Dragon Project

Can a vertical MMORPG actually deliver a satisfying Monster Hunter-style experience?

Dragon Project, developed by goGame and currently at version 1.8.9, positions itself as a unique entry in the mobile role-playing game landscape. Unlike the vast majority of action RPGs that force a horizontal orientation, this title operates entirely in portrait mode. This design choice is not merely cosmetic—it fundamentally alters how you interact with the game world, allowing for one-handed play without sacrificing the depth of combat mechanics. The control scheme is notably intuitive: tapping, swiping, and holding on the screen translates directly into character actions, eliminating the need for complex virtual joysticks or multiple on-screen buttons. This makes the game accessible for quick sessions while commuting or waiting, yet still provides the responsiveness required for tactical encounters.

The core gameplay loop revolves around hunting down massive, monstrous creatures, drawing clear inspiration from the Monster Hunter franchise. Your primary objective is not simply to grind through random enemies. Instead, you engage in structured quests that require specific outcomes: slaying a particular number of a species, gathering rare materials from fallen foes, or—most critically—participating in large-scale raids against giant bosses. These giant creature encounters are the heart of the experience. You are never alone in these fights. The game populates your hunting party with either AI-controlled companions or real online players, creating a dynamic cooperative environment. The matchmaking system is seamless, dropping you into a shared instance where coordination (even without voice chat) becomes essential. This social layer transforms what could be a solitary grind into a shared tactical challenge.

Progression in Dragon Project is built on an unrelenting power spiral. Every piece of gear—weapons, armor, accessories—can be upgraded, refined, and evolved. The system is deep: you will find yourself constantly cycling between crafting new items, enhancing existing ones, and then hunting stronger monsters to unlock even better blueprints. The game offers multiple pathways to fuel this loop. You have daily missions that reset with standard rewards, a story mode that provides context and unlocks new areas, and special timed events that introduce limited-edition gear or exclusive monster variants. Additionally, the game includes a robust set of daily tasks that, when completed, grant bonus rewards, encouraging consistent engagement. The visual feedback during these upgrades is tangible—your character's appearance changes, and the damage numbers against monsters visibly increase, reinforcing the sense of progression.

The title has already proven itself commercially in its home market of Japan, which speaks to the quality of its execution. The 3D graphics are surprisingly detailed for a mobile title, with monster models that exhibit distinct animations and attack patterns. Environments, while not open-world, are well-crafted arenas that offer verticality and environmental hazards. The sound design complements the action, with distinct audio cues for different monster attacks and ability activations. However, the real differentiator remains the cooperative hunting events. These are not simple auto-battle affairs; you must manually dodge, time your attacks, and manage stamina. The vertical layout, initially a curiosity, becomes a strength here, as it allows you to keep the entire battlefield visible without needing to pan the camera.

• 4 short bullet points:
• Real-time co-op monster raids
• Portrait mode one-handed controls
• Deep gear upgrade system
• Japanese-developed proven success

Download now! The hunt is waiting—jump into Dragon Project immediately and start slaying colossal beasts with allies from around the world. Don't wait, the best gear won't craft itself.

Heads up: you'll need wifi for most features. Some cool stuff is extra.