

Equipment can break if used enough times, but this can be circumvented by switching to a different bag with fresh equipment and items after a few stages. Resource management is further encouraged by the durability and bag systems. Items have limited uses, requiring you to manage your resources during each stage. This is mainly down to the items they can equip, ranging from spellbooks for magic users to trinkets that activate extra skills. Magic characters use MP for some of their moves which can be regenerated, and the only ranged character, Elf, uses arrows for powerful attacks.Įven if a character is of the same type as another, there are still other ways they differentiate from one another. Melee characters focus on short range attacks, with some attacks causing them to drop their weapons. It’s not until you start looking at each character’s unique skills where things become more unique.Įach of the six characters in Dragon’s Crown Pro has their own unique moves, though overall they can be placed into three distinct categories: Melee, magic and ranged. Basic combat is somewhat similar to other games in the genre, as each character has access to a basic ground and air combos. After choosing a stage, or opting instead to have the game randomly choose, you make your way through different areas, only stopping to defeat enemies or uncover secrets. The majority of your time will be spent defeating various villains and mythological creatures. The brief story is honestly a good thing as it allows you to jump back into a new stage quickly with few interruptions. All plot and exposition is delivered by an ever present narrator, who also offers more insight into the various areas you visit. There are few characters introduced during the game, and none of them have much in the way of development. As a fresh adventurer in the land of Hydeland, you end up being involved in various incidents related to the titular Dragon’s Crown. This latest re-release has everything that made the first game so great, but those looking for new additions may be a little disappointed.Īs with most games in the genre, Dragon’s Crown Pro places little focus on its story.

This is why the original release of Dragon’s Crown was such a surprise, being both our favourite Vanillaware game and most played beat ’em up of all time.

Each had something special, but at the same time had unavoidable issues that detracted from the games as a whole. Muramasa had some excellent boss fights, but the stuff in-between was a little lacking. Odin’s Sphere told an amazing story, but felt like a chore to play at times. We’ve always had a fondness for Vanillaware games, even if they’re somewhat inconsistent.
