After the massive success of its current mobile lineup, Nintendo is looking to continue its hot streak of profitable mobile titles with Dragalia Lost, an action RPG title set in a fantasy world. Co-developed by both Nintendo and Cygames (the creators of Grandblue Fantasy), this is the former’s first mobile game based on a completely new IP.
In the medieval kingdom of Albania where dragons and humans once coexisted, players take on the role of an unnamed Prince, seventh in line for the throne. The royal family of the kingdom used to make pacts with dragons, and this bond is revived when the sacred shard protecting the kingdom from monsters began losing its powers. Now, together with allies that also have the ability to take on the power of dragons, the Prince must set out on a quest to save his home while fending off the evil schemes of his royal family members.
While the plot isn’t anything original, credit should given for the fantastic art style and character designs. The 3D world is lush and colorful, filled with a variety of different monsters and environments. Players control a team of four as they traverse through the overworld, and must fight through environmental traps, monsters, and bosses along the way. Each hero has his or her own abilities and class. Much like in Fire Emblem, individual characters are assigned an element and a weapon style that have strengths and weaknesses against another type in a rock-paper-scissor system. During combat, players can switch between each of the four heroes to better coordinate battles. When a transformation bar has been filled, they can even transform into the dragons with whom they’ve made a pact for maximum power.
To level up, Nintendo and Cygames have opted for a system that aligns more with traditional RPGs. Aside from grinding for levels, players can equip and improve weapons, upgrade attributes using the Mana Circle, or engage in a mini kingdom-building simulator called the Halidom where special structures can be built for different enhancements.
Now, for the most important part: monetization options. This is a gacha game, like many before it, so the main source of revenue comes from in-game currency called Diamantium that can be purchased. However, Nintendo has opted to make another currency type called Wyrmite that is unlocked through login bonuses, events, and general gameplay. Similar to Fire Emblem Heroes, players obtain heroes by rolling for them, and the number of stars determines rarity. For added incentives, gamers can also roll for dragons and special art items called Wyrmprints to further boost their party. Perhaps most exciting of all, Draglia Lost supports 4-player co-op, a first for a Nintendo mobile title. Players can adventure together with their friends or hop into a party in the online hub.
Dragalia Lost will release September 27, 2018 on iOS and Android, and pre-registers are open today.