Vimm's Lair: SNES Reviews - King of Dragons

Super Nintendo
King of Dragons

Graphics:
Sound:
Gameplay:
Overall:
8.20
7.86
8.83
8.60
Votes: 35
Reviews: 2


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Reviewer: wildwookie05 Date: Oct 22, 2006
Although inferior to the arcade version this was ported from, The King of Dragons (KoD) is still one of the better side-scrolling "beat-em-up" games for the SNES.

Graphics: 7
The graphics obviously aren't as good as the arcade counterpart, but they get the job done. It does suffer from some slow down, but the enemy and character designs are really top notch.

Sound: 6
Meh, sound isn't anything I've really paid attention to in the game, beyond the fact that I recognize they exist. Nothing special here. However on a side note, the characters do make an awesome "OOOOOH" yelling sound (sorta like GI JOE) when they level up or start a level.

Gameplay: 8
This game is typical "beat-em-up" style fair. Yet with a good diversity in characters, and nifty RPG-esque character and weapon level up system the game easily keeps you entertained to the, fairly abrupt, end. Although the character balance isn't the greatest, generally speaking each class is a blast to use. Each has a specific statistical strength (HP, DEF, ATK, etc) and can use one of 2 different types of magic attacks which deal a lot of damage to everything on screen. The boss fights are difficult but never truly frustrating. One thing about the SNES version is that it is unable to accommodate a 3 player mode which the arcade had. Despite some minor flaws, this game is incredibly fun to beat over and over again with some friends, or even by yourself if you're really bored

Overall: 8
Overall, this is really a great game. Classic pummeling fun in especially for those into the whole fantasy genre. And on a personal note, the wizard and dwarf pwn all and are >j00.

In closing, if you don't have an arcade emulator I highly suggest getting this. if you DO have an arcade emulator definitely get that version. It's better in almost every respect. (some may like the extra buttons the SNES has, but that really doesn't make up for lack of 3 player.)

 

Reviewer: E2 Date: Jun 30, 2006
I remember when I first played this Capcom gem - I was in an arcade, age around 10; I looked up to my mom with those sad eyes when I surveyed my surroundings and saw the lit up faces enjoying each game - and I managed to get around a dollar in quarters. Now, keep in mind - this game was new at the time and 50 cents for one play was pretty steep; this was when the light-gun games had peeked to a dollar and everyone was struggling to keep up! I ended up playing this game and going far with just 2 lives - it was the deadly duo of not one, but two cyclops that put me outta business! And from that day, a new, friendly memory was carved... The King of Dragons =)

Graphics: 8
Other then the obvious budget backgrounds and rainbow colored assortment of about 18 sprites, the animation in this game does wonders for whomever chooses to play it. Bright colors, big bosses, fast-moving monsters, yeah - I'd say other than a few quirks (and maybe a couple of slip-ups...) Capcom did a smooth job of presenting a side-scrolling fantasy game to an already familiar crowd.

Sound: 6
While the music is fun to hum to, the sound effects, even though novel, are quite terrible to be honest. In fact, it might be the fact that I love this game so much (and ALWAYS listened to my video game sound) that I give it a 6. Everything from the cheesy grunts of the enemies to your hero making the infamous, "HOOOO!" sound at the start of every level, the sound quality here was obviously not the pinnacle of King of Dragons. Still, you will get a kick out of some of the sound effects... I know I did!

Gameplay: 9
Gameplay is where this game REALLY takes the cake. And not just a slice, but the whole thing (and the tasty frosting too). It's challenging, fast-paced, in-your-face action that's just too well polished to pass up. Some may argue the levels end abruptly, but that isn't a bad thing - the bosses at each end will leave you in anticipation and you'll enjoy beating every last one. The gameplay is well balanced, allowing you to choose from 5 character classes, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Yeah... I'd say even when you beat this game, you'll want to give it another run, just 'cause it's so darn fun.

Overall: 9
Great game, awesome job by Capcom - a true classic in any gamer's eyes, even those who find side-scrolling beat'em'ups to be bland or boring. Never a dull moment in The King of Dragons - just pure fun, which, while you MAY want it muted, you'll still want to play it until it literally doesn't work any longer. =D

Conclusion? If you haven't already had the experience this game gives, try it and see for yourself! If you have, play it again - you'll find it fun, even if, going through your head, you're thinking, "This game WAS fun...". I say this through my own experience - it just doesn't get old, go Capcom!