FAIRY TAIL: DUNGEONS Review [PC] | The Best Fairy Tail Game Yet｜Game8 (2024)

FAIRY TAIL: DUNGEONS is a deck-building rogue-lite game featuring the iconic characters created by Hiro Mashima. Read our review to see what it did well, what it didn't do well, and if it's worth buying.

FAIRY TAIL: DUNGEONS Review Overview

What is FAIRY TAIL: DUNGEONS?

The beloved characters from the Fairy Tail series embark on a thrilling dungeon-crawling adventure. Players must guide them through mysterious dungeons, relying on a carefully crafted deck of skill cards to defeat enemies and progress deeper into the unknown.

The adventure begins when Natsu and Happy discover a mysterious door hidden beneath their guild. As they step through, they’re suddenly trapped and their powers are drained. Just when all seems lost, they’re rescued by an Exceed named Labi, who bears a striking resemblance to Happy. With the help of Cana, who bestows upon them the power of magical cards to restore some of their strength, Natsu and Happy must now journey through the depths of the dungeon. Their mission is to uncover its secrets and save their friends in the Fairy Tail guild.

Steam

$13.99

FAIRY TAIL: DUNGEONS Pros & Cons

FAIRY TAIL: DUNGEONS Overall Score - 84/100

Amidst a string of lackluster Fairy Tail games, FAIRY TAIL: DUNGEONS breaks the mold, delivering an experience that truly does the series justice. It’s safe to say this is the best Fairy Tail game out there right now. While it’s not without its flaws, the captivating deckbuilding gameplay more than compensates, offering fans countless hours of fun while capturing the true spirit of the guild.

FAIRY TAIL: DUNGEONS Story - 7/10

Imagine the game’s story as its own unique arc, nestled around the X791 timeline. This might be a bit disorienting for fans who aren’t up-to-date or newcomers, as it skips over character backstories and assumes you’re already familiar with them. It would have also been great to see more interactions with other Guild members and the signature comedic moments that Fairy Tail is famous for. Despite its glaring narrative flaws, it can still be very compelling, with the mystery of the dungeon and the enigmatic Labi driving the plot forward.

FAIRY TAIL: DUNGEONS Gameplay - 9/10

If you’re a fan of Slay the Spire, you’ll love this game. It offers a faster, more combo-focused combat system that, while a bit easier, still provides a ton of depth with a wide variety of cards and unique character combinations. The progression system shines, as you can really feel the characters regaining their strength with each new card and team synergy. The dungeon crawling is simplified but offers a quick, refreshing change of pace, making it perfect for short sessions on the go. My only real complaint is that the RNG can be a bit of a hit-or-miss at times.

FAIRY TAIL: DUNGEONS Visuals - 9/10

The visuals in this game take a daring departure from Mashima’s familiar art style, but this inventive shift delivers a refreshing and distinctive Fairy Tail adventure. The pixel art brims with its own quirky charm and vibrant personality, making it a standout contrast to the more conventional 3D graphics of other Fairy Tail games.

FAIRY TAIL: DUNGEONS Audio - 9/10

The game’s audio score suffers a bit from the absence of voice acting. While it’s understandable for an indie title, having some voice dialogue, especially during combat, would have been a nice addition to make the combat feel more engaging. On the plus side, the soundtrack is excellent and captures the vibes of the anime’s OST perfectly. However, with a limited number of tracks, you’ll hear some repetition quite often. Despite this, the music is still well worth listening to outside the game!

FAIRY TAIL: DUNGEONS Value for Money - 8/10

For $13.99, this game is a total steal. You get amazing value with tons of replayability, thanks to its deep customization and deck-building options. The chance to play solo or team up with Natsu and friends adds even more to the replay value. The only downside is that it might be a bit tricky for newcomers, as the story and characters aren’t very beginner-friendly.

FAIRY TAIL: DUNGEONS Review: The Best Fairy Tail Game Yet

Let’s face it, Fairy Tail fans, our track record with games hasn’t exactly been stellar, which is surprising given how perfect the series seems for a video game adaptation. There’s so much potential for creativity within the franchise, yet we’ve mostly seen forgettable JRPGs that feel rather bland. I’m excited to say that, in my opinion, this game is the best Fairy Tail game available right now.

It might seem odd to say, especially since this game doesn’t immediately evoke the same vibes as the manga or anime. For one, its visuals are quite different, featuring dark, labyrinthine dungeons and a pixel art style to boot. But trust me, it’s absolutely stunning. The contrast of the teal Lacrima against the dark dungeon setting is visually striking.

Plus, the sprites are incredibly expressive during combat, leading to some really flashy and enjoyable moves. I spent the most time playing Lucy and Erza, as their magic showcases the most dramatic and varied effects visually.

Story-wise, this game definitely feels like a Fairy Tail arc, hitting all the familiar tropes we love, like Team Natsu getting separated once again and the guild facing fresh turmoil. And of course, there’s the classic “Friendship is my power” theme, which I personally enjoy. What sets this story apart is the intriguing mystery surrounding the dungeon’s origins. Without giving too much away, the plot is genuinely captivating.

However, there are some downsides. I’d have loved to see more of the goofy interactions that make Fairy Tail’s comedy so enjoyable. Also, the story isn’t very newcomer-friendly, so if you’re not up-to-date with the series, I recommend doing a bit of background research online. Despite these issues, the story remains fun and engaging throughout the end.

Speaking of fun and engaging, the standout feature of this game is definitely the combat. It might feel a bit overwhelming at first, especially since Labi doesn’t provide the best tutorial, but it’s actually quite intuitive once you get the hang of it. The combat is similar to other card games, but with a twist: each turn you manage mana points to perform a variety of combos, whether it’s dealing damage, defending, or casting magic.

The combat system is incredibly addictive due to its fast pace and the endless strategies and combos you can try out. Team Dungeon mode takes things up a notch, with each deck bringing its own unique flavor, making every playthrough feel fresh and exciting. I also appreciate how the dungeons are straightforward, letting you dive into battles quickly. The bosses are a highlight—challenging and fun, they really keep the gameplay engaging.

Pros of FAIRY TAIL: DUNGEONS

Gorgeous Sprites

As someone who used to animate Fairy Tail sprites as a kid, I have to say the sprites in this game are absolutely stunning and full of life. It’s a real joy to see beloved characters like Natsu, Lucy, Gray, Erza, Wendy, Laxus, and others come to life. I especially love seeing Lucy and Erza in different outfits, and the celestial keys, like Virgo, make a fantastic appearance. The abilities are also beautifully animated; Natsu’s fire dragon moves look incredibly powerful. It’s clear that the developers are true fans of the series, and their attention to detail in the sprites and animations is top-notch.

In-Depth Deckbuilding Combat

I really prefer the deck-building system in this game over Slay the Spire. One reason is how fast-paced and combo-heavy it is. There are so many ways to customize each character’s deck and create chaos on the battlefield. Each character has a unique playstyle: Natsu is a versatile all-rounder, Lucy focuses on healing and using her celestial keys, Gray is more methodical with cool strategic options, Erza is all about high damage, and Wendy provides support, while Happy… well, Happy’s just happy to be there.

I especially enjoy Team Dungeon mode, even though it’s more challenging. It’s great to have so many ways to outplay opponents and feel like you’re actually working with Team Natsu, even if you can only have four characters in your party.

There’s a lot of strategy involved with skill cards and magic chains, plus options like redrawing cards at the cost of some health or setting up powerful combos. The combos are wild, and the deck-building is next level. I love how detailed each character is and how their moves reflect the show. I’ve been using Erza and Lucy the most in solo play because their abilities are just so much fun.

Amazing Soundtrack

The soundtrack, crafted by Hiroki Kikuta, the composer behind Secret of Mana, is absolutely fantastic. He expertly captures the Celtic-inspired sound that makes Fairy Tail so memorable, enhancing both the scenes and the combat with a unique and passionate touch. Although the soundtrack features a limited number of tracks, each one flows seamlessly into the next, and I’m genuinely excited for its release on music platforms.

Cons of FAIRY TAIL: DUNGEONS

Lack of Fan Service

Fairy Tail is all about friendship, magic, and those memorable fan service moments. Unfortunately, this game misses out on the fan service I was hoping for. And no, I’m not talking about the kind you might be thinking of. What I mean is, that I really wish we could see more of the beloved characters from the Fairy Tail universe, not just Team Natsu and the occasional familiar face. Being limited to only Team Natsu as playable characters feels like a missed opportunity. I understand the budget constraints, but adding a few more characters like Gajeel or Juvia, who are closely tied to the main team, would have been a great touch. If the developers plan to add more content in the future, expanding the roster should definitely be a priority.

Enemies can get Repetitive

One gripe I have with the combat is the repetition of enemies. It feels like we're facing the same foes repeatedly since their sprites hardly ever change, except for the boss fights. It can get a bit monotonous to grind through the same generic monsters, especially when we'd love to see more of the unique creatures from the Fairy Tail lore. While it doesn’t ruin the experience, it does make the gameplay occasionally feel a bit tedious.

Is FAIRY TAIL: DUNGEONS Worth It?

A Great Game for Fans and Card Game Enthusiasts

This game is a must-buy for Fairy Tail fans who have been craving a truly great Fairy Tail experience. It feels like it was crafted by fans, with incredible attention to detail that makes it incredibly fun and immersive. Card-game enthusiasts will also have a blast with it—while it might not be the most complex, there’s plenty of strategic depth and chaotic fun to enjoy. It might be a bit challenging for newcomers, but I encourage you to at least try the demo and see if it clicks with you.

Steam

$13.99

FAIRY TAIL: DUNGEONS FAQ

Is Fairy Tail Creator Hiro Mashima involved in FAIRY TAIL: DUNGEONS?

Hiro Mashima revealed that he invested 10 million yen (around $70,000) to help produce the game. It’s already sold over 10,000 copies in just the first two days and launched with “Very Positive” ratings on Steam. Clearly, Mashima’s investment has paid off.

How Many Characters are Playable in FAIRY TAIL: DUNGEONS?

The game includes five playable characters—Natsu, Lucy, Gray, Erza, and Wendy—all members of Team Natsu from the Fairy Tail Guild.

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FAIRY TAIL: DUNGEONS Product Information

Title	FAIRY TAIL: DUNGEONS
Release Date	August 26, 2024
Developer	ginolabo
Publisher	Kodansha
Supported Platforms	PC(Steam)
Genre	Roguelite, Deckbuilder, Anime
Number of Players	1
Rating	Not Rated
Official Website	FAIRY TAIL: DUNGEONS Website