Alphadia III Review: KEMCO’s Updated JRPG Brings Classic Adventure to Nintendo Switch

Alphadia III Marks Its Nintendo Switch Debut: A Closer Look at KEMCO’s Latest JRPG Revival Alphadia III, the latest installment in the long-running JRPG franchise from developer Exe Create and publisher KEMCO, has arrived on the Nintendo Switch, bringing a classic-style role-playing experience to a new generation.

First released as a mobile title in Japan in 2009, Alphadia III has now been updated for the Switch platform, featuring improved visuals, new party dynamics, and fresh adjustments that cater to longstanding fans and newcomers alike.

The Alphadia series, known for its traditional gameplay and accessible storytelling, has steadily built a loyal following—now further expanded through the Nintendo eShop. Series Legacy and Accessibility on Switch Despite being the third core entry, Alphadia III serves as a prequel to the previous games, making it an inviting starting point for those new to the series.

For veteran players, the interconnected lore and returning characters—such as Enah, a recognizable presence throughout the franchise—offer continuity and familiarity.

While prior entries Alphadia I and II are available as a value combo on the eShop, KEMCO’s pricing structure ensures that Alphadia III can stand on its own in both content and scope. Gameplay & Character Evolution Players begin their journey as Alfonso, a clone embroiled in energetic warfare and political strife.

Early hours of the game introduce the ensemble cast, including fellow clone Enah and prodigy Rafael, known for his expertise in energi technology.

Initially, players may find the narrative pacing slow, as introductory dialogue and set-up take precedence over action.

However, as the adventure unfolds, the playable party expands to six members—an upgrade from earlier titles’ traditional roster—allowing for greater depth and strategy in battles. Dungeon exploration across towns, hidden paths, and intricate dungeons is heightened by the game’s minimap design, which encourages organic exploration rather than hand-holding.

Notably, the quality-of-life feature of fast travel reduces potential backtracking before acquiring key traversal items like ships or seaplanes.

Combat, typical of Exe Create’s approach, is initially forgiving—particularly as hit points restore after each battle and resources are plentiful.

While some players may prefer more rigorous difficulty, the addition of a full six-member party introduces challenges that keep encounters interesting without overwhelming the player. Balanced Challenge and Post-Game Content On standard difficulty, Alphadia III presents a balanced but accessible challenge, ideal for both series veterans and genre newcomers.

The battle system, while not revolutionary, benefits from the tactical possibilities afforded by a larger party.

Notably, even as some battles can be handled through basic strategies and skill conservation, major boss fights and post-game content require adapting approaches for success. The main campaign can be completed in under 20 hours—aligning with expectations for KEMCO’s portfolio—while additional post-game content extends replayability.

Developer Exe Create has ensured that no extra purchases or DLC are necessary to enjoy all core content, honoring their practice of fair game delivery. Updated Visuals and Series Appeal As an update to a previously released mobile title, Alphadia III on Nintendo Switch does not mask its roots, but enhancements in visuals, writing, and gameplay flow are evident.

The move to a full six-member party stands out as the most significant improvement, offering new avenues for strategy and narrative engagement. While Alphadia III may not redefine the genre, its blend of classic JRPG mechanics, engaging exploration, and accessible design reaffirms its place within the Switch’s growing RPG library.

For series fans and newcomers seeking a traditional RPG adventure, Alphadia III delivers a nostalgic yet refined journey, underscored by KEMCO and Exe Create’s continued support for accessible, value-packed titles on Nintendo hardware.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo JRPG Switch KEMCO Exe Create Adventure developer Alphadia Alphadia III Nintendo eShop Alphadia series