Magical Drop III
{{Short description|1997 video game}}
{{Infobox video game
|title = Magical Drop III
|image = Magical Drop III arcade flyer.jpg
|developer = Data East{{efn|Ported to Neo Geo Pocket Color by Sakata SAS, Game Boy Color by Conspiracy Entertainment, Zeebo by Onan Games}}
|publisher = {{collapsible list|title=List|titlestyle=font-weight:normal;font-size:inherit;background:transparent;text-align:left|{{vgrelease|JP|Data East|NA|SNK {{small|(ARC)}}}} PlayStation{{vgrelease|JP|Data East|EU|Swing! Entertainment}} Neo Geo Pocket Color{{vgrelease|JP|Data East|NA/EU|SNK}} Game Boy Color{{vgrelease|EU|Swing! Entertainment|NA|Classified Games}} MediaKite Distribution {{small|(Windows)}}
G-Mode {{small|(Zeebo)}}}}
|producer = Naomi Susa
|designer = Shungo Katagiri
|programmer = M. Saiki
|artist = Hiroshi Hachiya
Hitomi Hashimoto
Itokku Seta
Kumiko Oka
|composer = Hiroaki Yoshida
Masaaki Iwasaki
Shinichi Yamazaki
Tatsuya Kiuchi
|series = Magical Drop
|platforms = {{collapsible list|title={{nobold|Arcade}}|Neo Geo AES, Sega Saturn, PlayStation, Neo Geo Pocket Color, Game Boy Color, Microsoft Windows, Zeebo}}
|released = {{collapsible list|title={{nobold|February 25, 1997}}|Arcade{{vgrelease|JP|February 25, 1997|NA|March 1997}} Neo Geo AES{{vgrelease|JP|April 25, 1997}} Sega Saturn{{vgrelease|JP|June 20, 1997}} PlayStation{{vgrelease|JP|October 30, 1997|EU|July 23, 2000}} Neo Geo Pocket Color{{vgrelease|JP|June 24, 1999|NA|December 5, 1999|EU|March 4, 2000}} Game Boy Color{{vgrelease|EU|August 25, 2000|NA|October 18, 2000}} Windows{{vgrelease|JP|December 22, 2000}} Zeebo{{vgrelease|BRA|April 22, 2010}}}}
|genre = Puzzle
|modes = Single-player, multiplayer
|arcade system = Neo Geo MVS
}}
{{nihongo foot|Magical Drop III|マジカルドロップ 3|Majikaru Doroppu 3||lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is a 1997 puzzle video game developed and published by Data East for the Neo Geo arcade and home platforms. It was later ported to Sega Saturn, PlayStation, Neo Geo Pocket Color, Game Boy Color, Windows, and Zeebo. It is the third entry in the Magical Drop series. In the game, the player takes control of one of several characters, battling against computer-controlled opponents. Gameplay is similar to previous entries albeit with further additions; the objective is to clear the screen of constantly advancing colored 'drops' via a character placed at the bottom of the playfield, which can grab drops and make them disappear by putting drops as a column of three or more of the same color. The player can also participate in a board-style adventure mode, while two players can play against each other in a competitive versus mode.
Magical Drop III was produced by Naomi Susa, with Shungo Katagiri acting as the game's planner, while the soundtrack was scored by Gamadelic. It proved popular among players, with the Saturn and PlayStation versions selling over 10,392 and 8,286 copies in their first week on the Japanese market respectively, garnering favorable reception from critics and retrospective reviewers. The game has since been re-released through download services for various consoles and on compilations. It was followed by Magical Drop F: Daibōken Mo Rakujyanai! (1999).
Gameplay
File:NEOGEO Magical Drop III (Majikaru Doroppu 3).png
{{see also|Magical Drop#Gameplay}}
Like its predecessors, Magical Drop III is a puzzle game where the player takes control of one of several characters named after a tarot card, battling against computer-controlled opponents.{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/neogeofreak0022/page/n56/mode/2up|title=New Game: マジカルドロップ 3|magazine=Neo Geo Freak|issue=22|publisher=Geibunsha|date=March 1997|pages=54–57|language=ja}} Gameplay is similar to Magical Drop (1995) and Magical Drop II (1996), albeit with further additions; the objective is to clear the screen from a stack of constantly advancing colored 'drops' that descend from the top of the playfield. Drops can be picked up and dropped by the player's character, which is placed at the bottom of the screen, and they disappear when three or more of the same color are put together on a single column. Chains are formed either when a single drop caused a chain reaction or when more than one group of drops are cleared in quick succession. Forming chains cause the opponent's stack to descend faster.{{cite magazine|last1=Ballgame|first1=Johnny|last2=Mike|first2=Major|url=https://archive.org/details/GamePro_Issue_105_Volume_09_Number_06_1997-06_IDG_Publishing_US/page/n35/mode/1up|title=Arcade Special Feature: SNK - Magical Drop III|magazine=GamePro|issue=105|publisher=IDG|date=June 1997|page=34}}{{cite book|last1=Kalata|first1=Kurt|last2=Plasket|first2=Michael|last3=Tiraboschi|first3=Federico|date=July 19, 2016|chapter=Magical Drop|title=Data East Arcade Classics|publisher=Hardcore Gaming 101|pages=1–146|isbn=978-1535126168}}{{cite web|last=Davison|first=Pete|url=https://ricedigital.co.uk/the-history-of-magical-drop/|title=The History of Magical Drop|work=Rice Digital|publisher=Rice Digital Ltd.|date=September 29, 2022|access-date=2023-02-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230115223355/https://ricedigital.co.uk/the-history-of-magical-drop/|archive-date=2023-01-15|url-status=live}}
One notable gameplay addition is the introduction of a third button, which allows players to add rows to their field at any time. It is also possible to grab normal and special pieces at the same time. Two players can also participate in a competitive versus mode (one may be a computer opponent), featuring attack patterns that sends lines to the opponent in non-even rows that vary by character.{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/neogeofreak0023/page/n62/mode/2up|title=New Game: マジカルドロップ III|magazine=Neo Geo Freak|issue=23|publisher=Geibunsha|date=April 1997|pages=60–63|language=ja}}{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/neogeofreak0024/page/n70/mode/2up|title=マジカルドロップ 3|magazine=Neo Geo Freak|issue=24|publisher=Geibunsha|date=May 1997|pages=68–69|language=ja}}{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/neogeofreak0025/page/n50/mode/2up|title=マジカルドロップ 3|magazine=Neo Geo Freak|issue=25|publisher=Geibunsha|date=June 1997|pages=48–53|language=ja}} An adventure mode called "Magical Journey" is also introduced, which is a board game that challenges players to reach Empress before computer-controlled rivals by participating in minigames. The game is over once a player is defeated when the stack of drops hits the bottom.
= Characters =
The original cast from Magical Drop and Magical Drop II returns. In addition, the game adds representatives for the remaining tarot major arcana cards, as well as introducing a "daughter" Strength character that more closely resembles the traditional depiction of Strength.
{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-break}}
- Fool
- Magician
- High Priestess
- Chariot
- Devil
- Star
- World
- Justice
- Father Strength
- Empress
- Black Pierrot
- Emperor
{{Col-break}}
- Hierophant
- Lovers
- Daughter Strength
- Death
- Temperance
- Sun
- Judgement
- Hermit
- Moon
- Hanged Man
- Tower
- Wheel of Fortune
{{Col-end}}
Development
{{Expand section|date=February 2023}}
Magical Drop III was developed by Data East, which had previously worked on Magical Drop II (1996) for Neo Geo.{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/neogeofreak0021/page/n88/mode/2up|title=ネオジオ関連メーカーリレーインタビュー 10: データイースト|magazine=Neo Geo Freak|issue=21|publisher=Geibunsha|date=February 1997|pages=86–87|language=ja}} It was produced by Naomi Susa, with Shungo Katagiri acting as the game's planner.{{cite video game|title=Magical Drop III|developer=Data East|publisher=SNK|date=March 1997|platform=Neo Geo MVS|level=Staff roll}} ([http://www.vgmuseum.com/end/arcade/f/magic3n.htm Ending screens of Challenge Mode in Normal difficulty] by VGMuseum (The Video Games Museum). {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140927130423/http://www.vgmuseum.com/end/arcade/f/magic3n.htm|date=2014-09-27}}). M. Saki, as well as two staffer under the pseudonyms "Tac.H" and "Poconyan", served as the game's programmers. Hiroshi Hachiya, Hitomi Hashimoto, Itokku Seta, Kumiko Oka, N. Ishizuka, Rie Sakurai, Seigo Nishiwaki, Shōji Takeuchi, Tomoyuki Arakawa, and Yoshinari Kaiho were responsible for the artwork. The soundtrack was scored by Gamadelic members Hiroaki "Maro" Yoshida, Masaaki "Koremasa" Iwasaki, Shinichi "Sin" Yamazaki, and Tatsuya "nmRtk" Kiuchi.{{cite web|last=Fuentes|first=Edgar S.|url=https://vandal.elespanol.com/vandalgamemusic/gamadelic-data-east-sound-team|title=Vandal Game Music: 'Gamadelic' Data East Sound Team - Repasamos el legado de Gamadelic, la brillante formación de músicos de Data East|work=Vandal|publisher=El Español|date=June 21, 2017|access-date=2023-02-20|language=es|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200705153751/https://vandal.elespanol.com/vandalgamemusic/gamadelic-data-east-sound-team|archive-date=2020-07-05|url-status=live}} The development team recounted the project's creation and history in interviews.{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/neogeofreak0026/page/n76/mode/2up|title=マジカルドロップ III&開発者インタビュー|magazine=Neo Geo Freak|issue=26|publisher=Geibunsha|date=July 1997|pages=74–85|language=ja}}{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/saturn-fan-1998-13/page/n10/mode/1up|title=Data East: マジカルドロップ 7ア三リー (仮)|magazine={{ill|Saturn Fan|lt=Saturn Fan|ja|ドリームキャストFAN}}|issue=76|publisher=Tokuma Shoten|date=July 10, 1998|page=11|language=ja}}
Release
Magical Drop III was first released for the Neo Geo arcade system (MVS) in Japan by Data East on February 25, 1997, and later in North America by SNK on March.{{cite book|last=Akagi|first=Masumi|chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/ArcadeGameList1971-2005/page/n49/mode/1up|chapter=データイースト (Data East); Data East USA; SNK; M|title=アーケードTVゲームリスト 国内•海外編 (1971-2005)|trans-title=Arcade TV Game List: Domestic • Overseas Edition (1971-2005)|edition=1st|publisher={{ill|Amusement News Agency|lt=Amusement News Agency|ja|アミューズメント通信社}}|date=October 13, 2006|pages=47–48, 114–115, 133–135, 157|isbn=978-4990251215|language=ja}}{{cite web|url=http://neogeomuseum.snk-corp.co.jp/english/catalogue/|title=Title Catalogue - NEOGEO MUSEUM|publisher=SNK Playmore|date=2010|access-date=2023-02-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202070301/http://neogeomuseum.snk-corp.co.jp/english/catalogue/|archive-date=2017-02-02|url-status=live}} There are differences between the original Japanese version and English release, such as the removal of Japanese voice acting and rival opponents in adventure mode, among other changes. On March 21, an album containing music from the game was co-published in Japan by Scitron and Pony Canyon.{{cite web|url=https://vgmdb.net/album/995|title=Magical Drop 3 {{pipe}} PCCBX-00002|work=VGMdb|access-date=2023-02-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081215165212/https://vgmdb.net/album/995|archive-date=2008-12-15|url-status=live}} It was also published in Japan for the Neo Geo home system (AES) on April 25.{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/GamesTechMagazine/GamesTech%2011/page/n59/mode/1up|title=Dossier: Neo Geo Y SNK — Puzzles, Quiz, y Tablero|magazine=GamesTech|issue=11|publisher=Ares Informática|date=July 2003|pages=62–63|language=es}} On June 20, the game was first ported to the Sega Saturn under the subtitle Toretate Zoukangou!.{{efn|{{nihongo|とれたて増刊号！|Toretate Zōkangō!}}}}{{cite encyclopedia|url=https://sega.jp/fb/segahard/ss/soft_licensee3.html|title=セガサターン対応ソフトウェア（ライセンシー発売）- 1997年発売|encyclopedia=SEGA HARD Encyclopedia|publisher=Sega|date=2023|access-date=2023-02-19|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200320230533/https://sega.jp/fb/segahard/ss/soft_licensee3.html|archive-date=2020-03-20|url-status=live}} A North American localization under the title Magical Drop was showcased at E3 1997 and planned to be released by Koei,{{cite magazine|last=Semrad|first=Ed|url=https://archive.org/details/EGM1997ShowGuideToE3/page/n7/mode/1up|title=EGM's 1997 Show Guide to E3: Will Sega's 32-bit System Survive|magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly|issue=95|type=supplement|publisher=Ziff Davis|date=June 1997|pages=8–9}} but it never released. The Saturn version changes the speed and various other aspects of gameplay. On October 30, the game was then ported to PlayStation under the subtitle Yokubari Tokudaigou!,{{efn|{{nihongo|よくばり特大号！|Yokubari Tokudaigō!}}}} which allows the player to choose between the Saturn's re-balanced version and a version more faithful to the original arcade iteration.{{cite web|url=http://www.jp.playstation.com/software/title/slpm86051.html|title=マジカルドロップIII よくばり特大号!|work=PlayStation Official Site Software Catalog|publisher=Sony Interactive Entertainment|date=2021|access-date=2023-02-23|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091018065427/http://www.jp.playstation.com/software/title/slpm86051.html|archive-date=2009-10-18|url-status=dead}} In 1998, the Saturn version was re-released as part of the "Sakatore" budget line.{{cite encyclopedia|url=https://sega.jp/fb/segahard/ss/soft_licensee4.html|title=セガサターン対応ソフトウェア（ライセンシー発売）- 1998・1999・2000年発売|encyclopedia=SEGA HARD Encyclopedia|publisher=Sega|date=2023|access-date=2023-02-23|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200320230605/https://sega.jp/fb/segahard/ss/soft_licensee4.html|archive-date=2020-03-20|url-status=live}}
A second PlayStation version titled Magical Drop III + Wonderful was first released in Japan on February 25, 1999, featuring the re-balanced gameplay from Yokubari Tokudaigou! and includes a port of Magical Drop Plus 1!.{{cite web|url=http://www.jp.playstation.com/software/title/slps019178.html|title=マジカルドロップIII＋ワンダホー！|work=PlayStation Official Site Software Catalog|publisher=Sony Interactive Entertainment|date=2021|access-date=2023-02-23|language=ja}} The game was also ported by Sakata SAS to Neo Geo Pocket Color as Magical Drop Pocket, first being released in Japan by Data East on June 24, then by SNK in North America on December 5 and later in Europe on March 4, 2000.{{Citation needed|date=February 2023}} On July 23, Magical Drop III + Wonderful was released in PAL regions by Swing! Entertainment as simply Magical Drop III.{{Citation needed|date=February 2023}} The game was ported by Conspiracy Entertainment to Game Boy Color as simply Magical Drop as well, first released in Europe by Swing! Entertainment on August 25 and later in North America by Classified Games on October 18.{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/downloads/cgb_games.pdf|title=Game Boy Color Games|publisher=Nintendo|access-date=2023-02-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305065820/https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/downloads/cgb_games.pdf|archive-date=2016-03-05|url-status=live}} The GBC version does not include a CPU mode, and thus players only gain access to the full character roster by playing two-player mode. On December 22, a Microsoft Windows port based on Toretate Zoukangou! was released only in Japan by MediaKite Distribution.{{cite web|url=https://www.suruga-ya.jp/product/detail/145008362|title=Windows95ソフト. マジカルドロップ3 とれたて増刊号! [廉価版]|website=Suruga-ya.jp|access-date=2023-02-20|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230220020820/https://www.suruga-ya.jp/product/detail/145008362|archive-date=2023-02-20|url-status=live}} In 2001, Magical Drop III + Wonderful was re-released by Taito as a budget title.{{cite web|url=http://tk-nz.game.coocan.jp/gamedatabase/software/DB_SNC1_PS2001.html|title=PlayStation Soft > 2001|work=GAME Data Room|date=2006|access-date=2023-02-19|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117014817/http://tk-nz.game.coocan.jp/gamedatabase/software/DB_SNC1_PS2001.html|archive-date=2023-01-17|url-status=live}}
Magical Drop III has since been re-released through various digital distribution platforms, such as the subscription service GameTap.{{Citation needed|date=February 2023}} In 2009, the first PlayStation version (Yokubari Tokudaigou!) was re-released on PlayStation Network in Japan.{{cite web|url=http://www.jp.playstation.com/software/title/jp0571npjj00311_000000000000000001.html|title=「ゲームアーカイブス」マジカルドロップIII よくばり特大号!|work=PlayStation Official Site Software Catalog|publisher=Sony Interactive Entertainment|date=2021|access-date=2023-02-19|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211202100725/http://www.jp.playstation.com/software/title/jp0571npjj00311_000000000000000001.html|archive-date=2021-12-02|url-status=dead}} In 2010, it was included as part of Data East Arcade Classics for Wii.{{cite magazine|title=Data East Arcade Classics|magazine=Nintendo Power|publisher=Future US|volume=252|date=March 2010|page=91}} On April 22, the game was ported by Onan Games to Zeebo and distributed in Brazil by G-Mode.{{cite web|url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/g-mode-co-ltd-to-bring-classic-data-east-arcade-titles-to-next-billion-consumers-87110522.html|title=G-Mode Co. Ltd. to Bring Classic Data East Arcade Titles to Next Billion Consumers|website=PR Newswire|publisher=Zeebo Inc.|date=March 9, 2010|access-date=2023-02-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101109200405/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/g-mode-co-ltd-to-bring-classic-data-east-arcade-titles-to-next-billion-consumers-87110522.html|archive-date=2010-11-09|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.gazetadopovo.com.br/economia/zeebo-vai-ganhar-novos-jogos-12kfl4jubwmclihqbbo16fuq6/|title=Zeebo vai ganhar novos jogos|work=Gazeta do Povo|publisher=Zeebo Inc.|date=April 25, 2010|access-date=2023-02-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230220004537/https://www.gazetadopovo.com.br/economia/zeebo-vai-ganhar-novos-jogos-12kfl4jubwmclihqbbo16fuq6/|archive-date=2023-02-20|url-status=live}}{{Citation needed|date=February 2023}} The game was also re-released for the Wii's Virtual Console first in Japan on July 6, then in North America on December 27, and later in Europe on January 14, 2011. In 2018, Hamster Corporation re-released the game for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One as part of their ACA Neo Geo series.{{cite web|last=Moyse|first=Chris|url=https://www.destructoid.com/magical-drop-iii-available-on-ps4-xbox-one-and-switch-491383.phtml|title=Magical Drop III available on PS4, Xbox One and Switch - Ta-Da!|work=Destructoid|publisher=Enthusiast Gaming|date=February 24, 2018|access-date=2023-02-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180225060227/https://www.destructoid.com/magical-drop-iii-available-on-ps4-xbox-one-and-switch-491383.phtml|archive-date=2018-02-25|url-status=live}} It was re-released on the AntStream service as well.{{cite magazine|last=Brehme|first=Marc|url=https://www.pcgames.de/Streaming-Dienst-Thema-268201/Specials/Antstream-Retro-Spiele-ausprobiert-1273161/|title=Antstream: Wir haben das Netflix für Retro-Spiele ausprobiert|magazine=PC Games|publisher=Computec|date=January 17, 2019|access-date=2023-02-19|language=de|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200705170625/https://www.pcgames.de/Streaming-Dienst-Thema-268201/Specials/Antstream-Retro-Spiele-ausprobiert-1273161/|archive-date=2020-07-05|url-status=live}}
Reception
{{Video game reviews
|na = true
|ARC = true
|GBC = true
|PS = true
|SSAT = true
|Allgame_ARC = {{Rating|3.5|5}}{{cite web|last=Knight|first=Kyle|url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=17026&tab=review|title=Magical Drop III [Japanese] (Neo Geo Advanced Entertainment System) - Review|work=AllGame|publisher=All Media Network|date=1998|access-date=2023-02-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141115224252/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=17026&tab=review|archive-date=2014-11-15|url-status=dead}}
|Allgame_GBC = {{Rating|3.5|5}}{{cite web|last=Semerad|first=Jay|url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=24466&tab=review|title=Magical Drop (Game Boy Color) - Review|work=AllGame|publisher=All Media Network|date=2000|access-date=2023-02-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141116092904/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=24466&tab=review|archive-date=2014-11-16|url-status=dead}}
|Fam_SSAT = 25/40{{cite magazine|title=NEW GAMES CROSS REVIEW: マジカルドロップIII ~とれたて増刊号！~ (セガサターン)|magazine=Famitsu|issue=445|publisher=ASCII Corporation|date=June 27, 1997|language=ja}}
|GMaster_GBC = 75%{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/GamesMaster-2000-11/page/n79/mode/1up|title=Il Paradiso Del Portatili: Magical Drop (Game Boy Color)|magazine=GamesMaster|issue=11|publisher=Future Media Italy|date=November 2000|page=78|language=it}}
|IGN_GBC = 5.0/10{{cite web|last=Harris|first=Craig|url=http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/164/164468p1.html|title=Magical Drop — A quirky NeoGeo Pocket puzzler finally makes its way to the Game Boy Color|work=IGN|publisher=IGN Entertainment|date=October 25, 2000|access-date=2023-02-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040619120333/http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/164/164468p1.html|archive-date=2004-06-19|url-status=dead}}
|JXV_GBC = 12/20{{cite web|author=Lucas|url=http://www.jeuxvideo.com/articles/0000/00000813_test.htm|title=Test de Magical Drop sur GB par jeuxvideo.com|work=Jeuxvideo.com|publisher=Webedia|date=August 23, 2000|access-date=2023-02-18|language=fr|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040203164319/http://www.jeuxvideo.com/articles/0000/00000813_test.htm|archive-date=2004-02-03|url-status=live}}
|MF_GBC = 66%{{cite magazine|last=Ernst|first=Henry|url=https://retrocdn.net/index.php?title=File:MegaFun_DE_2000-12.pdf&page=73|title=Test Spiele: Magical Drop (GBC)|magazine={{ill|Mega Fun|lt=Mega Fun|de|Mega Fun}}|issue=98|publisher=Computec|date=December 2000|page=60|language=de|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230218213516/https://retrocdn.net/index.php?title=File:MegaFun_DE_2000-12.pdf&page=73|archive-date=2023-02-18|url-status=live}}
|MF_PS = 67%{{cite magazine|last=Karels|first=Ralph|url=https://retrocdn.net/index.php?title=File%3AMegaFun_DE_2000-11.pdf&page=60|title=Test Spiele: Magical Drop (PS)|magazine={{ill|Mega Fun|lt=Mega Fun|de|Mega Fun}}|issue=97|publisher=Computec|date=November 2000|page=60|language=de}}
|VGS_GBC = {{Rating|3|5}}{{cite magazine|last=S.|first=C.|url=https://archive.org/details/video-games-de-2000-10/page/135/mode/1up|title=GBC Test - Mal wieder ein durchwachsener Monat, der jedoch von zwei Klassikern noch ins rechte Licht gerückt wird|magazine={{ill|Video Games (magazine)|lt=Video Games|de|Video Games}}|issue=107|publisher=Future-Verlag|date=October 2000|page=135|language=de}}
|VGS_PS = 59%{{cite magazine|last=Daxer|first=Christian|url=https://archive.org/details/video-games-de-2000-10/page/n97/mode/1up|title=Test PS: Magical Drop — Blase, Diamanten, Ballons, Steine, Bohnen...|magazine={{ill|Video Games (magazine)|lt=Video Games|de|Video Games}}|issue=107|publisher=Future-Verlag|date=October 2000|page=114|language=de}}
|rev1 = big.N
|rev1_GBC = {{Rating|3|5}}{{cite magazine|last=Seidel|first=Florian|title=big.Boy Test: Magical Drop|magazine={{ill|big.N|lt=big.N|de|Wii Magazin}}|issue=12|publisher=LiveEmotion Verlag|date=October 2000|page=103|language=de}}
|rev2 = Fun Generation
|rev3 = Neo Geo Freak
|rev4 = Pocket Magazine
|rev5 = Saturn Fan
|rev5_SSAT = 8.0/10{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/saturn-fan-1997-12/page/178/mode/1up|title=Now On Sale Saturn Soft Impression!! - マジカルドロップIII ~とれたて増刊号！~|magazine={{ill|Saturn Fan|lt=Saturn Fan|ja|ドリームキャストFAN}}|issue=51|publisher=Tokuma Shoten|date=June 27, 1997|page=178|language=ja}}
|rev6 = Sega Saturn Magazine (JP)
|rev6_SSAT = 8.0/10{{cite magazine|url=https://retrocdn.net/index.php?title=File:SSM_JP_19970627_1997-21.pdf&page=157|title=Sega Saturn Soft Review - マジカルドロップIII ~とれたて増刊号！~|magazine=Sega Saturn Magazine|issue=57|publisher=SoftBank Creative|date=June 27, 1997|page=155|language=ja}}
}}
In Japan, Game Machine listed Magical Drop III on their April 1, 1997 issue as being the third most-popular arcade game for the previous two weeks.{{cite magazine|url=https://onitama.tv/gamemachine/pdf/19970401p.pdf|title=Game Machine's Best Hit Games 25 - TVゲーム機ーソフトウェア (Video Game Software)|magazine={{ill|Game Machine|lt=Game Machine|ja|ゲームマシン}}|issue=538|publisher={{ill|Amusement Press, Inc.|lt=Amusement Press, Inc.|ja|アミューズメント通信社}}|date=April 1, 1997|page=25|lang=ja}} The game garnered favorable reception from critics. Readers of the Japanese Sega Saturn Magazine voted to give the game a 9.0414 out of 10 score, ranking among Sega Saturn games at the number 68 spot in a 2000 public poll.{{cite book|author=Dreamcast Magazine|chapter-url=https://segaretro.org/images/a/a3/SnGwSISDRZK_Book_JP.pdf|chapter=セガサターン (Sega Saturn Magazine): 読者レース Final|title=サターンのゲームは世界いちぃぃぃ! ~サタマガ読者レース全記録~|publisher=SoftBank Publishing|date=March 2000|pages=8–15|language=ja|isbn=978-4-79731173-0|access-date=2023-02-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030044108/https://segaretro.org/images/a/a3/SnGwSISDRZK_Book_JP.pdf|archive-date=2018-10-30|url-status=live}} According to Famitsu, the Saturn and PlayStation versions sold over 10,392 and 8,286 copies in their first week on the Japanese market respectively.{{cite web|url=https://sites.google.com/site/gamedatalibrary/game-search|title=Game Search|website=Game Data Library|access-date=2023-02-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230101163642/https://sites.google.com/site/gamedatalibrary/game-search|archive-date=2023-01-01|url-status=live}}
GamePro{{'}}s Johnny Ballgame and Major Mike stated "it's just as addictive as Magical Drop II". Saturn Fan{{'}}s five critics found the game highly addictive, regarding it as the most strategic entry in the series. Player One{{'}}s Christophe Delpierre and François Daniel commented that "Magical Drop 3 offers a great alternative for Puzzle Bobble fans." AllGame{{'}}s Kyle Knight labelled it as one of the best puzzle games on Neo Geo, praising the upgraded audiovisual presentation, new characters, addictive gameplay, and responsive controls.
Reviewing the Game Boy Color version, German publication Fun Color noted its overall simplicity and wrote that "Magical Drop is a cool alternative to the usual Tetris stuff."{{cite magazine|title=Magical Drop|magazine=Fun Color|issue=7|publisher=Pro Verlag|date=June 2000|page=[https://www.ninretro.de/game-16-3947.html 22]|language=de}} Jeuxvideo.com{{'}}s Lucas also reviewed the GBC version, commending the colorful visuals, endearing characters, controls, and music. big.N{{'}}s Florian Seidel reviewed the GBC port as well, commending the game's idea and Game Boy Printer support, but criticized the lack of additional modes. Video Games{{'}} Christian Daxer reviewed the Wonderful re-release on PlayStation, recommending Magical Drop III over Magical Drop Plus 1!, citing its story and two-player versus modes.
An editor for Video Games agreed with Seidel when reviewing the GBC conversion, noting that there are only two game modes, but ultimately found it to be a "good average" title. IGN{{'}}s Craig Harris also reviewed the GBC port, highlighting its versus mode when using a link cable, but compared its graphical presentation unfavorably to the Neo Geo Pocket Color version. Harris wrote "Tetris it isn't, but Magical Drop has its own merits as a puzzle game that makes it fun to play." The Italian edition of GamesMaster reviewed both the NGPC and GBC versions, finding them to be "bizarre" but fun and enjoyable titles.{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/GamesMaster-2000-07/page/n72/mode/1up|title=Il Paradiso Del Portatili: Magical Drop Pocket (NGPC)|magazine=GamesMaster|issue=7|publisher=Future Media Italy|date=July 2000|page=71|language=it}} Fun Generation{{'}}s Simon Krätschmer gave the Wonderful re-release on PlayStation an overall average outlook.
Reviewing the Wonderful re-release on PlayStation, MAN!AC{{'}}s Ulrich Steppberger felt that the gameplay of Magical Drop III was chaotic, while finding Magical Drop Plus 1! graphically outdated but commended its inclusion. Mega Fun{{'}}s Henry Ernst analyzed the Game Boy Color port, concluding "All in all an average title with good, GBC-typical graphics. Fans of this game genre should definitely get their money's worth and be busy for a while due to the enormous potential for addiction." Pocket Magazine{{'}}s Benoît B. echoed similar thoughts as Seidel and Video Games regarding the lack of additional game modes when comparing the NGPC version with the GBC port. Benoît also found the story mode incomplete and the music "tiresome". In contrasts to other reviewers, Jay Semerad of AllGame gave the GBC conversion a positive outlook, highlighting its visuals, frantic two-player mode, and replay value.
= Retrospective coverage =
Retrospective commentary for Magical Drop III has been equally favorable.{{cite web|last=Maciejewski|first=A.J.|url=https://videochums.com/review/aca-neogeo-magical-drop-iii|title=ACA NeoGeo: Magical Drop III Review (Nintendo Switch) — Quit clowning around!|publisher=Video Chums|date=February 28, 2018|access-date=2023-02-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200331194023/https://videochums.com/review/aca-neogeo-magical-drop-iii|archive-date=2020-03-31|url-status=live}} Reviewing the re-release on the Wii's Virtual Console, Nintendo Life{{'}}s Corbie Dillard lauded its single-player and multiplayer component, refined gameplay, visuals, soundtrack, and game modes.{{cite web|last=Dillard|first=Corbie|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/2010/12/magical_drop_iii_virtual_console|title=Magical Drop III Review (Neo Geo) — The pinnacle of the series|work=Nintendo Life|publisher=Nlife Media|date=December 31, 2010|access-date=2023-02-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130111074117/https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/2010/12/magical_drop_iii_virtual_console|archive-date=2013-01-11|url-status=live}} In a retrospective outlook of the NGPC port, Hardcore Gamer{{'}}s Steve Hannley regarded it as a faithful conversion, highlighting the game's speed and framerate, but saw its condensed playfield, English translation, and lack of additional modes as negative points.{{cite web|last=Hannley|first=Steve|url=https://hardcoregamer.com/features/pocket-power/pocket-power-magical-drop-pocket/50212/|title=Pocket Power: Magical Drop Pocket|work=Hardcore Gamer|publisher=Hardcore Gamer LLC|date=July 29, 2013|access-date=2023-02-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220120013158/https://hardcoregamer.com/features/pocket-power/pocket-power-magical-drop-pocket/50212/|archive-date=2022-01-20|url-status=live}} Reviewing the Arcade Archives re-release on Nintendo Switch, Nintendo World Report{{'}}s Donald Theriault commended its easy-to-learn gameplay, various game modes, and control options, but criticized its frustrating board mode and forgettable music.{{cite web|last=Theriault|first=Donald|url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/46673/magical-drop-iii-switch-review|title=Magical Drop III (Switch) Review — Mamas, don't let your babies grow up to be arcanas|work=Nintendo World Report|publisher=NINWR, LLC|date=March 9, 2018|access-date=2023-02-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180310055116/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/46673/magical-drop-iii-switch-review|archive-date=2018-03-10|url-status=live}} Dave Frear of Nintendo Life disagreed with Theriault when analyzing the ACA re-release on Switch, giving it a highly positive outlook.{{cite web|last=Frear|first=Dave|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/switch-eshop/magical_drop_iii_neogeo|title=Magical Drop III Review (Switch eShop / Neo Geo) — Simple, frantic fun with balloons|work=Nintendo Life|publisher=Nlife Media|date=March 12, 2018|access-date=2023-02-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180415011924/https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/switch-eshop/magical_drop_iii_neogeo|archive-date=2018-04-15|url-status=live}}
Notes
{{notelist}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
{{Portal|1990s|Japan|Video games}}
- [https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/arcade/563189-magical-drop-iii Magical Drop III] at GameFAQs
- [https://www.giantbomb.com/magical-drop-iii/3030-10224/ Magical Drop III] at Giant Bomb
- [https://www.arcade-museum.com/game_detail.php?game_id=8504 Magical Drop III] at Killer List of Videogames
- [https://www.mobygames.com/game/magical-drop-iii Magical Drop III] at MobyGames
{{Magical Drop series}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Magical Drop 03}}
Category:Data East arcade games
Category:Data East video games
Category:Hamster Corporation games
Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games
Category:Neo Geo Pocket Color games
Category:Nintendo Switch games
Category:PlayStation (console) games
Category:PlayStation Network games
Category:Swing! Entertainment games
Category:Video games developed in Japan