Dragon Force II

Dragon Force

Company type	Video game
Industry	Video games
Founded	1996 (1996)
Founder	J-Force
Successor	Dragon Force II
Headquarters	Japan
Area served	Japan, North America, Europe
Products	Dragon Force (video game)
Owner	Sega

Dragon Force is a 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 adapted for the North American market by Working Designs, who also licensed its translation for European distribution. The title is distinguished by its massive real-time battles, where up to 200 troops engage simultaneously, evoking the scale of epic cinematic conflicts like those depicted in Braveheart.

Praised for its seamless integration of tactical warfare and narrative-driven RPG mechanics, Dragon Force remains one of the most celebrated games on the Saturn platform. A sequel was introduced exclusively in Japan in 1998, with unofficial fan translations accessible. The original game saw subsequent reissues on PlayStation 2 as part of the Sega Ages collection and was later made available as a PS2 Classic on PlayStation 3 within Japan.

Gameplay

Players take on the role of one among eight sovereigns vying to dominate Legendra. Each ruler commands multiple generals who lead forces comprising up to 100 soldiers. These armies traverse a strategic overhead map, moving between castles and towns, engaging in combat upon encountering enemy units.

Both the overworld map and battle sequences operate in real time, pausing only when players access menus.

At the outset of combat, players select from Attack, Talk, or Retreat options. Choosing Retreat results in troop casualties and withdrawal; Talk attempts diplomatic resolution but seldom succeeds due to enemy advantage; Attack initiates battle where each side designates a general and arranges troop formations. The adversary selects first, enabling players to respond tactically. During fights, commands and special attacks are issued through menu selections. Battles conclude when a general’s health reaches zero or they withdraw; if both armies are depleted simultaneously, a decisive one-on-one duel occurs. Generals can be captured, wounded, or occasionally killed. Losing the player’s ruler results in game over.

Each in-game week involves management activities such as assigning generals to enhance their troops or abilities, recruiting captured enemy generals, exploring for items, strengthening fortifications, and saving progress. Story-driven cut scenes frequently take place at week’s end.

Plot

Set in the realm of Legendra, Dragon Force unfolds in a world once flourishing under the protection of the goddess Astea until it was ravaged by the malevolent god Madruk. The Star dragon Harsgalt and his warriors—the Dragon Force—initially fail due to internal strife, leading Harsgalt to imprison Madruk until new heroes arise.

Three hundred years later, Madruk's seal weakens as his apostles Scythe and Gaul instigate conflict among Legendra's eight kingdoms. One ruler ultimately ends the war and discovers their identity as a member of the Dragon Force, tasked with mastering Dragon Power to defeat Madruk. Despite resistance from Scythe and Gaul, this monarch acquires such power and vanquishes Madruk's final apostle, Katmondo. As Madruk's prison crumbles, his dragonmen army emerges; the Dragon Force battles his Dark Apostles while the monarch wielding Dragon Power confronts Madruk directly and slays him. Following this victory, Astea entrusts mortal rulers with governance.

The game offers eight distinct narratives—one per ruler—with Goldark and Reinhart’s campaigns unlocking after initial completion due to plot revelations.

Reception

Dragon Force garnered widespread praise for its innovative combination of war simulation and role-playing game mechanics, alongside its striking battle animations. Electronic Gaming Monthly honored it as "Game of the Month," commending its compelling gameplay, grand narrative, and expansive combat scenarios. Although GamePro pointed out some graphical shortcomings, it applauded the captivating English translation and the game's strategic complexity. Game Informer highlighted the necessity for rapid decision-making due to the unpredictable nature of inter-nation conflicts.

The game's narrative integration also received acclaim; Next Generation remarked on how each character's distinct motivations influence gameplay, resulting in a fluid fusion of wargame and RPG elements. Similarly, GameSpot recognized this effective blend of strategy and role-playing. The UK-based Sega Saturn Magazine presented a more nuanced perspective, suggesting that certain players might find the battle mechanics and management systems challenging.

In terms of sales, Dragon Force achieved over 150,000 units sold in North America and 272,166 copies in Japan, accumulating a total exceeding 422,000 worldwide.

The title earned Electronic Gaming Monthlys accolades for Saturn Game of the Year and Strategy Game of the Year in 1996 and was runner-up for their All Systems Game of the Year. It secured the #55 spot on EGM’s "100 Best Games of All Time" list in 1997 and was placed at #111 on their "Greatest 200 Videogames of Their Time" in 2006. Additionally, in 2003, it was inducted into GameSpots compilation of all-time greatest games.

Sequel

Sega released Dragon Force II: Kamisarishi Daichi ni exclusively in Japan for the Saturn in 1998. This sequel introduced several improvements over its predecessor, including a "laboratory system" designed for researching new abilities and the capability to field two different soldier types simultaneously—for example, combining aerial and ground forces. The soundtrack was crafted by distinguished anime composers Kohei Tanaka and Takayuki Negishi.

Peter Bartholow of GameSpot awarded the sequel a score of 7.9 out of 10, noting its strong resemblance to the original with enhanced gameplay elements but somewhat diminished presentation quality. He also emphasized the addition of voice acting and recommended the import version to devoted enthusiasts.

External links

• Official website (PS3 version)