Panzer Dragoon Orta
Posted January 24, 2003
The Plot:
Although there are games on every system that get better as they go along, my general opinion has always been that games are like action movies: the great ones grab you from frame one and rarely, if ever, let go. "Panzer Dragoon Orta" is absolutely, positively, one of those games. It's an additional reason to buy the XBOX, for those considering it.
A new release in a trilogy (Panzer Dragoon, Zwei, and Saga) that was released for the Sega Saturn, this title's story is told through remarkably beautiful cut-scenes that play in-between the levels. We learn of a girl named Orta, freed by a mysterious dragon, only to learn of her destiny as the one great power against a ruling empire. It's hard to wait through the cut-scenes (I couldn't wait to get back into the action), but they're worth it, because the game not only provides incredible action, but it does offer a well-told tale, too.
The game is a "rail-shooter", but the difference is that different paths are presented on occasion, while the player also can switch perspective to either side or behind to take on enemies that are often all around the player (a well-placed radar gives players a perspective on who's where). The sheer size of the battles and environments makes it easy to forget the lack of too much freedom of movement. Adding to the replay value of the game is the fact that there are lots of unlockables (including the original "Panzer Dragoon" game and additional sub-missions) and the fact that you're graded at the end of each of the game's episodes, based on things like how many of the level's enemies you shot down.
Your dragon also has three different forms, each which has their own positives and negatives in terms of weapons that can be used. Each of the three forms has their own optimal situation and it's in the players best interest to experiment with each and learn what works. The dragon can also speed up and slow down to get around some of the bosses to target their weak spots or get away from their attacks.
The game does offer "Easy", "Normal" and "Hard" levels of difficulty, which gives enough variation for those who are less experienced and more experienced gamers, as well as the "Hard" level, which is recommended for those who've passed through "Normal". The "Normal" level is pretty difficult, while the "Easy" is fairly easy, but still challenging and rewarding. Speaking of rewarding, the game's best element is how much motivation it provides. Given the incredible gameplay, surprises and unusual visuals it offers from the opening, I couldn't wait to see what it offered next and rarely, if ever, was I disappointed. "Panzer Dragoon Orta" is one of the best games I've played in recent memory and one of the finest XBOX titles available.
Gameplay:
Gameplay: "Panzer Dragoon Orta" may be an "on-rails" shooter, but its controls allow the player a pleasing and surprising level of control. The ability to move the perspective to any side is smooth and easy, as is both weapons use and form changing. The game's weapons are especially easy to handle, with aiming that's fairly simple and other features, such as lock-on, simple to activate. No real camera issues or other major concerns were noticed.
Graphics:
Graphics: Best. Graphics. Ever. The graphics of this game simply blew my mind. Not only does it contain some of the most inspired and visually dazzling sights I've seen in a game in a long time, the level of detail that went into this effort is nothing short of extraordinary. I'm always discussing the fact that the graphics on many XBOX releases seem to be short of what the system is capable of. This is what the system is capable of, and it's truly amazing.
As for specifics, it's hard to know where to begin. The game's environments range from green forests to cold, barren areas to futuristic bases to battles in the sky against giant battleships. All of the environments are rendered with incredible detail (water effects are particularly amazing in one early level) and are always full of surprises. Enemies often attack from all sides, while some of the enormous boss creatures are spectacular. This is one of the most intense shooters I've played in quite some time, yet the game proceeds smoothly, with no choppiness or slowdown, even during the most intense battles.
Audio:
Sound: "Panzer Dragoon Orta" is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1. As one might expect from a game that often features attacks from all around, the soundtrack is an assault on the senses, with constant surround use. The game's music is enjoyable, but really never stays in the foreground or calls attention to itself. Sometimes intense, sometimes relaxing or haunting, the music adds to the experience without underlining it. The sound effects are nicely recorded and crisp, clearly heard from all sides. Dialogue (which is in the game's own "Panzer" language) is also clear.
Conclusion:
Rating Issues: "Panzer Dragoon Orta" is rated "T" (Teen) for some sci-fi violence. There's nothing very graphic about the game (visually or in terms of language).
Final Thoughts: An incredibly imaginative and breathtaking video game experience, "Panzer Dragoon Orta" is among the very best the XBOX has to offer. This is an intense shooter that boasts fine replay value, gorgeous visuals and incredible sound. A definite recommendation.
Although there are games on every system that get better as they go along, my general opinion has always been that games are like action movies: the great ones grab you from frame one and rarely, if ever, let go. "Panzer Dragoon Orta" is absolutely, positively, one of those games. It's an additional reason to buy the XBOX, for those considering it.
A new release in a trilogy (Panzer Dragoon, Zwei, and Saga) that was released for the Sega Saturn, this title's story is told through remarkably beautiful cut-scenes that play in-between the levels. We learn of a girl named Orta, freed by a mysterious dragon, only to learn of her destiny as the one great power against a ruling empire. It's hard to wait through the cut-scenes (I couldn't wait to get back into the action), but they're worth it, because the game not only provides incredible action, but it does offer a well-told tale, too.
The game is a "rail-shooter", but the difference is that different paths are presented on occasion, while the player also can switch perspective to either side or behind to take on enemies that are often all around the player (a well-placed radar gives players a perspective on who's where). The sheer size of the battles and environments makes it easy to forget the lack of too much freedom of movement. Adding to the replay value of the game is the fact that there are lots of unlockables (including the original "Panzer Dragoon" game and additional sub-missions) and the fact that you're graded at the end of each of the game's episodes, based on things like how many of the level's enemies you shot down.
Your dragon also has three different forms, each which has their own positives and negatives in terms of weapons that can be used. Each of the three forms has their own optimal situation and it's in the players best interest to experiment with each and learn what works. The dragon can also speed up and slow down to get around some of the bosses to target their weak spots or get away from their attacks.
The game does offer "Easy", "Normal" and "Hard" levels of difficulty, which gives enough variation for those who are less experienced and more experienced gamers, as well as the "Hard" level, which is recommended for those who've passed through "Normal". The "Normal" level is pretty difficult, while the "Easy" is fairly easy, but still challenging and rewarding. Speaking of rewarding, the game's best element is how much motivation it provides. Given the incredible gameplay, surprises and unusual visuals it offers from the opening, I couldn't wait to see what it offered next and rarely, if ever, was I disappointed. "Panzer Dragoon Orta" is one of the best games I've played in recent memory and one of the finest XBOX titles available.
Gameplay:
Gameplay: "Panzer Dragoon Orta" may be an "on-rails" shooter, but its controls allow the player a pleasing and surprising level of control. The ability to move the perspective to any side is smooth and easy, as is both weapons use and form changing. The game's weapons are especially easy to handle, with aiming that's fairly simple and other features, such as lock-on, simple to activate. No real camera issues or other major concerns were noticed.
Graphics:
Graphics: Best. Graphics. Ever. The graphics of this game simply blew my mind. Not only does it contain some of the most inspired and visually dazzling sights I've seen in a game in a long time, the level of detail that went into this effort is nothing short of extraordinary. I'm always discussing the fact that the graphics on many XBOX releases seem to be short of what the system is capable of. This is what the system is capable of, and it's truly amazing.
As for specifics, it's hard to know where to begin. The game's environments range from green forests to cold, barren areas to futuristic bases to battles in the sky against giant battleships. All of the environments are rendered with incredible detail (water effects are particularly amazing in one early level) and are always full of surprises. Enemies often attack from all sides, while some of the enormous boss creatures are spectacular. This is one of the most intense shooters I've played in quite some time, yet the game proceeds smoothly, with no choppiness or slowdown, even during the most intense battles.
Audio:
Sound: "Panzer Dragoon Orta" is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1. As one might expect from a game that often features attacks from all around, the soundtrack is an assault on the senses, with constant surround use. The game's music is enjoyable, but really never stays in the foreground or calls attention to itself. Sometimes intense, sometimes relaxing or haunting, the music adds to the experience without underlining it. The sound effects are nicely recorded and crisp, clearly heard from all sides. Dialogue (which is in the game's own "Panzer" language) is also clear.
Conclusion:
Rating Issues: "Panzer Dragoon Orta" is rated "T" (Teen) for some sci-fi violence. There's nothing very graphic about the game (visually or in terms of language).
Final Thoughts: An incredibly imaginative and breathtaking video game experience, "Panzer Dragoon Orta" is among the very best the XBOX has to offer. This is an intense shooter that boasts fine replay value, gorgeous visuals and incredible sound. A definite recommendation.