Summary

• Release Year: 2003
• Genres: Hack and slash/Beat ’em up, Role-playing game (RPG)
• Platforms: Legacy Mobile Device, PlayStation 2
• Developers: Cavia
• Publishers: Square Enix, Take-Two Interactive

Drakengard: A Journey into Darkness and Despair

Released in 2003 for the PlayStation 2, Drakengard is an action role-playing game that tells a dark and twisted tale of war, betrayal, and redemption. Players take on the role of Caim, a prince who has lost everything and is now on a quest for revenge against the empire that destroyed his kingdom. Along the way, he will encounter a cast of unforgettable characters, including a talking dragon, a mysterious woman with a dark past, and a group of rebels fighting against the empire’s tyranny.

Drakengard is a unique game in many ways. For one, it features a non-linear storyline with multiple endings. Depending on the choices you make throughout the game, you will be presented with one of five different endings, each of which offers a different perspective on the story.

Another unique aspect of Drakengard is its combat system. The game features three distinct combat modes: aerial combat, ground combat, and event combat. In aerial combat, you will control Caim as he rides on the back of his dragon, soaring through the air and breathing fireballs at your enemies. In ground combat, you will control Caim on foot, using a variety of weapons to fight your way through hordes of enemies. And in event combat, you will participate in special story-based battles that are played out in a more traditional turn-based style.

The combat in Drakengard is challenging but rewarding. You will need to master all three combat modes in order to progress through the game. However, the sense of satisfaction you get from defeating a difficult enemy is well worth the effort.

In addition to its unique gameplay, Drakengard is also known for its dark and twisted story. The game deals with themes of war, betrayal, and redemption. It is a story that will stay with you long after you finish playing it.

Characters

One of the things that makes Drakengard so memorable is its cast of characters. Caim is a complex and tragic figure. He is a man who has lost everything and is now driven by a thirst for revenge. However, he is also capable of great compassion and love.

The other characters in Drakengard are equally well-developed. Furiae is Caim’s sister and the current incarnation of the Goddess. She is a kind and gentle soul, but she is also burdened by the knowledge of her own destiny. Inuart is a wise and powerful sorcerer who has sworn to protect Furiae. He is a loyal friend to Caim, but he is also haunted by his own past.

Leonard is a young knight who joins Caim’s quest. He is a brave and idealistic young man, but he is also naive and inexperienced. Arioch is a mysterious woman with a dark past. She is a powerful warrior, but she is also tormented by her own demons.

Story

The story of Drakengard begins in the kingdom of Midgard. Caim is a prince of Midgard, but his kingdom has been destroyed by the empire. Caim and his sister, Furiae, are the only survivors of the royal family.

Caim vows to avenge his kingdom and sets out on a journey to defeat the empire. Along the way, he meets a talking dragon named Angelus. Angelus agrees to help Caim on his quest, but only if Caim agrees to give up something precious to him.

Caim agrees, and Angelus grants him the power to transform into a dragon. With Angelus’s help, Caim begins to defeat the empire’s forces. However, as he progresses on his quest, Caim begins to learn the truth about the empire and the war.

He learns that the empire is not as evil as he thought, and that the war is not as simple as it seems. Caim must now decide whether to continue his quest for revenge, or to find a way to end the war peacefully.

Gameplay

Drakengard is an action role-playing game with a unique combat system. The game features three distinct combat modes: aerial combat, ground combat, and event combat.

• Aerial combat: In aerial combat, you will control Caim as he rides on the back of his dragon, soaring through the air and breathing fireballs at your enemies. You can also use your dragon to perform powerful melee attacks.
• Ground combat: In ground combat, you will control Caim on foot, using a variety of weapons to fight your way through hordes of enemies. You can use swords, spears, axes, and bows and arrows. You can also use magic to attack your enemies.
• Event combat: Event combat is a special type of combat that is used to tell story-based battles. In event combat, you will participate in turn-based battles against powerful enemies. You will need to use all of your skills and abilities to defeat your enemies in event combat.

Development

Drakengard was developed by Cavia, a Japanese video game developer. The game was directed by Yoko Taro, who is also known for directing the NieR series. Drakengard was released in Japan in 2003 and in North America and Europe in 2004.

Reception

Drakengard received mixed reviews from critics upon its release. Some critics praised the game’s unique gameplay and dark story, while others criticized its repetitive combat and technical problems. However, the game has since gained a cult following among fans of action RPGs.

Legacy

Drakengard has had a significant impact on the action RPG genre. The game’s unique combat system and dark story have inspired many other games, including the NieR series and the Dark Souls series. Drakengard is also known for its multiple endings, which have become a staple of the action RPG genre.

Conclusion

Drakengard is a unique and unforgettable action RPG. The game’s dark and twisted story, complex characters, and challenging combat system make it a must-play for fans of the genre. If you are looking for a game that will stay with you long after you finish playing it, then Drakengard is the game for you.

Review Score

7/10

Art

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