If you decide to purchase again, turn to page 32

Ever since the birth of pop culture, fantasy worlds have always been a go-to for adventure. Whether the works of Tolkien, Sword and Sorcery movies, the Fighting Fantasy game-books, or good old-fashioned D&D, it seems every generation has an audience eager for tales of evil wizards, ench??anted pixies, stout dwarven fighters and beautiful warrior maidens.

Dragon's Crown, which launched for PS3 and PS Vita back in 2013, was a love letter to all of the above, while simultaneously being a celebration of classic gaming itself. Dragon's Crown blends ve?teran elements of fantasy RPGs with retro arcade action, all daubed in nostalgic artwork instantly recalling metal albums and tabletop gaming manuals of yore.

For a new generation of players, Atlus and Vanillaware have polished up the somewhat divisive title for relea??se on the PS4. The game has received a visual and aural upgrade to excite veteran fans while also hoping to hook a whole new generation of adventurers. Grab your sword and polish your helmet, as we return to Hydeland once more, in search of the Dragon's Crown.

Dragon's Crown Pro (PS4)
Developer: Vanillaware / Atlus
Publisher: Atlus
Released: May 15, 2018
MSRP: $49.99

As our own dear Chris Carter reviewed Dragon's Crown on its original release (a review I, incidentally, didn't read before writing this one), it almost seems a bit redundant to run over the game itself, given that Pro is mostly bringing aesthetic changes to the table. However, here's a?? refresher for those of you who have? never looked into this unique title.

Dragon's Crown is an action-oriented RPG, which plays in the style of scrolling fighting games of the '90s, particularly reminiscent of Sega Saturn classic Guardian Heroes. Up to four players select from six classic fantasy archetypes and then lay waste to wave upon wave of ghastly creatures, progressing through stages, dodging traps, bagging loot and taking on unique boss characters. At its core, Dragon's Crown is, indisputably, a brawler.

But it's so much deeper than that. A heavy emphasis is placed on leveling stats and acquiring gear, with players able to revisit locations to discover new routes, bosses and side-quests. Each character brings his or her own own unique elements to do battle with the armies of livin??g fungi, owlbears, harpies, giant spiders and other grim creat?ures that are conjured up to do your party harm.

Stringing all of this together is a paper-thin - and I mean paper-thin - plot involving some sad princess and a dragon. This story is sim?plistic, trite and cheesy, which cause?d complaint for some on release. However, it's entirely in keeping with the game's efforts to recreate the writing style of classic '80s game-books. Anyone who's ever spent time "turning to page 14" and then dying (before resurrecting themselves with the power of a bookmark), will be immediately at home with the game's earnest, almost juvenile narration.

The action itself, especially with a party of four, becomes instantly chaotic. However, you can limit the number of pals joining you on the battlefield, which makes for a tighter, more focused experience. Weapons are littered throughout, wild creatures are free to ride, Golden Axe-style, and fighting fans will immediately recognise mechanics such as juggles, parries, double-jumps and OTG combo??s.

There is no denying that for some players the chaotic brawling, stash-arranging and consistent back-tracking action will be seen as repetitive. For some there was no getting over that gripe in 2013, and Dragon's Crown Pro will do nothing to change that opinion today. But with all the level progression on offer, an abundance of secrets, not to mention encouragement of multiple playthroughs and six unique characters to master, there's definitely way more to Dragon's Crown Pro than mindless button-mashing.

This new edition of the game features beautiful 4K visuals for PS4 Pro owners, with an instantly noticeable upgrade from the already?? fine-looking original release. Every stroke of the game's gorgeous backgrounds, wonderful cast, and detailed animat??ions is rendered in the crispest detail. This visual boost also does wonders for the atmospheric lighting and screen-zapping magic effects.

Art is, of course, subjective, and Dragon's Crown's traditional-cum-outrageous designs - by creator George Kamitani and various guest artists - will forever be a deal-breaker for many playe??rs. For whatever it's worth, I think the game, its heroes, villains, stages and huge gallery of unlockabl?e art looks fucking awesome. Don't @ me, pal.

The majestic score has been re-recorded with a full orchestra, bringing a new richness and depth to the Dragon's Crown soundtrack. Each tune sets the scene perfectly, from slow, Middle-earth dirges with a haunting vocalist, to big brass sounds proclaiming your latest victory. Old-school fans, who can't leave the classics behind, will be pleased to know y??ou can switch back to the original score if you desire.

Said old-schoolers will also be happy to hear that their old saves are compatible with Dragon's Crown Pro. Not only that, but cross-play will be implemented between the new release and last gen's PS3 and PS Vita v??ersions, so you can all go HAM together on that gross-ass giant eye monster, whatever your platform of choice.

So, what if still own your PS3 copy of Dragon's Crown, should you pick up Pro? Essentially what you have here is the definitive edition of the game, looking and sounding better than ever. It doesn't do a whole lot more than the version you already own, but if you love Dragon's Crown - and you can aff?ord to - then you should consider the double-dip, either now or somewhere down-the-line.

Dragon's Crown remains not for everyone. Some might consider it repetitive, vulgar and may even be left wondering what all the fuss was about. But, for those of you who ever fell in love with arcade brawlers, fantasy storytelling, and tabletop RPGs, then Dragon's Crown Pro will shine oh-so-brightly as the unique and sublime treasure it is. Your le?gend awaits, hero. Seize the day.

_{[This review is based on a retail build of the game provided by the publisher.]}

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Party of Six

Although the remastered version of Vanillaware's brawler-RPG, Dragon's Crown Pro, has?? been available on Japanese PS4 for a few weeks, Western fans are still eagerly await the localisation of the sword-and-sorcery adventure.

To help pass the time, publishers Atlus have released a new trailer taking a look at the game??'s six heroes. Elf, Wizard, Amazon, Fighter, Dwarf and the Sorceress are all present and accounted for, as this band of warriors venture into caverns deep and dungeons dark, on a quest for justic?e, glory and oodles and oodles of lovely loot.

Dragon's Crown Pro takes the PS3/PS Vita adventure and gives it a fresh coat of paint. ??With 4K visuals, a newly-recorded score and cross-play and cross-save features with the previous generation's editions, it's a great opportunity for those who missed out first time around to see what all the fuss wa??s about.

Dragon's Crown Pro launches on PS4 Worldwide May 15.

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Start sharpening those broadswords

Vanillaware's remaster of RPG brawler Dragon's Crown Pro is finally available on PS4 in Japan. Those of us in the West won't have t??oo much longer to wait, as Atlus have announced t?hat the epic adventure title will be hitting Europe and America on May 15.

Dragon's Crown Pro is a multiplayer brawler which encourages tactical play and stat-building. Players choose from a variety of highly-stylised characters and do battle with hundreds of monsters, undead warriors and gigantic bosses, all while greedily snatching up as much loot as possible. The PS4 release features a re-recorded score and crisp new 4K resolution. It also includes cross-save and cross-play with the original Dragon's Crown, released last generation on PS3 and PS Vita.

In related news, Vanillaware have launched Valentine's Day site, where??upon you can send the Knight or Sorceress of your dreams a fun, Dragon's Crown-themed Valentine's e-card. Aww.

Dragon's Crown Pro launches on PS4 in Europe and North America May 15, priced around $50. A "Battle-Hardened" edition has been confirmed for America, b??ut there is unfortunately no sig??n of the "Royal Package" set that is available in Japan.

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Monster bashing fun for you and a chum

Atlus have released a new trailer for the upcoming re-release of Vanillaware's RPG-brawler, Dragon's Crown Pro, which coming to PS4 this Spring.

The game will feature multiplayer co-op both locally and online. Players will choos??e their favourite hero and then lay out clever strategies in order to optimise the synergy between the chosen characters and their various abilities... or everyone will stand next to the boss, mashing a??ttack buttons, whichever comes first.

The trailer also features a glimpse at the amusing campfire cookery game, whereby your culinary skills will reward you and your team-mates with buffs for the next battle. Dragon's Crown Pro will feature 4K visuals, a fully-orchestrated score, an??d cross-play support for the PS3 and PS Vita releases.

Dragon's Crown Pro laun?ches on PS4 in Japan next week, with a Western release ?due in Spring.

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My eyes are up here...

Today, Atlus continues their series of character trailers for their upcoming remaster of fantasy brawler Dragon's Crown Pro. The new video, the fifth in the s??eries thus far, stars one of the game's most? popular characters: Sorceress.

The Sorceress is Dragon's Crown's dedicated support character. The sultry magi?cian can restore?? health, raise skeletal warriors and even transmogrify opponents. When the shit hits the fan, she isn't above getting stuck in with some good old-fashioned, face-caving combat.

Dragon's Crown Pro, coming to the PS4 in February, features gorgeous 4K visuals, a re-recorded, fully-orchestrated score, and cross-play with last generation's release. There has been no mention of a Western launch, although the game does contain the English language option, with recent rumours suggesting an ??announcement at PlayStation Exp?erience next week.

Dragon's Crown Pro is scheduled for release in Japan on February 8.

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Heavy metal mayhem

Atlus have the released the first in a series of trailers, each taking a look at the heroes of the forthcoming PS4 title Dragon's Crown Pro, with the premier short showcasing the Fighter.

The Fighter is a melee-based character, felling opposition at short-range with ra??pid, powerful blows. They also have shielding capabilities and sturdy armour, and as such should be considered front-line for any gang of ??adventurers charging into battle.

I'm very much looking forward to the launch of this game, yet we are still to get confirmation that the revamped edition of the PS3 action-RPG ??will definitely see Western shores. Until then, we can at least ogle the game in all its remastered glory.

Dragon's Crown Pro will?? be av?ailable in Japan on PS4 February 8, 2018.

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Treasure-hunting never looked so good

Atlus have released a second trailer for the upcoming re-release of PS3 & PS Vita title Dragons' Crown ??for the PS4, currently scheduled to launch in Japan early next year.

The new extended trailer features footage of the revamped action-RPG title, which will have overhauled 4K visuals, a soundtrack re-recorded by a live orchestra, and cross-play with the last??-gen editions of t??he game, as well as the ability to import your old save data.

While there is still no news of a Western release, it was also announced that the n?ew version of the title will feature both Japanese and English language options.

Dragon's Crown Pro launches on PS4 in Japan on February 8. The first-run of the game will include a quirky digital version of an old-school game book.

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Baggsy Sorceress

Atlus have announced that the revamped edition of PS3 RPG brawler Dragon's Crown will not make its?? original Japanese street date of January 25, having been put back to February 8.

The silver lining to this story is that they also announced that the first run of Dragon's Crown Pro for the PS4 will come with a digital tabletop-style game book "Treasure of Demon Island". Players will get to take their favourite character on a page-turning quest, rolling digi??tal dice to combat monsters, evade traps and collect treasures.

This announcement is, of course, referring to the Japanese release of the game. So everyone cross your fingers that we can not only get a Western release of the fantasy adventure, but that we also get a translation of this cool little addition. Unfortunately, being a digital game book, you can't keep your finger on the last page, in case you made the wrong decision, s?orry.

Dragon's Crown Pro launches on PS4 in Japan on February 8.

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VanillaWare in 4K

Dragon's Crown would look great on an original PlayStation.

Okay so it might not have the same fidelity, but VanillaWare has been making beautiful games since the '90s (when most of the team was at Atlus creating Princess Crown), and this was no exception. It's still one of the most fun dungeon crawler beat 'em ups that I've ever played, and I'm thrilled that I'll have the chance to play it all ??over again on PS4.

As we already know, it'll get a little bit of extra juice on a PS4 Pro, which will showcase 4K res?olution on top of the orchestral soundtrack, cross-play with legacy editions, all the DLC (voice packs) an??????????????????????????d dual audio. It's basically the perfect way to do a remaster given that it doesn't kill off the old versions.

I'm also looking forwa?rd to a lack of "controversy" this time now that it's out of everyone?'s system.

Dragon's Crown Pro [Gematsu]

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But will it venture West?

Announced today at the Tokyo Game Show, but of no real surprise to anyone anymore, Dragon's Crown Pro is coming to PS4 early next year.

The RPG brawler, which sees a team of fantasy heroes sally forth for fame, justice and fortune, will launch on PS4 in Japan on January 25 2018. The updated release features bot??h Engli?sh and Japanese voices, cross-play with the PS3 and PS Vita versions, 4K resolution and even a re-recorded score with full orchestral backing. Very nice.

Of course, it remains to be seen if this will arrive in the West, but considering Atlus recently opened UK offices specifically to boost th??eir localisation efforts, hopes are high.

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...with sexy results

Hot on the heels of yesterday's announcement leak that fantasy action-RPG Dragon's Crown is likely headed to PS4, comes news? that UDON Entertainment are publishing a manga based on the game's adventures.

Your favourite oddly-shaped heroes will be immortalised in print form, as the Dragon's Crown manga tells the sto?ry of their quest ?for honour, wealth, justice and more wealth, through the dungeons and catacombs of Hydeland.

The manga series, which is adapted and drawn by artist Yuztan (Valkyrie Drive: Mermaid), pr??omise?s to capture the "hard hitting action, sexiness and silliness" of George Kamitani's original game.

Dragon's Crown: Volume 1 will be available in October, with a concluding volume to follow in 2018.

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