Panzer Dragoon: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|Video game series}} |
{{Short description|Video game series}} |
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{{About|the video game series|the first game in the series|Panzer Dragoon (video game)}} |
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{{Good article}} |
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{{Use American English|date=August 2023}} |
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{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2023}} |
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{{Infobox video game series |
{{Infobox video game series |
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| title = Panzer Dragoon |
| title = Panzer Dragoon |
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| image = Panzer Dragoon logo.png |
| image = Panzer Dragoon logo.png |
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| caption = |
| caption = |
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| platforms = |
| platforms = {{Unbulleted list|[[Sega Saturn]]|[[Game Gear]]|[[Xbox (console)|Xbox]]|'''Ports & remakes'''|[[Microsoft Windows|Windows]]|[[PlayStation 2]]|[[PlayStation 4]]|[[Nintendo Switch]]|[[Xbox One]]|[[Google Stadia|Stadia]]}} |
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| developer = [[Sega]]<br>Team Andromeda |
| developer = [[Sega]]<br />([[Team Andromeda]], [[Smilebit]]) |
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| publisher = Sega |
| publisher = [[Sega]] |
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| genre = [[ |
| genre = [[Rail shooter]], [[Role-playing video game|role-playing]] |
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| creator = [[Yukio Futatsugi]] |
| creator = [[Yukio Futatsugi]] |
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| first release version = ''[[Panzer Dragoon (video game)|Panzer Dragoon]]'' |
| first release version = ''[[Panzer Dragoon (video game)|Panzer Dragoon]]'' |
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| first release date = |
| first release date = 10 March 1995 |
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| latest release version = ''Panzer Dragoon: Remake'' |
| latest release version = ''[[Panzer Dragoon: Remake]]'' |
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| latest release date = |
| latest release date = 26 March 2020}} |
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'''''Panzer Dragoon'''''{{efn|{{nihongo||パンツァードラグーン|Pantsā Doragūn|lead=yes}}}} is a series of video games developed and published by [[Sega]]. The first three games — ''[[Panzer Dragoon (video game)|Panzer Dragoon]]'' (1995), ''[[Panzer Dragoon II Zwei]]'' (1996), and ''[[Panzer Dragoon Saga]]'' (1998) — were produced by [[Team Andromeda]] for the [[Sega Saturn]]. The fourth, ''[[Panzer Dragoon Orta]]'' (2002), was developed by [[Smilebit]] for the [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]]. Spin-offs include ''[[Panzer Dragoon Mini]]'' (1996) for the handheld [[Game Gear]] in Japan. A [[Video game remake|remake]] of ''Panzer Dragoon'' was released in 2020. |
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The ''Panzer Dragoon'' games are [[rail shooters]], except for the role-playing game ''Saga''. Each follows a protagonist who rides an armored flying dragon, fighting human and monstrous enemies in a [[Apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic fiction|post-apocalyptic world]]. The ''Panzer Dragoon'' games have received positive reviews for their art design, visuals, sound design, and atmospheric settings. ''Saga'' is one of the most acclaimed Saturn games and is listed among the [[List of video games considered the best|greatest video games]]. |
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The ''Panzer Dragoon'' games are [[Shoot 'em up#Tube and rail shooters|rail shooters]], except ''[[Panzer Dragoon Saga]]'' (1998), a [[role-playing game]]. All games follow the story of a hero or heroine fighting an evil empire in a [[Apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic fiction|post-apocalyptic world]] while riding a dragon. The series' name originates from its original concept designers referring to it as "armoured dragon", then feeling that this was too bland and deciding to transliterate it to [[German language|German]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/features/panzer-dragoon-zwei-retrospective?pager.offset=1 |title=Archived copy |access-date=2016-12-10 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120716105110/http://www.1up.com/features/panzer-dragoon-zwei-retrospective?pager.offset=1 |archive-date=2012-07-16 }}</ref> The [[cutscenes]] feature its own language, Panzerese, which is a [[mixed language]] based on a combination of [[Ancient Greek]], [[English language|English]], [[German language|German]], [[Japanese language|Japanese]], [[Latin]], and [[Russian language|Russian]]. The words in these languages were a hobby of [[Yukio Futatsugi]], one of the core designers of the first game. |
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==Story== |
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The ''Panzer Dragoon'' games have received mostly positive reviews; ''Panzer Dragoon Saga'' is the most critically acclaimed Saturn game, and has appeared in several "[[List of video games considered the best|greatest games of all time]]" lists. |
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The ''Panzer Dragoon'' series takes place in a [[Apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic fiction|post-apocalyptic world]] in which humans have begun to recover technologies from the Ancient Age, a world-spanning, hyper-advanced civilization destroyed thousands of years before the events of the games. The Ancients used [[genetic engineering]] to create living weapons, which were unleashed in a cataclysmic war that nearly destroyed humanity. The mutated descendants of these creatures have merged into wild ecosystems, where they pose a continual threat to human civilization and serve as enemies encountered in the games.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/Panzer_Dragoon_1995_Sega_US/page/n1/mode/2up|title=Panzer Dragoon North American instruction manual|pages=4–5|publisher=[[Sega]]|date=1995}}</ref><ref name="OrtaManual">{{cite book|url=https://archive.org/stream/MicrosoftXboxManuals/PanzerDragoonOrtausa#page/n1/mode/2up|title=Panzer Dragoon Orta North American instruction manual|publisher=[[Sega]]|date=12 January 2003}}</ref>{{rp|4–5, 27–28}} |
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Various human factions use recovered Ancient Age technologies, such as ubiquitous floating military airships, to defend against the wild mutants and to wage war against each other. Over the course of the series, a succession of characters ride mysterious armored flying dragons of extraordinary power, fighting to prevent humanity from reactivating the most destructive Ancient Age weapons and, ultimately, to destroy the remaining weapons and facilities of the Ancient Age so that humanity can be freed from the threat they pose.<ref name="OrtaManual"/>{{rp|4–5}} |
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Sega announced in December 2018 that [[Video game remake|remakes]] of ''Panzer Dragoon'' and ''Panzer Dragoon II Zwei'' were in development. The first remake was released in 2020 for [[Nintendo Switch]], [[Google Stadia|Stadia]], [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]], [[PlayStation 4]], [[Amazon Luna]] and [[Xbox One]]. |
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==Premise== |
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The ''Panzer Dragoon'' series takes place on a post-apocalyptic planet where the people compete for land, resources, and the technology of the Ancients. The ‘Ancients’ is the generic name given to the people that once controlled a world-spanning, hyper-advanced civilization thousands of years before the start of the ''Panzer Dragoon'' series of games. The Ancients were able to create monsters either for war use or practical uses. |
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These creatures survived the downfall of the Ancients and are one of the main enemies in the series. A mysterious cataclysm, hinted at as a terrible war during the course of the series, would spell the downfall of this civilization and nearly destroy the world, leaving the survivors to eke out a bleak existence among the blasted remains in the ensuing millennia. Eventually, the Ancients and their works would gain a sort of 'godlike' respect, and a horrific regard, among some people as they passed into legend. |
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The remnants of these technologies are used in the development of much of humanity's own machinery, weaponry and vehicles, such as the unusual floating ships which are a staple of the series. A faction called ''The Empire'' have collected and used weapons from the Ancient Age to gain dominance of the continent. |
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==Games== |
==Games== |
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{{Timeline of release years |
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{{VG timeline |
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|subtitle = Main entries in '''bold''' |
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|1995a=''[[Panzer Dragoon (video game)|Panzer Dragoon]]'' |
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|compressempty=yes |
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|1995b=''Panzer Dragoon R-Zone'' |
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|1995='''''[[Panzer Dragoon (video game)|Panzer Dragoon]]''''' |
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|1996a='''''[[Panzer Dragoon II Zwei]]''''' |
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|1996b=''[[Panzer Dragoon Mini]]'' |
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|1998='''''[[Panzer Dragoon Saga]]''''' |
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|2002='''''[[Panzer Dragoon Orta]]''''' |
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|2020=''[[Panzer Dragoon: Remake]]'' |
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}} |
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=== |
===Main series=== |
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====''Panzer Dragoon'' (1995)==== |
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{{Main|Panzer Dragoon (video game)}} |
{{Main|Panzer Dragoon (video game)}} |
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The first ''Panzer Dragoon'' was released on the [[Sega Saturn]] in 1995. It |
The first ''Panzer Dragoon'' was released on the [[Sega Saturn]] in 1995. It was developed by [[Team Andromeda]], a Sega development group assembled for this project.<ref name="Polygoral">{{cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/platform/amp/2018/4/30/17286042/panzer-dragoon-saga-sega-saturn-oral-history|title=Panzer Dragoon Saga: An Oral History|last=Mielke|first=James|date=30 April 2018|website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|access-date=14 May 2018|archive-date=14 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180514142228/https://www.polygon.com/platform/amp/2018/4/30/17286042/panzer-dragoon-saga-sega-saturn-oral-history|url-status=live}}</ref> The protagonist is Keil Fluge, a hunter who stumbles into a battle between two flying dragons, one blue and one black. The rider of the blue dragon is mortally wounded in the fight and entrusts Keil with his dragon and his mission to stop the Dark Dragon from reactivating an Ancient Age ruin of tremendous destructive power. |
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[[File:Panzer Dragoon level 1 screenshot.jpg|thumb|The dragon and its rider fly through the first level of ''[[Panzer Dragoon (video game)|Panzer Dragoon]]''. The yellow aiming reticle appears in the center, the player's life bar in the lower left, and the radar in the top right corner.]] |
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This chapter introduced the basic features of the traditional gameplay that the ''Panzer Dragoon'' series would be known by, starting out as a [[Shoot 'em up#Tube and rail shooters|rail shooter]] giving the player a choice of two main attacks: a lock-on laser weapon, and a rapid fire gun weapon, as well as the ability to swing the cameras around to shoot the enemies coming from all directions. |
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This game established the core features of the ''Panzer Dragoon'' series: 3D [[rail shooter]] gameplay, divided into [[Level (video games)|levels]] with ending [[Boss (video games)|bosses]],<ref name="GamasutraPDhist" /> controlled through an on-screen targeting [[reticle]], with a choice of two main attacks (a rapid-fire attack and a lock-on homing attack), and a camera that can be rotated by 90-degree increments to face enemies attacking from all directions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://retro.ign.com/articles/897/897636p1.html|title=Panzer Dragoon Retro Review|last=Buchanan|first=Levi|date=8 August 2008|work=[[IGN]]|access-date=3 February 2023|archive-date=13 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120813134232/http://retro.ign.com/articles/897/897636p1.html|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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====''Panzer Dragoon II Zwei'' (1996)==== |
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''Panzer Dragoon'' was one of the few games available at the [[Sega Saturn]]'s North American launch. The game was ported to [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]],<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20020515150526/http://pc.ign.com/objects/008/008779.html Panzer Dragoon PC version release data], IGN.</ref> is included as a bonus game in ''Panzer Dragoon Orta'' for Xbox and in 2006 adapted slightly for Sega's Japanese [[PlayStation 2]] "AGES 2500" series. |
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{{Main|Panzer Dragoon II Zwei}} |
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''Panzer Dragoon II Zwei'' was released for the Sega Saturn in 1996. Developed by Team Andromeda as a prequel to ''Panzer Dragoon'',<ref name="Polygoral"/> it follows Jean-Jacques Lundi, a villager who defies taboo to raise a mutant [[pack animal]] with wings and a green [[bioluminescent]] throat, naming him Lagi. After Lundi's village is destroyed by a flying warship from the Ancient Age, he pursues it with Lagi, who grows into an armored flying dragon. Together they destroy the airship and defeat its guardian dragon. |
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''Zwei'' introduced the "berserk" attack, an intermittently available attack that hits all enemies on screen and gives temporary invulnerability, along with branching paths through many levels, and the progressive growth and metamorphosis of the dragon over the course of the game.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://retrocdn.net/images/4/49/MAXIMUM_UK_05.pdf|title=Panzer Dragoon Zwei: Sprechen Sie Harden Coren?|magazine=Maximum: The Video Game Magazine|issue=5|publisher=[[Emap International Limited]]|date=April 1996|pages=102–114}}</ref> It also added an extras menu called "Pandora's Box" that would return in later entries.<ref name="GamasutraPDhist" /> |
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A [[Video game remake|remake]] of ''Panzer Dragoon'' developed by MegaPixel Studio<ref name="Barder">{{cite news|last=Barder|first=Ollie|title=The First Two Panzer Dragoon Games Are Getting New Remakes|work=Forbes|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/olliebarder/2018/12/11/the-first-two-panzer-dragoon-games-are-getting-new-remakes/#345256e61fd5|access-date=October 1, 2019}}</ref> was released for [[Nintendo Switch]], [[Google Stadia|Stadia]], [[Windows]], [[PlayStation 4]], [[Amazon Luna]], and [[Xbox One]] in 2020.<ref name="NLife">{{Cite web|last=Scullion|first=Chris|date=2020-03-27|title=Review: Panzer Dragoon: Remake - Doesn't Quite Nail The Landing|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/switch-eshop/panzer_dragoon_remake|access-date=2020-03-28|website=[[Nintendo Life]]|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-06-01|title=Google Stadia Pro games for June are now available|url=https://www.nme.com/news/gaming-news/little-nightmares-added-to-google-stadia-pro-for-june-2680111|access-date=2020-06-02|website=NME Music News, Reviews, Videos, Galleries, Tickets and Blogs {{!}} NME.COM|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Panzer Dragoon: Remake Is Coming To PS4, Xbox One, And PC|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/panzer-dragoon-remake-is-coming-to-ps4-xbox-one-an/1100-6482119/|access-date=2020-10-12|website=GameSpot|language=en-US}}</ref> |
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===''Panzer Dragoon |
====''Panzer Dragoon Saga'' (1998)==== |
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{{Main|Panzer Dragoon Saga}} |
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''Panzer Dragoon R-Zone'' was released for the portable [[R-Zone|Tiger R-Zone]] system. It was one of the few launch titles licensed by Sega, being released just a few months after the original ''Panzer Dragoon''.<ref>[http://cheats.ign.com/objects/739/739623.html Panzer Dragoon R-Zone release data], IGN. Retrieved February 12, 2012.</ref> It was the first game in the series that was not developed by [[Team Andromeda]]. There is no plot, simply a nameless character on an armored dragon attempting to keep a dark dragon from reaching a tower while shooting and dodging robots. |
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''Panzer Dragoon Saga'' (titled ''Azel: Panzer Dragoon RPG'' in Japan) is a [[role-playing video game|role-playing game]] (RPG) developed by Team Andromeda and released for Saturn in 1998.<ref name="Polygoral"/> The player controls Edge, a mercenary who encounters a mysterious girl named Azel in an Ancient Age excavation. After being attacked by a rogue military force, he is rescued by an armored flying dragon. Though at first motivated by revenge, Edge becomes embroiled in a conflict over control of Ancient Age weapons, and he ultimately invades and destroys the [[AI]] network controlling the various Ancient facilities around the world. |
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''Saga'' is the only ''Panzer Dragoon'' game that is not a rail shooter, combining traditional role-playing elements such as [[Item (game terminology)|items]] and [[random encounter]]s with the setting and motifs of previous games. The combat system mixes [[Timekeeping in games|real-time and turn-based]] elements,<ref name=":GS-History">{{Cite web|last=Torres|first=Ricardo|date=1 July 2005|title=''GameSpot'' presents: The history of ''Panzer Dragoon'' |url=http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/panzerdragoon/4.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091212173043/http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/panzerdragoon/4.html|archive-date=12 December 2009|access-date=11 December 2015|website=[[GameSpot]]|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]}}</ref> with the player circling enemies on the dragon to expose weak spots and escape dangerous positions.<ref>{{Cite journal|date=April 1998|title=Panzer Dragoon Saga review|journal=[[Sega Saturn Magazine]]}}</ref> ''Saga'' also introduced the ability to morph the dragon between different forms emphasizing offense, defense, mobility, and other attributes.<ref name="GameSpot">{{Cite web|last=Mielke|first=James|date=20 May 1998|title=''Panzer Dragoon Saga'' review|url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/panzer-dragoon-saga-review/1900-2534034/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170517002215/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/panzer-dragoon-saga-review/1900-2534034/|archive-date=17 May 2017|access-date=29 November 2017|website=[[GameSpot]]|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]}}</ref> |
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===''Panzer Dragoon II Zwei'' (1996)=== |
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{{Main|Panzer Dragoon II Zwei}} |
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''Panzer Dragoon II Zwei'' (also known as ''Panzer Dragoon II'') was released for the Sega Saturn in 1996. This game is a prequel to ''Panzer Dragoon''. It follows the story of Jean-Luc Lundi who discovered a mutant {{Not a typo|coolia}}, whom he names Lagi, who has a green glow at its throat, and is growing wings. Lundi refuses to kill Lagi, defying his villages custom that mutant {{Not a typo|coolias}} be killed. Together, Lundi and Lagi ride towards the horizon, chasing after a great airship called the Shelcoof, which is responsible for destroying Lundi's village while he was away. |
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====''Panzer Dragoon Orta'' (2002)==== |
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This game introduced the berserk ability, where the player builds up a bar and then can unleash a powerful attack. It also introduced multiple routes through levels, and the dragon's capacity to change shape when the player performed well in a level. |
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{{Main|Panzer Dragoon Orta}} |
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''Panzer Dragoon Orta'' was released for [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]] in late 2002 in Japan and in early 2003 in America and Europe.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://dengekionline.com/data/news/2002/10/3/5db637556597faf9e9d608db75e6e6e4.html|script-title=ja:収録曲は4曲。『パンツァードラグーンオルタ』初回限定版に音楽CDが同梱|trans-title=4 Tracks Included. "Panzer Dragoon Orta" First Limited Edition Includes a Music CD|language=ja|website=[[ASCII Media Works|Dengeki Online]]|date=3 October 2002|access-date=30 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220516095145/https://dengekionline.com/data/news/2002/10/3/5db637556597faf9e9d608db75e6e6e4.html|archive-date=16 May 2022|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.panzer-dragoon.com/eng/index.html|title=Panzer Dragoon Orta|website=Panzer Dragoon Orta English website|access-date=30 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030408233023/http://www.panzer-dragoon.com/eng/index.html|archive-date=8 April 2003|url-status=dead}}</ref> It was developed by [[Smilebit]], which was founded by former members of Team Andromeda.<ref name="NextInterview">{{cite web|url=http://www.the-nextlevel.com/features/interviews/orta-interview.shtml|title=Interview: Smilebit's Akihiko Mukaiyama|work=The Next Level|date=22 January 2003|accessdate=7 July 2023|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20050907204337/http://www.the-nextlevel.com/features/interviews/orta-interview.shtml|archivedate=7 September 2005|url-status=dead}}</ref> The story follows Orta, a teenage girl held captive until she is rescued by an armored flying dragon during an attack on her town. She is pursued by multiple factions that want to use her connection with the Ancient Age to build weapons. Ultimately, she destroys an army of dragon-like creatures and the Ancient Age facility being used to produce them, along with an Ancient android who hopes to wipe out humanity. |
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A remake of ''Panzer Dragon II Zwei'' is scheduled for release in 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-02-26|title=Panzer Dragoon II Zwei: Remake launches in 2021|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2021/02/panzer-dragoon-ii-zwei-remake-launches-in-2021|access-date=2021-02-27|website=Gematsu|language=en-US}}</ref> |
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A return to the rail shooter genre, ''Orta'' introduced several features inspired by mechanics from ''Saga'', such as maneuvering around enemies and shifting the dragon between different forms during combat.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/panzer-dragoon-orta-preview/1100-2901509/|title=Panzer Dragoon Orta Preview|last=Torres |first=Ricardo|website=[[GameSpot]]|publisher=[[Fandom (website)|Fandom]]|date=11 December 2002|access-date=22 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220505182003/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/panzer-dragoon-orta-preview/1100-2901509/|archive-date=5 May 2022|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://xbox.ign.com/articles/374/374353p1.html|title=Panzer Declassified|website=[[IGN]]|date=14 October 2002|access-date=22 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050213014843/http://xbox.ign.com/articles/374/374353p1.html|archive-date=13 February 2005|url-status=dead}}</ref> The game featured large amounts of unlockable content, including a story encyclopedia, side missions, video [[cutscene]]s from previous games, and the entire playable game ''Panzer Dragoon''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/01/10/panzer-dragoon-orta-2 |title=Panzer Dragoon Orta Review |last=Goldstein |first=Hilary |date=10 January 2003 |website=[[IGN]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|access-date=5 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060202005049/http://xbox.ign.com/articles/382/382195p1.html|archive-date=2 February 2006|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/10/born-for-wii-panzer-dragoon-orta/|title=Born for Wii: Panzer Dragoon Orta|author=Fenlon, Wesley|website=[[Joystiq]]|publisher=[[AOL]]|date=10 June 2008|access-date=22 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130117082613/https://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/10/born-for-wii-panzer-dragoon-orta/|archive-date=17 January 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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===''Panzer Dragoon Mini'' (1996)=== |
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''Panzer Dragoon Mini'' is a [[SEGA|Sega]] [[Game Gear]] game released only in Japan, in 1996.<ref>[http://www.gamefaqs.com/gamegear/570385-panzer-dragoon-mini/data Panzer Dragoon Mini release data], GameFAQs. Retrieved February 12, 2012.</ref> Due to the technical limitations of the Game Gear, the camera cannot be controlled and instead rotates automatically; also, for the first and — so far — only time in the series' history, the dragon does not have a rider. The game is markedly different from others in the series due to lack of a story and the dragon's [[super deformed]] appearance. Most of the levels and enemies are modeled after those of ''Panzer Dragoon Zwei''. |
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=== |
===Spin-offs and remakes=== |
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====''Panzer Dragoon Mini'' (1996)==== |
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{{Main|Panzer Dragoon Mini}} |
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''Panzer Dragoon Saga'' (titled ''Azel: Panzer Dragoon RPG'' in Japan) is a [[role-playing video game|role-playing game]] (RPG) released for Saturn in 1998.<ref name="Edge">{{Cite web|url=http://www.edge-online.com/review/panzer-dragoon-saga/|title=Panzer Dragoon Saga Review {{!}} Edge Online|date=2014-01-23|access-date=2015-12-11|url-status=unfit|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140123020728/http://www.edge-online.com/review/panzer-dragoon-saga/|archive-date=January 23, 2014}}</ref> It is the only ''Panzer Dragoon'' game that is not a rail shooter, combining traditional role-playing elements such as [[random encounter]]s with the 3D shooting elements of previous games. The player controls Edge, a young mercenary who battles the empire on a flying dragon and encounters a mysterious girl from a vanished civilization.<ref name="SSM2">{{Cite journal|date=April 1998|title=Panzer Dragoon Saga review|journal=[[Sega Saturn Magazine]]}}</ref> Unlike the other ''Panzer Dragoon'' games, movement is not on rails and some areas are explored on foot. The battle system mixes [[Turns, rounds and time-keeping systems in games|real-time and turn-based]] elements,<ref name=":GS-History5">{{Cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/panzerdragoon/4.html|title=GameSpot Presents: The History of Panzer Dragoon - GameSpot|date=2005-06-01|access-date=2015-12-11|url-status=unfit|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040922195538/http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/panzerdragoon/4.html|archive-date=September 22, 2004}}</ref> with the player circling enemies on the dragon to expose weak spots and escape dangerous positions.<ref name="SSM2" /> |
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''Panzer Dragoon Mini'' is a spin-off 2D rail shooter released exclusively in Japan for the [[Game Gear]] handheld in 1996. It has three selectable dragons inspired by the blue dragon from ''Panzer Dragoon'', which are rendered with a [[super deformed]] appearance and no rider. Most of the levels, enemies and music are modeled after those of ''Panzer Dragoon'' and ''Zwei''. Due to the technical limitations of the Game Gear, the camera cannot be controlled and instead rotates automatically.<ref name="101PDM">{{cite web|title=Panzer Dragoon Mini|date=25 July 2008|first=Kurt|last=Kalata|website=[[Hardcore Gaming 101]]|url=http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/panzer-dragoon-mini/|access-date=3 February 2023|archive-date=2 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202232700/http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/panzer-dragoon-mini/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Mini'' was developed by a third party, with no involvement from Team Andromeda.<ref name="GDRI">{{cite web|author=CRV|url=http://gdri.smspower.org/wiki/index.php/Rit%27s|title=Rit's|work=Game Developer Research Institute|date=29 March 2015|access-date=28 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116075722/http://gdri.smspower.org/wiki/index.php/Rit's|archive-date=16 November 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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Development of ''Panzer Dragoon Saga'' began around the same time as ''Panzer Dragoon II Zwei''. According to director [[Yukio Futatsugi]], the need to blend the series' shooting elements into an RPG with full 3D and voice acting - both unusual for RPGs at the time - made it the most difficult ''Panzer Dragoon'' game to develop. Two staff members died during its two-year development, which Futatsugi attributed to the stressful working conditions of the video game industry.<ref name=":GS-History5"/> |
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====''Panzer Dragoon: Remake'' (2020)==== |
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According to [[Gamerankings.com|GameRankings]], ''Panzer Dragoon Saga'' is the most critically acclaimed Saturn game, winning praise for its story, graphics, music, and unusual battle system.<ref name="GR">{{Cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/saturn/198258-panzer-dragoon-saga/index.html|title=Panzer Dragoon Saga|website=GameRankings|access-date=19 December 2015}}</ref> It has appeared in several "[[List of video games considered the best|greatest games of all time]]" lists.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/features/panzer-dragoon-saga-retrospective?pager.offset=2|title=Panzer Dragoon Saga Sega Saturn Retrospective from 1UP.com|website=1Up.com|access-date=2015-12-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222094052/http://www.1up.com/features/panzer-dragoon-saga-retrospective?pager.offset=2|archive-date=2015-12-22|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://top100.ign.com/2007/ign_top_game_44.html|title=IGN Top 100 Games 2007|work=IGN.com|access-date=November 24, 2008|archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6DXt2sWk2?url=http://top100.ign.com/2007/ign_top_game_44.html|archive-date=January 9, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>[http://www.g4tv.com/top-100/488/panzer-dragoon-saga/ Top 100 Games of All Time: No.22], G4.</ref> As Sega had shifted its focus to its next console, the [[Dreamcast]], the game had a limited release outside Japan, attracting a [[cult following]]. It has not been re-released and is now a rare [[Collectable|collector's item]]. After its release, Sega disbanded Team Andromeda; Futatsugi left Sega and joined [[Konami]],<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-04-08-flying-through-life-meet-the-man-behind-panzer-dragoon|title=Flying through life: Meet the man behind Panzer Dragoon|website=Eurogamer.net|access-date=2015-12-13}}</ref> while other staff moved to Sega teams including [[Smilebit]].<ref name=":GS-History5"/> |
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A [[Video game remake|remake]] of ''Panzer Dragoon'' was developed by MegaPixel Studio and published by Forever Entertainment in March 2020 for [[Nintendo Switch]].<ref name="NLife">{{Cite web|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/switch-eshop/panzer_dragoon_remake|title=Review: Panzer Dragoon: Remake Review|last=Scullion|first=Chris|date=27 March 2020|website=[[Nintendo Life]]|publisher=[[Gamer Network]]|language=en-GB|access-date=28 March 2020|archive-date=28 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200328103429/http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/switch-eshop/panzer_dragoon_remake|url-status=live}}</ref> It was released on [[Google Stadia|Stadia]] on 1 June,<ref>{{Cite web|date=1 June 2020|title=Google Stadia Pro games for June are now available|first=Daniel|last=Hollis|url=https://www.nme.com/news/gaming-news/little-nightmares-added-to-google-stadia-pro-for-june-2680111|access-date=2 June 2020|website=[[NME]]|language=en-GB|archive-date=10 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200610171356/https://www.nme.com/news/gaming-news/little-nightmares-added-to-google-stadia-pro-for-june-2680111|url-status=live}}</ref> with [[Windows]], [[PlayStation 4]], [[Xbox One]], and [[Amazon Luna]] versions later in 2020. The remake features updated graphics and an optional new control system that allows players to aim independently of movement with a second control stick.<ref name="NLife" /> |
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==Development== |
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===''Panzer Dragoon Orta'' (2002)=== |
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[[File:Yukio Futatsugi - Game Developers Conference 2019 - 03 (cropped).jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Series creator [[Yukio Futatsugi]]]] |
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{{Main|Panzer Dragoon Orta}} |
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''Panzer Dragoon Orta'' is an [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]] game released in late 2002 in Japan and in early 2003 in America and Europe. It was developed by [[Smilebit]] which had been founded by former members of Team Andromeda. |
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In the early 1990s, the Japanese video game company [[Sega]] asked its developers for [[shooting game]] ideas to add variety to its forthcoming [[Sega Saturn]] console.<ref name="Polygoral"/> [[Yukio Futatsugi]] proposed the concept for ''Panzer Dragoon'' and was made the head of [[Team Andromeda]],<ref name="Flying">{{cite web |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-04-08-flying-through-life-meet-the-man-behind-panzer-dragoon |title=Flying through life: Meet the man behind Panzer Dragoon |last=Robson |first=Daniel |date=8 April 2013 |website=[[Eurogamer]] |publisher=[[Gamer Network]] |access-date=4 August 2013 |archive-date=1 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201034816/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-04-08-flying-through-life-meet-the-man-behind-panzer-dragoon |url-status=live }}</ref> a development team that Sega assembled for the project in early 1994.<ref name="gametm">{{cite journal |year=2012 |title=The Retro Guide to... Panzer Dragoon|journal=[[GamesTM]] |issue=125 |pages=136–143}}</ref> Development lasted almost a year, with a staff of fifteen.<ref name=":GS-History" /> With influences including ''[[Space Harrier]]'', ''[[Starblade]]'', ''[[Star Fox (1993 video game)|Star Fox]]'', and ''[[RayForce]]'', the project became a 3D rail shooter.<ref name="retrogamer">{{cite journal |date=December 2008 |title=The Making Of... Panzer Dragoon Saga Part 1 |journal=[[Retro Gamer]] |issue=58 |access-date=12 August 2012 |url=http://www.nowgamer.com/features/894677/the_making_of_panzer_dragoon_saga_part_1.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140724042310/http://www.nowgamer.com/features/894677/the_making_of_panzer_dragoon_saga_part_1.html |archive-date=24 July 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The original concept was titled ''Armored Dragon'' (''kiko-ryu'' in Japanese), but Futatsugi, feeling that this was too bland, changed to the pseudo-German translation ''Panzer Dragoon''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/features/panzer-dragoon-zwei-retrospective?pager.offset=1|title=Panzer Dragoon Zwei: Living up to Your Potential|author=Mielke, James|date=September 2007|work=[[1UP.com]]|access-date=6 August 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120716105110/http://www.1up.com/features/panzer-dragoon-zwei-retrospective?pager.offset=1|archive-date=16 July 2012}}</ref> |
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''Panzer Dragoon Orta'' follows the story of Orta, a teenage girl being held captive in a town. When the town is attacked by the Empire, Orta is rescued by a Dragon, and encounters a drone named Abadd. While tracking the drone, she discovers the truth behind her own origins, and helps to free the world from the tyranny of the Empire. This game introduced several updated features, such as the ability to morph the dragon at will, and maneuvering abilities from ''Panzer Dragoon Saga''. |
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The post-apocalyptic fantasy world, featuring ruins and relics of a fallen civilization, was particularly influenced by one of Futatsugi's childhood readings, ''[[Hothouse (novel)|The Long Afternoon of Earth]]''.<ref name="gametm" /> The art design, which mixes natural and technological elements, was mainly the work of Manabu Kusunoki, who took inspiration from various sources, including anime and manga.<ref name=":GS-History" /> Critics have noted similarities with the works of the French artist [[Jean Giraud|Mœbius]],<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Suvilay |first1=Bounthavy |title=Panzer Dragoon|date=July–August 2012|language=fr|journal= IG Magazine|issue=hors-série 4 |page=5 |publisher=[[Ankama#Press|Ankama Presse]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Hickman |first=Sam |title=There is a Theory of the Moebius...|work=[[Sega Saturn Magazine]]|issue=7|publisher=[[Emap International Limited]]|date=May 1996|pages=62–63}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|title=Dragoon Sequel Takes Flight|journal=Maximum: The Video Game Magazine|issue=4 |publisher=[[Emap International Limited]]|date=March 1996|pages=132–133}}</ref> of whom Kusunoki was a fan, as well as with [[Hayao Miyazaki]]'s ''[[Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (film)|Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind]]'' and [[David Lynch]]'s film ''[[Dune (1984 film)|Dune]]''.<ref name="GamasutraPDhist">{{cite web|url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/console/the-history-of-panzer-dragoon|title=The History of Panzer Dragoon|last=Kalata|first=Kurt|date=16 April 2008|work=[[Gamasutra]]|access-date=8 April 2023|archive-date=24 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230124031113/https://www.gamedeveloper.com/console/the-history-of-panzer-dragoon|url-status=live}}</ref> Futatsugi created a [[fictional language]] from a mixture of Ancient Greek, Latin and Russian,<ref name="GamasutraPDhist" /> apparently inspired by the film ''[[The Wings of Honneamise]]''.<ref name="retrogamer"/> |
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This game had large amounts of unlockable content to be gained after completing the main story. These include a group of sub-missions, one series of which is devoted to the backstory of Iva Demilcol. The "Box Game" is a bonus mode first introduced in ''Zwei'' where the player can select different dragons, riders, and various cheats. The PC version of the first ''Panzer Dragoon'' is included in its entirety. |
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''Panzer Dragoon'' was released in early 1995 to moderately successful sales.<ref name="1upPD1">{{cite web |author=Mielke, James |date=September 2007 |title=Panzer Dragoon: Making the most of what you have - Interview (p.2) |url=http://www.1up.com/do/feature?pager.offset=1&cId=3162632 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305001852/http://www.1up.com/do/feature?pager.offset=1&cId=3162632 |archive-date=5 March 2016 |access-date=6 August 2012 |work=[[1UP.com]] }}</ref> Sega developed two sequels: while ''Panzer Dragoon II Zwei'' would expand on the original's rail shooter gameplay, ''Panzer Dragon Saga'' would be an RPG to compete with ''[[Final Fantasy VII]]'' and other PlayStation offerings.<ref name="Polygoral" /><ref name="Guide">{{Cite book|title=Azel: Panzer Dragoon RPG Official Strategy Guide|publisher=[[SoftBank]]|year=1998|isbn=978-4797305579|location=Japan}}</ref> Development of ''Zwei'' began in mid-1995, months after ''Panzer Dragoon''{{'}}s release.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Work In Progress: Panzer Dragoon II Zwei|magazine=[[Mean Machines Sega]]|url=https://archive.org/details/mean-machines-sega-magazine-42/page/n25/mode/2up |issue=42 |publisher=[[Emap International Limited]]|date=April 1996|page=26}}</ref> Team Andromeda split into two teams to work on both projects,<ref name="FamInterview">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.famitsu.com/news/201803/09153247.html|script-title=ja:『AZEL』アレンジアルバムは生で一発録りの曲も! 『Resurrection: AZEL-パンツァードラグーンRPG- 20th Anniversary Arrangement』インタビュー|trans-title=Azel Arrange Album Has Songs That Were Recorded Live in One Take! "Resurrection: Azel Panzer Dragoon RPG — 20th Anniversary Arrangement" Interview|language=ja|magazine=[[Famitsu]]|publisher=[[Enterbrain]]|date=9 March 2018|access-date=15 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180309192641/https://www.famitsu.com/news/201803/09153247.html|archive-date=9 March 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Guide" /> but due to the work overload this created, ''Saga'' was largely put on hold until ''Zwei'' was completed.<ref name="Guide" /> Production took less than a year, since the first game's [[Game engine|engine]] was reused,<ref>{{cite magazine|title=The Making of... Panzer Dragoon 1&2|magazine=[[Retro Gamer]]|issue=57|last=Davies|first=Jonti|date=28 October 2019|pages=84–89}}</ref> with a team of between fifteen and twenty people.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/panzer-dragoon-interview-sega-yukio-futatsugi-kentaro-yoshida|title=The Big Panzer Dragoon Interview: "It Really Makes Me Think Again About How Incredible Sega Was at the Time"|author=Kim, Matt|website=[[Gamer Network|USGamer]]|date=27 June 2019|access-date=5 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190628113732/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/panzer-dragoon-interview-sega-yukio-futatsugi-kentaro-yoshida|archive-date=28 June 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://cgworld.jp/feature/202004-iwade01.html|script-title=ja:セガ岩出 敬氏・特別追悼企画〜故人の足跡を辿りながら日本のゲームグラフィックスをふり返る(1)|trans-title=Sega's Iwade Takashi: Special Memorial Project — Looking Back at Japanese Game Graphics, While Following in the Footprints of the Deceased (1)|language=ja|website=CGWorld|date=3 April 2020|access-date=5 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200403174509/https://cgworld.jp/feature/202004-iwade01.html|archive-date=3 April 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Tomohiro Kondo, a senior member of Team Andromeda, was the producer and director.<ref>{{Cite magazine | date=26 January 1996 | script-title=ja:パンツァードラグーン ツヴァイ — 開発 Interview |trans-title=Panzer Dragoon Zwei — Release Interview|magazine=Sega Saturn Magazine |volume=2| page=65| publisher=[[SB Creative|SoftBank Creative]]| language=ja}}</ref><ref name="ZweiAnnounced">{{cite magazine | date=22 December 1995 |url=https://archive.org/details/saturn-fan-1995-no.-14-12-22/page/4/mode/1up|script-title=ja:パンツァードラグーン ツヴァイ|trans-title=Panzer Dragoon Zwei|magazine=Saturn Fan |issue=14| pages=34–37| publisher=[[Tokuma Shoten]]| language=ja}}</ref> Futatsugi originally oversaw both projects' narratives, but, as his attention shifted onto ''Saga'', ''Zwei''{{'}}s story became the responsibility of Katsuhiko Yamada.<ref name="1UPinterview">{{Cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/features/panzer-dragoon-zwei-retrospective?pager.offset=1|title=Panzer Dragoon Zwei: Interview with Yukio Futatsugi|last=Mielke|first=James|work=[[1UP.com]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|date=11 September 2009|access-date=15 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018125427/http://www.1up.com/features/panzer-dragoon-zwei-retrospective?pager.offset=1|archive-date=18 October 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> ''Zwei'' was released in early 1996.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sega.jp/history/hard/segasaturn/software.html|script-title=ja:セガサターン専用CD-ROM(セガ発売)|trans-title=Sega Saturn Exclusive CD-ROM (Sega Release)|language=ja|website=[[Sega]]|publisher=Sega|access-date=6 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180808233747/https://sega.jp/history/hard/segasaturn/software.html|archive-date=8 August 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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The game also possesses a vast in-game dictionary that updates as the player progress, detailing the ''Panzer'' world, and full-motion video from the game itself is unlocked for casual viewing, as well as the intro and ending videos from ''Panzer Dragoon'', ''Panzer Dragoon Zwei'' and ''Panzer Dragoon Saga''. |
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''Saga'' used the same engine and tools, but with a team twice the size.<ref name=":GS-History" /> Akihiko Mukaiyama was brought in to design a combat system that would combine elements of RPG and shooter gameplay.<ref name="Polygoral" /> After the combat was finalized, development progressed more quickly, and some staff were moved to help complete ''Zwei''.<ref name=":GS-History" /> Kusunoki, who had been the main character and art designer for the previous games, was made the art director, and [[Katsumi Yokota]] created the character and cover art.<ref name="Polygoral" /> ''Saga'' featured full Japanese voice acting, subtitled rather than dubbed in the English-language release.<ref name="Edge">{{Cite web|date=25 March 1998 |title=''Panzer Dragoon Saga'' review |url=http://www.edge-online.com/review/panzer-dragoon-saga/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130404013308/http://www.edge-online.com/review/panzer-dragoon-saga/ |archive-date=4 April 2013 |access-date=29 November 2017 |website=[[Edge Online]] |publisher=[[Future plc]]}}</ref> The [[Video game localization|localizer]]s were given incomplete translations and little supervision, so they inserted their own interpretations and invented names for monsters.<ref name="ringer">{{Cite news|last=Lindburgh|first=Ben|date=29 January 2018|title=The ruinous road of gaming's missing masterpiece|work=[[The Ringer (website)|The Ringer]]|url=https://www.theringer.com/2018/1/29/16940902/1998-video-games-panzer-dragoon-saga-missing-masterpiece|url-status=live|access-date=7 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180202150402/https://www.theringer.com/2018/1/29/16940902/1998-video-games-panzer-dragoon-saga-missing-masterpiece|archive-date=2 February 2018}}</ref> By the time ''Saga'' was released in early 1998, Sega had shifted its focus to its next console, the [[Dreamcast]]. ''Saga'' had a limited release outside Japan, and sales worldwide were poor;<ref name="ringer"/> it has never been re-released and is now a rare [[Collectable|collector's item]]. After the release, Sega disbanded Team Andromeda; Futatsugi left Sega and joined [[Konami]],<ref name="Flying" /> while other staff moved to new Sega teams, including [[Smilebit]], which would develop the next ''Panzer Dragoon'' game.<ref name=":GS-History" /> |
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A new ''Panzer Dragoon'' was pitched for the Dreamcast, but the console did not meet the technical requirements.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/famitsuxbox200207/page/21/mode/2up|date=July 2002 | script-title=ja:パンツァードラグーン オルタ閉発インタビュー|trans-title=Panzer Dragoon Orta Closing Interview| magazine=[[Famitsu|Famitsu Xbox]]|pages=22–23| issue=7 | publisher=[[Enterbrain]] | language=Japanese|title=Famitsu Xbox 2002-07}} [http://www.ign.com/boards/threads/famitsu-interviews-smilebits-panzer-dragoon-orta-team.23367647/ Translation] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180424001053/http://www.ign.com/boards/threads/famitsu-interviews-smilebits-panzer-dragoon-orta-team.23367647/ |date=24 April 2018 }}</ref> There was also a feeling among staff that the original trilogy had reached its logical conclusion.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Brookes|first=Jason|title=Chasing the Dragon|magazine=Xbox Nation|issue=3|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|date=June 2002|pages=34–41}} [https://www.panzerdragoonlegacy.com/pictures/1015-xbox-nation-issue-number-3-1-of-5 Scans] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230131203206/https://www.panzerdragoonlegacy.com/pictures/1015-xbox-nation-issue-number-3-1-of-5 |date=31 January 2023 }}</ref> Following the commercial failure of the Dreamcast, Sega left the console market and began developing and publishing games for other platforms. Discussion about a possible ''Panzer Dragoon'' for [[Microsoft]]'s [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]] began in 2000.<ref name="FamOrta">{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/famitsuxbox200301/page/n63/mode/2up|script-title=ja:X Special: パンツァードラグーン オルタ|trans-title=X Special: Panzer Dragoon Orta|magazine=[[Famitsu|Famitsu Xbox]]|publisher=[[Enterbrain]]|issue=13|date=January 2003|pages=64–65|language=ja|title=Famitsu Xbox 2003-01 }}</ref> Takayuki Kawagoe was made producer and decided that ''Panzer Dragoon Orta'' would be another rail shooter.<ref name="GamaInterview">{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/306967/Panzer_Dragoon_Orta_director_recalls_how_the_shooter_was_almost_a_strategic_online_game.php|title=Panzer Dragoon Orta director recalls how the shooter was almost a strategic online game|last=Wawro|first=Alex|website=[[Gamasutra]]|publisher=[[UBM TechWeb]]|date=3 October 2017|accessdate=22 May 2022|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171005222508/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/306967/Panzer_Dragoon_Orta_director_recalls_how_the_shooter_was_almost_a_strategic_online_game.php|archivedate=5 October 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> Mukaiyama, ''Saga''{{'}}s combat designer, directed ''Orta'',<ref name="Polygoral" /> and development began in early 2001 at Smilebit, lasting eighteen months.<ref name="NextInterview"/> Takashi Iwade, a visual effects artist on earlier ''Panzer Dragoon'' games, became the art director,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cgworld.jp/feature/202004-iwade03.html|script-title=ja:セガ岩出 敬氏・特別追悼企画〜故人の足跡を辿りながら日本のゲームグラフィックスをふり返る(3)|trans-title=Sega's Iwade Takashi: Special Memorial Project — Looking Back at Japanese Game Graphics, While Following in the Footprints of the Deceased (3)|language=ja|website=CGWorld|date=13 April 2020|access-date=22 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210223213801/https://cgworld.jp/feature/202004-iwade03.html|archive-date=23 February 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> and Takashi Atsu was the lead programmer.<ref name="FamOrta" /> ''Orta'' incorporated elements from ''Saga'' into the series' traditional rail shooter gameplay,<ref>{{cite magazine|author=Staff|title=Interview: Panzer Dragoon Orta — Worldbuilders|magazine=Xbox Nation|issue=6|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|date=March 2003|pages=98–101}} [http://segabits.com/blog/2015/04/14/classic-sega-magazine-corner-xbox-nations-worldbuilders-interviews-smilebits-panzer-dragoon-orta-artists/ Scans] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230131213659/http://segabits.com/blog/2015/04/14/classic-sega-magazine-corner-xbox-nations-worldbuilders-interviews-smilebits-panzer-dragoon-orta-artists/ |date=31 January 2023 }}</ref> with a story co-written by Shigeru Kurihara and Kenichiro Ishii.<ref>{{Cite video game|title=Panzer Dragoon Orta|developer=[[Smilebit]]|publisher=[[Sega]]|date=12 January 2003|platform=[[Xbox (console)|Xbox]]|scene=Credits}}</ref> It was released in late 2002 in Japan and early 2003 in the West.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://dengekionline.com/data/news/2002/10/3/5db637556597faf9e9d608db75e6e6e4.html|script-title=ja:収録曲は4曲。『パンツァードラグーンオルタ』初回限定版に音楽CDが同梱|trans-title=4 Tracks Included. "Panzer Dragoon Orta" First Limited Edition Includes a Music CD|language=ja|website=[[ASCII Media Works|Dengeki Online]]|date=3 October 2002|access-date=30 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220516095145/https://dengekionline.com/data/news/2002/10/3/5db637556597faf9e9d608db75e6e6e4.html|archive-date=16 May 2022|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.panzer-dragoon.com/eng/index.html|title=Panzer Dragoon Orta|website=Panzer Dragoon Orta English website|access-date=30 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030408233023/http://www.panzer-dragoon.com/eng/index.html|archive-date=8 April 2003|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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==Music== |
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The soundtrack for the first ''Panzer Dragoon'' was developed after the rest of the game was largely complete, so that the music could reflect each level's art style and events.<ref name="gametm"/> The game's "on rails" progression system meant that the composer could write pieces timed to specifically match the player's position in each level. The soundtrack was outsourced to Yoshitaka Azuma,<ref name="1upPD1" /> who scored the game with a mixture of [[orchestra]]l and [[synthesizer]] tracks.<ref name="FamInterview" /> |
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Music composition for ''Zwei'' was led by Yayoi Wachi.<ref name="VGMO">{{cite web|url=http://www.vgmonline.net/saorikobayashiinterview/|title=Saori Kobayashi Interview: Cultivating an Ethtronic Sound|last=Greening|first=Chris|website=Video Game Music Online|date=7 September 2015|access-date=15 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150928212732/http://www.vgmonline.net/saorikobayashiinterview/|archive-date=28 September 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> Additional tracks were composed by Tomonori Sawada,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wave-master.com/wm/company/staff/s_sawada.html|script-title=ja:Tomonori Sawada — 澤田 朋伯|language=ja|website=WaveMaster|access-date=5 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040529102749/http://www.wave-master.com/wm/company/staff/s_sawada.html|archive-date=29 May 2004|url-status=dead}}</ref> Junko Shiratsu,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wave-master.com/wm/company/staff/s_shiratsu.html|script-title=ja:Junko Shiratsu — 白津 順子|language=ja|website=WaveMaster|access-date=5 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040706201812/http://www.wave-master.com/wm/company/staff/s_shiratsu.html|archive-date=6 July 2004|url-status=dead}}</ref> and Teruhiko Nakagawa.<ref>[[Sega]] (25 April 1996). "''Panzer Dragoon II Zwei Original Soundtrack'' booklet." (in Japanese) [[PolyGram]]. POCX-1026. Retrieved on 15 December 2018.</ref> In contrast to the purely orchestral and electronic score of the first game, ''Zwei'' added ethnic or tribal elements.<ref name="FamInterview" /> Rather than using prerecorded music, the soundtrack for ''Zwei'' is mostly generated via [[pulse-code modulation]] by the Saturn's hardware, a technique used again on ''Saga''.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Game music of the day: Panzer Dragoon Saga|website=[[GamesRadar]]|publisher=[[Future plc]]|last=Kemps|first=Heidi|date=4 November 2010|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/game-music-of-the-day-panzer-dragoon-saga/|accessdate=27 January 2023|archive-date=28 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230128035941/https://www.gamesradar.com/game-music-of-the-day-panzer-dragoon-saga/|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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''Saga''{{'}}s soundtrack was composed by [[Saori Kobayashi]] and Mariko Nanba, with vocals by [[Eri Itō]] and arrangement by [[Hayato Matsuo]]. It includes South American, [[Music of Africa|African]], [[Celtic music|Celtic]], classical and [[New-age music|new age]] influences.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last1=Rzeminski |first1=Lucy |last2=Walton |first2=Jason |title=RPGFan Music – ''Azel: Panzer Dragoon RPG'' |url=http://www.rpgfan.com/soundtracks/azel/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171207141805/http://www.rpgfan.com/soundtracks/azel/index.html |archive-date=7 December 2017 |access-date=7 December 2017 |website=RPG Fan}}</ref> ''[[The Verge]]'' described it as blend of traditional European and [[Middle Eastern music|Middle Eastern folk]] styles with science fiction-like synthesizer sounds.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Webster |first=Andrew |date=24 January 2018 |title=After 20 years, ''Panzer Dragoon Saga''{{'}}s composer finally made the soundtrack she always wanted |work=[[The Verge]] |publisher=[[Vox Media]] |url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/1/24/16925534/panzer-dragoon-saga-soundtrack-composer-interview |url-status=live |access-date=25 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180124185950/https://www.theverge.com/2018/1/24/16925534/panzer-dragoon-saga-soundtrack-composer-interview |archive-date=24 January 2018 }}</ref> Kobayashi credited ''Zwei'' and Wachi with establishing the series' distinctive sound and shaping her future compositions for the series.<ref name="VGMO"/> The orchestrated ending theme, featuring lyrics in the games' fictional language,<ref name=":6" /> was intended to avoid any sense of closure, leaving the story "open-ended".<ref name="Polygoral" /> |
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Kobayashi returned for principal composition of the soundtrack of ''Orta'',<ref name="VGMO" /> with additional tracks by Yutaka Minobe.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wave-master.com/wm/company/staff/s_minobe.html|script-title=ja:Sound Creator — Yutaka Minobe/蓑部 雄崇|language=ja|website=WaveMaster|access-date=22 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040529090600/http://www.wave-master.com/wm/company/staff/s_minobe.html|archive-date=29 May 2004|url-status=dead}}</ref> The orchestrated, lyrical ending theme was again arranged by Matsuo and sung by Itō.<ref>[[Saori Kobayashi|Kobayashi, Saori]]; Minobe, Yutaka (22 December 2002). "''Panzer Dragoon Orta Original Soundtrack'' booklet." (in Japanese) [[Marvelous Entertainment]]. MJCG-80116. Retrieved on 22 May 2022.</ref> The music continued in the ethnic-influenced style established on the soundtracks for ''Zwei'' and ''Saga'', but the Xbox hardware allowed for richer and more varied sounds than the Saturn.<ref name="VGMO" /> |
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==Other media== |
==Other media== |
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[[Production I.G]] released a [[direct-to-video]] [[anime]] [[short film]] adaptation of the first game in 1996. The story is altered to include a female character whom Keil ('Kyle' in the film) tries to save after she is kidnapped by the Black Dragon. An English dub was released by [[A.D. Vision|ADV Films]] in 1998. The film was panned for its poor animation, awkward script, and cliché story.<ref>{{cite web|title=Panzer Dragoon — Review|website=[[Anime News Network]]|publisher=[[Kadokawa Corporation]]|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/panzer-dragoon|access-date=3 February 2023|archive-date=3 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203234938/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/panzer-dragoon|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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The Sega [[kart racing game]] ''[[Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed]]'' features a racetrack based on ''Panzer Dragoon''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Preview: Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed|date=30 April 2012|first=Ryan|last=Perez|website=[[Destructoid]]|publisher=[[Gamurs]]|url=https://www.destructoid.com/preview-sonic-all-stars-racing-transformed/|access-date=3 February 2023|archive-date=3 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203235324/https://www.destructoid.com/preview-sonic-all-stars-racing-transformed/|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Archie Comics]] ''Worlds Unite'' crossover between the ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (comics)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' and the ''[[Mega Man (Archie Comics)|Mega Man]]'' comic lines features ''Panzer Dragoon'' characters and concepts.<ref>{{cite web|title=Capcom and Sega Join Forces for Worlds Unite Comic Book Crossover|date=26 February 2015|first=Jesse|last=Schedeen|website=[[IGN]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/02/26/capcom-and-sega-join-forces-for-worlds-unite-comic-book-crossover|access-date=3 February 2023|archive-date=14 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230314094822/https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/02/26/capcom-and-sega-join-forces-for-worlds-unite-comic-book-crossover|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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==Reception== |
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{{Video game series reviews |
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|updated = 7 June 2023 |
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|mc_title=Aggregate scores |
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|game1 = [[Panzer Dragoon (video game)|Panzer Dragoon]] |
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|mc1 = 91%<ref>{{Cite web|title=Panzer Dragoon for Saturn|url=https://www.gamerankings.com/saturn/914514-panzer-dragoon/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190518190625/https://www.gamerankings.com/saturn/914514-panzer-dragoon/index.html|archive-date=18 May 2019|website=[[GameRankings]]|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]}}</ref> |
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|game2 = [[Panzer Dragoon II Zwei]] |
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|mc2 = 88%<ref>{{Cite web|title=Panzer Dragoon II Zwei for Saturn|url=https://www.gamerankings.com/saturn/562829-panzer-dragoon-ii-zwei/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209014445/https://www.gamerankings.com/saturn/562829-panzer-dragoon-ii-zwei/index.html|archive-date=9 December 2019|website=[[GameRankings]]|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]}}</ref> |
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|game3 = [[Panzer Dragoon Mini]] |
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|mc3 = 14/40<ref name="FamPDM">{{cite magazine|title=NEW GAMES CROSS REVIEW: パンツァードラグーン ミニ|trans-title=New Games Cross Review: Panzer Dragoon Mini|magazine=[[Famitsu]]|issue=415|publisher=[[ASCII Corporation]]|date=29 November 1996|page=35|language=ja}} ([https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=16059 Transcription] by [[Famitsu.com]]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170318042905/https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=16059|date=18 March 2017}}).</ref> |
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|game4 = [[Panzer Dragoon Saga]] |
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|mc4 = 92%<ref>{{Cite web|title=Panzer Dragoon Saga for Saturn|url=https://www.gamerankings.com/saturn/198258-panzer-dragoon-saga/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209012907/https://www.gamerankings.com/saturn/198258-panzer-dragoon-saga/index.html|archive-date=9 December 2019|website=[[GameRankings]]|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]}}</ref> |
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|game5 = [[Panzer Dragoon Orta]] |
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|mc5 = 90/100<ref>{{Cite web|title=Panzer Dragoon Orta for Xbox Reviews|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/panzer-dragoon-orta/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]|website=[[Metacritic]]|access-date=7 June 2023|archive-date=28 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230728092409/https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox/panzer-dragoon-orta|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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|game6 = [[Panzer Dragoon: Remake]] |
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|mc6 = 63/100<ref>{{Cite web|title=Panzer Dragoon for Switch Reviews|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/panzer-dragoon/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]|website=[[Metacritic]]|access-date=7 June 2023|archive-date=3 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210803062524/https://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/panzer-dragoon|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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}} |
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The original ''Panzer Dragoon'' received overwhelmingly positive reviews, both in 1995 and in retrospective coverage, with consistent praise for its art design, visual effects, music, atmospheric setting, and cinematic cutscenes, though critics were divided by the relatively simple gameplay and the difficulty level.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Semrad |first1=ED |last2=Carpenter |first2=Danyon|last3=Manuel |first3=Al|last4=Williams |first4=Ken |date=July 1995 |title=Panzer Dragoon Review |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]] |issue=72 |pages=34 |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last=The Unknown Gamer |date=August 1995 |title=ProReview: Panzer Dragoon |magazine=[[GamePro]] |volume=7 |issue=8 |pages=46–47}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|title=Panzer Dragoon|journal=Maximum: The Video Game Magazine|issue=1|publisher=[[Emap International Limited]]|date=October 1995|pages=144–5}}</ref> A reviewer for ''[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]'' wrote that the game combined "incredible story animation with brilliant, 3D flight graphics",<ref>{{Cite magazine|title=Legendary|magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]|issue=6|publisher=[[Imagine Media]]|date=June 1995|page=100}}</ref> and an ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' reviewer called it a "lyrical and exhilarating epic" that could pave the way for a "transformation" of the videogame industry.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/1995/06/09/panzer-dragoon/|title=Digital Review: Panzer Dragoon|last=Kim|first=Albert|date=June 1995|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|access-date=12 August 2012|archive-date=27 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140727211943/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20195761,00.html|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]'' named it the "Best Saturn Game of 1995"<ref>{{Cite magazine|year=1996|title=1996 Video Game Buyer's Guide|magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]}}</ref> and placed it 140th in "The Greatest 200 Videogames of their time" in 2006.<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Semrad|first=Steve|date=February 2006|title=The Greatest 200 Videogames of their time|url=http://www.1up.com/features/egm-200-greatest-videogames?pager.offset=2|url-status=dead|magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|issue=200|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150629072014/http://www.1up.com/features/egm-200-greatest-videogames?pager.offset=2|archive-date=29 June 2015|access-date=27 January 2023}}</ref> |
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''Zwei'' was acclaimed, with praise focusing on the cutting-edge graphics, gameplay refinements relative to the first game, and the continued strength of the art design, music, and atmosphere, though the low difficulty again received criticism.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Panzer Dragoon II Review|magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]|issue=82|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|date=May 1996|page=32}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last=Strauss |first=Bob |title=Panzer Dragoon Zwei II |url=https://ew.com/article/1996/06/14/panzer-dragoon-zwei-ii/ |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |access-date=1 March 2020 |date=14 June 1996}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|author=Scary Larry |title=ProReview: Panzer Dragoon Zwei II|magazine=[[GamePro]]|issue=93|publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]]|date=June 1996|pages=62–63}}</ref> A ''Next Generation'' reviewer praised the game's art direction and plot, saying ''Zwei''{{'}}s "visual sophistication and compelling storylines" compensated for its "less than revolutionary gameplay".<ref>{{Cite magazine|title=Off the Scale|magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]|issue=19|publisher=[[Imagine Media]]|date=July 1996|page=81}}</ref> It was a runner-up for ''Electronic Gaming Monthly''{{'}}s Shooter Game of the Year (behind ''[[Alien Trilogy]]'') and Best Graphics of the Year (behind ''[[Super Mario 64]]''),<ref>{{Cite magazine|title=The Best of '96|magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]|issue=92|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|date=March 1997|page=90}}</ref> and the following year they ranked it number 90 on their "100 Best Games of All Time".<ref name="EGMbest">{{Cite magazine|title=100 Best Games of All Time|magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]|issue=100|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|date=November 1997|page=106}} Note: Contrary to the title, the intro to the article explicitly states that the list covers console video games only, meaning PC games and arcade games were not eligible.</ref> |
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''Panzer Dragoon Mini'' was poorly received, with praise for its art style and boss designs but criticism of its pacing and lack of a plot.<ref name="101PDM"/><ref name="FamPDM"/><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://retrocdn.net/index.php?title=File%3AClick!_Konsole_5_PL.pdf&page=70|title=Oldschool: Panzer Dragoon Mini|magazine={{ill|Click! (magazine)|lt=Click! Konsole|pl|Click!}}|issue=5|publisher={{ill|Wydawnictwo Bauer|lt=|pl|Wydawnictwo Bauer}}|date=September 2003|page=70|language=pl|access-date=29 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529003921/https://retrocdn.net/index.php?title=File%3AClick%21_Konsole_5_PL.pdf&page=70|archive-date=29 May 2023|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="MeriStatPD">{{cite web|last=Méndez González|first=Ramón|url=https://as.com/meristation/2009/07/18/reportajes/1247896800_037471.html|title=Regreso al pasado: Panzer Dragoon|trans-title=Back in Time: Panzer Dragoon|work=[[MeriStation]]|publisher=[[PRISA]]|date=6 March 2012|access-date=28 May 2023|language=es|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230517234158/https://as.com/meristation/2009/07/18/reportajes/1247896800_037471.html|archive-date=17 May 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> The simplistic controls and very short duration divided critics, some of whom thought the game adequate for a [[handheld game console]], and some of whom were disappointed by the contrast with the Saturn games.<ref name="BSMpdm">{{cite magazine|last=Fernández|first=Martín|url=https://bonusstagemagazine.files.wordpress.com/2019/12/bonus-34-bubsy.pdf|title=Análisis: Panzer Dragoon Mini|trans-title=Analisys: Panzer Dragoon Mini|magazine=Bonus Stage Magazine|volume=9|issue=34|date=December 2019|pages=26–27|access-date=28 May 2023|language=es|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200623042749/https://bonusstagemagazine.files.wordpress.com/2019/12/bonus-34-bubsy.pdf|archive-date=23 June 2020|url-status=live}}. ([https://bonusstagemagazine.wordpress.com/2020/02/14/analisis-panzer-dragoon-mini-game-gear/ Transcription] by Bonus Stage Magazine. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200623040939/https://bonusstagemagazine.wordpress.com/2020/02/14/analisis-panzer-dragoon-mini-game-gear/|date=23 June 2020}}).</ref><ref name="RG129pdm">{{cite magazine|last=Jones|first=Darran|url=https://www.retrogamer.net/retro_games90/panzer-dragoon-mini/|title=Retro Revival: Panzer Dragoon Mini|magazine=[[Retro Gamer]]|issue=129|publisher=[[Imagine Publishing]]|date=22 May 2014|pages=98–99|access-date=28 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150103103306/https://www.retrogamer.net/retro_games90/panzer-dragoon-mini/|archive-date=3 January 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[1Up.com]]'' called ''Mini'' "a dumbed-down, cartoony shooter for kids that bears little resemblance to the epic adventures on Saturn."<ref name="1upPDM">{{Cite web|title=Phantom Dust Xbox Retrospective|website=[[1Up.com]]|date=11 September 2007|last=Mielke|first=James|url=http://www.1up.com/features/phantom-dust-retrospective|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160526014546/http://www.1up.com/features/phantom-dust-retrospective|archive-date=26 May 2016}}</ref> |
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''Saga'' is often listed among the [[List of video games considered the best|greatest video games]] ever made, earning acclaim for its story, graphics, and combat, along with criticism for its low difficulty and short play time.<ref name="Sad Tale">{{cite magazine |date=December 2007 |title=''Panzer Dragoon Saga'': the sad tale of the Saturn's last great game |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |publisher=[[GameStop]] |issue=176 |pages=164–165}}</ref><ref name="Edge"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.next-generation.com/jsmid/reviews/1788.html|title=''Panzer Dragoon Saga''|date=14 May 1998|work=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation Online]]|publisher=[[Imagine Media]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19990829131749/http://www.next-generation.com/jsmid/reviews/1788.html|archive-date=29 August 1999|url-status=dead|access-date=19 December 2016}}</ref> Reviewers praised the story's restraint and lack of cliché,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Mielke|first=James|date=11 September 2007|title=''Panzer Dragoon Saga'' Sega Saturn retrospective|url=http://www.1up.com/features/panzer-dragoon-saga-retrospective?pager.offset=0|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121123072939/http://www.1up.com/features/panzer-dragoon-saga-retrospective?pager.offset=0|archive-date=23 November 2012|access-date=7 December 2017|website=[[1UP.com]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]}}</ref> as well as the complexity of the characters; even the dragon has been called an "intimate computer companion", drawing comparisons to the later games of [[Fumito Ueda]] (''[[Ico]]'', ''[[Shadow of the Colossus]]'', and ''[[The Last Guardian]]'').<ref name="ringer" /> ''[[Game Informer]]'' called the game "one of the year's best, and generally considered the Saturn's finest title".<ref name="Sad Tale"/> ''Saga'' was named one of the best games of all time by ''Computer and Video Games'' in 2000, ''Electronic Gaming Monthly'' in 2001 and 2006, ''[[IGN]]'' readers in 2005,<ref>{{Cite web |title=''IGN'' and KFC Snacker present readers' top 99 games |url=http://microsites.ign.com/kfc/top99games/9.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050429025808/http://microsites.ign.com/kfc/top99games/9.html |archive-date=29 April 2005 |access-date=20 December 2015 |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] }}</ref> ''IGN'' in 2007,<ref>{{cite web |title=''IGN'' top 100 games 2007 |url=http://top100.ign.com/2007/ign_top_game_44.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120414155645/http://top100.ign.com/2007/ign_top_game_44.html |archive-date=14 April 2012 |access-date=24 November 2008 |work=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] }}</ref> and [[G4 (American TV network)|G4]] in 2012.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012 |title=22: ''Panzer Dragoon Saga'' |url=http://www.g4tv.com/top-100/488/panzer-dragoon-saga/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924064423/http://www.g4tv.com/top-100/488/panzer-dragoon-saga/ |archive-date=24 September 2015 |access-date=20 February 2018 |website=[[G4 (American TV network)|G4]] |publisher=[[G4 Media (TV company)|G4 Media]]}}</ref> |
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''Orta'' was critically acclaimed, receiving praise for its visual design, unlockable content, and faithfulness to the series, while reviewers criticized the short play time and dated, on-rails structure. Opinions of the controls and the increased difficulty were mixed.<ref>{{cite magazine|script-title=ja:Xbox — パンツァードラグーン オルタ|trans-title=Xbox — Panzer Dragoon Orta|magazine=[[Famitsu]]|publisher=[[Enterbrain]]|issue=732|date=13 December 2002|language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |title=Panzer Dragoon Orta |author=EGM staff |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]] |publisher=Ziff Davis |issue=163 |date=February 2003 |pages=156–157}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |title=Panzer Dragoon Orta |author=Edge staff |magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]] |publisher=[[Future plc]] |issue=120 |date=February 2003 |pages=90–93}}</ref> ''[[Eurogamer]]'' called ''Orta'' "refined, well designed and intelligent", marking "a real progression in the genre",<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/r-pdorta-x |title=Panzer Dragoon Orta Review|last=Reed |first=Kristan |date=28 January 2003 |website=[[Eurogamer]] |publisher=[[Gamer Network]] |access-date=5 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100105225006/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_pdorta_x|archive-date=5 January 2010|url-status=live}}</ref> and ''[[GamePro]]'' said that its complex and beautiful level design almost overwhelmed the senses.<ref>{{Cite magazine |url=http://www.gamepro.com/microsoft/xbox/games/reviews/27792.shtml |title=Panzer Dragoon Orta Review|date=16 January 2003 |magazine=[[GamePro]] |access-date=5 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050206184606/http://www.gamepro.com/microsoft/xbox/games/reviews/27792.shtml |archivedate=6 February 2005 |url-status=dead}}</ref> ''Orta'' has been consistently listed as one of the best games for the original Xbox, by publications including ''[[GamesRadar]]'', ''[[Digital Trends]]'', and ''IGN'', the latter describing it as the "pinnacle of rail shooters".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/03/17/the-top-25-xbox-games-of-all-time |title=The Top 25 Xbox Games of All Time |last1=Perry |first1=Douglass C. |last2=Brudvig |first2=Erik |last3=Miller |first3=Jon |date=16 March 2007 |website=[[IGN]] |accessdate=28 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120823002359/https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/03/17/the-top-25-xbox-games-of-all-time|archive-date=23 August 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/best-xbox-games-all-time/ |title=The best original Xbox games ever |date=11 June 2017 |website=[[GamesRadar]] |accessdate=5 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120726032510/http://www.gamesradar.com/best-xbox-games-all-time/|archive-date=26 July 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/the-best-original-xbox-games/|title=The best original Xbox games|author=Yadan, Joseph|website=[[Digital Trends]]|date=15 April 2021|access-date=30 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210416005407/https://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/the-best-original-xbox-games/|archive-date=16 April 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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''Panzer Dragoon: Remake'' received lukewarm reviews upon release. Critics consistently praised the remake's faithfulness to the original's gameplay and the retention of the original soundtrack, but they were divided by the updated visuals and disappointed by the short play time.<ref name="NLife"/><ref name="PD:R Euro">{{Cite news|title=Panzer Dragoon: Remake review — flawed revisit to an off-kilter masterpiece|newspaper=[[Eurogamer]]|publisher=[[Gamer Network]]|first=Martin|last=Robinson|date=2 April 2020|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/panzer-dragoon-remake-review-flawed-revisit-to-an-off-kilter-masterpiece|access-date=26 May 2023|archive-date=26 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230526135118/https://www.eurogamer.net/panzer-dragoon-remake-review-flawed-revisit-to-an-off-kilter-masterpiece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="PD:R IGN">{{Cite news|title=Panzer Dragoon: Remake Review|newspaper=[[IGN]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|first=Mike|last=Epstein|date=11 September 2020|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/panzer-dragoon-remake-review|access-date=26 May 2023|archive-date=26 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230526135118/https://www.ign.com/articles/panzer-dragoon-remake-review|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Nintendo Life]]'' found both the Saturn-era control scheme and an alternative added by the remake to be awkward,<ref name="NLife"/> and ''Eurogamer'' called the new environment art "just as often muddy as it is marvelous".<ref name="PD:R Euro"/> ''IGN'' found that the arcade-like structure of the game offered little replay value to a modern player.<ref name="PD:R IGN"/> |
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===Legacy=== |
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''[[Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed]]'' features a racetrack based on ''Panzer Dragoon''. Additionally, the ''Worlds Unite'' crossover between the ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog (comics)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' and the ''[[Mega Man (Archie Comics)|Mega Man]]'' comic lines from [[Archie Comics]] features ''Panzer Dragoon'' characters and concepts. |
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Former ''Panzer Dragoon'' development staff went on to work on multiple claimed [[spiritual successor]]s to the series, such as ''[[Rez (video game)|Rez]]'' (2001) and ''[[Crimson Dragon]]'' (2013).<ref name="GamasutraPDhist"/><ref name="Kotaku">{{Cite web|title=How Panzer Dragoon Defined The Sega Saturn Era|first=Chris|last=Kohler|date=25 April 2019|website=[[Kotaku]]|publisher=[[G/O Media]]|url=https://kotaku.com/how-panzer-dragoon-defined-the-sega-saturn-era-1834305728|access-date=8 April 2023|archive-date=6 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190706083955/https://kotaku.com/how-panzer-dragoon-defined-the-sega-saturn-era-1834305728|url-status=live}}</ref> In retrospect, the course of the ''Panzer Dragoon'' series has been repeatedly associated with the history of the Saturn console: the first game was a launch title for the Saturn, and the release of ''Saga'' coincided with the end of Sega's support for the console.<ref name="GameSpot"/> Both the series and the console were well received critically but saw disappointing sales relative to their rivals.<ref name="Kotaku"/> The ''Panzer Dragoon'' series has been described as "short-lived and beloved".<ref name="GamasutraPDhist"/> Though it is rarely named as an influence by developers, it pioneered design elements later popularized in more successful games.<ref name="ringer"/> |
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==Notes== |
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Zwei was featured in the popular British soap opera ''[[Eastenders]]''.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgIcq6DDg5U</ref> |
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{{Notelist}} |
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==References== |
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Latest revision as of 01:05, 15 October 2024
Panzer Dragoon | |
---|---|
Genre(s) | Rail shooter, role-playing |
Developer(s) | Sega (Team Andromeda, Smilebit) |
Publisher(s) | Sega |
Creator(s) | Yukio Futatsugi |
Platform(s) | |
First release | Panzer Dragoon 10 March 1995 |
Latest release | Panzer Dragoon: Remake 26 March 2020 |
Panzer Dragoon[a] is a series of video games developed and published by Sega. The first three games — Panzer Dragoon (1995), Panzer Dragoon II Zwei (1996), and Panzer Dragoon Saga (1998) — were produced by Team Andromeda for the Sega Saturn. The fourth, Panzer Dragoon Orta (2002), was developed by Smilebit for the Xbox. Spin-offs include Panzer Dragoon Mini (1996) for the handheld Game Gear in Japan. A remake of Panzer Dragoon was released in 2020.
The Panzer Dragoon games are rail shooters, except for the role-playing game Saga. Each follows a protagonist who rides an armored flying dragon, fighting human and monstrous enemies in a post-apocalyptic world. The Panzer Dragoon games have received positive reviews for their art design, visuals, sound design, and atmospheric settings. Saga is one of the most acclaimed Saturn games and is listed among the greatest video games.
Story
[edit]The Panzer Dragoon series takes place in a post-apocalyptic world in which humans have begun to recover technologies from the Ancient Age, a world-spanning, hyper-advanced civilization destroyed thousands of years before the events of the games. The Ancients used genetic engineering to create living weapons, which were unleashed in a cataclysmic war that nearly destroyed humanity. The mutated descendants of these creatures have merged into wild ecosystems, where they pose a continual threat to human civilization and serve as enemies encountered in the games.[1][2]: 4–5, 27–28
Various human factions use recovered Ancient Age technologies, such as ubiquitous floating military airships, to defend against the wild mutants and to wage war against each other. Over the course of the series, a succession of characters ride mysterious armored flying dragons of extraordinary power, fighting to prevent humanity from reactivating the most destructive Ancient Age weapons and, ultimately, to destroy the remaining weapons and facilities of the Ancient Age so that humanity can be freed from the threat they pose.[2]: 4–5
Games
[edit]1995 | Panzer Dragoon |
---|---|
1996 | Panzer Dragoon II Zwei |
Panzer Dragoon Mini | |
1997 | |
1998 | Panzer Dragoon Saga |
1999–2001 | |
2002 | Panzer Dragoon Orta |
2003–2019 | |
2020 | Panzer Dragoon: Remake |
Main series
[edit]Panzer Dragoon (1995)
[edit]The first Panzer Dragoon was released on the Sega Saturn in 1995. It was developed by Team Andromeda, a Sega development group assembled for this project.[3] The protagonist is Keil Fluge, a hunter who stumbles into a battle between two flying dragons, one blue and one black. The rider of the blue dragon is mortally wounded in the fight and entrusts Keil with his dragon and his mission to stop the Dark Dragon from reactivating an Ancient Age ruin of tremendous destructive power.
This game established the core features of the Panzer Dragoon series: 3D rail shooter gameplay, divided into levels with ending bosses,[4] controlled through an on-screen targeting reticle, with a choice of two main attacks (a rapid-fire attack and a lock-on homing attack), and a camera that can be rotated by 90-degree increments to face enemies attacking from all directions.[5]
Panzer Dragoon II Zwei (1996)
[edit]Panzer Dragoon II Zwei was released for the Sega Saturn in 1996. Developed by Team Andromeda as a prequel to Panzer Dragoon,[3] it follows Jean-Jacques Lundi, a villager who defies taboo to raise a mutant pack animal with wings and a green bioluminescent throat, naming him Lagi. After Lundi's village is destroyed by a flying warship from the Ancient Age, he pursues it with Lagi, who grows into an armored flying dragon. Together they destroy the airship and defeat its guardian dragon.
Zwei introduced the "berserk" attack, an intermittently available attack that hits all enemies on screen and gives temporary invulnerability, along with branching paths through many levels, and the progressive growth and metamorphosis of the dragon over the course of the game.[6] It also added an extras menu called "Pandora's Box" that would return in later entries.[4]
Panzer Dragoon Saga (1998)
[edit]Panzer Dragoon Saga (titled Azel: Panzer Dragoon RPG in Japan) is a role-playing game (RPG) developed by Team Andromeda and released for Saturn in 1998.[3] The player controls Edge, a mercenary who encounters a mysterious girl named Azel in an Ancient Age excavation. After being attacked by a rogue military force, he is rescued by an armored flying dragon. Though at first motivated by revenge, Edge becomes embroiled in a conflict over control of Ancient Age weapons, and he ultimately invades and destroys the AI network controlling the various Ancient facilities around the world.
Saga is the only Panzer Dragoon game that is not a rail shooter, combining traditional role-playing elements such as items and random encounters with the setting and motifs of previous games. The combat system mixes real-time and turn-based elements,[7] with the player circling enemies on the dragon to expose weak spots and escape dangerous positions.[8] Saga also introduced the ability to morph the dragon between different forms emphasizing offense, defense, mobility, and other attributes.[9]
Panzer Dragoon Orta (2002)
[edit]Panzer Dragoon Orta was released for Xbox in late 2002 in Japan and in early 2003 in America and Europe.[10][11] It was developed by Smilebit, which was founded by former members of Team Andromeda.[12] The story follows Orta, a teenage girl held captive until she is rescued by an armored flying dragon during an attack on her town. She is pursued by multiple factions that want to use her connection with the Ancient Age to build weapons. Ultimately, she destroys an army of dragon-like creatures and the Ancient Age facility being used to produce them, along with an Ancient android who hopes to wipe out humanity.
A return to the rail shooter genre, Orta introduced several features inspired by mechanics from Saga, such as maneuvering around enemies and shifting the dragon between different forms during combat.[13][14] The game featured large amounts of unlockable content, including a story encyclopedia, side missions, video cutscenes from previous games, and the entire playable game Panzer Dragoon.[15][16]
Spin-offs and remakes
[edit]Panzer Dragoon Mini (1996)
[edit]Panzer Dragoon Mini is a spin-off 2D rail shooter released exclusively in Japan for the Game Gear handheld in 1996. It has three selectable dragons inspired by the blue dragon from Panzer Dragoon, which are rendered with a super deformed appearance and no rider. Most of the levels, enemies and music are modeled after those of Panzer Dragoon and Zwei. Due to the technical limitations of the Game Gear, the camera cannot be controlled and instead rotates automatically.[17] Mini was developed by a third party, with no involvement from Team Andromeda.[18]
Panzer Dragoon: Remake (2020)
[edit]A remake of Panzer Dragoon was developed by MegaPixel Studio and published by Forever Entertainment in March 2020 for Nintendo Switch.[19] It was released on Stadia on 1 June,[20] with Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Amazon Luna versions later in 2020. The remake features updated graphics and an optional new control system that allows players to aim independently of movement with a second control stick.[19]
Development
[edit]In the early 1990s, the Japanese video game company Sega asked its developers for shooting game ideas to add variety to its forthcoming Sega Saturn console.[3] Yukio Futatsugi proposed the concept for Panzer Dragoon and was made the head of Team Andromeda,[21] a development team that Sega assembled for the project in early 1994.[22] Development lasted almost a year, with a staff of fifteen.[7] With influences including Space Harrier, Starblade, Star Fox, and RayForce, the project became a 3D rail shooter.[23] The original concept was titled Armored Dragon (kiko-ryu in Japanese), but Futatsugi, feeling that this was too bland, changed to the pseudo-German translation Panzer Dragoon.[24]
The post-apocalyptic fantasy world, featuring ruins and relics of a fallen civilization, was particularly influenced by one of Futatsugi's childhood readings, The Long Afternoon of Earth.[22] The art design, which mixes natural and technological elements, was mainly the work of Manabu Kusunoki, who took inspiration from various sources, including anime and manga.[7] Critics have noted similarities with the works of the French artist Mœbius,[25][26][27] of whom Kusunoki was a fan, as well as with Hayao Miyazaki's Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind and David Lynch's film Dune.[4] Futatsugi created a fictional language from a mixture of Ancient Greek, Latin and Russian,[4] apparently inspired by the film The Wings of Honneamise.[23]
Panzer Dragoon was released in early 1995 to moderately successful sales.[28] Sega developed two sequels: while Panzer Dragoon II Zwei would expand on the original's rail shooter gameplay, Panzer Dragon Saga would be an RPG to compete with Final Fantasy VII and other PlayStation offerings.[3][29] Development of Zwei began in mid-1995, months after Panzer Dragoon's release.[30] Team Andromeda split into two teams to work on both projects,[31][29] but due to the work overload this created, Saga was largely put on hold until Zwei was completed.[29] Production took less than a year, since the first game's engine was reused,[32] with a team of between fifteen and twenty people.[33][34] Tomohiro Kondo, a senior member of Team Andromeda, was the producer and director.[35][36] Futatsugi originally oversaw both projects' narratives, but, as his attention shifted onto Saga, Zwei's story became the responsibility of Katsuhiko Yamada.[37] Zwei was released in early 1996.[38]
Saga used the same engine and tools, but with a team twice the size.[7] Akihiko Mukaiyama was brought in to design a combat system that would combine elements of RPG and shooter gameplay.[3] After the combat was finalized, development progressed more quickly, and some staff were moved to help complete Zwei.[7] Kusunoki, who had been the main character and art designer for the previous games, was made the art director, and Katsumi Yokota created the character and cover art.[3] Saga featured full Japanese voice acting, subtitled rather than dubbed in the English-language release.[39] The localizers were given incomplete translations and little supervision, so they inserted their own interpretations and invented names for monsters.[40] By the time Saga was released in early 1998, Sega had shifted its focus to its next console, the Dreamcast. Saga had a limited release outside Japan, and sales worldwide were poor;[40] it has never been re-released and is now a rare collector's item. After the release, Sega disbanded Team Andromeda; Futatsugi left Sega and joined Konami,[21] while other staff moved to new Sega teams, including Smilebit, which would develop the next Panzer Dragoon game.[7]
A new Panzer Dragoon was pitched for the Dreamcast, but the console did not meet the technical requirements.[41] There was also a feeling among staff that the original trilogy had reached its logical conclusion.[42] Following the commercial failure of the Dreamcast, Sega left the console market and began developing and publishing games for other platforms. Discussion about a possible Panzer Dragoon for Microsoft's Xbox began in 2000.[43] Takayuki Kawagoe was made producer and decided that Panzer Dragoon Orta would be another rail shooter.[44] Mukaiyama, Saga's combat designer, directed Orta,[3] and development began in early 2001 at Smilebit, lasting eighteen months.[12] Takashi Iwade, a visual effects artist on earlier Panzer Dragoon games, became the art director,[45] and Takashi Atsu was the lead programmer.[43] Orta incorporated elements from Saga into the series' traditional rail shooter gameplay,[46] with a story co-written by Shigeru Kurihara and Kenichiro Ishii.[47] It was released in late 2002 in Japan and early 2003 in the West.[48][49]
Music
[edit]The soundtrack for the first Panzer Dragoon was developed after the rest of the game was largely complete, so that the music could reflect each level's art style and events.[22] The game's "on rails" progression system meant that the composer could write pieces timed to specifically match the player's position in each level. The soundtrack was outsourced to Yoshitaka Azuma,[28] who scored the game with a mixture of orchestral and synthesizer tracks.[31]
Music composition for Zwei was led by Yayoi Wachi.[50] Additional tracks were composed by Tomonori Sawada,[51] Junko Shiratsu,[52] and Teruhiko Nakagawa.[53] In contrast to the purely orchestral and electronic score of the first game, Zwei added ethnic or tribal elements.[31] Rather than using prerecorded music, the soundtrack for Zwei is mostly generated via pulse-code modulation by the Saturn's hardware, a technique used again on Saga.[54]
Saga's soundtrack was composed by Saori Kobayashi and Mariko Nanba, with vocals by Eri Itō and arrangement by Hayato Matsuo. It includes South American, African, Celtic, classical and new age influences.[55] The Verge described it as blend of traditional European and Middle Eastern folk styles with science fiction-like synthesizer sounds.[56] Kobayashi credited Zwei and Wachi with establishing the series' distinctive sound and shaping her future compositions for the series.[50] The orchestrated ending theme, featuring lyrics in the games' fictional language,[55] was intended to avoid any sense of closure, leaving the story "open-ended".[3]
Kobayashi returned for principal composition of the soundtrack of Orta,[50] with additional tracks by Yutaka Minobe.[57] The orchestrated, lyrical ending theme was again arranged by Matsuo and sung by Itō.[58] The music continued in the ethnic-influenced style established on the soundtracks for Zwei and Saga, but the Xbox hardware allowed for richer and more varied sounds than the Saturn.[50]
Other media
[edit]Production I.G released a direct-to-video anime short film adaptation of the first game in 1996. The story is altered to include a female character whom Keil ('Kyle' in the film) tries to save after she is kidnapped by the Black Dragon. An English dub was released by ADV Films in 1998. The film was panned for its poor animation, awkward script, and cliché story.[59]
The Sega kart racing game Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed features a racetrack based on Panzer Dragoon.[60] The Archie Comics Worlds Unite crossover between the Sonic the Hedgehog and the Mega Man comic lines features Panzer Dragoon characters and concepts.[61]
Reception
[edit]Game | Aggregate scores |
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Panzer Dragoon | 91%[62] |
Panzer Dragoon II Zwei | 88%[63] |
Panzer Dragoon Mini | 14/40[64] |
Panzer Dragoon Saga | 92%[65] |
Panzer Dragoon Orta | 90/100[66] |
Panzer Dragoon: Remake | 63/100[67] |
The original Panzer Dragoon received overwhelmingly positive reviews, both in 1995 and in retrospective coverage, with consistent praise for its art design, visual effects, music, atmospheric setting, and cinematic cutscenes, though critics were divided by the relatively simple gameplay and the difficulty level.[68][69][70] A reviewer for Next Generation wrote that the game combined "incredible story animation with brilliant, 3D flight graphics",[71] and an Entertainment Weekly reviewer called it a "lyrical and exhilarating epic" that could pave the way for a "transformation" of the videogame industry.[72] Electronic Gaming Monthly named it the "Best Saturn Game of 1995"[73] and placed it 140th in "The Greatest 200 Videogames of their time" in 2006.[74]
Zwei was acclaimed, with praise focusing on the cutting-edge graphics, gameplay refinements relative to the first game, and the continued strength of the art design, music, and atmosphere, though the low difficulty again received criticism.[75][76][77] A Next Generation reviewer praised the game's art direction and plot, saying Zwei's "visual sophistication and compelling storylines" compensated for its "less than revolutionary gameplay".[78] It was a runner-up for Electronic Gaming Monthly's Shooter Game of the Year (behind Alien Trilogy) and Best Graphics of the Year (behind Super Mario 64),[79] and the following year they ranked it number 90 on their "100 Best Games of All Time".[80]
Panzer Dragoon Mini was poorly received, with praise for its art style and boss designs but criticism of its pacing and lack of a plot.[17][64][81][82] The simplistic controls and very short duration divided critics, some of whom thought the game adequate for a handheld game console, and some of whom were disappointed by the contrast with the Saturn games.[83][84] 1Up.com called Mini "a dumbed-down, cartoony shooter for kids that bears little resemblance to the epic adventures on Saturn."[85]
Saga is often listed among the greatest video games ever made, earning acclaim for its story, graphics, and combat, along with criticism for its low difficulty and short play time.[86][39][87] Reviewers praised the story's restraint and lack of cliché,[88] as well as the complexity of the characters; even the dragon has been called an "intimate computer companion", drawing comparisons to the later games of Fumito Ueda (Ico, Shadow of the Colossus, and The Last Guardian).[40] Game Informer called the game "one of the year's best, and generally considered the Saturn's finest title".[86] Saga was named one of the best games of all time by Computer and Video Games in 2000, Electronic Gaming Monthly in 2001 and 2006, IGN readers in 2005,[89] IGN in 2007,[90] and G4 in 2012.[91]
Orta was critically acclaimed, receiving praise for its visual design, unlockable content, and faithfulness to the series, while reviewers criticized the short play time and dated, on-rails structure. Opinions of the controls and the increased difficulty were mixed.[92][93][94] Eurogamer called Orta "refined, well designed and intelligent", marking "a real progression in the genre",[95] and GamePro said that its complex and beautiful level design almost overwhelmed the senses.[96] Orta has been consistently listed as one of the best games for the original Xbox, by publications including GamesRadar, Digital Trends, and IGN, the latter describing it as the "pinnacle of rail shooters".[97][98][99]
Panzer Dragoon: Remake received lukewarm reviews upon release. Critics consistently praised the remake's faithfulness to the original's gameplay and the retention of the original soundtrack, but they were divided by the updated visuals and disappointed by the short play time.[19][100][101] Nintendo Life found both the Saturn-era control scheme and an alternative added by the remake to be awkward,[19] and Eurogamer called the new environment art "just as often muddy as it is marvelous".[100] IGN found that the arcade-like structure of the game offered little replay value to a modern player.[101]
Legacy
[edit]Former Panzer Dragoon development staff went on to work on multiple claimed spiritual successors to the series, such as Rez (2001) and Crimson Dragon (2013).[4][102] In retrospect, the course of the Panzer Dragoon series has been repeatedly associated with the history of the Saturn console: the first game was a launch title for the Saturn, and the release of Saga coincided with the end of Sega's support for the console.[9] Both the series and the console were well received critically but saw disappointing sales relative to their rivals.[102] The Panzer Dragoon series has been described as "short-lived and beloved".[4] Though it is rarely named as an influence by developers, it pioneered design elements later popularized in more successful games.[40]
Notes
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Panzer Dragoon North American instruction manual. Sega. 1995. pp. 4–5.
- ^ a b Panzer Dragoon Orta North American instruction manual. Sega. 12 January 2003.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Mielke, James (30 April 2018). "Panzer Dragoon Saga: An Oral History". Polygon. Archived from the original on 14 May 2018. Retrieved 14 May 2018.
- ^ a b c d e f Kalata, Kurt (16 April 2008). "The History of Panzer Dragoon". Gamasutra. Archived from the original on 24 January 2023. Retrieved 8 April 2023.
- ^ Buchanan, Levi (8 August 2008). "Panzer Dragoon Retro Review". IGN. Archived from the original on 13 August 2012. Retrieved 3 February 2023.
- ^ "Panzer Dragoon Zwei: Sprechen Sie Harden Coren?" (PDF). Maximum: The Video Game Magazine. No. 5. Emap International Limited. April 1996. pp. 102–114.
- ^ a b c d e f Torres, Ricardo (1 July 2005). "GameSpot presents: The history of Panzer Dragoon". GameSpot. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on 12 December 2009. Retrieved 11 December 2015.
- ^ "Panzer Dragoon Saga review". Sega Saturn Magazine. April 1998.
- ^ a b Mielke, James (20 May 1998). "Panzer Dragoon Saga review". GameSpot. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on 17 May 2017. Retrieved 29 November 2017.
- ^ 収録曲は4曲。『パンツァードラグーンオルタ』初回限定版に音楽CDが同梱 [4 Tracks Included. "Panzer Dragoon Orta" First Limited Edition Includes a Music CD]. Dengeki Online (in Japanese). 3 October 2002. Archived from the original on 16 May 2022. Retrieved 30 April 2022.
- ^ "Panzer Dragoon Orta". Panzer Dragoon Orta English website. Archived from the original on 8 April 2003. Retrieved 30 May 2022.
- ^ a b "Interview: Smilebit's Akihiko Mukaiyama". The Next Level. 22 January 2003. Archived from the original on 7 September 2005. Retrieved 7 July 2023.
- ^ Torres, Ricardo (11 December 2002). "Panzer Dragoon Orta Preview". GameSpot. Fandom. Archived from the original on 5 May 2022. Retrieved 22 May 2022.
- ^ "Panzer Declassified". IGN. 14 October 2002. Archived from the original on 13 February 2005. Retrieved 22 May 2022.
- ^ Goldstein, Hilary (10 January 2003). "Panzer Dragoon Orta Review". IGN. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on 2 February 2006. Retrieved 5 February 2018.
- ^ Fenlon, Wesley (10 June 2008). "Born for Wii: Panzer Dragoon Orta". Joystiq. AOL. Archived from the original on 17 January 2013. Retrieved 22 May 2022.
- ^ a b Kalata, Kurt (25 July 2008). "Panzer Dragoon Mini". Hardcore Gaming 101. Archived from the original on 2 February 2023. Retrieved 3 February 2023.
- ^ CRV (29 March 2015). "Rit's". Game Developer Research Institute. Archived from the original on 16 November 2020. Retrieved 28 May 2023.
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External links
[edit]- Panzer Dragoon series at MobyGames
- Panzer Dragoon (OVA) at Anime News Network's encyclopedia