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DRAGON QUEST III vs its rivals

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

DRAGON QUEST III
This App
Black Desert Mobile
Nemesis
interactive: Play, Read, Build
Contender
Warcodes - AI RPG Game
Contender
RPG Astral Takers
Contender
QuestLord
Contender
Dragon Evil: Eternal Requiem
Peer
Spells of Genesis
Peer
Bean Battle: Princess Rescue
Peer
Quest Portal VTT
Peer
Core Identity
DeveloperSQUARE ENIX Co.,Ltd.Pearl Abyss Corp.Hidden Lake Games LLCCOZY ORCHARDS, LLCKotobuki Solution Co., Ltd.Lava LevelVision NetEverdreamSoft SAVoxel Cube GamesQuest Portal
CategoryGamesGamesGamesGamesGamesGamesRole PlayingGamesAdventureSocial Networking
PlatformiOSiOS, AndroidiOSAndroid, iOSiOS, AndroidiOS, AndroidAndroidAndroid, iOSAndroid, iOSiOS, Android
Store Metrics
Rating4.4 / 54.6 / 54.4 / 54.5 / 52.3 / 54.6 / 54.4 / 54.7 / 5-4.8 / 5
Ratings Count18432,514971,4013165675180-327
PriceUSD5.99FreeFreeFree$7.99$5.99FreeFreeFreeFree
Release DateDec 4, 2014Dec 8, 2019Jun 17, 2024Oct 9, 2024Apr 2, 2025Feb 8, 2013Apr 2, 2026Mar 30, 2017-Jan 5, 2023
Last UpdatedSep 29, 2025May 12, 2026Aug 22, 2025May 26, 2026Apr 9, 2025Sep 5, 2025Mar 18, 2026Mar 18, 2024-Mar 24, 2026
Sentiment & Reviews
Sentimentmixednegative--mixedpositive---mixed
Score55/10035/100--50/10085/100---45/100
Praises
  • Classic turn-based role playing mechanics provide deep engagement for long-term fans of the series
  • 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 save data loss during gameplay sessions discourages users from continuing their progress
  • 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
  • Cloud save synchronization across multiple devices is required to protect long-term player progress
  • 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
  • Iconic Erdrick Trilogy brand nostalgia
  • Standalone premium model removes microtransaction friction
  • Non-target combat mechanics build category authority
  • Console-grade visual fidelity drives high-end player retention
  • Deep customization creates long-term aesthetic investment
  • Business simulation loops increase session length
  • Creative design tools provide non-linear engagement
  • Barcode-scanning mechanic provides a tactile entry point for new users
  • Experimental AI-driven character creation offers high variety
  • 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
  • Persistent save data loss
  • Lack of cloud-save synchronization
  • No native controller support
  • Persistent Android login loops erode daily active habits
  • High-cost microtransactions gate meaningful character progression
  • Toxic world-chat moderation discourages new player retention
  • $7.99 weekly subscription price exceeds category median
  • 97 total ratings indicate low market penetration
  • No social sharing features for user content
  • Lack of guild-based social infrastructure limits long-term retention
  • Monetization relies on external Patreon support rather than integrated gacha loops
  • 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
Pricingpaidfreemiumsubscriptionfreemiumpaidpaidfreemiumfreemiumfreefreemium
MomentumZombieActiveMaintenanceActiveMaintenanceZombie-MaintenanceIntenseMaintenance
Update Cadence5 versions, 1 majors/6mo, ~819d avg5 versions, 3 majors/6mo, ~7d avg5 versions5 versions, 1 majors/6mo, ~6d avg2 versions, ~198d avg1 versions, 1 majors/6mo-5 versions5 versions2 versions, ~1d avg

Compare DRAGON QUEST III 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 III, 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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