Dragon's Crown |OT| -- NOW AVAILABLE! Hands-On Impressions Inside!

"Although nine areas may not seem like a lot, after completing each initial level (and progressing to a certain point in the story), you'll unlock each stage's "B-side," which allows you to venture on another path, splitting the level into two. There's also a myriad of secret areas that feature randomized loot, traps, and enemies, so it never feels like you're playing the exact same level over and over."

"To help further alleviate the repetitive nature of the beat 'em up genre in general, Dragon's Crown features enemy/difficulty scaling. But unlike most games that fumble scaling, Vanillaware does it right, because enemies only scale up, not down. In Dragon's Crown, there are still going to be levels where you need to train before you can best them -- so you still get a sense of accomplishment for completing difficult stages."

But because the game also scales up, it makes going back to previous levels fun, and not a "going through the motions" chore. As a result, going back to old stages doesn't feel like a true "grind" like other beat 'em ups, and you'll still have to actively attempt to best the game's bosses with tactical play. Add this to the fact that you can choose either the A or the B-side at will, and you'll have no problem using the "random level" embark option, which grants you extra gold and/or experience bonuses if you let the game pick a series of stages for you.

There are tons of homages to old beat 'em ups, some of which are extremely evident to old school fans. Right off the bat, many of you may recognize some direct calls to Golden Axe, including the sack-holding thief who tries to steal your treasure, and the ability to ride creatures. As a huge fan of King of Dragons (my personal favorite beat 'em up), I noticed a few direct homages -- I'm talking specifically about the diversity of the boss fights, that employ some brilliant design choices to help cement the encounters into the pantheon of the genre."

--LOVE IT ! ! !

Casually looked for a place who was breaking the street date in 4 cities over the last few days but couldn't find one. :(

I hate gaming site trends. "Some offensive and unavoidable character designs" Can we see a review that doesn't mention this? Reviewers act like no game before DC had designs like it. N3MO

Probably not. Because it was (misguidedly) brought up by the press a few months ago, most high traffic sites will feel like they need to bring it up again to avoid accusations of insensitivity. PC is moronic, but it's the world we live in, and the world to which public entities like GS have to adapt.

I did a quick read on Peter Brown's review on the game...

I'm guessing he wasn't a fan of the character design either, especially the "offensive and unavoidable" ones...

[QUOTE="N3MO"]I hate gaming site trends. "Some offensive and unavoidable character designs" Can we see a review that doesn't mention this? Reviewers act like no game before DC had designs like it. Ish_basic

Probably not. Because it was (misguidedly) brought up by the press a few months ago, most high traffic sites will feel like they need to bring it up again to avoid accusations of insensitivity. PC is moronic, but it's the world we live in, and the world to which public entities like GS have to adapt.

Welp, what are ya gonna do? As much as people like to say otherwise, reviews are subjective. If the reviewer found the  hypersexualized art to be distracting then I don't see why they shouldn't mention it as a little afterthought, though I don't see that as a reason to dock a significant amount of points (It looks like Peter Brown didn't. Polygon on the other hand...). I don't think its being PC, I think people were genuinely distracted and a little appalled by some of the art. Other somewhat recent games like Hyperdimension Neptunia, Skullgirls, and the Witcher get picked on for their distracting (to some people anyway) sexual content as well.

Oh well. I'm not one to be heavily swayed by reviews anyway. I just read them for kicks, then laugh at the rage they cause, if any. I doubt some reviewers complaining about the sexualized characters will make those of us who really want the game cancel our preorders.

Do reviewers ever knit-pick about sexism in mainstream Western titles, or just niche Japanese games these days? 

http://www.dualshockers.com/2013/08/02/dragons-crown-sells-more-than-300000-units-in-japan-between-retail-and-download-shortages-continue/

http://www.dualshockers.com/2013/08/02/dragons-crown-sells-more-than-300000-units-in-japan-between-retail-and-download-shortages-continue/

syztem

Got my copy pre ordered/paid off earlier, 3 more days.

i don't see why a reviewer wouldn't mention the character designs if they felt strongly about them. this whole "only review the gameplay" stance is misguided because everything from mechanics to character designs to music is part of the experience of playing the game. i mean, most people in this thread that are excited about the game are at least partly excited because of vanillaware's famous visual designs. they obvious have some power over the games.

with that said, i would hope that a reviewer criticizing the character designs would make a more relevant point than "any design with big breasts is automatically offensive."

[QUOTE="Ish_basic"]

[QUOTE="N3MO"]I hate gaming site trends. "Some offensive and unavoidable character designs" Can we see a review that doesn't mention this? Reviewers act like no game before DC had designs like it. Lucky_Krystal

Probably not. Because it was (misguidedly) brought up by the press a few months ago, most high traffic sites will feel like they need to bring it up again to avoid accusations of insensitivity. PC is moronic, but it's the world we live in, and the world to which public entities like GS have to adapt.

Welp, what are ya gonna do? As much as people like to say otherwise, reviews are subjective. If the reviewer found the hypersexualized art to be distracting then I don't see why they shouldn't mention it as a little afterthought, though I don't see that as a reason to dock a significant amount of points (It looks like Peter Brown didn't. Polygon on the other hand...). I don't think its being PC, I think people were genuinely distracted and a little appalled by some of the art. Other somewhat recent games like Hyperdimension Neptunia, Skullgirls, and the Witcher get picked on for their distracting (to some people anyway) sexual content as well.

Oh well. I'm not one to be heavily swayed by reviews anyway. I just read them for kicks, then laugh at the rage they cause, if any. I doubt some reviewers complaining about the sexualized characters will make those of us who really want the game cancel our preorders.

But in this case Kotaku (i think it was) published an article specifically calling this game out for this issue. And there was a huge reaction thread in these forums and others. So, it was made an issue publicly months ago, or I don't think the reviewer would have brought it up here. The designs in this game are ridiculous across the board, intentionally so. The males are exaggerated just as much, to the point where the knight's armor even has pecks. You could easily have attributed everything to artstyle and moved on, and if Kotaku hadn't put that article out, I think that's just what would have happened.

[QUOTE="Lucky_Krystal"]

[QUOTE="Ish_basic"]

Probably not. Because it was (misguidedly) brought up by the press a few months ago, most high traffic sites will feel like they need to bring it up again to avoid accusations of insensitivity. PC is moronic, but it's the world we live in, and the world to which public entities like GS have to adapt.

Ish_basic

Welp, what are ya gonna do? As much as people like to say otherwise, reviews are subjective. If the reviewer found the hypersexualized art to be distracting then I don't see why they shouldn't mention it as a little afterthought, though I don't see that as a reason to dock a significant amount of points (It looks like Peter Brown didn't. Polygon on the other hand...). I don't think its being PC, I think people were genuinely distracted and a little appalled by some of the art. Other somewhat recent games like Hyperdimension Neptunia, Skullgirls, and the Witcher get picked on for their distracting (to some people anyway) sexual content as well.

Oh well. I'm not one to be heavily swayed by reviews anyway. I just read them for kicks, then laugh at the rage they cause, if any. I doubt some reviewers complaining about the sexualized characters will make those of us who really want the game cancel our preorders.

But in this case Kotaku (i think it was) published an article specifically calling this game out for this issue. And there was a huge reaction thread in these forums and others. So, it was made an issue publicly months ago, or I don't think the reviewer would have brought it up here. The designs in this game are ridiculous across the board, intentionally so. The males are exaggerated just as much, to the point where the knight's armor even has pecks. You could easily have attributed everything to artstyle and moved on, and if Kotaku hadn't put that article out, I think that's just what would have happened.

I think it was a Polygon article

[QUOTE="Ish_basic"]

But in this case Kotaku (i think it was) published an article specifically calling this game out for this issue. And there was a huge reaction thread in these forums and others. So, it was made an issue publicly months ago, or I don't think the reviewer would have brought it up here. The designs in this game are ridiculous across the board, intentionally so. The males are exaggerated just as much, to the point where the knight's armor even has pecks. You could easily have attributed everything to artstyle and moved on, and if Kotaku hadn't put that article out, I think that's just what would have happened.

Ballroompirate

I think it was a Polygon article

No it was that Kotaku article that called George Kamitani a 14 year old boy.

And Ish_basic, that article was indeed appalling and I hated that the Kotaku guy was so vicious and then only tried to open up a somewhat civil discussion after being called out on his bullshit. But to be honest, ever since the character designs were unveiled I've seen people, even regular old forum users like us, comment on how the female character designs are wacky, weird, or somewhat offensive. And that was way WAY before the Kotaku article was made. I think either way there would be some people who called out the character designs, as well as the other somewhat questionable content and art that we're just now seeing (mermaid, female knight, touching mini game).

Dragon's Crown is hardly the first game to get called out for its content and it won't be the last. Like I said, the Witcher got called out on Gamespot's review for its "get a sexy card after banging some chick" component of the game (and that was back in 2007). All 3 Hyperdimension Neptunia games get insulted and belittled by several critics for the fanservice and hypersexualized character designs. Skullgirls got called out for its character designs as well, as did Altelier Meruru, Mugen Souls, and Arcana Heart. The list goes on.

Now usually I don't agree with these people. But like I said, reviews are subjective. So if sexy character designs bother a reviewer and they feel its distracting to the gameplay well...not much we can do.

I would just hope that they address it respectfully and not insult the entire audience of people who are interested in the game. I honestly hate when that happens, and Polygon's review kind of does that, implying that this game is aimed at virgin teenage boys.

VERY happy to say:

I went to pick up my copy of Pikmin 3 today at the GameStop where I pre-ordered my copies of Dragon's Crown **one for me, one for a friend!** and I inquired about the Art Book. They had them in stock already! I asked the clerk who works there **who knows me very well!** if I could possibly pick up my books now...

Guess what I got!

:D

[spoiler] The Art Books --NOT-- the game! I'm not about to get someone in trouble for breaking a street date! I can wait the two more days! [/spoiler]

...aaand I can officially confirm, if people had problems with the art style --BEFORE-- seeing the art book or playing the actual game, ALL HELL'S GONNA BREAK OUT when they do either!

Some of the art...  :shock:  :lol:

Some of the in-game animations...  :shock:  :shock:  :lol:

Hoooo Boy! This "controversy" isn't over yet!

:lol:

From the Foreward of the 'Dragon's Crown Artworks' book:

_________________________

"Thank you very much for purchasing Dragon's Crown.

To all the customers who have been looking forward to this game since its first announcement in 2011, please forgive us for making you wait two years for it. Dragon's Crown has become a deeply moving project for me, and I would like to explain the circumstances that made it that way. I drafted the first plan for this game about 15 years ago, immediately after I created a game called Princess Crown. It never saw the light of day at that time, but ever since, in the depths of my heart, I've been wanting to make it exist if the opportunity ever arose.

Many months and days passed after the first draft, and when I established a small game company called Vanillaware, that opportunity finally came. A senior at a certain company that I used to work for asked me if I had any plans for a game. I seized that chance to reorganize the plans for Dragon's Crown that I'd been dreaming of. To make a long story short, that plan didn't come to pass with that company, but I received a sudden approval from an unexpected company, and production of this game as a title for UTV Ignition began.

However, in the middle of development in 2011, UTV Ignition decided to retreat from the gaming industry. The project was up in the air, we were out of development funding, and I was just about to give up on continuing the project when Atlus stepped into the picture. They had lent us a helping hand time and time again, from Princess Crown to Odin Sphere, and once again, they saved us from our predicament. Now, in the summer of 2013, after a long development period full of twists and turns, Dragon's Crown is complete. It has been a rare piece of work, and we were able to spend four years creating and elaborating upon it.

The motif in Dragon's Crown is all the fantasy works that have affected me until now: the PC RPG Wizardry that I first came into contact with when I was a student; Ian Livingstone's gamebooks; games like Tower of Druaga, Golden Axe and The King of Dragons, that I was constantly going to the arcades to play. If I were to take the time to mention every title, the list would never end. Because I had the time, I was able to inlay Dragon's Crown with such glittering treasures both as homages and as an essence within it.

Participating in the development of the D&D Tower of Doom arcade game at Capcom in my early 20's was truly something that I had aspired for. Its influences on this project are unfathomable. Now that development of Dragon's Crown is over, I feel it is something I can proudly say, "Please, play this game" to my old friends at Capcom. This is all thanks to the staff that put forth their abilities and poured their passions into this product, and those who believed in this project and supported us by lending a hand.

And, most of all, it is thanks to our customers that we were able to make another one of our dreams come true. I'd like to thank everyone and wish from the depths of my heart that your experience with this game will be truly enjoyable.

If you enjoy this game, that will become Vanillaware's driving force to challenge a new dream."

--Vanillaware President, George Kamitani.

_________________________

I'm sure what he meant to say was: "Haha! I maed a game about teh BOOBIES 'cuz I'm a teenage virgin at heart, LOL. Tanks fer buying it SUCKERZ!!" ...and not at all the heartfelt confession of his 15-year-old dream to bring this game to fruition. He hides his perversion well! Not at all humble... Nooo...

:P

...aaand I can officially confirm, if people had problems with the art style --BEFORE-- seeing the art book or playing the actual game, ALL HELL'S GONNA BREAK OUT when they do either!

Some of the art...  :shock:  :lol:

Some of the in-game animations...  :shock:  :shock:  :lol:

Hoooo Boy! This "controversy" isn't over yet!

:lol:

Phantom_Leo

I have no way to scan in images, but lemme just tell ya...

There's "Captured" animations for the Sorceress and the Amazon, where they are wrapped in a snake from head to toe.

The "Hip Attack" or "Jumping" animation for the Amazon... Her entire posterior is completely exposed...

Some of the Pictures drawn by other famous Japanese artists are as scandalous as they are JAW-DROPPINGLY BEAUTIFUL...!

It seems the Japanese Artists/Developers have absolutely no problem with sexy images, unlike the prudish U.S. I actually find it --VERY-- refreshing and am in AWE of the quality of what I see! Others... well... others are gonna make a big, old stink!

:lol:

This is from a larger piece of artwork in the book...

This is NOT --BUT-- this is someone's drawing of the Amazon's Hip Attack,

and it looks JUST as it is depicted!

:lol:

Let's just say: YOU AIN'T SEE NOTHING YET!!

:lol:

DAMN!

:shock:

Have to see the finished products, but I think I'd still rather have the Elf fig.

Im just going to copy and paste my thoughts here because the other thread on this game is dead.

I thought the Polygon review was well written; she at least argued her points better than Kotaku. She mentions that she doesn't have quite as big a beef with the Amazon and Witch because they are powerful female characters despite their bust/ass size; however, those weird almost fetish-y touching sequences got to her, and to be honest, they are weird.

I'm not sure the exact context to them, but just going off of a video I saw, you're basically touching scantily clad women (who are chained up), men, and goblins and hearing them moan in pleasure.... it's just weird, and it doesn't seem to fit in the game. Anyway that's my two cents.

O M G ! ! !

ONE MORE DAY ! ! !

:o

If you check your Amazon orders, they should say shipped!

:P

This game looks killer.  My only debate is whether to get it for my Vita, or my PS3.  Wish I could afford both versions :)

Spoiler-free leveling tips from ENB. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3vVOBu5pyM

Best Buy isn't carrying this game in stores.  So incredibly lame. 

Best Buy couldn't point out Japan on a map.

Best Buy couldn't point out Japan on a map.

syztem

Best Buy couldn't point out Japan on a map.

syztem

Best Buy didn't carry Ni No Kuni either.  It took weeks for them to finally get it.   

Anyway, I ended up calling a local Gamestop and they still had the 64-page artbook for pre-orders.   Normally I don't care for pre-orderering, but this seemed like a cool little bonus.  Plus, I can see some bigger places not carrying this title right away (as evidenced by Best Buy).

[QUOTE="syztem"]

Best Buy couldn't point out Japan on a map.

Jbul

Best Buy didn't carry Ni No Kuni either.  It took weeks for them to finally get it.   

Anyway, I ended up calling a local Gamestop and they still had the 64-page artbook for pre-orders.   Normally I don't care for pre-orderering, but this seemed like a cool little bonus.  Plus, I can see some bigger places not carrying this title right away (as evidenced by Best Buy).

I'm really looking forward to playing this game. I've already seen some gameplay vids of it on youtube, it looks really good.

DAMN!

:shock:

Phantom_Leo

dat amazon

...and, of course, now I have a job to do today!

Won't be able to get the game until after 5PM.  :x  I'm counting on all of you for some SPOILER-FREE, Hands-On Impressions!  :)

Dragon's Crown will be the stuff jokes, comics and frivolity will be made of for years to come!

:lol: !

I'm really looking forward to playing this game. I've already seen some gameplay vids of it on youtube, it looks really good.

SirWander

[QUOTE="SirWander"]

I'm really looking forward to playing this game. I've already seen some gameplay vids of it on youtube, it looks really good.

MirkoS77

Sword of the Stranger

 

Dragon's Crown will be the stuff jokes, comics and frivolity will be made of for years to come!

:lol: !

Phantom_Leo

This game has mid air twerk combos!

(right click open image in new tab to see it in higher resolution)

Just finished downloading it, but I cant play it until I get off work :(

I'm a few quests into the game, loving it so far, specially the art style.

I decided to get the physical copy of the PS3 version via Amazon and a digital copy of the PSV game (which took me 20 minutes to download). Here are some screenshots of my first quest. I played it safe and started off with The Fighter (who is the character the game recommends when starting off). I've not very deep in at all but so far, so great. This looks to be a great Golden Ax/RPG Hybrid. Reminds me a tiny bit of the TG-16 classic Cadash.

Installing the game now!!!

TOO EXCITED FOR WORDS!!!

OVER TWO LOOONG YEARS WAIT, OVER!!!

________________________________________

It comes with a manual?! No games come with a manual anymore!?

***STARTS SNORTING THE INTOXICATING NEW GAME MANUAL SMELL!!!***

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh...

:P

Installing the game now!!!

TOO EXCITED FOR WORDS!!!

OVER TWO LOOONG YEARS WAIT, OVER!!!

________________________________________

It comes with a manual?! No games come with a manual anymore!?

***STARTS SNORTING THE INTOXICATING NEW GAME MANUAL SMELL!!!***

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh...

:P

Phantom_Leo

Game manuals always make good bathroom reading material lol.