs.
Velocity
Maintenance developmentperformanceopaqueShow more...
The app exhibits a maintenance-level cadence, with only three releases identified over a period exceeding 20 months. Development is currently focused exclusively on minor performance improvements and bug fixes, with no evidence of new content or feature expansion. The release notes are uniformly opaque, suggesting a lack of significant feature-driven development. The current trend is stable at a low-frequency maintenance state.
Who built it?
SQUARE ENIX Co.
13+ apps tracked · Games
FINAL FANTASY
DRAGON QUEST IV
FINAL FANTASY TACTICS :WotL
DRAGON QUEST II
FINAL FANTASY III (3D REMAKE)
FINAL FANTASY V
FINAL FANTASY VIII Remastered
FINAL FANTASY IV
DRAGON QUEST V
CHRONO TRIGGER (Upgrade Ver.)
PARANORMASIGHT
FINAL FANTASY VIUser Sentiment
What do users think recently?
Fresh user feedback skews mixed. Users appreciate deep monster synthesis and breeding mechanics provide significant strategic depth for long-term players, but report lack of physical controller support limits accessibility and comfort for long-form mobile gaming sessions.
How are ratings & reviews evolving?
What users say, by theme
- Deep monster synthesis and breeding mechanics provide significant strategic depth for long-term players
- Lack of physical controller support limits accessibility and comfort for long-form mobile gaming sessions
40 of 90 recent reviews analyzed · high confidence · Mixed overall
Read the full review analysisUnlock 1 user request, each backed by review evidence.
Access the full report for freeCompetition
Competitive landscape for DQM: The Dark Prince
How's the Games market?
The title holds a #94 rank in US Role Playing (Paid), signaling a niche premium audience. The lack of grossing chart presence suggests the upfront price point limits reach compared to live-service RPGs.
Read the market outlookThe rivals identified
By Smart Study Games Co., Ltd.
Both titles compete for the monster-collection RPG audience, with DQM: The Dark Prince capturing premium-intent players while Monster Super League targets the freemium-driven social-competitive segment.
- Monster Super League integrates clan-based social coordination; DQM: The Dark Prince focuses on solo synthesis mechanics.
- Monster Super League uses a stylized art aesthetic; DQM: The Dark Prince relies on Dragon Quest IP.
- Monster Super League offers a free-to-play entry; DQM: The Dark Prince mandates a $29.99 upfront purchase.
Unlock the head-to-head verdict: where this rival wins, and where it loses.
Access the full report for freeThe Analyst's Read
Key takeaways for DQM: The Dark Prince
Where is it heading?
The premium mobile RPG market is consolidating around stable, high-fidelity experiences, leaving this title exposed due to its technical instability. Unless the team addresses the party management bugs and adds controller support, the title will struggle to maintain its niche premium audience against more polished competitors.
- Frequent application crashes disrupt gameplay, which compounds the rating drag already visible on the latest version.
- The inability to manage monster parties prevents users from engaging with primary mechanics, accelerating churn pressure into Q3.
The SWOT
- Established Dragon Quest IP brand recognition
- Deep synthesis mechanics for long-term retention
- Implement controller support to capture hardcore segment
- Add font scaling for accessibility
Next best moves
Ship party management bug fix because it prevents core progression → stabilize user sentiment
+ 1 more prioritized moveThe counter-intuitive read
The $29.99 price point is not a weakness but a moat…
Read the full takeFeature gaps
Physical controller support (available in Monster Hunter Stories but missing here)
Since the last report: The title has entered a maintenance phase with no significant feature updates, while technical friction and missing controller support continue to suppress user sentiment.
Bottom line
The title succeeds as a premium, non-gacha RPG, but technical instability and missing controller support alienate the core audience, so the PM must prioritize stability and input parity to justify the $29.99 price point.
Unlock 3 critical frictions, 2 market threats, 1 more prioritized move and the analyst’s take.
Access the full report for freeFAQ
Is DQM: The Dark Prince worth the $29.99 price?
Does DQM: The Dark Prince support controllers?
How does this compare to Monster Hunter Stories?
Report last updated