TLDR;
This video is a comprehensive review of Digimon World 3, a game praised for its unique digivolution system, engaging world, and compelling narrative. The reviewer highlights the game's strengths, such as its balanced gameplay, rewarding training mechanics, and exciting plot, while also addressing its weaknesses, including tedious backtracking and a disappointing post-game experience. The review offers a detailed look at the game's mechanics, digivolution process, and overall progression, providing both long-time fans and newcomers with a thorough analysis of this classic Digimon title.
- Balanced gameplay and rewarding training mechanics.
- Unique and interesting digivolution system.
- Compelling narrative with exciting moments.
- Tedious backtracking and a disappointing post-game experience.
Intro [0:00]
The video introduces Digimon World 3 as a highly requested review, acknowledging the anticipation surrounding it. The reviewer notes the game's influence on subsequent Digimon titles, particularly in presentation, and expresses curiosity about its gameplay style. The review focuses on the European version of the game, which includes features absent from the American release, such as updated mechanics and post-game content.
Box Art [2:44]
The video discusses the box art of Digimon World 3, comparing the Japanese and American/European versions. The reviewer appreciates the inclusion of recognizable Digimon like Agumon and Guilmon, as well as the lesser-known Terriermon. The reviewer notes that the mix of familiar and new characters may have appealed to players, suggesting a blend of nostalgia and fresh content.
G Fuel: Use code WAYNEISBOSS! [5:42]
The video includes a promotional segment for G Fuel, an energy drink provider. The reviewer highlights G Fuel's range of flavors inspired by gaming characters and titles, as well as original flavors like Miami Nights. The reviewer emphasizes the sugar-free formula and the availability of a discount code "WAYNEISBOSS" for online orders.
Getting Started [6:50]
The video begins the game review with the initial setup and introduction. The reviewer notes the Persona 3-like transition screen and the first in-game depiction of the real world. The main character, Junior, is introduced along with his friends Teddy and Ivy, who are all interested in the Digimon Online game. The group travels to the Mami Online Center to enter the game, with the reviewer questioning whether their physical bodies are digitized or just their minds.
My Burden to Bearmon [11:08]
The video addresses the different names of Digimon due to localization, focusing on Kumamon/Bearmon. The reviewer explains that in Digimon World 3, Bearmon is known as Kumamon, while in Japan, it has always been Bearmon. The reviewer clarifies that they will refer to the character as Bearmon to avoid confusion with the other Digimon named Kumamon. The video then discusses the purpose of choosing between Digimon packs, noting that it primarily affects the early game balance based on the player's preference.
The First Area [15:27]
The video explores the initial city area, highlighting important locations such as the Inn, Armory, and Item Shop. The Inn allows players to rest and save the game, while the Armory offers equipment to boost Digimon stats. The Item Shop sells healing items and discs to recover from status effects. The video also mentions the Lamb Chop bar, emphasizing the importance of exploring and talking to NPCs for progression.
The Card Game [18:55]
The video discusses the card game mechanic within Digimon World 3, expressing the reviewer's lack of enthusiasm for it. The card game involves using Digimon and program cards to battle opponents, with the goal of winning booster packs. The reviewer finds the tutorial confusing and the initial battles unengaging, leading to a lack of interest in the system. The card battles are optional and have no significant consequences, further diminishing their appeal.
Battles [26:31]
The video transitions to the battle system, noting that encounters can be initiated through random encounters, fishing, or NPC challenges. The reviewer explains that a Digimon's Charisma stat affects how NPCs interact with the player, with higher Charisma leading to Digimon battles instead of card battles. The battle system is turn-based, with commands such as Fight, Tech, Tag, Item, and Run. The reviewer notes the limitations of healing Techs and the effectiveness of status effects like confusion.
Stats and Training [30:52]
The video explains the various stats in the game, including strength, defense, spirit, and wisdom, as well as elemental stats. The reviewer notes that winning battles increases these stats, and different rookie Digimon have natural focuses. Training points (TP) can be used at gyms to control stat growth, with different levels of TP determining the extent of training. The reviewer emphasizes the importance of training speed, as it affects attack order, blocking rate, and physical attack accuracy.
Accessories [36:02]
The video discusses the impact of accessories on gameplay, highlighting the training book and elemental rings. The reviewer emphasizes the counter Crest, an accessory that grants a chance to counter physical attacks. The American release of the game has a 100% counterattack rate, making it an extremely powerful item. With the right equipment and training, the combat system becomes relatively easy.
Digivolving [39:47]
The video transitions to the digivolution system, explaining that rookie Digimon can digivolve into various forms based on their level and stats. The standard experience goes to the rookie, while digivolutions receive DV experience. The video details the branching paths of digivolutions, noting that certain levels and stats are required to unlock new forms. The reviewer emphasizes that the stat requirements refer to the rookie's stats, not the amplified numbers of their digivolution.
Main Plot [53:16]
The video discusses the main plot of Digimon World 3, starting with the journey to Seru City. The reviewer notes the padding in the game, such as having to travel to the Dino Region to prove worth. The video highlights the emergency maintenance in the game, which prevents players from logging out. The reviewer also mentions the tricky Guilmon quest, which involves being tricked multiple times.
Post Game [1:33:07]
The video transitions to the post-game content of Digimon World 2003, noting that it is the main reason people suggested playing this version. The reviewer expresses frustration with the post-game, which involves defeating every leader, gaining every badge, and becoming the Digimon Champion. The video highlights the weapon forging quests, which require recruiting all eight possible rookie Digimon and getting them to level 45. The reviewer describes the level grinding as miserable and tedious, adding an extra 90 to 100 hours of playtime.
Conclusion [1:47:39]
The video concludes with the reviewer recommending the main campaign of Digimon World 3, despite the negative experience with the post-game content. The reviewer praises the game's welcoming world, experimental leveling and digivolution system, and exciting narrative. The reviewer notes that the core experience of Digimon World 3 is worth recommending to modern players.