Dragon’s Crown Review: Gameplay, Story, and Features

Developed by Vanillaware, the game was published by Atlus in Japan and North America, while NIS America handled its release in PAL regions.

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Dragon’s Crown Pro combines classic beat ’em up combat with RPG progression, dungeon crawling, and equipment collection. Players choose from six distinct character classes and travel through dangerous locations across Hydeland, fighting monsters, taking on powerful bosses, and collecting valuable loot. 

Gameplay and Dungeon Exploration

Dragon’s Crown Pro follows a side-scrolling format, with combat that feels familiar to fans of old-school beat ’em up games. The adventure begins in a central town where several useful establishments help prepare characters for their next expedition. 

Beyond the town, nine main dungeon environments await exploration. Each contains two routes, with the second becoming available after the initial visit, as well as hidden areas to discover. Players can reach these locations through a magical portal known as the Gate or use the stables for a fee once that option becomes available.

Character Classes and Combat Progression

Six playable classes offer different approaches to combat, with varying levels of difficulty. The Knight provides a straightforward starting point, while the Amazon and Dwarf suit players with some experience in Dragon’s Crown Pro. The Elf, Wizard, and Sorceress demand more advanced techniques and resource management.

• Knight: An armored fighter who relies on sword attacks and dependable melee combat.
• Dwarf: A powerful close-range combatant with greater physical strength and a wider selection of unarmed attacks.
• Amazon: A fast, demanding melee fighter with limited health. Her attacks become stronger and quicker as she maintains her offensive momentum.
• Elf: A mobile character who combines archery with close-range strikes. Defeating enemies helps replenish her arrows.
• Wizard: A magic-focused class that spends Mana to unleash powerful spells.
• Sorceress: Another spellcaster who uses Mana to support her magical attacks and abilities.

Story, Development, and Reception

The story begins when an adventurer arrives in Hydeland, a kingdom facing increasing monster attacks emerging from ancient ruins. Political turmoil adds to the danger after the king disappears and the prime minister attempts to seize power from the royal heirs, siblings Vivian and Dean.

The king’s death is tied to a sinister plan by the Morneon religion, whose followers seek to summon an ancient dragon. To prevent the ritual from succeeding, the king takes his own life. The dragon remains imprisoned in the Illusionary Lands by the world’s goddesses, and the Dragon’s Crown Pro, an artifact capable of controlling dragons, plays a central role in the cult’s scheme.

After Dean takes the throne, the Morneon followers sacrifice him as part of their plan. By this point, the adventurer has already destroyed the magic blocking access to the Illusionary Lands. Collecting nine talismans makes entry possible, allowing the adventurer to confront and defeat the ancient dragon before it can escape its prison.