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Dragon's Crown
PlayStation 3
A Crowning Achievement
3.5/5 stars
Vanillaware has always been unique in their vision. GrimGrimoire, Oden Sphere, Muramasa: The Demon Blade - the style they bring is unlike anything else out there as their sprite-based 2D design is spectacular yet doesn't sacrifice looks for gameplay. Dragon's Crown has been in the works for 13 years - and is like an updated version of classic side-scrolling action RPG games of the 80s. Many elements from those classic games abound - from multiple character classes to items and magic that can be used (not to mention the hordes of enemies you encounter). For anyone looking for a gorgeous game the hearkens back to arcade days (if you are old enough to remember them) - this is a coup. For those who have never experienced those classic games, this is still an excellent choice for just the animation alone.
Presentation: I have been impressed with pretty much ever other Vanillaware game (although technically I have only played Muramasa myself - I have seen both GrimGrimoire and Oden Sphere) - and I was looking forward to this almost as much as Nelson. For anyone who has followed this, you probably know that the design on the various characters is... exaggerated. Let's just say that the sprite physics engine must have been put into overdrive on some of that animation. Each level has an in-game cut scene as well - and the art style is impressive, yet some may find it just a bit scandalous (and it only has a T rating). Let's just say you'll never look at mermaids or spirits in the same way again. But the men are just as exaggerated as the women - so I can't say the game is sexist or misogynistic - the women may be quite bouncy and half-dressed, but all the guys have massive muscles and are just as disproportionate as the ladies.
You can tell the effort put into this game - weapons have a distinct look when you change them. The enemy design (especially the many boss battles) are varied and many actually require you to have some kind of plan to win. The music is just as impressive as the visuals - and even if you hear the tracks many times, in my mind it never got grating or old. Likewise, the vocal talent also holds up well (you can change the narration at any time with the update, instead of having to unlock it with massive amounts of gold). There is little in the way of visuals I would change - everything works whether fighting or enjoying the story scenes - sprite-based may not go for realism, but it has a beauty all its own and you just don't find that much anymore. It's unique and it's one of the many reasons the PS3 is going out on a high note.
Story: Typical high fantasy stuff here - a kingdom in trouble - a hero (or group thereof) called on to save the day. An evil force looking to awake a dormant force that will lay waste to everything - you know, same old, same old. Granted, as a throwback to the age of Golden Axe and D&D - it isn't all that bad. There are only nine levels - although you unlock a second harder path as you progress - along with the Labyrinth of Chaos (randomly generated rooms) as well as multiple difficulty levels (and pelnty of grinding to go along with them). Aside from the standard story, the game gives you a variety of side quests you can complete for gold, experience and (most importantly) skill points. You also unlock art work for each completed quest - which can be described as both amazing and frightening. It won't win many points for originality, but it works for what it's worth.
Gameplay: Once again, it takes the core ideas of a side-scrolling action RPG and just updates it for a new generation. You have six classes: Fighter, Wizard, Amazon, Sorceress, Archer and Dwarf - each with their own abilities (range attacks, magic, melee and defense of various sorts). Every class has certain weapons and armor they can equip (all share certain equipment as well) and you can unlock various skills as well. You have to find a balance between classes. The Sorceress can create life-giving food, but she herself is a bit weak - the Dwarf can throw enemies (and rocks) around and is a nice tank but has no ranged attacks to speak of. The Archer is the opposite - plenty of range and long-range strikes but terrible at melee (without the right skills, anyway).
I can't see this game working as well with AI as it does with human multiplayer - the computer is just not smart enough to make effective partners. You gain levels as you progress (each difficulty caps you at a certain level) increasing your base stats as you go. Each class can also use a variety of potions and rings that heal, boost attack or defense, increase item drop rate and shoot spells. Likewise, you can find weapons in each level - from crossbows to bombs - that are limited use but tend to help in a pinch. You can find Mounts and Ballistae in certain levels as well - also limited use but they tend to do much more damage. Weapons and armor increase in level as you do - you have a NPC thief who follows you to open up chests and doors - you can find equipment from rank E to rank S in every level. The higher the rank, the better chance as having a bonus.
Both weapons and armor give you boosts - to dealing out more damage to ignoring enemy armor, boosting various stats (DEX, CON and the like) to dealing more damage to certain enemies (human, undead, draconic) or taking less damage from them. While it is often obvious what piece is better, the game does unlock multiple bags so you can vary your supply. The game also gives you runes you can unlock or buy and that will do everything from unlocking secret doors and chests to boosting your health or destroying enemies. Every level gives you a score and gold bonus (hidden twinkles in each level drop various score bonus or gold pieces). After unlocking the secondary stages, you can boost various bonuses by fighting levels without returning to town. It also gives you a chance to participate in the one mini-game - cooking. It grants you various bonuses while having the extra effect of hearing the characters proclaim how awesome their eating prowess happens to be.
It all sounds like a lot - but it's relatively straight-forward. Easy to grasp, but on harder difficulties you will have to form some strategy in order to survive. It's also a heck of a lot of fun - even if things do tend to get a bit repetitious.
Replayability: Lots - though after the first go-round you're looking at a lot of grinding for experience and weapons to make a difference. We got through the game with every character (on normal) though it's looking like beating hard is possible - the next difficulty (Inferno) would take a lot of time and dedication (and grinding - oh so much grinding) to get through.
Overall: A great throwback with Vanillaware's unique art style. As long as you're not offended by the content, this is a great game to play - especially with like-minded friends.
Presentation: 5/5
Story: 3.5/5
Gameplay: 4/5
Replayability:3.5/5
Overall (not an average): 3.5/5
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