Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Doraemon: Nobita to 3-tsu no Seireiseki captures the spirit of the anime by inviting players into a vibrant 3D action platformer not unlike Super Mario 64. Your mission is straightforward yet compelling: recover shattered fragments of three sacred crystals that have been scattered across a variety of dream-like kingdoms. Each world is filled with hidden alcoves, tricky platforming sections, and foes to defeat, striking a pleasing balance between exploration and combat.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

One of the game’s standout features is the ability to switch on the fly between five playable characters—Doraemon, Jaian, Suneo, Shizuka, and Nobita—each boasting unique fighting styles and traversal abilities. Doraemon uses his gadgets to adapt to any environment, Jaian can unleash powerful shockwaves in close quarters, Suneo delivers rapid boxing combos, Shizuka soars to great heights with her jumping prowess, and Nobita excels at long-range pea-shooter attacks. This character variety turns every level into a puzzle of figuring out which hero is best suited for a particular challenge.

As you collect special tools scattered throughout the dream realms, Doraemon can upgrade his capabilities—breathing underwater, flying over obstacles, or even summoning a majestic winged dragon for aerial travel. These upgrades don’t just serve combat; they open up previously inaccessible areas, rewarding curious players with secret sub-missions and extra crystal shards. The satisfaction of revisiting an old level with a new gadget and uncovering fresh surprises is a strong hook for completionists.

The controls feel tight and responsive, making platforming sections a joy even when they demand precision. Enemy encounters vary from simple grunt creatures to larger mini-bosses that require quick thinking and smart gadget use. Minor camera hiccups surface occasionally in narrow corridors, but for the most part, the camera tracks smoothly, letting you focus on the fun of exploration and strategic character swaps.

Graphics

Visually, the game leans heavily into the bright, cartoony aesthetic fans of the Doraemon anime will recognize instantly. Each dream world is artistically distinct—lush forests shimmering with phosphorescent plants, sandy dunes dotted with mysterious relics, and ice-capped peaks wreathed in frosty mists. The color palette is bold and cheerful, reinforcing the magical atmosphere and making every level feel like a living storybook.

Character models are faithfully rendered, complete with expressive faces and fluid animations that reflect their personalities. Doraemon’s wide-eyed curiosity, Jaian’s brash swagger, and Shizuka’s graceful leaps all come through with charming detail. Even supporting NPCs and minor enemies have enough variety in their designs to prevent visual monotony across the game’s dozen or so stages.

From a technical standpoint, performance remains stable on modern hardware, and load times between worlds are brief enough to keep the pacing brisk. Environmental effects—such as drifting snow, rippling water, and dynamic shadows—add polish without demanding too much from the system. While not pushing the boundaries of next-gen graphics, the game’s art direction and smooth framerate ensure a consistently pleasant visual experience.

Story

The narrative stays true to the lighthearted, family-friendly tone of the source material. A powerful demon seeks to conquer reality by reassembling the three sacred crystals, and dream portals are the only barrier between chaos and peace. Doraemon and his friends venture into these fantastical realms through their sleep, setting the stage for imaginative environments that reflect each character’s inner dreams and fears.

Cutscenes are fully voiced and capture key personality moments, like Nobita’s anxious self-doubt, Shizuka’s encouraging compassion, and Jaian’s overblown bravado. Though the overarching plot is relatively straightforward, the dream-world framing device allows for creative twists: one level feels like a pirate adventure, another conjures a towering clockwork city, and yet another explores a haunted forest where shadows come alive.

Dialogues are concise but filled with fan service for longtime viewers of the anime—catchy one-liners, comedic reactions, and heartfelt exchanges. The story progresses at a comfortable pace, with major plot revelations spaced out across the worlds, ensuring you remain invested in reuniting the crystal shards before the demon can enact his dark plan.

Overall Experience

Doraemon: Nobita to 3-tsu no Seireiseki delivers a well-rounded package that will appeal to fans of the beloved anime and platforming enthusiasts alike. Its blend of character-based combat, inventive gadget upgrades, and wide-open levels makes exploration continually rewarding. Each world feels handcrafted, packed with secrets hidden behind newly acquired abilities.

The game’s approachable difficulty curve makes it suitable for younger players or newcomers to 3D platformers, while optional challenges and hidden collectibles offer additional depth for seasoned gamers. Switching between five distinct characters keeps combat fresh and encourages strategic thinking, and revisiting earlier stages with new tools provides healthy replay value.

Minor camera quirks and occasional backtracking won’t derail the overall fun, and the upbeat soundtrack coupled with vibrant visuals ensures every mission feels like a cheerful adventure. Whether you’re a Doraemon devotee or simply seeking a family-friendly platformer with a dash of nostalgia, this title offers an engaging journey through dreamscapes that are as imaginative as they are enjoyable.

Retro Replay Score

5.9/10