Dragon Force

Dragon Force

Company type	Video game
Industry	Video games
Founded	1996
Founder	J-Force
Headquarters	Japan
Products	Dragon Force (video game)
Parent	Sega

Dragon Force is a hybrid real-time strategy and role-playing video game created by J-Force and released by Sega for the Sega Saturn. Initially launched in Japan in 1996, it was later localized for the North American market by Working Designs, with the translation rights also granted to Sega Europe. The game's standout feature was its ability to display massive battles involving up to 200 troops simultaneously in real time, evoking comparisons to epic war sequences reminiscent of Braveheart.

Praised for its innovative combination of tactical warfare and narrative-driven RPG gameplay, Dragon Force is regarded as one of the most notable titles on the Saturn platform. A sequel followed in 1998, available exclusively in Japan before being fan-translated. The original title was re-released on PlayStation 2 under the Sega Ages label and later offered as a PS2 Classic on PlayStation 3 within Japan in 2012.

Gameplay

Players assume control of one of eight rulers vying for dominance over the realm of Legendra. Each ruler commands a cadre of generals, each leading armies composed of up to 100 units. Movement occurs across an overhead strategic map featuring towns and castles, with enemy encounters triggering real-time battles.

Both combat and map traversal proceed in real time but pause whenever menus are accessed. At the onset of battle, players must decide whether to Attack, Engage in Dialogue, or Retreat. Choosing to retreat results in losses and withdrawal from combat. Selecting Talk attempts to negotiate, which may lead to recruiting opposing generals or avoiding conflict; however, enemies typically decline due to tactical disadvantages. Opting for Attack initiates combat where each side selects a general and arranges troop formations; the opponent always selects first, allowing players to adapt their strategy accordingly.

During engagements, commands and special abilities are issued through a menu interface. Battles conclude when a general is defeated or withdraws. Should both armies be exhausted simultaneously, a decisive one-on-one duel determines the outcome. Generals who fall may be captured, wounded, or rarely killed; if the player’s ruler is defeated, the game ends and must be restarted from the previous save point. Combat persists until all enemy generals have been vanquished.

Each week within the game involves managing various tasks such as assigning generals to enhance troop numbers or skills, recruiting captured enemy leaders, searching for valuable items, enlisting new generals in controlled regions, strengthening castle defenses, and saving progress. Narrative-driven cut scenes frequently close these weekly cycles.

Plot

Set in the flourishing world of Legendra, Dragon Force centers on the goddess Astea’s protection until the malevolent deity Madruk threatens its peace. The Star dragon Harsgalt and his warriors—known collectively as the Dragon Force—confront Madruk but succumb due to internal strife. Harsgalt ultimately seals Madruk away, awaiting eight new champions destined to permanently defeat him.

Three centuries later, Madruk’s seal weakens as his Dark Apostles Scythe and Gaul incite conflict among Legendra’s eight kingdoms. One ruler unites the lands by ending the war and discovers their identity as a member of the Dragon Force tasked with acquiring Dragon Power necessary to destroy Madruk. Despite opposition from Scythe and Gaul, this monarch attains Dragon Power and overcomes Madruk’s final apostle Katmondo. As Madruk’s imprisonment deteriorates further, his forces launch an assault. The Dragon Force battles through adversaries to confront Madruk’s three Dark Apostles; empowered by Dragon Power, the monarch defeats Madruk himself, ending his menace. Subsequently, Astea departs, leaving mortals to govern their own fate.

The game offers eight distinct story arcs—one per ruler—with campaigns for Goldark and Reinhart unlocking after initial completion due to narrative spoilers.

Reception

Dragon Force was met with widespread praise for its unique combination of war simulation and role-playing game mechanics, alongside its striking battle animations. Electronic Gaming Monthly honored it as "Game of the Month," lauding its captivating gameplay and grand scale. Although GamePro offered some critique regarding the graphics, the game's witty English localization and deep strategic elements received considerable commendation. Game Informer emphasized the necessity for rapid decision-making due to the unpredictable nature of conflicts between nations.

The intertwined storylines also garnered positive remarks; Next Generation emphasized how varied character motivations influence gameplay, resulting in a fluid blend of wargame and RPG components that satisfy fans of both genres. GameSpot praised the harmonious balance between tactical strategy and narrative-driven role-playing segments. Meanwhile, the UK-based Sega Saturn Magazine provided a more tempered assessment, suggesting that the pacing might not suit all players.

From a commercial standpoint, Dragon Force achieved sales exceeding 150,000 copies in North America and 272,166 units in Japan, accumulating over 422,000 copies worldwide.

The title earned multiple accolades from Electronic Gaming Monthly, including Saturn Game of the Year and Strategy Game of the Year in 1996, and was a finalist for All Systems Game of the Year. It secured the #55 spot on EGM's "100 Best Games of All Time" list in 1997 and ranked #111 on their "Greatest 200 Videogames of Their Time" in 2006. Additionally, in 2003, it was inducted into GameSpot's compilation of all-time greatest games.

Sequel

Released exclusively in Japan in 1998 for the Saturn, Sega published Dragon Force II: Kamisarishi Daichi ni. This sequel introduced several improvements over its predecessor, such as a "laboratory system" enabling players to research new skills and the capability to deploy two distinct soldier types simultaneously—for example, combining aerial and ground forces. The soundtrack was crafted by renowned anime composers Kohei Tanaka and Takayuki Negishi.

Peter Bartholow from GameSpot awarded the sequel a score of 7.9 out of 10, acknowledging enhancements in gameplay while noting that its presentation did not match the original's quality. He also pointed out that the inclusion of voice acting was an appreciated addition for enthusiasts and recommended importing the game.

External links

• Official website (PS3 version)