Kemono Friends 3

Kemono Friends 3 is a Japanese-style RPG set in Japari Park, a surreal nature preserve inhabited by animal-human hybrids called Friends. After humanity’s evacuation, the Friends live peacefully with small robots called Lucky Beasts. The game follows a new human who joins the Japari Security and Research Team (JSRT), encountering both new and familiar Friends. Gameplay features turn-based combat with parties of up to five Friends, blending story-driven missions with traditional JRPG mechanics.

Kemono Friends 3: Review

Introduction

Kemono Friends 3 stands as a compelling bridge between the worlds of anime and interactive storytelling. As the spiritual successor to the beloved anime series, this game immerses players in the surreal landscape of Japari Park, where animal-human hybrids known as Friends coexist in a harmonious yet mysterious environment. The game’s blend of traditional Japanese RPG mechanics with modern mobile gaming elements creates a unique experience that both cherishes its source material and charts a new path forward.

Development History & Context

Developed by the storied SEGA Corporation in collaboration with Appirits, Kemono Friends 3 was envisioned as a way to expand the rich lore of the Kemono Friends universe beyond the anime medium. Released in 2019, it capitalized on the growing appetite for mobile RPG experiences while maintaining the narrative depth and character focus that fans cherished from the original series.

The development team faced the challenge of balancing the demands of a free-to-play mobile game with the expectations of a dedicated fanbase. They navigated this by integrating gacha mechanics within a narrative-driven framework, ensuring that progression remained engaging without being overly grinding. This approach set Kemono Friends 3 apart from many contemporaries by prioritizing story and character development over pure monetization.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

At its core, Kemono Friends 3 tells the story of a new human escorted to the Japari Security and Research Team (JSRT), where they encounter both familiar and new Friends. The narrative is structured around missions that blend exploration, combat, and character interaction, each mission unveiling more of the park’s history and the mysteries surrounding the Friends.

Characters like Dhole, Meerkat, and Short-Beaked Common Dolphin emerge as key figures, each with their own motivations and backstories. The dialogue is rich with humor and emotional depth, reflecting the anime’s trademark blend of lightheartedness and introspection. Underlying themes of environmentalism, human connection with nature, and the power of friendship are woven through the story, making Kemono Friends 3 more than just a game—it’s a meditation on the bonds that connect living beings.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Kemono Friends 3’s gameplay inhabits the classic JRPG space, utilizing a turn-based battle system that rewards strategy and planning. Parties of up to five Friends can be formed, each with unique skills and elemental affinities. The introduction of flags (Beat, Action, Try) adds a layer of tactical depth, requiring players to manage their team’s actions to maximize efficiency and combo potential.

A key innovation is the Kemo Chorus system, which encourages players to pair Friends with the same flags to activate powerful bonuses. Coupled with the One More meter and the ability to perform Kemono Miracles, combat becomes a dynamic dance of skill and chance.

However, the game’s reliance on gacha mechanics for obtaining Friends and upgrades may be seen as polarizing. While the core gameplay remains solid, the need to either grind for or purchase rare units can create barriers for completionists. Nonetheless, the robust free-to-play mechanisms and various in-game events provide ample opportunities for players to progress without excessive spending.

World-Building, Art & Sound

The world of Japari Park is brought to life through vibrant anime-style visuals, each Friend meticulously designed with their animal attributes and unique personalities. The art direction pays homage to the anime’s aesthetic while pushing boundaries with dynamic character animations and lush environmental details.

The game’s soundtrack features emotive compositions by Akiyuki Tateyama, including the infectious theme song “Kemono Damono.” The auditory landscape further immerses players in the Japari experience, with each area of the park boasting its own musical theme that evokes both wonder and nostalgia.

Reception & Legacy

Upon its release, Kemono Friends 3 was met with enthusiastic reception from fans of the anime and mobile gamers alike. Its combination of a beloved franchise, polished RPG mechanics, and accessible mobile format resonated with a wide audience. However, critics have noted the game’s dependence on gacha mechanics and the potential for repetitive quest structures, though these concerns are mitigated by the game’s rich narrative and engaging gameplay.

In the years since its release, Kemono Friends 3 has influenced subsequent games by demonstrating the viability of combining narrative depth with free-to-play models. Its success has also solidified the Kemono Friends brand as a major player in cross-media entertainment, inspiring spin-offs, collaborations, and continued fan adoration.

Conclusion

Kemono Friends 3 stands as a pillar in video game history, bridging the gap between anime storytelling and mobile RPG mechanics with grace and innovation. While not without its flaws, it delivers a memorable journey through the enchanting world of Japari Park, capturing the hearts of players and leaving a lasting legacy in the genres it inhabits.