Developer: TeamSuneat
Platform: PC (Reviewed)
Genre: Action, RPG
Publisher: PM Studios
Dragon is Dead is a 2D hack-and-slash roguelite that combines intense side-scrolling action with deep RPG progression. Drawing inspiration from classic 8-bit and 16-bit era games, it features authentic pixel art aesthetics and time-tested gameplay mechanics, including precise platforming, challenging combat, and thoughtful level design.
The retro-inspired level design will be familiar to any players of retro games, and the current trend of Steam games leveraging the classic retro style and game design, which seems to be timeless. The roguelite elements help firmly put the game in the modern world and enhance replayability and character development. The game levels are beautifully designed, with each different area having a distinct feel and new creatures for you to battle. While the story isn’t hugely compelling, it helps drive the game along, but it isn’t particularly rich or deep.
Controls are responsive and enjoyable. The game rewards exploration and your willingness to navigate every area to find brilliant buffs. The buffs and power-ups really help drive character customisation and develop your skill tree as you see fit. The skill tree is deep and expansive, with many ways for you to build your character as you choose. You can pick from a whole range of armour and special items that will help you battle through the areas before you encounter massive bosses.
Dragon is Dead combines a huge range of game mechanics: hugely enjoyable platformer elements, hack-and-slash combat, 16-bit retro-designed levels, and roguelite elements that manage to drag this retro game into the present. RPG elements and rich character customisation make the game worthy of replaying areas to get power-ups and level up your character to take on your next challenge.
While highlighting all these positive elements, some players will find the game’s story a bit simplistic, and with lots of roguelite games that fall into this genre, this game may not stand out compared to them. In this deeply competitive game type, standing out is difficult, and I can see why players may miss this game, but I thoroughly enjoyed my time with it, and it’s worth exploring. It may not be perfect, but this genre is stacked. I would recommend this to 16-bit, hack-and-slash, and roguelite fans, as well as new players.
Overall: 7.5/10
Enjoys more than the odd game, long time gamer, somewhat a technologist and everything else in between.
Also enjoys a good solid game of FIFA online. Currently PS4, XBOX 360 and STEAM.
