King of Dragons

"Classic Hack and Slash never gets old!"

I first rented this game years ago. I bought it recently from Ebay and I still love this game.

You get to choose from a handful of characters including an archer, a wizard, a balanced fighter, a tough slow fighter, and a small dwarf. You are quested to save the country from an evil dragon. On the way you can gain power-ups in your shield strength, bow and wand strength, and weapon strength. The game is unfortunately two players and does not use the SNES multi-tap. However, that does not take from the game play.

This game is somewhat difficult if you are not careful. This is typical with the games of this time period (boss swings axe, you fly across screen, and half your life is depleted.) There are also many over powered skeletons that hack away too much life. Playing this game on normal is a challenge for a player who feels like rushing into the fray. I recommend placing the game on easy mode to get the hang of the game itself. There are also few extra continues to be earned in the game making it difficult to stay alive.

The environments are done nicely, which is typical of the SNES. The enemies are done in great detail. The Dragon Gildess is well done and actually looks very evil. The character designs are not bad either. With the only repetition is found in the skeletons.

The music in this game is somewhat average. It is not the best music that can be had on the SNES but it gets the job done. One of the songs is just plain annoying. If you ever get to a dungeon (an actual dungeon area), you will hear what I am talking about.

What does this game bring to the table that other games do not? There are magic spheres that cast lightning down from the sky, fire from the earth, screaming meteors, and transform your enemies into cute little frogs.

OVERALL I give this game a 9. This old arcade style game is a classic no matter how many games resemble it. The graphics are well done, and there are a nice variety of characters to choose from. Playing through the game with each character, and with friends, allows for a great but limited replay value. I recommend buying this game if you still have a SNES. Replaying this game will take you back to what some call "The Golden Age of Games."

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 12/20/05