Finally got PANZER DRAGOON SAGA!!!!!

[shallowgamer]

This is easily one of my favorite RPGs. I'm replaying it right now, for the first time on my HDTV using a RGB to HDMI adapter.

I put it down for a couple of weeks and picked it up again while the four year old was at a party. He came back home while I had paused the game to answer an email. He heard the music and gasped "Daddy, your playing the Dragon game!?" It was pretty awesome that he was that excited.

A 20 hour game can turn into a month long excursion for me these days, I just don't like playing one game for all that long in one sitting.

I hear that. I actually get excited when I hear a game is short.

[BoneSnapDeez]

This is easily one of my favorite RPGs. I'm replaying it right now, for the first time on my HDTV using a RGB to HDMI adapter.

I put it down for a couple of weeks and picked it up again while the four year old was at a party. He came back home while I had paused the game to answer an email. He heard the music and gasped "Daddy, your playing the Dragon game!?" It was pretty awesome that he was that excited.

A 20 hour game can turn into a month long excursion for me these days, I just don't like playing one game for all that long in one sitting.

I hear that. I actually get excited when I hear a game is short.

Same here. If I'm browsing a game store and find a title that boast "60 - 100 hours!!!" I usually put it back on the shelf.

[Pabstblueribbon]

one of my favorites, i got it for xmas 2 years ago and I think its about time to play it through again and see if i can get everything.

[BoneSnapDeez]

BoneSnapDeez,
How are you going to be playing your Jpn "Azel" version of the game? Do you have an import system, or do you plan to use/try that AR code?

Finally got the game in the mail. And yes, the AR code does work!

[nightrnr]

Right ON!

Thanks for the PM and confirming this for us.
My only remaining query is whether the disc changing works right, although, I have no reason to think it wouldn't.

Anyways, I think most people still believe that there is no working code for the game, so anyone reading this thread should spread the word and abolish such ignorance (at least when the topic comes up).
Normally, I wouldn't care so much, but for such a costly game (for the Eng versions), I think people should know what their alternatives are.

[Original_Name]

I find it kind of bizarre that there's such criticism of Panzer Dragoon Saga's gameplay in this thread. Not only is the battle system more immediately engaging than any other RPG I've played in that it straddles the line between kinetic turn-based and puzzle-influenced strategy, but the ability to morph your dragon on the fly adds for a plethora of tactical options which the player can access quickly and easily (i.e. they don't have to plunk another five hours into the game if they discover that a boss is best approached with high defensive statistics in mind). What other RPG offered a battle system like Panzer Dragoon Saga's at the time it was released?

[sheath]

None, not only were RPGs on other systems at the time predominantly 2D with static backgrounds, but nothing approached the level of interactivity of Panzer Dragoon Saga's battle system.

[ninjainspandex]

man i wish i could read japanese i could save soo much money on games

[BoneSnapDeez]

man i wish i could read japanese i could save soo much money on games

Yes, it is an incredible advantage.

Take some other Saturn RPGs, for instance:

Magic Knight Rayearth
North American = $100.00
Japanese = $10.00

Dragon Force
North American = $110.00
Japanese = $5.00

Shining Wisdom
North American = $70.00
Japanese = $3.00

And my Japanese copy of Panzer Dragoon Saga was $28.00 + $4.00 shipping.

I can understand why most American game collectors would prefer the American versions though. The cases and booklets are vastly superior (Japanese versions are in jewel cases like PS1 games). Plus, the American editions are worth more (duh) and are much more collectible. I can't ever seeing myself paying top dollar for American Saturn (or PC-Engine or Super Famicom) games, and thankfully I can understand enough Japanese so importing is a viable option.

[landorb]

I find it kind of bizarre that there's such criticism of Panzer Dragoon Saga's gameplay in this thread. Not only is the battle system more immediately engaging than any other RPG I've played in that it straddles the line between kinetic turn-based and puzzle-influenced strategy, but the ability to morph your dragon on the fly adds for a plethora of tactical options which the player can access quickly and easily (i.e. they don't have to plunk another five hours into the game if they discover that a boss is best approached with high defensive statistics in mind). What other RPG offered a battle system like Panzer Dragoon Saga's at the time it was released?

I agree totally. Plus the graphics (and artwork) really did kick-ass for the time. The music is fantastic. The story is great, not to complex or deep, just the right level to carry the game without forcing too much concentration. The battle mechanics are finely tuned and a represent a perfect balance between strategy and physical movement. I would have liked a bit more interactivity in the 'on-foot' sections though. But it is a classic in every sense. I doubt the PS1 could have handled it, or even came close to be honest.

It will remain in my top RPG list for some time to come.