Dungeons & Dragons Collection

Description

Dungeons & Dragons Collection for the SEGA Saturn, released in 1999, is an exciting and nostalgic visit to the world of classic beat 'em up arcade games with the addition of elements of dragon and magic. Actually combining two of Capcom's arcade games, Dungeons & Dragons: Tower of Doom (1993) and Dungeons & Dragons: Shadow over Mystara (1996), this title brings players a rich world full of adventure, supernatural creatures and epic battles.

The first thing that immediately impresses is the graphics, which deliver meticulously crafted 2D sprites and beautifully detailed environments. There's no doubt that Capcom in the 1990s knew how to make the most of the hardware capabilities of the time, and this release for the SEGA Saturn successfully translates arcade perfection to the console format. The animation and artwork remain impressively fluid, even when switching between different spells and explosive attacks.

The gameplay in Dungeons & Dragons Collection offers more than just simple enemy bashing. The game brings a deeper strategic element to its core combat system. At the start, you'll choose from a variety of characters, each with their own unique skills and role on the team. Characters like the warrior, wizard, and cleric represent classic D&D archetypes, ensuring that every player will find something to their liking. As the game progresses, you gain new skills and equipment, adding an RPG element to the game that is very refreshing and unique among arcade titles.

The game's story, set in a dark medieval fantasy world, is engaging and well-written. You complete various quests, fight monsters and discover secrets all over the map. This superstructure keeps the game interesting and makes players feel like they are actually taking part in an epic adventure. The scenarios translate beautifully into the game design, which is highlighted by the hilarious soundtrack that gives every moment the right atmosphere.

However, we cannot forgive a few mentions of slight flaws. The game is, at its core, maximally entertaining, but the long gameplay passages can cause repetitive feelings, especially for players who are not used to grinding RPG elements. Some of the controls can also be a bit imprecise and encounter a bit of a learning curve, especially if you're not experienced in the beat 'em up genre.

Overall, Dungeons & Dragons Collection for the SEGA Saturn is an excellent collection of titles that are brimming with both action and strategic depth. It not only provides a nostalgic look at the golden era of arcades, but also a sophisticated experience that rewards patient and committed players. For fans of Dungeons & Dragons or beat 'em up games, this is definitely a piece not to be missed.