Gamefings logoimg

Review of Dragon Quest Builders on Nintendo Switch

by Max Rathon Max Rathon photo Feb 2018
Cover image of Dragon Quest Builders on Switch
Gamefings Score: 8.5
Platform: Switch Switch logo
Released: 09 Feb 2018
Genre: Action Role-Playing, Sandbox
Developer: Square Enix Creative Business Unit III
Publisher: Square Enix

Introduction

Welcome to the whimsical world of Alefgard, where you, the builder, are about to be crowned king (or queen) of creativity! Dragon Quest Builders takes a nostalgic stroll down memory lane with a refreshing twist, combining the classic Dragon Quest RPG vibes with Minecraft-like block building. The result? A hearty serving of fun that's just waiting for you to carve your unique dungeon out of dirt, stone, and sheer imagination.

Gameplay

In Dragon Quest Builders, the premise is simple: monsters have wrecked your world, and it's up to you to rebuild it into something that would make even the most stoic architect shed a tear. Players must gather materials, craft tools, and build various structures-everything from cozy cottages to grand castles (and probably a few creepy graves, because let's be real, who doesn't love a good graveyard view?). The game operates with a leveling system that rewards you for the number of blocks you place, so every action counts. You're not just building a base; you're constructing your legacy! Each day you will gather materials, fend off hostile creatures (yes, Slimes are back, and they want a piece of your blocky castle), and craft gear to aid your adventurous endeavor. As night falls, the worst spawns are unleashed; brace yourself for intense encounters with nighttime baddies that will make you rethink your dimly lit tower. It's like trying to tidy up after a toddler if the toddler was a giant dragon and its friends-delightfully messy! Moreover, the game's story is delivered in a sweet, digestible format that unfolds as you complete quests. Each chapter introduces new characters, building challenges, and enemies to keep you happily occupied as you crunch on those delicious block snacks and wonder why your real-life kitchen doesn't come with a Slime-shaped cake.

Graphics

From the moment you step into Alefgard, it's clear that Dragon Quest Builders wears its heart on its sleeve. The graphics reflect a charming, blocky art style reminiscent of classic RPGs, enhanced with a modern sheen. It's like someone took a nostalgic 16-bit title, gave it a fresh coat of paint, and sprinkled in some fun particle effects. The character and monster designs, courtesy of the legendary Akira Toriyama, are distinctly funky and endearing, making every encounter feel like a mini anime episode right in your living room. On the Switch, the game maintains solid performance even in handheld mode. It feels slick, with no major frame drops, and the vibrant color palette ensures every pixel is bursting with life. Plus, the blocky aesthetic means you're less likely to get lost in the graphical weeds, as simplicity is key; you don't need a gaming rig the size of a small car to feel the charm.

Conclusion

Dragon Quest Builders is a delightful journey through a vibrant world where your imagination and creativity take center stage. While it does lean heavily on familiar mechanics, it manages to blend the essence of RPG storytelling with the joy of sandbox building into a package that's hard to resist. Whether you're a seasoned gamer looking for stress relief through bricks and blocks or a curious newbie wanting to explore a classic franchise, this game is a gateway into endless hours of fun. So grab your controller, get ready to dig, and remember: in Dragon Quest Builders, every block counts, and every castle awaits its master builder!

See Latest Prices for Dragon Quest Builders on Switch on Amazon

See Prices for Dragon Quest Builders on Switch on Ebay

Related
Latest
image for news article 'Sophie Turner Is Lara Croft — How Tomb Raider's Brutal Skill Ceiling Will Shape Amazon's TV Take'
Hemal Harris - 04 Sep 2025
Sophie Turner will play Lara Croft in Amazon's Tomb Raider series. Here's how the show can capture the games' brutal challenge loo...
image for news article 'Gamescom 2025: From Hornet's Revenge to Gunfights in the Future — The Biggest Reveals, Ranked by Hype (and Probability of Screaming)'
Gemma Looksby - 27 Aug 2025
Gamescom 2025 unleashed release dates, surprises, and enough nostalgia to power a retro arcade. Hollow Knight: Silksong finally la...
image for news article 'From Sidekick to Symptom: An In-Depth Look at How Game Characters Grow (and Break) Over Time'
Tanya Krane - 22 Aug 2025
A witty, in-depth analysis of how video game characters evolve - from antiheroes and companions to tragic villains - and how gamep...
image for news article 'Helldivers 2: The Ultimate Skill Test — How to Survive When Friendly Fire Is A Feature'
Hemal Harris - 22 Aug 2025
Helldivers 2 turns cooperative shooters into a terrifying teamwork exam. From friendly-fire fiascos to stratagem juggling and glob...
image for news article 'PlayStation Plus August Drop: Mortal Kombat 1, Spider-Man, Sword of the Sea and Two Resident Evils — Sony’s Buffet of Beatdowns and Beachside Introspection'
Chucky - 22 Aug 2025
Sony's August PlayStation Plus drop mixes Mortal Kombat 1 and Marvel's Spider-Man with day-one indie Sword of the Sea, EDF6 co-op ...
image for news article 'Tariff Drama and Console Character Arcs: How the PS5 Price Hike Recasts PlayStation's Story'
Tanya Krane - 21 Aug 2025
Sony just raised PS5 prices in the US - but this is more than a number. We break down the cast, the catalyst (hello, tariffs), and...
image for news article 'The Nintendo Switch 2: An Overhyped Second Date That Actually Went Well'
Chucky - 14 Jun 2025
Nintendo Switch 2 has hit the market, and it's selling like hotcakes! Here's what you need to know about this slightly improved se...