Dragons: Dawn of New Riders - Nintendo Switch

Good game but son never played

My 7 year old loves this game but it can be a little challenging at points. He loves HTTYD, and really enjoys just flying around on the dragon. Parts of it are definitely old style Zelda influenced.The gameplay seems like it's mostly comprised of many little spaghetti dungeons. You have to proceed through each dungeon in a set path and sometimes it takes looking at the map and understanding you have to go do that so you can do this. While you have to move through that set path, the way there isn't straightforward, and it tends to be a bit confusing for a 7 year old. They're not short either, which is fine. More gameplay, right? He does get hung up, but I can play with him and it's still fun. The downside is that if you leave, you have to start each dungeon at the beginning the paths rarely open shortcuts as you go, and the fights and traps reload each time, which can be more tedious than enjoyable since you don't really get drops from fights.The boss fights can also be a bit of a challenge for the bottom of that age range. They're similar to old Zelda boss fights, so as an adult you're aware you have to figure out the mechanic of each fight and keep working it. My kid can't quite work them out seamlessly yet. Again, I have to help a bit. Not a big deal.There are things to pick up to use to buy buffs and armor upgrades, and you get to interact with the franchise characters, which is cool. You also get different weapons, an intuitive controller set up with quick weapon switch and inventory access, and decent item slots.Overall, this is a fun game that proves enjoyable for spending time together with hours of gameplay, and that's part of the point, right?

Bought for my grandsons birthday! He loves this game and plays it just about daily…. It came on time and was exactly as described… would definitely buy again!

🎮 Gameplay & MechanicsDragons: Dawn of New Riders offers a delightful blend of action-adventure and light RPG elements, making it an excellent entry point for younger gamers. Players control Scribbler and his dragon companion, Patch, navigating through various environments, solving puzzles, and engaging in combat. The game features intuitive controls, both on the ground and during flight sequences, ensuring accessibility for its target audience. While the combat is straightforward, it suits the game’s design and audience well.  🎨 Visuals & SoundThe game’s visuals are charming, capturing the essence of the How to Train Your Dragon universe. The environments are vibrant, and there are thoughtful details, such as birds reacting to the player’s presence. The soundtrack complements the gameplay with a lighthearted Celtic theme, enhancing the overall experience. However, the absence of voice acting means that all dialogue is text-based, which might be a consideration for younger players or those who prefer voiced narratives. 🧩 Puzzles & ExplorationThe game incorporates puzzles that are engaging yet not overly complex, aligning well with its intended age group. These puzzles, combined with exploration elements, add depth to the gameplay without overwhelming younger players. The flying mechanics, while present, are noted to be less refined compared to other aspects of the game. 🕒 Game Length & ReplayabilityWith a playtime of approximately 4-6 hours, Dragons: Dawn of New Riders offers a concise adventure that doesn’t overstay its welcome. While it may not provide extensive replayability, the experience is satisfying and well-paced for its duration.⸻✅ Pros:• Engaging and accessible gameplay suitable for younger audiences• Charming visuals and environments• Complementary soundtrack enhancing the game’s atmosphere• Incorporates puzzles and exploration elements❌ Cons:• Lack of voice acting may affect immersion• Flying mechanics could be more refined• Relatively short game length⸻📦 Final ThoughtsDragons: Dawn of New Riders stands out as a commendable licensed game that respects its source material while providing an enjoyable experience for its audience. It’s particularly well-suited for younger players or fans of the How to Train Your Dragon series seeking a lighthearted adventure. While it has its shortcomings, the game’s strengths make it a worthwhile addition to a family-friendly game library.

Nephew enjoying the game

We got this for our son as a gift and he loves it! It was the first game he played on his new switch and he actually finished it in a few days. Already got another dragon game to try next.

My grandson loves it.

my little girl loved the book