One of the finest portable RPGs, even today.
The term "oldschool" is used and reused to desribe games, now more than ever, and it seems that it's almost become a bad omen. Most people will stay away from the "old school" RPG as Oldschool has been assosiated with being out of date. then again maybe I'm just getting old...
Dragon warrior III uses one of the most basic plots imaginable with almosyt no charactor interaction and yet the game keeps you hoocked for hours on end, something many portable games juast can't do. Chronologically it's actually the first game in the series as it takes place before Dragon Warrior. You are a 16 year old boy who sets out to defeat an evil demon who killed your father and theatens the world. How this game differs from most RPGs (today anyway) is that your party is not predetermined but rather you "build" the extra members in the begining. You are a "hero" (as all lead Dragon Warrior charactors) but you can also go to the tavern in the first town and in essence make three party members of your choice from a set of classes. You choose their gender as well as giving out some stat bonuses to customize them at thier state on Level 1. After you make your party you set out on your advanture. One way this game differs from newer portable RPGs is the level of challenge. Most portable RPGs of today seem to be dumbed down to make it more "portable". this game on the other hand requires just as much leveling and skill as the toughest console RPG. If you played a past dragon Warrior you know what to expect. If not, get read to fight a lot of slimes my friend. Although there is not much plot its usually fairly obvious where you go next and the adventure never really drags on.
Graphically it looks great on the GBCs tiny screen and looks almost as good as some first generation SNES games. lots of bright charactors and great sprites in battle. the biggest drawback is the backgrounds in battle; there aren't any. Just the enemy sprites on a blank backdrop. It seems a little odd as even the remake of Dragon Warrior on GBC has backgrounds in battle but it's a small price to pay for such smooth sprite animations.
Sound wise it's not much to listen to. It has some memorable and chatchy tunes but you can't expect much from the GBCs limited sound capabilities.
Overall it's a great throw back that shows just why dragon Warrior has such a huge following and any fan of old school RPGs can appreciate it's depth in the simplisity.
If you can find a copy GRAB IT you may not find it again.