Dragon's Crown - PlayStation Vita

An easy way to describe this game would be calling it a "side scrolling beat 'em up." That description doesn't do the game justice.It's a well polished blend of RPG elements mixed with the brawler gameplay you might remember from Streets of Rage or Golden Axe. Ever wanted to change any of those character's hair color for some reason? Well, you can here! (Among other things)Touching on the RPG elements, you'll be equipping different weapons with different damages, powerups, and status effects, as well as different clothing and accessories that provide different sorts of stat boosts to your character. Some of these items are class specific, and some of these can be used by all.Unfortunately, your A.I. partners aren't too bright. They won't be evading attacks or busting out well thought out combos too often, but they do provide a good "shield" as cannon fodder for the bosses you'll face. This is very good, because the game is a bit difficult starting out. You'll need to learn how to juggle enemies and learn to evade attacks if you plan to really succeed. Especially if you decide not to bring allies with you on the quests.As the cover shows, you'll have a different selection of classes to pick from. Wizard, Elf, Sorceress, Amazon, Fighter, and Dwarf. About half of those are designed for straight up combat, and the other half is designed for magic/supporting roles. Depending on whether or not you'll go at this game alone or co-op shouldn't affect your decision too much, because the game is beatable with any class. (A note on co-op; you'll have to complete a portion of the game before this option becomes available.)I couldn't write a review on this game without commenting on the design and art style.This is a side scroller with 3D elements. Meaning you won't just be going left and right, there's room to move upward and downward (toward entrance ways, gates, doors, etc) and to also position yourself to attack enemies and dodge projectile attacks. The type of leeway that Golden Axe or Spiderman & Venom: Maximum Carnage give you.The art style is something like I've never really seen before. The body proportions on are pretty bold and somewhat exaggerated, but don't let this turn you away from the game, it actually fits in quite well. The guild master really is much more intimidating almost being the size of the Incredible Hulk! And yet, the Amazon and Dwarf look just as tough. The animations seem very fluid. Any jump attack or swing of the sword has the motion of you moving your arms and legs, not just a sudden extended body part protruding from your character. The narration is also pretty engaging, but you'd expect that to be the case by seeing how polished the game is.Story wise, you won't be getting much. Without spoiling too much, the Dragon's Crown is a coveted piece of treasure, and it drives the events of the game. About status quo for an RPG. There's always a legendary item or weapon that sets things in motion.Lastly, if you're debating on which version of the game to get, I'd tell you to go for Vita. The game was built with touchscreen in mind, and it's noticeable. There's gleaming treasure in the background, and you'll need to tap it out of hiding in order to get your hands on it. On the PS3, you'll be moving a hand icon toward the object with your controller. On the Vita, you just need to stretch your finger to wherever you see the gleaming light. Did I mention you can, *ahem*, touch certain characters? Nothing past PG or PG-13, but it's pretty funny to see the game telling you that sorceress will turn your hand to stone if you do it again.In all, this is a solid game, and the Vita needs solid games! I would recommend this to anyone.

This game purchase was an amazing treat. First off, I bought it when it was on sale for $29.99. It arrived quickly and to my surprise, came with a nice artbook full of artwork from the game. The quality of the book and print wasnt all that great, but still...it was an unexpected bonus.Now, about the game. I remember preordering this game about 2 years ago and was bummed when it got delayed. I wasnt exactly sure what to expect, but it looked very similar to Golden Axe, which was one of my favorite games. Well....it does have some similarities, but it is very very different and much more involved.The art in this game is amazing. Its amazing to know the entire game was hand drawn.Also, the soundtrack is out of this world. There are many parts that remind me of lord of the rings, however, the soundtrack stands on it own.The gameplay is also very addictive. I love the added missions and the main story line seems to be pretty decent as well. The narration is also done very well.This game is truly a work of art among being a very fun and addictive game. I like that it is easy to pick up this game and play for a short period of time and be able to pick up right where you left off. The game makes it very easy to remember what to do next because the narrator tells you when you start up where you left off. But it is also very easy to get sucked into this game and play for hours on end.I dont usually pay full price for games, but this game would have been worth the full price if I paid it.I highly recommend this action / rpg game.

A pretty average, but fun, sidescrolling beat-em-up.I'd say worth it even if only for the visuals. Whether I like certain proportions or not, it's gorgeous! Prettiest game on Vita. I have an older model vita (the one with the nicer screen), and it is just... beautiful. Oh man.Unlike the PS3 version, you cannot play multiplayer from the start. You have to go to about halfway through the game in order to unlock it. Don't worry, you can fill out your party with AI. But since you can fill your party out anyway, I see no reason for the forced singleplayer other than to make life harder for people who like playing support characters.There are some very nice touches to the game, for instance fire spells fizzle when they touch water, and you get sent to jail if you beat up villagers.However, I can totally understand why people might have some trouble taking this game seriously - the proportions of some female characters are ridiculous. Specifically the Sorceress. I myself an am E cup - probably about half what she's got - and it causes pain in my back and neck, as well as a tearing, achey feeling if I run without proper support. Basically I get pangs of sympathy pain when watching the Sorceress run.The characters are interesting to play as and all have their own unique gimmick that makes their existence justified. There is a good range of support, offensive and defensive abilities among the characters.Overall, plays well. Is fun.