Dragon’s Crown is certainly the most enjoyable Vanillaware game yet. Being part of a larger party - where their previous hack 'n’ slashers had you go it alone - is definitely the difference maker.
This is simply the best work Vanillaware so far. We absolutely recommend it for those looking for 2D action games, RPG adventures or multiplayer-focused experiences. This time there's more than beautiful graphics. It is a solid and fun experience you should try.
This game is utter perfection. The art, the speed, the range of difficulty, the amount of gameplay.... this is not only one of the best co-op rpgs games to exist, but possibly one of the best co op or RPGS of the decade plain and simple.
Smashing baddies, exploring dungeons, and scrounging for as much money and items as you can find is a satisfying departure from many strategy-heavy games coming out these days. Dragon’s Crown is a nostalgic return to classic side-scrolling brawlers found in arcades in the early ’90s, complete with flashing “go” arrows and food that falls out of villains and chests.
Dragon’s Crown delivers in a number of areas, though not in the ones that matter most. Stunning visuals and nods to the roleplaying genre simply aren’t enough to outweigh the repetitive combat and a so-so narrative.
A perfect game with something for everyone, fantastic visuals, smooth and exciting gameplay, entertaining characters and a charming fully voiced folk tale style story. Dragons crown is what every side scroller should aspire to be. Oh did I forget to mention the incredible boss battles. Not to mention the free bonus content like a 1000 floor labyrinth
I only played the game for a couple hours before determining this game is not really for me. The main issue for me is that the action is just too frantic and for a large portion of the game it does seem to be just button mashing. I can see the appeal of the game it does offer interesting RPG elements and random loot. Coupled with 6 character choices and building your own party I can really see the appeal. Unfortunately this RPG is muted by the beat-em-up nature of the game. It's just too fast, too visual and too gimmicky. By gimmicky I mean you get treasure that grants you a bonus to certain enemies eg, undead, or likewise, but during the game good luck figuring out which enemies meet those definitions. You can replay each quest by re-equipping your characters and choosing a perfect party and equipment but then do I really want to play these quests over and over and over to ace them? If you do this I presume you can get better treasure for your reward and make this game a trophy hunt but imo then you ruin the aspect of playing an RPG. Still overall I do think this is a pretty decent game I just felt for RPG, it was not strategic enough on a one run attempt style which is how I'd rather enjoy this game. I guess the real question you have to ask is do you prefer platform fighters or RPG more? If it's platform fighting I think the rpg elements will make this game a real treat. If you are more rpg I think the game may tire quickly on you as i found the action overwhelming my rpg choices too easily and the game kinda plays itself via your party members. I will likely come back to this game at a later date to try again but do prefer more party control and am curious if I just didn't give the game enuf time for my party to develop that zesty strategic twist I was looking for.
As you already know Dragons Crown is 2D side scrolling beat em up with a glorious art style. It also has some RPG elements such as leveling up, different character classes and spending loot to customize your character with equipment, magic and upgrade abilities. The hope is your getting a kind of 2D Dark Souls unfortunately Dragons Crown doesn't quite manage to deliver in terms of gameplay.
Things hold together quite well for the first few hours while it's still easy. The combat is simple but fun button mashing. The games sumptuous visuals and tidy presentation impress. The wealth of loot and items to spend it on show a good level of depth.
Then you find yourself having to repeat levels to complete side quests. Suddenly there's a lot more enemies on screen and they take a lot more hits to kill. With so much happening all at once you struggle to see your character. You keep getting hit, it feels unfair so you repeat levels again and again to level up and make your character stronger.
And this is the fatal flaw with Dragons Crown. There's no real skill or mastery to it. It's simply a case of repeating the same few stages over and over to level up so you can button mash enemies to death. If you've played Vanillaware's previous game Muramasa then you will find this game shares most of the same problems. If Vanillaware can figure out how to make there games as appealing to play as to look at then we will have a great game.
Nostalgia aside, Dragon's Crown seems little more than yet another tired attempt at male fanservice by turning women into sex objects to be exploited. While the JRPG-style visuals are impressive, it should be an insult to any who play it Atlus is telling men that a pair of G-cup breasts will automatically open their wallets. While this might be true for a lot of men, I know a few that need more than that to be impressed.
SummaryDragon's Crown thrusts you into a fantastical medieval world packed with labyrinthine dungeons to explore, vile monstrosities to smite, and nearly endless online adventure. Your mission is to dive into the dank underworld, uncovering treasure and strengthening your mettle as you unlock the secret behind the ancient dragon threatening the...