Legend of Dragoon Review

Here's a somewhat old game (dated from 2000) from SCEA for the PSX. I'm holding on to this game for someone else, so I decided to play it sduring my free time. This is a fairly standard RPG, very similiar to FF VII, VIII and IX in style. It took me around 55 to 60 hours to beat the game having mastered all the additions.

Graphically, it comes out pretty good as a PSX title. Nothing too spectacular, with in-game graphics being at about FF IX level with good quality FMVs once in a while. This game plays out like you'd expect from an RPG, with a World map, a field map and the battle scenes. You can't free roam on the world map, you are restricted to the paths available to you. This is not a bad thing, as I did not need to level up too much and this keeps the game more centered on the story. The field maps are of the 3D characters on pre-rendered model variety. The fights are random on either map and uses an interesting battle system.

You set up Addition attacks on each of your characters which are pretty much like combos. The way this work is that when you attack, you'll see a blue square in the middle of the screen and another big one shrinking until it's small the the first one. When both squares are equal you have to press the x button to do you addition attack, causing more damage and gaining more SP. Some addition have up to 6 addition attack to perform, dealing a lot of damage but also requiring a bit of getting used to.

By gaining SP you will fill up an SP gauge for that character enabling him to go into dragoon mode. In dragoon mode you only have two options, Dragoon attack and Dragoon Magic. Both are very powerful, but the Magic uses MP points. You also gain bonuses to most stats while in dragoon form, so use this to your advantage in tight situations.

The story follows Dart as he tries to avenge the murder of his parents by the Black monsters, while trying to protect Shana, his childhood friend. Along the way, Dart will acquire the power of the dragoon which will greatly help him along the way. He will also be joined by a wide array of characters including Haschel, a martial arts expert and Rose, a mysterious dragoon who seems to know a lot about the world and it's history. Expect some plot twists and some interesting scenes as the groups makes their way from their personal goals to saving the world from destruction.

I had some fun playing this game and would recommend this game to people who likes the PSX FF games and are still looking for others to play. I wouldn't recommend people to go out of their way to play it though, as there are many other RPGs they can experience on the newer consoles.