Summary
- Release Year: 1989
- Genres: Adventure, Role-playing game (RPG)
- Platforms: Amiga, Apple II, Apple IIGS, Commodore C64/128/MAX, DOS, Family Computer, Nintendo Entertainment System, Sharp X68000
- Developers: Interplay Productions
- Publishers: Kotobuki Systems, StarCraft, Inc.
Dragon Wars (1989): A Timeless Classic of Role-Playing Fantasy
In the annals of video game history, few role-playing games (RPGs) have captured the imaginations of players quite like Dragon Wars. Released in 1989 by Strategic Simulations, Inc. (SSI), Dragon Wars was the brainchild of some of the most renowned designers in the industry, including Chuck Kroegel, Michael Cranford, and David Shelley, the creators of the Bard’s Tale series, Wasteland, and Battle Chess. Their goal was simple: to create the ultimate fantasy RPG, a game that would set new standards for storytelling, graphics, and gameplay.
And boy, did they deliver.
A Captivating Storyline
Dragon Wars transports players to a rich and immersive fantasy world where the forces of good and evil are locked in an eternal struggle. You take on the role of a group of adventurers sailing across uncharted seas in search of a legendary paradise called Dilmun, a place where the streets are paved with gold and no one wants for anything.
However, your quest soon takes a dark turn when King Drake of Phoebus declares all magic illegal. Magickers are slain or forced into hiding, and in retaliation, enemy islands threaten to unleash their guardian dragons, the most destructive force in the world.
As you dock at a harbor in Dilmun, you are arrested on suspicion of spellcasting and thrown into a cesspool called Purgatory. Stripped of everything but your wits, you must use your magical abilities to escape and prevent the dragons from wreaking havoc upon the world.
Innovative Gameplay
Dragon Wars introduced several innovative gameplay features that set it apart from other RPGs of its time. One of the most notable was its real-time combat system, which allowed players to directly control their characters in battle. This was a significant departure from the turn-based combat systems that were prevalent in most other RPGs at the time.
Another innovative feature was the game’s use of a “living world.” The world of Dragon Wars was constantly changing, with new events and encounters occurring all the time. This gave the game a sense of dynamism and unpredictability that kept players engaged.
Stunning Graphics
For its time, Dragon Wars boasted some of the most impressive graphics ever seen in an RPG. The game’s use of 16-color EGA graphics was groundbreaking, and the character sprites and backgrounds were incredibly detailed and vibrant. The game’s world was also vast and expansive, with a variety of different locations to explore, from lush forests to treacherous dungeons.
Critical Acclaim and Lasting Legacy
Upon its release, Dragon Wars was met with critical acclaim. Critics praised the game’s captivating storyline, innovative gameplay, and stunning graphics. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 200,000 copies worldwide.
Dragon Wars has had a lasting impact on the RPG genre. Its real-time combat system and living world have become staples of many modern RPGs, and its influence can still be seen in games today. The game is also remembered for its memorable characters, epic story, and challenging gameplay.
Conclusion
Dragon Wars is a timeless classic of role-playing fantasy. Its captivating storyline, innovative gameplay, and stunning graphics have made it a favorite of gamers for over three decades. If you’re a fan of RPGs, then you owe it to yourself to experience this legendary game.
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
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