Dungeons & Dragons: Shadow over Mystara (1996)

by Ji-yeong
written by Ji-yeong 6 minutes read

Summary

Dungeons & Dragons: Shadow over Mystara (1996)

Dungeons & Dragons: Shadow over Mystara is a side-scrolling beat ’em up game released in 1996. It is a sequel to the 1994 game Dungeons & Dragons: Tower of Doom. The game was developed by Capcom and published by Takara.

Shadow over Mystara features six playable characters, each with their own unique abilities. The characters are:

  • Fighter: A well-rounded character with good attack power and defense.
  • Cleric: A healing and support character who can also deal some damage.
  • Dwarf: A strong and durable character with a powerful axe attack.
  • Elf: A quick and agile character with a bow and arrow.
  • Magic-User: A powerful spellcaster who can attack from a distance.
  • Thief: A fast and nimble character who can pick locks and disarm traps.

In addition to the original four heroes found in its predecessor, Dungeons & Dragons: Tower of Doom (Cleric, Dwarf, Elf and Fighter), Shadow of Mystara adds a Thief and a Magic-User to the selection. Furthermore, with the inclusion of two separate versions of each character’s sprite set, the game allows up to two players to select the same character (in Tower of Doom each of the characters could only be selected once), effectively giving the game 12 “different” characters to choose from. The two Clerics and two Magic Users also have subtle differences within their spell books.

The game’s story takes place in the fictional world of Mystara. The evil wizard Thanatos has returned from the dead and is planning to conquer the world. The player characters must travel across Mystara and defeat Thanatos and his minions.

Shadow over Mystara is a challenging game, but it is also very rewarding. The game’s graphics are colorful and detailed, and the music is catchy and upbeat. The controls are simple and easy to learn, but the game requires skill and strategy to master.

One of the things that makes Shadow over Mystara so special is its variety. The game features a wide range of enemies, from giant spiders to fire-breathing dragons. The player characters also have a variety of abilities, so there is a lot of room for experimentation.

Another thing that makes Shadow over Mystara special is its co-op multiplayer. The game can be played with up to two players, and it is a lot of fun to team up with a friend and take on the forces of evil.

Overall, Dungeons & Dragons: Shadow over Mystara is a great game. It is a challenging and rewarding beat ’em up with a lot of variety and replayability. If you are a fan of the genre, then you should definitely check it out.

Gameplay

The gameplay in Shadow over Mystara is similar to that of other side-scrolling beat ’em ups. The player characters walk from left to right, fighting off enemies and collecting power-ups. The game features a variety of different attacks, including punches, kicks, and special moves.

One of the things that makes Shadow over Mystara unique is its use of a “kick harness” system. This system allows the player characters to grab onto enemies and perform a variety of different moves, such as throwing them or slamming them into the ground.

The game also features a variety of different power-ups, which can give the player characters increased strength, speed, or defense. These power-ups can be found throughout the game, or they can be purchased from the in-game shop.

Graphics and Sound

The graphics in Shadow over Mystara are colorful and detailed. The character sprites are well-animated, and the backgrounds are full of life. The game’s music is also very good, with a catchy and upbeat soundtrack that perfectly captures the game’s atmosphere.

Conclusion

Dungeons & Dragons: Shadow over Mystara is a great game. It is a challenging and rewarding beat ’em up with a lot of variety and replayability. If you are a fan of the genre, then you should definitely check it out.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Ji-yeong is a passionate gamer and whose love for video games blossomed during her childhood. Growing up in the midwest, without many friends, she spent countless hours exploring the enchanting worlds of classic JRPGs like Final Fantasy and Chrono Trigger, which sparked not only an enduring love for gaming but also a keen insight into its evolving landscape. Today, Ji-yeong channels her deep-seated passion and nostalgia into thoughtful, engaging reviews that resonate with both longtime gamers and newcomers alike. Her unique perspective, rooted in a rich history of gaming, offers readers a heartfelt journey through the pixels and stories that have shaped her love for this dynamic medium. Her favorite game series of all time is Harvest Moon.