Summary
- Release Year: 1989
- Genres: Adventure, Arcade, Role-playing game (RPG)
- Platforms: Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Atari ST/STE, Commodore C64/128/MAX, DOS, Family Computer, Nintendo Entertainment System, ZX Spectrum
- Developers: U.S. Gold
- Publishers: Pony Canyon, Strategic Simulations, U.S. Gold
Advanced Dungeons & Dragons: Dragons of Flame (1989)
Introduction
Advanced Dungeons & Dragons: Dragons of Flame is a side-scrolling action RPG released for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1989. It is the sequel to Heroes of the Lance, and the second game in the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons: Krynn series. Dragons of Flame combines elements of traditional RPGs, such as character creation and inventory management, with the fast-paced action of side-scrolling brawlers.
Gameplay
Players begin by creating a party of up to four characters from a selection of six classes: fighter, thief, cleric, mage, ranger, and dwarf. Each class has its own unique strengths and weaknesses, and players must carefully consider their party composition before embarking on their adventure.
The game is played from a third-person perspective, with players controlling their party of characters as they explore the world of Krynn. The world is divided into a series of interconnected maps, each of which contains a variety of enemies, obstacles, and treasures. Players must use their wits and combat skills to overcome these challenges and progress through the game.
Combat in Dragons of Flame is fast-paced and action-packed. Players control their characters directly, using a variety of attacks and spells to defeat their enemies. The game features a unique “chain attack” system, which allows players to string together multiple attacks for devastating combos.
In addition to the main story campaign, Dragons of Flame also features a number of side quests and minigames. These optional challenges can provide players with valuable experience and items, and help them to develop their characters.
Setting
Dragons of Flame is set in the world of Krynn, the same setting as the popular Dragonlance fantasy novels. The game takes place during the War of the Lance, a time of great upheaval and conflict. The evil dragonlord Verminaard has returned to Krynn, and is amassing an army of dragons and other creatures to conquer the world.
The player characters are tasked with stopping Verminaard and his forces. They must travel across Krynn, gathering allies and building up their strength. Along the way, they will face many challenges, but if they are successful, they will save Krynn from destruction.
Characters
The player characters in Dragons of Flame are a diverse group of heroes, each with their own unique motivations and abilities. The six character classes are:
- Fighter: The fighter is a melee combat specialist, skilled in using swords, axes, and other weapons.
- Thief: The thief is a nimble and agile character, skilled in stealth, lockpicking, and trap disarming.
- Cleric: The cleric is a healer and spellcaster, able to heal the party’s wounds and cast powerful spells.
- Mage: The mage is a powerful spellcaster, able to cast a variety of offensive and defensive spells.
- Ranger: The ranger is a skilled archer and tracker, able to attack enemies from afar and navigate the wilderness with ease.
- Dwarf: The dwarf is a tough and sturdy character, resistant to damage and able to wield heavy weapons.
Reception
Advanced Dungeons & Dragons: Dragons of Flame received positive reviews upon release. Critics praised the game’s fast-paced combat, variety of character classes, and faithfulness to the Dragonlance setting. The game was also a commercial success, selling over one million copies worldwide.
Legacy
Advanced Dungeons & Dragons: Dragons of Flame is considered to be one of the best RPGs released for the NES. It is still enjoyed by many gamers today, and is considered to be a classic of the genre. The game has been ported to a number of other platforms, including the Game Boy Advance, PlayStation 2, and Nintendo Switch.
Conclusion
Advanced Dungeons & Dragons: Dragons of Flame is a classic RPG that combines fast-paced action with deep character customization and a rich fantasy setting. The game is still enjoyed by many gamers today, and is considered to be one of the best RPGs released for the NES.
Review Score
7.5/10
Art
Cover Art
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