Kingdom of the Dragon
- February 1, 2018
- Hook Echo Software
- 3h median play time
Get on SteamExplore a vast, beautiful world in this side scrolling Action/RPG. Each hand drawn, pixel art style level will lead you closer to uncovering the mystery of the land of Artaphys.
Mac OS
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game features charming pixel art and a captivating atmosphere that evokes nostalgia for classic NES/SNES titles.
- Exploration is rewarding, with various hidden secrets and power-ups that encourage players to delve deeper into the game world.
- Boss battles are inventive and challenging, providing a satisfying sense of accomplishment upon defeat.
- The game suffers from technical issues, including glitches and awkward hitboxes that can lead to frustrating gameplay experiences.
- Backtracking can be tedious, as players may need to traverse long distances without much to engage with along the way.
- The combat system feels simplistic and clunky at times, which can detract from the overall enjoyment of the game.
- music15 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 53 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally well-received, with many players finding it catchy and fitting for specific scenarios, particularly during boss fights. However, it is noted that the soundtrack is sparse and often absent during regular gameplay, leading to a reliance on sound effects instead. While some players appreciate the minimalistic 8-bit style, others feel that the music could benefit from more frequent play and a more atmospheric composition.
“The music is very nice as well and doesn't outstay its welcome; giving the excellent sound effects and sound design time to do their magic.”
“I'm not usually a fan of bit music, however this game's music was catchy and it only played in specific areas so you don't get burnt out on it.”
“The music has a nice ambient effect that fits the scenery throughout.”
“This still feels like a beta/alpha - there are no graphical options, no sound options, there's some collision issues with walls, there's next to no music (which I don't necessarily hate), no balance, etc.”
“Minimal, 8-bit style game sounds, could benefit from an eerie soundtrack of some sort.”
“The controls and hitboxes are awful and the soundtrack rarely plays.”
- gameplay12 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 58 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The gameplay is generally described as solid and enjoyable, with a satisfying challenge reminiscent of classic SNES/NES titles rather than Dark Souls. While some mechanics, like the hook and backwards dash, add unique elements, they do not significantly alter the overall experience. However, there are mixed opinions, with one reviewer rating the gameplay very poorly, indicating that it may not resonate with all players.
“Gameplay is solid and fun.”
“I felt the overall gameplay was satisfying.”
“The hook can only be used at 'loops' scattered throughout the world, which did nothing to change the actual gameplay.”
“There have been some comparisons to Dark Souls, but I thought the game was more true to a SNES/NES root, with the gameplay being hard simply by not giving the player a ton of free shots at bosses.”
“Gameplay: 1.5/10”
- graphics9 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 44 % neutral mentions
- 22 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are characterized by charming pixel art that effectively conveys its intended aesthetic, though some areas may lack polish. While the visuals are generally well-received, there are notable issues such as the absence of graphical options and collision problems, suggesting that the game may still be in an early development stage. Overall, the graphics are considered beautiful, earning a score of 7.0/10.
“If not for the pixels, this could be some kind of watercolor, which I think would have suited it well, but the graphics will win you over. Trust me, don't underestimate the charm.”
“The graphics are beautiful.”
“Kingdom of the Dragon is a pixel art game that has pretty good graphics overall.”
“This still feels like a beta/alpha - there are no graphical options, no sound options, there's some collision issues with walls, there's next to no music (which I don't necessarily hate), no balance, etc.”
“I found some of the later areas were not as well done; however, they adequately achieved the aesthetic they were going for, I feel.”
- story7 mentions
- 14 % positive mentions
- 43 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The story in "Kingdom of the Dragon" is minimal and often described as thin, focusing primarily on the player's quest to eliminate evil from the land. While some players may find the lack of depth disappointing, others appreciate the emphasis on exploration over narrative. Overall, the storyline has received low ratings, indicating it may not be a strong point of the game.
“You play as a knight who is on a quest to rid the land of Artaphys from evil.”
“Perhaps, some might complain that the story is pretty thin, and in all fairness, it is.”
“Storyline is limited to nearly nothing, but I'm thankful for that.”
“There is a hint of story at the very beginning, but the game is almost all exploration.”
- atmosphere5 mentions
- 80 % positive mentions
- -40 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its charm and attention to detail, featuring immersive audio and visually captivating environments. While the combat may be simplistic, it complements the overall exploration experience, contributing to an engaging and intriguing ambiance that players find delightful.
“Very charming game full of atmosphere and nice little touches, rustling leaves and long swaying grass.”
“The atmospheric audio packed into the game suits the levels well.”
“They create an atmosphere that is intriguing, engaging, and frankly just great to look at.”
“The atmosphere feels lifeless and uninspired, making it hard to get immersed in the game.”
“Despite some interesting visuals, the overall atmosphere lacks depth and fails to engage the player.”
“The game tries to create a mood, but the execution falls flat, leaving the environment feeling empty and uninviting.”
- optimization3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -67 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
The game's optimization has been widely criticized for major technical issues, including controller lag and stuttering, which remain unresolved despite technical support efforts. Players express frustration over the necessity of perfect performance to avoid losing progress, and many feel that the rushed development has led to a lack of attention to optimization.
“Often, perfect performance is necessary, or you have to start all over again from your last save point.”
“The optimization mechanics really challenge you to think strategically and execute flawlessly.”
“I love how the game rewards meticulous planning and execution, making every decision count.”
“Major technical issues, such as controller lag and stuttering, which their technical support has so far been unable to resolve.”
“The enemies are repetitive and completely unoriginal, and the optimization just sucks. They must have skipped that part so they could rush this one out and take our cash.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and monotonous, with some describing it as a frustrating experience that detracts from overall enjoyment.
“The next boss was the most tedious mess I've ever seen.”
“I explored a bit more, but the next hour or so of tedious walking was enough for me.”
- stability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The game exhibits some minor bugs, particularly related to jumping and mid-air actions, which can lead to unintended momentum or character deaths. However, these issues are not game-breaking and do not necessitate restarts, indicating a generally stable experience.
“It's a little buggy, specifically when using the jump and something else. If you jump, then roll and attack while in mid-air, you can pick up enough momentum to fling yourself across an area in seconds or even kill yourself going down a slight hill. However, none of the bugs were game-breaking or required a restart to fix.”
“The game crashes frequently, especially during intense battles, which can be incredibly frustrating.”
“I experienced several glitches that caused my character to get stuck in the environment, forcing me to restart the game.”
