Dragon Is Dead
" Addictive action RPG with fluid combat and deep customization but linear level design "
Dragon Is Dead Review
Dragon Is Dead is a unique blend of Diablo-style loot mechanics and roguelike elements wrapped in a side-scrolling action platformer. The game shines with its stunning pixel art and responsive controls, providing a satisfying combat experience that fans of hack-and-slash and roguelites will appreciate. Players enjoy the addictive loot system, skill trees, and meta-progression that keep runs engaging and rewarding. However, the game is not a traditional Metroidvania as advertised; it features a linear level design with little exploration or secrets.
Critically, the game suffers from lengthy, verbose dialogue that many find tedious, and a story that lacks memorable characters or impactful moments. The music is often described as uninspired, and some players report bugs, balancing issues, and a lack of polish in certain gameplay systems. Despite these flaws, the game offers a solid, enjoyable combat loop with promising depth for those who value gameplay over narrative. Overall, it is recommended for fans of the genre seeking a fresh ARPG roguelite experience.
Highlights
Players consistently praise the beautiful pixel art and atmospheric gothic aesthetic, which stands out as a major attraction. The combat mechanics and controls are described as fluid, responsive, and satisfying, especially when using a controller. The loot and itemization system is considered addictive and deep, with unique items and crafting options that enhance build customization. The game’s skill trees and meta-progression offer meaningful choices and replayability, creating a rewarding power progression across runs. Boss fights and character variety also add to the engaging gameplay experience.
Criticisms
Common criticisms include the linear and repetitive level design, lacking the exploration expected from a Metroidvania. The story and dialogue are often described as overly verbose, poorly localized, and forgettable, detracting from player immersion. The music is viewed as uninspired and repetitive. Several players report bugs and balance issues, including overpowered builds and frustrating stun-lock mechanics. Some also mention performance problems like frame rate locking and motion blur. Additionally, the game lacks polish in UI elements and tooltips, making it difficult to grasp some game systems fully.
Pros
- • Beautiful pixel art with a consistent dark fantasy aesthetic throughout the game.
- • Fluid and responsive combat mechanics that feel satisfying and precise.
- • Addictive loot system with unique items and crafting options for customization.
- • Engaging skill trees and meta-progression that reward repeated playthroughs.
- • Multiple playable characters with distinct skill sets and playstyles.
- • Boss fights provide challenging and memorable combat encounters.
- • Controller support with natural keybindings and easy rebinding options.
Cons
- • Linear level design lacks exploration, secrets, or meaningful Metroidvania elements.
- • Dialogue is overly long, verbose, and poorly localized, impacting narrative engagement.
- • Music is uninspired and repetitive, failing to create memorable themes.
- • Bugs and balance issues, including overpowering builds and frustrating stun-locks.
- • Performance problems such as frame rate locking and motion blur reported by some.
- • Lack of polish in UI and absence of helpful tooltips hinder understanding.
- • Combat can become repetitive with limited build diversity and skill variety.
Rating Criteria
About This Game
Prologue
The black dragon [Guernian], who once faced down the gods, has fallen. From the rift he fled before his death, an unholy energy has spread across the world, and life is undergoing a bizarre mutation. People call it Corruption and live their days in fear, but few know its trustworthy source and full extent.
Player = Successor
You are an immortal warrior, a so-called Successor, chosen by the God of Light [Lu], the God of Fire [Ashuran], and the God of Water [Harnia]. When you die in battle, you return to the source of your lineage and are resurrected, growing stronger through the experience, equipment, and rune power you accumulate along the way. Arriving in Cliffshire, a town of light, the Successors must head to a burial ground where demons are said to be manifesting and follow clues to cleanse the distorted world.
Core Gameplay
The game plays out as 2D platformer action requiring precise dodging and pattern-breaking. Each area is a vertically and horizontally intertwined, multi-layered structure that regenerates in a rogue-lite fashion with different terrain, monster placement, and loot composition on each exploration. When you die, you lose your gold and temporary buffs, but your gear and runes are permanently preserved and become the basis for the next cycle. Defeating bosses yields rune stones that can be used to craft or awaken legendary gear, and artifacts found during exploration can bring both powerful blessings and dangerous curses depending on the combination, providing new tactical tension each time.
The current situation
Corrupted enemies are gradually expanding their territory, threatening neighboring regions. In this chaos, the Black Dawn is leading the Corruption from behind the scenes, but their true purpose is shrouded in mystery. Lore says that only by destroying the [Guernians] will the lost order return, but the deeper you explore, the more you question the truth of even this belief. The closer you get to the citadel, the more you'll come face-to-face with the greater secret that brought the world to its knees.
IGN
Dragon is Dead is a hack-and-slash, roguelite action platformer. It offers tons of customization fun with different character skill trees and legendary equipment.