Earlier this year, Forever Entertainment, alongside the team at MegaPixel Studio, brought back the Sega classic Panzer Dragoon for a new generation to enjoy on the Nintendo Switch. But why should those guys have all the fun when it could make a killing on other platforms as well?
That’s probably what the publisher was thinking, so now PS4 owners get a turn with the official Panzer Dragoon Remake, which brings the Sega Saturn on-rails shooter out for a new generation to enjoy. It isn’t without its problems – mainly with the age of its design – but it has more than enough merit to leave us wondering what other great remakes could follow. And yes, I demand a Clockwork Knight collection. Hi-ha!
Taking Flight
In Panzer Dragoon Remake, you’re a young soldier mounted onto a winged Dragoon, a creature capable of firing plasma beams at enemies. He can also use his gun as well; in case you feel like taking shorter shots as well. Together, the two will need to work against an army of flying foes that have taken over the land. But the journey is anything but easy.
Despite the fact that the game is on-rails – limiting to where you can go next on your journey – we’re happy to report that Panzer Dragoon Remake still feels dreamy. Thanks to the most recent update for the game, it handles wonderfully with very few errors, and the lock-on action is as addictive as ever. Not to mention that you can crank up the challenge in case you really feel like going in for a full-on battle.
The only catch is that the game comes to an end all too soon. This is an on-rails experience, after all; and that means there’s only so much to come back to, aside from an adjustable difficulty and a cool Photo Mode. Still, if it’s a classic Saturn experience you’re after, you’ll like what you find here.
A Presentation That Suits the Material
Then there’s the presentation, and here’s where MegaPixel did its homework. Despite the fact that the Switch version took a little while to get updated, the PlayStation 4 edition runs up to
proper speed right out of the gate.
It looks absolutely gorgeous running at 60 frames per second, and even the little lighting details in caves and other areas are truly impressive. What’s more, the animations are tight and the cinematics look great. There are slight glitches here and there, but nothing that gets in the way of the game’s performance overall.
I love the music choices as well. The original soundtrack is present and accounted for; and MegaPixel called upon the Panzer Dragoon Saga composer Saori Kobayashi to do a secondary soundtrack, which is elegant and insightful. No matter which way you go, you’ll love the tunes available here. Wear a headset to get the maximum effect.
A Remake Still Worth Your Time
Yes, it’s short; and, yes, it’s not quite the Panzer Dragoon Saga remake we all want. (YET, anyway.) But Forever Entertainment has done a most suitable job with Panzer Dragoon Remake, making it worthy of adding to your digital collection. The visuals and sound go above and beyond; and the gameplay still feels like the classic Saturn version. Plus, that Photo Mode is neat when it comes to capturing shots from this dangerous, dreamy world. Gear up and get on your Dragoon, because you’re going to like this journey.
Available for PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch.
