Dragon Valor has quite a lot in common with the D&D arcade brawlers Tower of Doom and Shadow Over Mystara; beyond its identity as a beat-em-up with some rudimentary RPG mechanics, it also features branching paths (that all converge at the same end boss), shops where you can buy gear to power yourself up, a small selection of spells you can cast in real time, and a satisfying repertoire of moves you can use against enemies. Dragon Valor's moveset is one of its undeniable strengths, with a good range of moves ranging from a rising slash (for flying enemies), a downward smash (for small enemies), and a versatile 3-hit staple combo that you can cancel into either a dodge or a jump kick. The combat has good game feel, with everything feeling appropriately weighty and beating up on monsters feeling satisfying.

The overall game experience isn't a very strong one though, and in many ways Dragon Valor is a victim of the trends of its era. The 3D graphics and shifting camera angles - to be expected from a game of this age - overcomplicate the platforming and some of the combat because you often have to react to hazards and enemies coming from offscreen. The devs were aware of this and chose to include one of my least favorite examples of fake difficulty - hazards that take advantage of blind spots in the camera's positioning to score cheap 'gotcha' hits on you.

The other trend of the mid-PSX era (which in many ways carries over to today) is the need to include lots of content in order to make the buyer think they got a good deal. Dragon Valor is pretty long by beat-em-up standards, and features a Phantasy Star III-like generation mechanic that gives the player up to three different paths through the game depending on who the main character of each chapter ends up marrying. While this sounds great in theory, plenty of the assets are reused across paths, and the game seems to run out of new ideas pretty early on. When I play a game with branching paths I tend to replay it at least once to experience as much of it as possible, but one single 8-hour playthrough of running around uninspired dungeons with haphazard enemy/hazard placement is more than enough for me.

Dragon Valor does have a few other niggling flaws - a lack of co-op play, an overabundance of boss i-frames resulting in poorly-paced boss fights, a script that takes itself way too seriously, and dialogue that reads like it was written by an alien who'd read about people but never actually met one - but the nuts and bolts of a good game are all here, if only the devs went more with quality over quantity.

Title: Dragon Valor - A Timeless Masterpiece in the Pantheon of PSX Classics

Introduction:

The year was 1999, and the gaming world was revolutionized by the arrival of an outstanding title that would forever leave its mark on the PlayStation gaming community - Dragon Valor. Developed by Namco, this action-adventure game set a new benchmark in the genre, placing itself shoulder to shoulder with legendary titles such as Metal Gear Solid, Final Fantasy VII, Gran Turismo, and Tony Hawk's Pro Skater. This unforgettable gem combined engrossing storytelling, breathtaking visuals, and a remarkably diverse combat system, delivering an experience that left players craving for more. Let's delve into the reasons why Dragon Valor deserves its rightful place among the best video games in history.

Combat System:

Dragon Valor's combat system is as intricate and complex as it is satisfying. The game features 17 different sword techniques, each with its unique advantages and disadvantages, allowing players to develop their combat style and approach to battles. These attacks range from basic Sword Swings and Charged Sword Swings to more advanced techniques such as Hammer Blows, Forward Thrusts, and the Special Sword Technique that, while powerful, consumes health points and leaves the character fatigued.

Comparing Dragon Valor's combat system to that of its contemporaries such as Metal Gear Solid, we can see how the game pushed the boundaries of action gameplay. With its extensive arsenal of sword techniques, Dragon Valor created an experience that felt more immersive and dynamic than the stealth-based combat of Metal Gear Solid.

Moreover, Dragon Valor introduces a magic system with eight different spells that the player can learn by obtaining Tomes. This feature adds an additional layer of depth to the gameplay, similar to the materia system in Final Fantasy VII, as it allows players to adapt and strategize based on the challenges they face throughout the game.

Items and Exploration:

Similar to Gran Turismo's vast catalog of cars, Dragon Valor offers an extensive collection of items for the player to discover, trade, and utilize. The game encourages exploration and combat by rewarding players with valuable items and in-game currency, which can be found in hidden locations or dropped by defeated enemies. These items range from Gems, Chalices, and Pendants that enhance the character's abilities, to potions and vials that restore health and magic points.

Multiple Routes and Storylines:

Dragon Valor takes a page out of the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater playbook by offering players multiple routes and storylines. Each route introduces different characters and plotlines, encouraging players to explore the game world in-depth and make choices that impact their adventures. This innovative feature adds replayability and depth to the game, urging players to experience every route and become a true Dragon Valor.

Epic Boss Battles:

The game would not live up to its name without its awe-inspiring dragon bosses. These formidable adversaries stand as the ultimate test of the player's skills, featuring unique abilities and attack patterns that challenge the player to think strategically and use their full arsenal of sword techniques and magic spells. The dragons are as memorable as the bosses from iconic games like Final Fantasy VII and Metal Gear Solid, further solidifying Dragon Valor's place among the best games of its time.

The Legacy of Dragon Valor:

It is impossible to discuss Dragon Valor's impact on the gaming world without mentioning its undeniable influence on future action-adventure titles, most notably the Devil May Cry series. Dragon Valor laid the groundwork for the fast-paced, combo-heavy combat style that would become a hallmark of Devil May Cry, a franchise that would go on to redefine the genre. However, despite the strides made by subsequent games, Dragon Valor's exceptional blend of storytelling, gameplay, and exploration has yet to be surpassed, solidifying its status as a trailblazer and an enduring classic in the world of gaming. The legacy of Dragon Valor continues to be felt today, as it serves as a shining example of what a truly outstanding action-adventure game should aspire to be.

Conclusion:

Dragon Valor is a timeless masterpiece that remains a shining example of what a great action-adventure game should be. Its intricate combat system, captivating storylines, and unforgettable boss battles make it a must-play title for any gaming enthusiast. So, pick up your sword and embark on a journey to become a Dragon Valor – a journey that will stay with you for a lifetime.

Dragon Valor - the third entry in Namco's arcade-born Dragon Buster series, continued their concept of level-based hack 'n' slash imbued with platforming and magic, but this time with 3D graphics and a surprising number of combat options (including anti-airs, LoZ's inputless guarding and unique attack strings). Straightforward and fairly easy to control, it also sports replay value courtesy of Phantasy Star III's descendant system (where certain choices determine the next chapter's playable character) as well as multiple endings.

+3 different routes for replay value
+Somewhat addictive combat with lots of tools to use
+Music is actually quite good
-A generic and basic storyline
-The gameplay had unrealized potential
-Ungratifying Visuals