Status Reset_Tears Sep 11, 2019
I have finished the first disc (of four). So far I have to say I'm very impressed with this game, and that it seems to truly live up to its critical acclaim.
Unlike the previous two Panzer Dragoon entries, which were excellent rail shooters, Saga is a turn-based RPG of sorts. You play as a mercenary named Edge, who befriends …
I have finished the first disc (of four). So far I have to say I'm very impressed with this game, and that it seems to truly live up to its critical acclaim.
Unlike the previous two Panzer Dragoon entries, which were excellent rail shooters, Saga is a turn-based RPG of sorts. You play as a mercenary named Edge, who befriends a dragon and sets off on adventure to get revenge on the Empire and unravel the mystery of a strange girl that was discovered (seemingly under cryogenic sleep) at an excavation site. You get to battle all sorts of crazy-looking monsters in this game--something the PD series has repeatedly excelled at. Though it's turn-based, action happens in real time, so you have to make decisions on the fly (literally). As gauges fill up, you become able to shoot your gun, have your dragon spit lasers, use items, or activate dragon power specials. Half of your focus though will be on positioning your dragon effectively around the enemies (in front, behind, or to the left or right of them). Some spots are relatively safe, while others are danger zones. The enemies can move too, so you generally can't sit still for long.
On top of all this, you soon get the ability to morph your dragon, affecting its stats (and its appearance!). You can do this outside of battle, or even in the middle of one. It's really clever, and looks extremely cool. Some battles call for the defensive bulky dragon form; other battles call for the sleek and speedy one (and so on: there are five main types).
Perhaps what stands out the most for this game though is its incredibly unique atmosphere. How should I put it? It's a very somber game. This is a world that truly is ruled by the monsters, and the scattered remnants of humanity have only barely managed to scrape by over the post-apocalyptic centuries. Landscapes are desolate and ruinous. There aren't many characters to interact with. It's a quiet, surreal, and unsettling RPG. Looking forward to seeing how the story plays out.