Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Dungeon Explorer: Warriors of Ancient Arts reimagines the classic action RPG formula with a streamlined, real-time top-down perspective. Players can select from three unique races—Oros, Emporos, and Taratta—and choose one of three classes: Hunter, Warrior, or Mage. Each class offers a distinct playstyle, from the Mage’s spellcasting versatility to the Warrior’s brute strength and the Hunter’s swift agility, ensuring that every dungeon run feels fresh and tailored to individual preferences.

The heart of the combat system lies in the expansive skill tree, featuring over 60 combat skills divided into eight specialized Art Schools. As you defeat monsters and complete quests, your character gains experience points, unlocking skill points that can be invested in areas such as elemental magic, swordsmanship, or stealth techniques. This depth of customization encourages experimentation, allowing you to mix skills across schools to craft hybrid builds that suit your solo journey or synergize with up to three other players.

Cooperative play shines as a core component of Warriors of Ancient Arts. With Nintendo Wi-Fi support for up to four players, teaming up to tackle sprawling labyrinths and powerful bosses brings strategic depth and camaraderie. Moreover, the game introduces robotic companions that can be programmed to assist in combat or carry additional loot. This layer of AI assistance ensures that even when you’re playing solo, you never feel underpowered against the relentless hordes of the Demon God’s minions.

Beyond raw combat, Dungeon Explorer emphasizes item management and crafting. Looted gear can be identified, revealing hidden stats and potential enchantments. Furthermore, the equipment reworking system allows players to merge and upgrade weapons, forging more powerful armaments by combining rare materials found deep within haunted crypts or traded with NPC artisans. These mechanics inject a satisfying loop of reward and progression, motivating players to dive deeper into each dungeon.

Graphics

The new fully 3D engine brings Westoria Kingdom to life with stunning detail and fluid animation. Dungeons are no longer flat mazes but sprawling environments filled with dynamic lighting, flickering torches, and shifting shadows that heighten the sense of mystery. Whether you’re navigating misty catacombs or sunlit courtyards, the visual diversity keeps exploration engaging and memorable.

Character models have been lovingly updated, showcasing intricate armor designs, race-specific features, and expressive spellcasting animations. The transition from the original TurboGrafx-16 sprites to modern 3D art retains the franchise’s nostalgic charm while delivering crisp textures and smooth frame rates. Boss encounters feel cinematic, as larger-than-life foes tower over your party with devastating special attacks accompanied by dramatic particle effects.

Cutscenes woven throughout the campaign add narrative context and showcase the high production values behind this remake. Voice work and orchestral music further immerse you in Westoria’s lore, punctuating key story beats with emotional resonance. From the sweeping vistas of the capital city to the claustrophobic corridors of the Demon God’s lair, the graphical fidelity elevates every moment of the adventure.

Story

Dungeon Explorer: Warriors of Ancient Arts builds upon its 1989 roots by weaving a richly detailed tale of ancient powers and demonic threats. The central conflict revolves around the resurgence of the Demon God, an eldritch entity bent on corrupting all life in Westoria Kingdom. As a chosen hero—be it Oros, Emporos, or Taratta—you must unearth the lost Ancient Fighting Arts to stand a chance against this apocalyptic force.

The narrative unfolds through a series of quests that guide you across diverse regions, from the bustling trade hubs of the Kingdom to the haunted ruins of forgotten temples. NPCs you encounter offer side quests that delve into personal backstories, moral dilemmas, and hidden lore. These optional missions enrich the world-building, providing glimpses into the struggles of common folk and the high stakes of impending darkness.

Character interactions feel meaningful, especially in multiplayer sessions where each player’s choice can influence the story’s outcome. The dialogue branches offer multiple resolutions, allowing your party to decide whether to show mercy to repentant foes or pursue ruthless vengeance. This branching narrative, combined with collectible journals and codex entries, makes the story both engaging for first-time adventurers and rewarding for lore enthusiasts seeking every hidden secret.

Overall Experience

Dungeon Explorer: Warriors of Ancient Arts successfully balances nostalgia with modern enhancements, delivering an action RPG that appeals to both longtime fans and newcomers. Its robust combat system, cooperative multiplayer, and deep progression mechanics create a compelling loop that keeps players invested for hours on end. The ability to tailor your build through an extensive skill tree and equipment crafting adds layers of replayability.

Graphically, the leap to a fully 3D engine and polished cutscenes gives the world of Westoria Kingdom a fresh vibrancy, while the orchestral soundtrack and voice acting enhance the emotional stakes. The story’s branching paths and side quests ensure that no two playthroughs are exactly alike, and the inclusion of robot companions provides a unique twist on party management in real-time battles.

Whether you’re diving in solo or assembling a squad of friends online, Warriors of Ancient Arts offers a rewarding journey through dungeons brimming with secrets, treasures, and fearsome adversaries. Its blend of classic dungeon-crawling roots with modern RPG innovations makes it a standout title for anyone craving an action-packed adventure steeped in myth and magic.

Retro Replay Score

6.2/10