Summary
- Release Year: 1996
- Genres: Arcade, Shooter
- Platforms: Sega Game Gear
- Developers: Sega Enterprises, Ltd.
- Publishers: Sega Enterprises, Ltd.
Panzer Dragoon Mini: A Classic Rail Shooter Reborn
Panzer Dragoon Mini is a rail shooter video game developed by Sega AM2 and published by Sega for the Sega Saturn. It was released in Japan in 1995 and in North America and Europe in 1996. The game is a scaled-down version of the original Panzer Dragoon, which was released for the Sega Saturn in 1995.
Panzer Dragoon Mini features the same basic gameplay as the original Panzer Dragoon. The player controls a blue dragon that flies through a 3D environment, shooting enemies with a variety of weapons. The game is divided into six stages, each with its own unique boss.
One of the things that sets Panzer Dragoon Mini apart from other rail shooters is its use of 3D graphics. The game’s environments are fully three-dimensional, and the player is able to move the dragon up, down, left, and right. This gives the game a much more immersive feel than other rail shooters, which are typically played on a 2D plane.
Another thing that sets Panzer Dragoon Mini apart is its story. The game has a surprisingly deep and involving story, which is told through a series of cutscenes. The story follows the journey of a young dragon rider named Lagi as he fights to save his homeland from an evil dragon.
Panzer Dragoon Mini was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its graphics, gameplay, and story. It was also a commercial success, selling over one million copies worldwide.
Gameplay
Panzer Dragoon Mini is a rail shooter in which the player controls a blue dragon that flies through a 3D environment, shooting enemies with a variety of weapons. The game is divided into six stages, each with its own unique boss.
The player’s dragon can move up, down, left, and right, and can shoot in any direction. The player can also lock on to enemies, which makes it easier to hit them. The player has a variety of weapons to choose from, including a laser, a homing missile, and a spread shot.
The player’s dragon can also use a special attack called the “Overdrive.” The Overdrive is a powerful attack that can damage all enemies on the screen. However, the Overdrive can only be used a limited number of times.
Story
Panzer Dragoon Mini has a surprisingly deep and involving story, which is told through a series of cutscenes. The story follows the journey of a young dragon rider named Lagi as he fights to save his homeland from an evil dragon.
Lagi is a member of the Azure Dragoon Corps, an elite group of dragon riders who protect the land of Ur. When the evil dragon Azelas attacks Ur, Lagi and his fellow dragoons are sent to stop him.
Lagi and his dragon, Lagi, travel to Azelas’s lair, where they must defeat him in a final battle. If Lagi is successful, he will save Ur from destruction.
Graphics
Panzer Dragoon Mini’s graphics are some of the best on the Sega Saturn. The game’s environments are fully three-dimensional, and the player is able to move the dragon up, down, left, and right. This gives the game a much more immersive feel than other rail shooters, which are typically played on a 2D plane.
The game’s characters and enemies are also very well-designed. The dragons are particularly impressive, and they move and fly with a realistic grace.
Sound
Panzer Dragoon Mini’s sound is also very good. The game’s music is composed by Saori Kobayashi, and it is some of the best music on the Sega Saturn. The music is orchestral and sweeping, and it perfectly captures the game’s epic atmosphere.
The game’s sound effects are also very good. The sound of the dragon’s laser is particularly satisfying, and the explosions are suitably powerful.
Overall
Panzer Dragoon Mini is a classic rail shooter that still holds up today. The game’s graphics, gameplay, and story are all top-notch, and it is a must-play for fans of the genre.
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
