Dragon View: Drakkhen 2
Greater than the sum of its partsGenre: adventure - platform
Publisher: Kemko
Year: 1994
System: SNES
Gameplay Score: 3
Gameplay Notes:
Two rather clunky modes, but the overall package is greater than the sum of its parts. The 3D FPS exploration view hasn't aged well. However, it's quaint and rather enjoyable because of it. The side-view brawler-style segments are much more palatable. You might even argue that they're good. It's nice to play a "real" game during these segments. There are also proper towns with NPCs to interact with like a Zelda clone as well as maze-like dungeons to explore. Controls are decent and there's a nice depth to the gameplay with familiar adventure game mechanics.
Level Design Score: 4
Level Design Notes:
Again, there are familiar mechanics like fetch quests, trading sequences, boss fights, level grinding, etc. It's got all the standard stuff you expect from an Adventure or Action-RPG game. If you can stomach the 3D segments there's a lot to like here.
Theme Score: 3
Theme Notes:
While I like the gameplay, the setting and world you inhabit feels bland and generic.
Art Style Score: 4
Art Style Notes:
The artwork and character designs remind me of the beat-em-up Legend. Everything has a beefy, cartoony look which I really like. The 3D sections look horrible by today's standards but they animate much better than other low poly games on the SNES. The pixel art holds up very well. I really like how some NPCs move their head to watch you as you walk past them.
Audio Score: 3
Audio Notes:
I wish I could give it a higher score since the compositions are excellent, but all of the music is played with simple pipe organ sounds that get annoying after a while. Some different sounds would've given the soundtrack some much needed variety. As it is there is a ton of tracks which again are catchy and fun to listen to.
Overall Score: 67
Review ID: 145
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