Nintendo's Puzzle & Dragons Z + Puzzle & Dragons Super Mario Bros. Edition launched this week, bringing a two for one puzzle package to 3DS. The first game of the two was a high-selling success in Japan, while the Super Mario-themed title is new offering. How did this bundle fare with critics? Here are some excerpts from around the web:
Gamespot, 7/10: "That's what I mean when I say that this game wasn't made for me. It's a watered-down stepping stone, intended to introduce players to Puzzle & Dragons with a familiar face and none of those intimidating in-app purchases. It's clear, however, that P&D's design was built on a free-to-play base, and taking those elements out actually makes the game feel less substantial as a result. (Yes, much as we loathe to admit it, it's exciting to spend some premium-currency magic stones for a random rare monster from time to time, just as it's fun to open a pack of trading cards or a blind-boxed figure.)
"While you can still have a good deal of fun with this two-in-one package, the mobile game is the better option. P&D Z and P&D Mario make nice little appetizers, but ultimately, it's up to you whether you want to feast on the main course afterwards."
IGN, 7.9/10: "This two-for-one Puzzle & Dragons adventure is more like a "play one and ignore the other." The Super Mario Bros. Edition delivers the puzzle and RPG challenge I was looking for; it offers tons to do and requires strong strategizing and puzzle skills without any unnecessary story filler, and that's the series' strong suit in the first place. It redeems the low point of Puzzle & Dragons Z, which is bogged down by a generic and forced story that does nothing but disrupt the flow of its too-easy gameplay. There's plenty of content in both, and I'll be back for more Mario, at least."
Game Informer, 9/10: "The Mario edition replaces everything with the franchise's familiar trappings. The on-foot action is swapped with a Super Mario 3-style map, the soundtrack is loaded with familiar tunes, and you're joined by a growing squad of reformed villains. The game is generous with continues, and its lack of free-to-play elements means that you can keep trying to beat trickier sections without worrying about paying or waiting for a bar to recharge. And both games do get tricky, with enemies spewing a variety of status effects that require on-the-fly strategy changes.
"I've been a fan of the original Puzzle & Dragons since it came out, and I think it's finally met its match. The stories in Puzzle & Dragons Z + Puzzle & Dragons Super Mario Bros. Edition (whew!) are a bit hokey, but both games are so strong overall that I may be able to finally clean out some space on my iPad."
Destructoid, 7.5/10: "Remedial as it may be, it has some challenging spots, and it's still worth playing if you dig puzzle games. The thrill of building a party is still present, and although the world isn't all that engaging (it feels as lifeless as the first "New" game on DS), most Nintendo fans won't pass up the chance to fight and capture classic characters like Goombas or Piranha Plants. It's disappointing that the Mario part isn't as fleshed out, but it's more excusable when you add in the fact that the core Z experience is worth the price of entry alone.
"Puzzle & Dragons Z + Puzzle & Dragons: Super Mario Bros. Edition isn't likely to wow anyone, but it's a pretty comprehensive package that would make a great gift to any match-three addict."