KEMCO’s latest RPG, Dead Dragons, has crash-landed onto Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and PC, inviting players to a world where dragons, once thought extinct, are making a fiery comeback.
But before you grab your sword and shield, it’s worth noting that our experience with the Xbox version (which you can read here) was a bit… challenging. We scored it a 3/5, with the caveat that its difficulty and stingy rewards might make it a tough sell for all but the most hardcore RPG enthusiasts.
A World Rekindled
Dead Dragons takes place a century after a brutal war that supposedly eradicated dragons from the world. Will, a young man harbouring resentment towards these creatures, discovers that they have survived, throwing the world into chaos once more.
When he encounters Shikina, a mysterious girl unafraid of dragons, Will is drawn into a journey that could reveal the hidden truths about the ancient bond between humans and dragons.
Rotation Battles: A New Spin on Combat
Much of Dead Dragons is standard KEMCO fare, but the game introduces a unique “Rotation Battle System” that adds a layer of strategic depth to combat.
Allies form a single-file line, while enemies spread out side-by-side. After each action, players can choose to rotate their party’s positions or hold their formation, influencing turn order and creating opportunities for tactical manoeuvring. This system allows for a variety of strategies, from utilising high-defense characters as shields to maintaining aggressive formations for relentless attacks.
Ruin Mode: Unleashing Devastating Power
Every enemy in Dead Dragons has attack points, and striking a weak spot triggers a critical hit. Landing three consecutive weak-spot strikes activates Ruin Mode, granting access to powerful attacks that can obliterate your foes.
Each character can also summon a unique sub-character with dynamic skills, adding another layer of strategic depth to combat.
Customisation and Character Growth
As your characters level up, you’ll earn points to enhance their stats and tailor their growth to your preferred tactics. Develop specialised roles within your party, creating a balanced team of tanks, healers, and damage dealers. Boosting parameters also unlocks new skills, expanding your combat options and allowing you to fine-tune your playstyle.
Key Features
- Rotation Battle System: Experience a unique combat system with strategic positioning.
- Ruin Mode: Unleash devastating attacks and summon powerful allies.
- Character Customisation: Enhance your team’s stats and unlock new skills.
- Intriguing Narrative: Uncover the mysteries of a world where dragons return.
A Challenging But Rewarding Experience?
While our initial experience with Dead Dragons on Xbox presented a steep difficulty curve, the game’s unique combat system and intriguing narrative may still appeal to RPG fans who enjoy a challenge. The ability to customise your party and experiment with different strategies adds depth to the gameplay.
If you are ready to face the dragons and are seeking a challenging RPG with a unique combat system and a compelling story, Dead Dragons might be worth considering. Just be prepared for a demanding experience that requires patience and strategic thinking.
Whatever, the fate of the world, and your party, hangs in the balance so get sorting your download from the usual digital storefronts. We’ll point you to the Xbox Store (£12.49) where you can play on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S. You’ll also find the game on PlayStation, Nintendo Switch and PC.
Dead Dragons Description
100 years ago, humans triumphed over dragons, bringing peace to the world. But whispers of their return ignite a thrilling tale! Take on the role of a brave protagonist, uncover the mystery behind a young girl tied to the dragons, and decide the fate of an entire world. Master the innovative Rotation Battle System—switch party positions mid-fight to outmaneuver enemies, protect your allies, and strike with precision. Build up the Ruin Gauge to unleash devastating attacks in Ruin Mode, summoning special allies to turn the tide of battle. Strategy meets epic fantasy in a game where every choice matters!
