Dragon View is a side-scrolling action role-playing beat 'em up video game for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), developed by Kotobuki System and published by Kemco in North America. It was released in Japan on August 26, 1994, under the title Super Drakkhen (スーパードラッケン), and in North America in November 1994. It is also known as Drakkhen II and is considered a sequel to the 1991 game Drakkhen, though it bears little resemblance to its predecessor.
Gameplay
Dragon View combines two distinct gameplay perspectives:
- First-person 3D overworld: The player navigates a large, open continent from a first-person perspective using a pseudo-3D engine that simulates depth through sprite scaling and rudimentary rendering. This engine runs on standard SNES hardware without supplementary chips (such as the Super FX). The overworld features basic terrain shading and mountain-like boundaries that enclose different areas.
- Side-scrolling action RPG: When entering towns, dungeons, and other detailed areas, the game shifts to a side-view perspective with action role-playing and beat 'em up combat mechanics.
The game emphasizes player-driven, undirected exploration and features a well-translated first-person storyline.
Plot
The story follows a warrior who embarks on a quest to rescue a kidnapped princess and defeat an evil dragon threatening the land. The narrative is delivered primarily through first-person dialogue and interactions with non-player characters.
Development and Release
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Developer | Kotobuki System |
| Publishers | Kotobuki System (Japan), Kemco (North America) |
| Platform | Super Nintendo Entertainment System |
| Release | Japan: August 26, 1994; North America: November 1994 |
| Genre | Action role-playing, beat 'em up |
| Mode | Single-player |
In 2019, the game was re-released through emulation for Windows. In 2022, a reproduction SNES cartridge was released by Limited Run Games.
Reception
Contemporary reviews were generally favorable. Electronic Gaming Monthly gave scores ranging from 6/10 to 8/10 across its reviewers. GamePro awarded ratings of 4/5 for control and fun factor, 3.5/5 for graphics, and 3/5 for sound. Nintendo Power rated the game 3.4/5 for graphics/sound, challenge, and theme/fun, and 3/5 for play control.
