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Review of The Legend of Dragoon on PlayStation

by Tanya Krane Tanya Krane photo Jun 2000
Cover image of The Legend of Dragoon on PlayStation
Gamefings Score: 7.5
Platform: PlayStation PlayStation logo
Released: 13 Jun 2000
Genre: Role-playing
Developer: Sony Computer Entertainment Japan
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment

Introduction

Imagine a world where dragons are the real deal, powerful enough to make your mom look like she's playing with toy figurines. That's Endiness for you, folks! In 'The Legend of Dragoon,' dragons, shards of soul, and ludicrously trusted childhood friends collide in an epic tale worthy of late-night game sessions and ramen breaks. With Dart leading the charge and a crew that looks like they were pulled straight from a high school fantasy club, let's dive into this classic PS1 RPG that some say is a worthy foe against the popular 'Final Fantasy' series.

Gameplay

The gameplay offers a variety of ways to get lost in your quest. You'll navigate a 3D map that has all the charm of IKEA instructions (just hope you don't get lost and wander off into a random dungeon). Combat combines turn-based strategy with a quick-time event known as 'addition.' Think of it like trying to do a dance battle but with more pixels and less rhythm. You'll be pressing buttons with the finesse of a caffeinated squirrel, timing your clicks like they're the next big TikTok trend. Get it right, and you could deal some serious damage; get it wrong, and you risk being that party member who just doesn't contribute. Plus, when your characters transform into Dragoon forms, it's like they got a shiny new outfit for the ball. Just remember to build up those spirit points! They're not just for show-you'll need them to unleash all that dragon-y power on your foes!

Graphics

'The Legend of Dragoon' showcases graphics that were groundbreaking for the time-if you squint just right. Pre-rendered backgrounds coupled with 3D character models give it a unique aesthetic. You can practically feel the camaraderie between Dart and his pals through their awkward polygons-let's call it character depth in 256-bit glory. The game's cinematics are like watching a poorly animated soap opera that just happens to have dragons, making each transition a spectacular event, even if some characters look like they're still in their awkward growth spurt. Whether they're soaring through the air or sulking in landscapes, every setting screams 'fantasy' a little louder than the last.

Conclusion

'The Legend of Dragoon' remains an imperishable gem in the pantheon of PS1 RPGs. Dart's epic quest carries the weight of both duty and childhood nostalgia, while his ragtag army of heroes adds layers to the dramatic-and sometimes déclassé-story of love, revenge, and ten-thousand-year-old family secret shenanigans. Though it may not dethrone 'Final Fantasy' as the reigning king of RPGs, it has its own charm that has aged like fine wine-or maybe just slightly fermented grape juice. So grab your controller, summon your inner Dragoon, and remember: sometimes the journey to save your childhood friend from a dragon is worth every pixel. Just don't forget to dodge the vibes of 2000s anime clichés while you're at it-or embrace them if you're feeling adventurous.

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