Summary

• Release Year: 2013
• Genres: Adventure, Hack and slash/Beat ’em up, Role-playing game (RPG), Strategy
• Platforms: PlayStation 3
• Developers: Access Games
• Publishers: Square Enix

Drakengard 3 (2013): A Symphony of Despair and Violence

Released in 2013 for the PlayStation 3, Drakengard 3 is an action role-playing game that takes players on a dark and twisted journey through a medieval world. Developed by Access Games and published by Square Enix, Drakengard 3 is a prequel to the original Drakengard, and features the series’ signature brand of fast-paced combat and aerial battles.

The game’s story revolves around six goddess-like sisters known as “Intoners.” These sisters possess the power to manipulate magic through song, and have used their abilities to bring peace to the world. However, this harmony is shattered when the eldest sister, Zero, attempts to murder her younger sisters with the help of her dragon companion, Mikhail.

Players take on the role of Zero as she sets out on a quest to find her missing sisters and uncover the truth behind their disappearance. Along the way, she is joined by a cast of colorful characters, including a blind swordsman, a talking cat, and a mysterious witch.

Drakengard 3’s combat is a highlight of the game. Players engage in fast-paced hack-and-slash ground combat against hordes of enemies, and can also take to the skies for aerial battles on the back of Mikhail. The game’s combat system is fluid and responsive, and players have a variety of weapons and abilities at their disposal.

The game’s story is dark and complex, and explores themes of betrayal, revenge, and the power of song. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and the game’s world is rich and immersive. However, the game’s story can also be confusing and convoluted at times, and some players may find the game’s violence to be excessive.

Overall, Drakengard 3 is a unique and unforgettable experience. The game’s fast-paced combat, dark story, and memorable characters make it a must-play for fans of action RPGs.

Gameplay

Drakengard 3 is an action role-playing game that combines ground combat with aerial battles. Players control Zero as she fights her way through hordes of enemies, using a variety of weapons and abilities. Zero can also summon Mikhail to her aid, and the two of them can take to the skies for aerial combat.

The game’s combat system is fluid and responsive, and players have a variety of options at their disposal. Zero can attack with a variety of melee weapons, including swords, axes, and spears. She can also use magic spells to attack enemies from afar. Mikhail can also attack enemies with his claws, teeth, and tail.

In addition to the main story, Drakengard 3 also features a number of side quests and challenges. These side quests can be completed to earn rewards, such as new weapons and abilities. The game also features a number of hidden areas to explore, which can contain valuable items and secrets.

Story

Drakengard 3’s story is dark and complex, and explores themes of betrayal, revenge, and the power of song. The game’s story is told through a series of cutscenes and dialogue sequences, and players will have to pay close attention to the story in order to understand what is happening.

The game’s story begins with Zero attempting to murder her younger sisters. However, her plan is foiled by Mikhail, and Zero is forced to flee. Zero then sets out on a quest to find her missing sisters and uncover the truth behind their disappearance.

Along the way, Zero is joined by a cast of colorful characters, including a blind swordsman, a talking cat, and a mysterious witch. These characters each have their own unique motivations and backstories, and they will help Zero on her quest in different ways.

The game’s story is full of twists and turns, and players will be kept guessing until the very end. The game’s ending is also ambiguous, and players will be left to decide for themselves what happened to Zero and her sisters.

Characters

Drakengard 3 features a cast of memorable and well-developed characters. The game’s protagonist, Zero, is a complex and tragic figure. She is a powerful Intoner, but she is also deeply troubled by her past. Zero is determined to find her missing sisters and uncover the truth behind their disappearance, but she is also willing to do whatever it takes to achieve her goals.

The other characters in the game are also well-developed and relatable. Mikhail is a loyal and powerful companion, and he is always there to help Zero in her time of need. The blind swordsman, Urick, is a skilled warrior who is also a kind and compassionate person. The talking cat, Manah, is a source of comic relief, but she is also a valuable ally.

The game’s characters are one of its strongest points, and they help to make the story more engaging and immersive.

World

Drakengard 3’s world is dark and gritty, and it is filled with violence and despair. The game’s world is also beautiful, and it features a variety of stunning landscapes.

The game’s world is divided into a number of different regions, each with its own unique look and feel. Some of the regions in the game include a lush forest, a barren desert, and a snowy mountain range.

The game’s world is also home to a variety of creatures, both friendly and hostile. Players will encounter a variety of enemies in the game, including goblins, dragons, and undead creatures.

The game’s world is a rich and immersive setting, and it helps to make the game more believable and engaging.

Music

The music in Drakengard 3 is composed by Keiichi Okabe, who is also known for his work on the NieR series. The game’s music is dark and atmospheric, and it perfectly complements the game’s setting and story.

The game’s soundtrack features a variety of tracks, from haunting choral pieces to intense battle themes. The music in Drakengard 3 is some of the best in the series, and it helps to create a truly immersive experience for the player.

Conclusion

Drakengard 3 is a unique and unforgettable experience. The game’s fast-paced combat, dark story, and memorable characters make it a must-play for fans of action RPGs. However, the game’s story can also be confusing and convoluted at times, and some players may find the game’s violence to be excessive.

Overall, Drakengard 3 is a solid action RPG with a lot to offer players. The game’s fast-paced combat, dark story, and memorable characters make it a worthwhile experience for fans of the genre.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots