Dragon's Crown Pro Review - Screenshot 1 of 3

1 of the all-time side-scrolling beat-'em-ups of the last decade is back, but non with a blindside. Dragon's Crown Pro offers a welcome return to the beautifully drawn fantasy globe of Hydeland, but those who have already sunk hours upon hours into Vanillaware's brilliantly old schoolhouse romp -- either on PlayStation 3 or PS Vita -- may notice that the magic isn't quite and so potent.

And that's considering Pro doesn't really bring anything new to the table. Aside from an increased resolution -- including an unbelievably crisp 4K for PS4 Pro users who own a uniform brandish -- and a re-recorded, fully orchestral soundtrack, this is the same dungeon itch hack and slasher from 2013. Information technology even has the same Trophy list, and supports cross-play and cross-save with the original.

It's fortunate, so, that the game itself is still a slice of second brilliance.

For those out of the loop, a brief explanation is in lodge. Dragon's Crown sees you lot embark on a quest of rather epic proportions, and hinges heavily on quick stints of adventure. From the hub town surrounding Hydeland Castle, y'all wander off into the unknown to slay monsters, complete missions, gather earth-shaking talismans, and, perhaps most chiefly, obtain piles of powerful loot.

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The game features a scattering of unlike stages, each one taking around x to 15 minutes to consummate. Information technology's bite-sized adventuring, merely that's what makes it and so moreish. You jump from 1 surround to the next, mowing downwardly beasts and felling big bad bosses, all while hoovering up treasure and occasionally discovering strange secrets.

There's certainly an element of repetition to Dragon'south Crown that may grate on some players, but it'south the title's slick combat and addictive role-playing systems that keep you coming back again and again. Each successful dungeon delve rewards y'all with feel and bagfuls of loot, leading to a constant sense of progression. Every fourth dimension you level up, yous tin can acquire new abilities or passive skills, improving your grapheme in noticeable ways. It's a hugely satisfying gameplay loop.

When it comes to combat, the game offers upward a handful of different ways to play, depending on which graphic symbol you've chosen. The relatively standard merely notwithstanding fearsome Fighter wields a sword and shield, and is like shooting fish in a barrel to become to grips with thanks to fast attacks and his ability to cake incoming blows. Meanwhile, the Sorceress is largely congenital around support, with her spells aiding the party in various ways. On top of those archetypes, you've got the tricky Elf, the burly Dwarf, the devastating Wizard, and the brutal Amazon. Some characters are definitely easier to use than others, but regardless of who you choose, it ever feels great to steadily master your fighting style.

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Our simply real gripe with Dragon's Crown sadly carries over into Dragon's Crown Pro, merely we don't suppose in that location's much that can exist done near it. When you're teamed upwards with three other players (either online or locally) or computer controlled allies, the screen tin can go and then busy that making out what'southward happening is near impossible. There are settings to make overall visibility a lilliputian better, but you'll still lose yourself in the commotion from time to time.

That said, this is an result that becomes less prevalent the more that you lot play. Once y'all've got a feel for grapheme movement every bit well as things like evasive jumps and specific combos, it's especially difficult to tear yourself away from Dragon'due south Crown. Vanillaware's crafted such a cohesive whole that it'south nothing short of a joy to experience. From the phenomenal art and masterful music to the rousing narration and whimsical storytelling, it remains a special game.

Conclusion

The pricing volition seem somewhat steep if you lot've already poured countless hours into the original Dragon's Crown, merely that doesn't take anything away from what is withal i of the best, virtually memorable beat-'em-ups on the marketplace. Topped off with some incredibly addictive RPG elements, it's hard not to autumn in love with Vanillaware's stellar sidescroller all over once again. Dragon'southward Crown Pro continues the legacy of a modern classic, and if you oasis't tried it before, now'southward your chance.