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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsCritics received Dragon Quest VII: Fragments of the Forgotten Past on Nintendo 3DS favorably. Metacritic’s displayed listing gives the 3DS edition an 81 Metascore, while Nintendo Life rated its European version 7.9/10. Those are 2016 reviews of the 3DS game—not scores for the later Dragon Quest VII Reimagined.
What did critics think of Dragon Quest VII on 3DS?
The overall reception was favorable, though the two headline scores represent different things: Metacritic aggregates critics’ reviews, while Nintendo Life’s score is one publication’s assessment.
| Source | Edition and date | Score or breakdown | What it represents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metacritic | Nintendo 3DS; listing of 2016 reviews | 81 Metascore; 58 critic reviews displayed: 44 positive, 12 mixed, and zero negative | Aggregator score and review classifications; the displayed count may change as the page is updated. |
| Nintendo Life | European Nintendo 3DS version; September 13, 2016 | 7.9/10 | Morgan Sleeper’s individual review. |
The Metascore and review breakdown describe the Nintendo 3DS listing on Metacritic; they are not player ratings or evidence of sales or player numbers.
Why did Nintendo Life recommend it?
Nintendo Life praised the story, class system, soundtrack, character animations, and quality-of-life changes. Its reviewer, Morgan Sleeper, called it “a JRPG masterpiece”—an enthusiastic critical judgment, not a universal verdict.
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#1 Best Overall
- Travel to the past to save the present in this timeless quest
- Rebuilt visuals and localization make this a fresh way to experience this classic game
- Meet an iconic cast of classic characters and monsters designed by critically acclaimed anime and game artist, Akira Toriyama
- Rated "E10+" w/Comic Mischief, Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood, Mild Language, Mild Suggestive Themes, Simulated Gambling, and Use of Alcohol
The review also presents the game as a very large adventure. That scale is part of the context for its praise: the appeal lies in a substantial role-playing journey and its systems, rather than a brief experience.
Which game do these reviews cover?
They cover Dragon Quest VII: Fragments of the Forgotten Past for Nintendo 3DS. Nintendo Life reviewed the European version, and Nintendo’s official manual is for the same named Nintendo 3DS-family game.
Rank #2
- Travel to the past to save the present in this timeless quest
- Rebuilt visuals and localization make this a fresh way to experience this classic game
- Customize your party with over 30 vocations
- Explore a beautifully designed world that you shape as you travel back and forth in time
- No. of Players - 1, Category - Role-Playing
Do not apply these scores to Dragon Quest VII Reimagined. Square Enix announced that later remake for release on February 5, 2026, for Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. It is a separate release, so its reviews and reception should be considered independently. Square Enix’s announcement covers that remake.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is the 3DS version worth playing?
The 2016 critic response makes a favorable case for the 3DS edition, especially if a long adventure with a story-driven focus, a class system, and a strong soundtrack appeals to you. Nintendo Life’s praise for quality-of-life changes is also relevant if you are weighing this adaptation against the prospect of playing an older, large-scale role-playing game.
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- Features character design by Akira Toriyama (Dragon Quest, Chrono Trigger, Dragon Ball Z)
- Made its debut in 2000 in Japan only, this is the first time the game can be experienced in Europe! This 3DS remake sees the game in 3D for the first time
- 30+ Vocations to master
- Travel back in time to secure the future!
- Compatible with all consoles in the 3DS family
That recommendation is grounded in historical reviews, not a current reassessment of every version. The Metacritic listing can change as reviews are added or updated, and Nintendo Life’s 7.9/10 applies specifically to its European 3DS review. Neither score settles how the later remake compares.
Quick Recap
Best Value
![Dragon Quest VII: Fragments of the Forgotten Past - Nintendo 3DS [Pre-Owned]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61KtOaDXv+L._SL160_.jpg)
- Japanese-Style Role-Playing Game
- ESRB Ratings: Comic Mischief, Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood, Language, Suggestive Themes, Simulated Gambling, Alcohol Use
- Origin: United States
- Game Type: Japanese-Style Role-Playing
- Multiplayer: None
Rank #4
- Cheaper version of 3DS Dragon Quest 7
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