Ah, Smilebit. How I miss that studio. Part of Sega's restructuring following the demise of (my beloved) Dreamcast and the company's exit from the console manufacturing side of the video game market, Smilebit produced numerous titles for Microsoft's original Xbox. One of which was a follow-up to Sega's Panzer Dragoon series, unseen since the days of the Saturn. While it wasn't a direct sequel to Panzer Dragoon Saga, the RPG-infused installment of the franchise, Orta did reintroduce gamers to the impeccably designed world and unique dragons and characters featured in the series. It doesn't reinvent the mechanics of the previous action-oriented titles in the franchise, but what it does achieve is solid gameplay, excellent visuals and music, and an interesting and mysterious storyline. I wish we could see another sequel, but I can't see it happening anytime soon. Now that Sega's reinvigorating older series, perhaps there's some hope? I suppose we shall see.

Panzer Dragoon Orta was my introduction to the Panzer Dragoon series. It was a tough-as-nails experience that left me exhausted, but satisfied, after each level. Aiming and avoiding attacks demands some serious hyper-focus and quite a few deaths, but it always feels fair. The game's presentation is genuinely amazing. The art and designs are reminiscent of old science-fiction and fantasy art (the Moebius inspiration is clear, he even did the Japanese cover of the original Panzer Dragoon game). Story is also a strong point, following the journey of Orta as she travels across the land to escape and ultimately defeat an empire. Narrative and lore are expanded upon in an extras menu, and it is very impressive how much worldbuilding was done.

I greatly enjoyed my time with Panzer Dragoon Orta, with its gorgeous alien landscapes and made-up language dialogue. It made my imagination run wild in a way that is rare among media.