Dragon Warrior Monsters on Game Boy Color is basically Pokémon but with that classic Dragon Quest flavor. You start off getting kidnapped to this weird monster world (don’t ask why, just roll with it) and suddenly you’re scouting monsters, breeding them for better stats, and fighting in tournaments. The breeding system’s way deeper than it looks—I spent way too long trying to hatch the perfect Slime Knight.

The pixel art still holds up, especially the monster designs. Some of them are ridiculous in the best way—like a walking tree with a mustache or a floating eyeball that shoots lasers. Battles are turn-based but surprisingly tactical, especially when you start stacking buffs and debuffs. Just don’t get too attached to your early monsters—you’ll probably fuse them into something better later.

It’s got that old-school grind, but in a satisfying way. You’ll know within the first hour if it’s your thing.