Drakengard

 PlayStation 2
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 158 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 118 out of 158
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 158
  3. Negative: 24 out of 158
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  1. DrunkenSnake
    Apr 4, 2013
    10
    I voted 10 because it just is my favourite game of all times. I know it has its issues and if I was professional reviewer, I'd probably lose my job right away, but I don't really care. There is just something that makes me play this game even after all those years. The most interesting thing about the game is definitely story especially thanks to the unique, mostly completely insane bunchI voted 10 because it just is my favourite game of all times. I know it has its issues and if I was professional reviewer, I'd probably lose my job right away, but I don't really care. There is just something that makes me play this game even after all those years. The most interesting thing about the game is definitely story especially thanks to the unique, mostly completely insane bunch of characters that are far from your everyday heroes. I don't want to spoil much, but let's say our party consists of mass murderer that enjoys killing above all, cannibal that eats children, pedophile, and racist. Oh well... Now about gameplay. Most of you probably know that this game is combination of Panzer Dragon and Dynasty Warriors and it's pretty spot on description. There are 3 types of mission Dungeons, where you have to fight alone, in the air, where you fight airships with your dragon and combination of both, mostly on some plains where you are given choice to either fight on foot or from the back of your dragon. You can get down and call for her anytime. Ground battles are the part of the game I found most fun. During the course of the game you come across many many weapons (around 60), everyone can be leveled to level 4, gain unique combos and more importantly magic, which by the end of the game gets really devastating and quite satisfying to use. Then there is fairly interesting chain system that gets you hooked up during longer battles since you get more experience, buffs, health orbs and other bonuses, the higher is your combo count. Air missions have less variety if you ask me, but it's not really bad. Dragon can shoot homing (weaker) fireballs as well as huge fireball with manual aiming. And just like Caim, she has MP gauge that fills up after certain number of kills, which means you can use overdrive. But like I said it is the story and overall atmosphere (I guarantee you, that music in this game is nothing you have ever heard anywhere else and it's awesome!) that keeps you interested. The game has 5 endings, to which applies simple rule They get more and more crazy. This, along with weapon collectibles and leveling, kinda ensures fairly long playtime and high replayability. Just give the game chance and maybe you will like it. Be prepared though. It's definitely not for everyone, that's for sure.… Expand
  2. Bameboy
    Feb 28, 2004
    2
    This is no match for panzer dragon orta and forget it!
  3. WillB
    Jan 27, 2009
    2
    Would you people please tell me what you're smoking, this is easily one of the most painfully crappy games I've ever played. The land-based missions are extremely dull and repetive in terms of both the layout and gameplay. The flying missions work alright control-wise, but are just as boring and trite. All I can say is, please for the love of God, BUT PANZER DRAGOON ORTA INSTEAD D :
  4. Caestus
    Mar 13, 2013
    6
    The more you progress in the game, the crazier the story gets. It is not a bad one, just unusual. The graphics, despite the FMVs, are bad and also the fighting animations are stiffly. At least you can fly with a dragon.
  5. Broyax
    Apr 11, 2017
    0
    BTA mou du genou particulièrement vilain, pseudo-histoire ridicule, univers des plus génériques dégoulinant de mièvrerie. De jolies cinématiques (enfin, par rapport au reste...) mais ça ne suffit pas pour éviter le naufrage jusqu'aux abysses de ce néant vidéo-merdique.
  6. DreamEaglr
    Jul 9, 2018
    8
    Шизофреническое детище Йоко Таро и первая его шедевральная игра. Не смотря на то, что идатель довольно известный, игра как будто специально пытается раздражать и нагнетать депресняка с помощью ужасной боевой системы, надоедающей музыки, серой гаммы и абсолютно сумасшедшим сюжетом, персонажами и концовками. В этом весь Таро, надеюсь он и дальше будет радовать нас шикарными и ни на что неШизофреническое детище Йоко Таро и первая его шедевральная игра. Не смотря на то, что идатель довольно известный, игра как будто специально пытается раздражать и нагнетать депресняка с помощью ужасной боевой системы, надоедающей музыки, серой гаммы и абсолютно сумасшедшим сюжетом, персонажами и концовками. В этом весь Таро, надеюсь он и дальше будет радовать нас шикарными и ни на что не похожими играми.

    А дракенгард, как и ниер это уникальные игры, которые не похожи ни на что в игровой индустрии и в них должен поиграть любой человек, который интересуется играми, как искусством.    … Expand
  7. dotrem
    May 8, 2023
    0
    I honestly tried to play this. I tried to enjoy it. But I just i just can't handle this **** I can't handle this controls. Buttons don't do anything. No matter what i pressed everytime completely random **** happens. I'm not ready to spend my time to this circus. Well circus is a wrong word. Circus is an entertaiment, i like circus, After 2 hours in this game i did't find entertaiment.
    I    I honestly tried to play this. I tried to enjoy it. But I just i just can't handle this **** I can't handle this controls. Buttons don't do anything. No matter what i pressed everytime completely random **** happens. I'm not ready to spend my time to this circus. Well circus is a wrong word. Circus is an entertaiment, i like circus, After 2 hours in this game i did't find entertaiment.
    I can not believe that in 2005 i wanted to buy this game, Dear lord i so glad that i did'nt such a mistake. And instead of spending 50$ and nervs back in the days i spent 1$ today and threw this game out of my window today.    … Expand
  8. NinaJ.
    Mar 8, 2004
    10
    Love, love, love this game! I'm not a fan of action games or fighting games, but I am a HUGE fan of the RPG. And I'm very, very picky! This game is gorgeous, addicting and engaging on all levels. The game-play and video graphics are eye-candy, the story line is totally engaging, and the action is non-stop. I don't know where the "repetitive" criticisms are coming from. Come Love, love, love this game! I'm not a fan of action games or fighting games, but I am a HUGE fan of the RPG. And I'm very, very picky! This game is gorgeous, addicting and engaging on all levels. The game-play and video graphics are eye-candy, the story line is totally engaging, and the action is non-stop. I don't know where the "repetitive" criticisms are coming from. Come on people, you have an ever-evolving storyline, interesting characters and 65 weapons to choose from! Plus a dragon to fight with, either in aerial or strafe mode! Plus, you can either play straight through or replay sequences as often as you like! There's a lot more, but I think I've gushed enough. Unless you suffer from terminal ennui and cannot be satisfied by anything, the only thing there is to hate about this game is the potential for sore hands (no really!)because you can't stop playing!… Expand
  9. AnthonyM.
    Sep 5, 2004
    10
    First, the graphics are awesome. there's nothing like gallons of blood spilling when u kill an enemy. second,the story line is spectacular. it goes in different directions and what u do can determin what happens at the end.personally,i think the best part of the game is finding new weapons.and 2 who ever hasnt beat it yet and got the second ending,it is oe of the most unexpectedFirst, the graphics are awesome. there's nothing like gallons of blood spilling when u kill an enemy. second,the story line is spectacular. it goes in different directions and what u do can determin what happens at the end.personally,i think the best part of the game is finding new weapons.and 2 who ever hasnt beat it yet and got the second ending,it is oe of the most unexpected thinds ive ever seen.the secret dragon is breath taking and my jaw hit the floor when i saw it.… Expand
  10. SquizzyT.
    Apr 7, 2005
    10
    Where to start ? this game is unique in many ways like for instance where have you aver come across anything like the pact - partner role . ive played hundreds of games in my time and none give me as much satisfaction as drakengard, i mean who wouldn't want to go round killing anything and everythin that moves. collecting the weapons is probably the hardest part of the game(by the wayWhere to start ? this game is unique in many ways like for instance where have you aver come across anything like the pact - partner role . ive played hundreds of games in my time and none give me as much satisfaction as drakengard, i mean who wouldn't want to go round killing anything and everythin that moves. collecting the weapons is probably the hardest part of the game(by the way you need every weapon in the game to get the final ending and i'm at 74% weapon collection so not long left till my jaw drops and i collect flies in my mouth again . the graphics are typical of square- enix hello all you fianl fantasy fans graphics look familiar .this is definately one of my favourite games . if you dont buy it you're missing out so find one of your friends that already has it and beg to borrow. if you like devil may cry you'll love this!!!!… Expand
  11. BradT.
    Sep 7, 2005
    10
    This is another great game made by square-enix. I love the fighting style in this game, how you can choose to do melee comboat, or take to the air, and fight with your dragon.
  12. [Anonymous]
    Mar 7, 2004
    10
    Excuse my diehard Square-Enix loyalty for a few minutes, and allow me to give you an unbiased review of this game. 1. Graphics- Okay, I'll admit, The enviornments are bland, sometimes blocky, and not aimed to aesthetically please anyone. However, the character design, graphic effects, and texturing are near the tier of graphics greatness. 2. Characters- Unique, VERY unique. These Excuse my diehard Square-Enix loyalty for a few minutes, and allow me to give you an unbiased review of this game. 1. Graphics- Okay, I'll admit, The enviornments are bland, sometimes blocky, and not aimed to aesthetically please anyone. However, the character design, graphic effects, and texturing are near the tier of graphics greatness. 2. Characters- Unique, VERY unique. These characters have dark sides to them, they aren't any self righteous or holy heathen smiters, all of their motivation is dark, save a few. 3. Storyline- This is perhaps the most defining aspect of this game, and however says its ridiculous or some other derogtory comment about it has either not played the game or is shallow. I'm not giving any of it away, find out for yourself, but the story is one of the most unique and compelling as I've ever seen. It's long and its deep, even every weapon you acquire has some story of its own. 4. Playability: With the ability to go back and run through any part of the game that you have completed in story mode, watch all movies, and easy controls, this game is hard to beat. The fighting system is very similar to that of Dynasty warriors, and as such is very easy to control. Did I mention that your weapons level with you? Sound: The moment I bought this game and first saw the intro movie, my jaw literally dropped. The musical score is breath-taking, and even that doesn't do it justice. The music always fits the mood, and even more often heightens it. If your not going to buy the game, then by the OSC. 5. Difficulty: The game is difficult, and thats good (personally) You have no marigin to make errors, because as soon as you do, game over, start the whole mission over again. Of course, with generous supplies of weapons and powerups, margin of error, can be greatly reduced. To beat this game all the way through, you will almost definitely have to play through levels more than once to gain experience. Overview: To all gungho FPS diehards and the lover of the short game, you will hate this. For those of you who love a good action game with a compelling storyline, spectacular music, large variety, and endless carnage, this game is worth every penny and then some. Monotony is at a high, but that hardly matters compared to the pros of this game. Square played a hand that was questionable, but in the end it came out Aces high.… Expand
  13. AnonymousMC
    Mar 8, 2004
    7
    Dynasty Warriors does a better job of on the ground fighting, and the air missions are aggrivating. Even more aggrivating is how the dragon and Veredelt will pop up to yell nonsense at you during missions and obscure the friggin' minimap.
    For all that, though, I like this game. It's not very deep, but if you just want to slice up some suckers, it's fun. The worst part is    Dynasty Warriors does a better job of on the ground fighting, and the air missions are aggrivating. Even more aggrivating is how the dragon and Veredelt will pop up to yell nonsense at you during missions and obscure the friggin' minimap.
    For all that, though, I like this game. It's not very deep, but if you just want to slice up some suckers, it's fun. The worst part is DEFINITLY the story, which is totally nonsensical. Anyone who says it's deep or even understandable is a liar. I brought, but you should rent.    … Expand
  14. SEGA
    Nov 6, 2007
    8
    Drakengard is a fairly good game by sqaure. I enjoyed it quite a lot. Graphics....In game graphics are average I suppose. The beautiful FMV's though, those are another matter entirely. Love em. Storyline is a little weird at times, but not bad. Pretty original. I like it. Strange at times it seems like it's implying incest or something... And maybe it's just me, but Selee Drakengard is a fairly good game by sqaure. I enjoyed it quite a lot. Graphics....In game graphics are average I suppose. The beautiful FMV's though, those are another matter entirely. Love em. Storyline is a little weird at times, but not bad. Pretty original. I like it. Strange at times it seems like it's implying incest or something... And maybe it's just me, but Selee being preyd upon by certain in game characters is a litle disturbing....but that doesn't make the story bad. Just make sure you know what you're in for: quite a different story. And with 5 endings, it really shines each time. Plus the characters are very expansive...hearing Inuart scream "Furiae!" in chapter 6 sends a shiver down your spine. Soundtrack....a lot of people blasted the soundtrack. So many in fact other than the anon guy below, I've never seen a positive review for it. In my opinion, the soundtrack to this game is one of the greatest soundtracks ever made. Get the soundtrack, even if you don't get the game. I can't go into it....it's like classical meeting.....I dunno! Every track could be a last bos or 'ultimate' theme in my opinion. The worst thing is that during some of the verses there are unique pieces of the music used in the chapters, but it has speaking on it. The soundtrack for the game omitted these pieces, and I'd like to hear full versions of the music used in the FMVs as well: you always get a sense that the music has been cut off halfway through. Drakengard 2, the sequel really messed up with the music in my opinion. Gameplay is average. Split into two parts, ground on foot and flying in the sky.A little below Dynasty Warriors because of the lack of a two player mode. The environments are huge, some of the levels in chapter 5 especially make it impossible to kill every enemy on foot without the hour time limit running out. Hack and slash through loads of goons, block sometimes. Plus you can change into other partner characters if you need a hand, and trust me, Chapter 12 is where you'll need it. In the sky, it's a little like panzer dragoon. Lock-on, shoot enemies down, unleash crazy magic. It can be a little hard until you really get to grips with the doging and everything, but it's good. Collecting the weapons is to be honest a little exhaustive, and with no real clues on how to get them, you'll probably be gamefaq.com-ing most of them. But you'll do it just to get reach chapter 13 and take on one of the most hardest levels ever made. Really tough and unique as well. Should have been a few more levels and it'd have been insane. All in all a good game with a great soundtrack, but maybe you should listen to first because a lot of people hate it. A lot of people hate Streets of Rage 3 soundrack as well, even though that's good.… Expand
  15. Javike7
    Oct 31, 2012
    5
    Tedious entertainment. I like the story and the concept of the dragon. I like the weapon and how as they level up you can get some kind of story about their origin. I can put up with the repetitive attack pattern one,two,three special... But two things that really brought my enjoyment down were the camera, it sucks not being able to slowly adjust the camera, instead you are force to useTedious entertainment. I like the story and the concept of the dragon. I like the weapon and how as they level up you can get some kind of story about their origin. I can put up with the repetitive attack pattern one,two,three special... But two things that really brought my enjoyment down were the camera, it sucks not being able to slowly adjust the camera, instead you are force to use the block button to look ahead or the right analog stick which sends the camera in a crazy whirl, that and the fact that you can't save in the middle of a stage suck. After playing for nearly an hour it really annoys me when I get killed because I had little life and made a stupid mistake. I understand not wanting players to save every so often so that they can become pretty much immortal, but you could have limited the saves during gameplay to two, hell even one would have been enough. Just so that you don't loose 40+min of gameplay.… Expand
  16. EnKira
    May 2, 2013
    8
    Probably the most f***ed up game I've ever played in my 12 years of video gaming.
    The soundtrack is a blast. Growing Wings FTW )
    The characters, except for some, are damn disturbing. And the story is just extremely bizarre and it has some of the most depressing and mindf**k endings ever. I'm looking at you Chapter 12 & 13 ) It's like playing a real existing creepypasta! But I've    Probably the most f***ed up game I've ever played in my 12 years of video gaming.
    The soundtrack is a blast. Growing Wings FTW )
    The characters, except for some, are damn disturbing.
    And the story is just extremely bizarre and it has some of the most depressing and mindf**k endings ever. I'm looking at you Chapter 12 & 13 )
    It's like playing a real existing creepypasta!
    But I've enjoyed every second of it, but too bad the gameplay is pretty stale and that the NA and EU versions are censored because of some taboos in the game such as; incest, cannibalism, etc. It'll make the story very unclear, but you can always look things up on the 'net.
    Drakengard, like I said, is one of the most f***ed up game I've ever played with an awesome soundtrack, average to good graphics and supported with delicious FMV cutscenes...with repetitive and stale gameplay that's unforgiving at certain moments. Damn you save system!)
    Can't wait for Drakengard 3!    … Expand
  17. Legion201
    Nov 6, 2013
    9
    This game truly has the greatest and most interesting story i'v ever played in a video game. I can't even describe how amazing this game is.

    Many think the ground and air battle are a little edgy and i agree. There to slow paced to make you feel like a badass like they should given the main protagonist. I only removed one point for the combat system however, because the addictive and    This game truly has the greatest and most interesting story i'v ever played in a video game. I can't even describe how amazing this game is.

    Many think the ground and air battle are a little edgy and i agree. There to slow paced to make you feel like a badass like they should given the main protagonist. I only removed one point for the combat system however, because the addictive and absolutely amazing movie worthy story makes up for it.

    I can't recommend this game enough for how great it is. If you can get passed the slightly boring and repetitive combat system then your in for a story you'll never forget. I myself beat the game years ago (still have the game and always will) and still think about the vividness of the story arc and the more then memorable characters.

    I highly recommend this game for anyone who is into RPG's.    … Expand
  18. Kai82
    Jul 31, 2021
    3
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. While I liked the gameplay the games story is depressing, has only downer endings and to say it mildly some of the characters are questionable bad choices by the developer (Details below). Also a lot of the later unlockable chapters will have WTF moments where you question what you experience. Lets start at the beginning. It is an action RPG where you have a Dragon as ally. You switch between ground combat and aerial combat but must be careful as some enemy units will shot you down from your Dragon and some missions are restricted to one or the other. It is set in the world Midgard which is protected from chaos by seals. The seal is linked to a chosen woman called “The Goddess of the Seal”. If the seal and the goddess are destroyed respectively killed the world is doomed. The Empire however does not believe in this and wants to change the status quo of the world. You play as Caim who is fighting against the Empire to protect his sister who is the goddess of the seal. When he is seriously injured he makes a pact with the also injured dragon Angelus. Pacts are willingly contracts in this world which made both participants stronger but at the price of being linked together for life and losing something important like for example your voice or eyesight. With this the struggle to safe the world starts. The story is like I said depressing and if you aim for the additional endings it gets stranger and stranger. The last one requires nearly super human patience and gaming skills but there is YouTube as alternative. I might sound to negative as it is still immersive and creates emotion. Sadly there is no true happy end for the story and in hindsight the first obtainable ending is probably the best you get but that can be just my opinion. Gameplay wise it is an action RPG including dragon aerial combat. As Claim you have multiple attacks that can be used for combos and special moves. What I like are the weapons you can level up for more damage and longer combos. Each has 4 levels and these improve by defeating enemies. Some have useful special effects you can use like for example healing or devastating special attacks. You can find a lot of weapons in the game and have access up to 8 at once. Then there are the aerial combats with Angelus. You fight your enemies with dragon fire while evading their attacks. Angelus get also stronger during the story by defeating enemies but I think some upgrades were locked by story progression if I remember correctly. Both parts works surprisingly well for its time and I truly enjoyed the gameplay. Also you unlock new story parts or should I say additional branches of the story. This I liked too until I recognized that there was no satisfying conclusion. If no ending makes me comfortable then this is a failure for me. Clarification: I don't need a happy ending in everything but there is a limit. Now to the elephant in the room with the cast. I have no problem with Caim whose is a bit odd and can be described as emotionless and berserker in battle. However there is Arioch a mad elfin woman and continuously child murderer (That is not a typo and I wish it was) and if that does not shock you Leonard has pedo tendencies (That is also not a typo). Of cause to make matters worse there is Seere who is actually 24 but because of a pact did not age and looked like a child. Where do I even start here. This is the most awful character idea I have seen. I am still in disbelieve how anyone could have greenlighted this and that it made not a controversy back then. I checked the Wiki for Drakengard to see if I remembered this correctly and it was correct. At the end I am terrified by this and don't know what happen here as it passed all checks and is PEGI 16 or ESRB M (17+). I continue with the review. The presentation was good for its time but the graphics aged not well. The character designs were really good and the soundtrack was O.K. for me. Overall I don't know what to make out of this game. Gameplay wise it was good but the downer endings and the 2 above mentioned problematic characters weaken the experience. I even considered given a 0/10 because of this. I go with a 3/10 and give a warning about the 2 characters as it was deemed acceptable by the authorities.… Expand
  19. carloszgz
    Nov 23, 2015
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. increible ,bello unico y especial,muchas veces pensamos que lo mejor es lo que se te quede en la memoria ,clasico instantaneo impredecible y cautivador.… Expand
  20. xdan
    Jun 5, 2017
    0
    I'm amazed this unplayable garbage has a positive score. Worst spent time in my life.
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  21. frederik1478
    Dec 14, 2022
    8
    The music is amazing in the worst and best kind of where you will get this in your head and you will remember it for the rest of your life this music will stick to your soul.

    The gameplay is a worst version of Dynasty Warriors but because of the blood effects they are still fun to kill the enemies. So it is still enjoyable. The biggest problem is that it becomes very tedious after you    The music is amazing in the worst and best kind of where you will get this in your head and you will remember it for the rest of your life this music will stick to your soul.

    The gameplay is a worst version of Dynasty Warriors but because of the blood effects they are still fun to kill the enemies. So it is still enjoyable.

    The biggest problem is that it becomes very tedious after you have played it for 10 hours, but then you maybe have a weapon then you can Wash thought it

    The flying sequence of the game of fun they have a lot of weight to it and it feels good to control If you're playing this you playing a game for a feeling that you slowly gets to like a woman who eats babie,s a pediphile, a child who never ages , and you're playing as a guy who love killing who killed everything, game is weird and fun to play because of dea.

    The way the ending become more and more chaotic is a spectacle to behold. This is some of the best ending in the games. This game is unique it's a journey. You don't have like Odder games and that is why I think this is an important to play if you get the chance it may not be the funniest game in the world, but it is worth    … Expand
  22. marcelus
    Mar 17, 2017
    7
    Let's say I will say this game is a 7 technically even tho is a 4 gameplay wise in half of the scenarios. What I mean? I mean the parts where you control Caim are tedious but the combat over Angel (Angelus) like a Ace Combat or Panzer Dragoon are good. The game is too lenghty so if you're seeking of completing it, go find a partner to divide efforts or watch the story via YouTube. MaybeLet's say I will say this game is a 7 technically even tho is a 4 gameplay wise in half of the scenarios. What I mean? I mean the parts where you control Caim are tedious but the combat over Angel (Angelus) like a Ace Combat or Panzer Dragoon are good. The game is too lenghty so if you're seeking of completing it, go find a partner to divide efforts or watch the story via YouTube. Maybe Yoko Taro makes a Remastered some day. This is the start of the great Drag-On Dragoon (Drakengard) Series which created a universe from the 800's to the years 11k on NieR Automata. Prepare to read a few mangas, novellas, and watch all kind of contents about the universe because it was made with a lot of joy by Taro San.… Expand
  23. Dalura
    Aug 2, 2020
    8
    Ok... tbh i think Drakengard is the weirdest game if played until now and you know what, that's good tbh! The game has an really unique cast of characters that fits very well in this brutal and tragic world full of war. the gameplay is a combination of dynasty warriors with the extra that you can fly a dragon and fight with it in the sky, unfortunately for me it sometimes got boring andOk... tbh i think Drakengard is the weirdest game if played until now and you know what, that's good tbh! The game has an really unique cast of characters that fits very well in this brutal and tragic world full of war. the gameplay is a combination of dynasty warriors with the extra that you can fly a dragon and fight with it in the sky, unfortunately for me it sometimes got boring and repetitive after a while. what is just one of the flaws of the game. But i enjoyed the game for the most time but wouldn't recommend it to everyone besides people who really want to experience everything behind the story of Nier and Drakengard.… Expand
  24. _Keiko
    Aug 27, 2017
    10
    ah oui c'est vrai j'avais oublié que yoko taro il sait pas faire des jeux ils sont tout chiants et tout bugués mdr xdd .
  25. tomflanders
    Mar 31, 2018
    4
    Had a really cool vibe to it. Graphics and gameplay were decent but always felt like something was missing...
  26. dggt
    Jan 25, 2020
    4
    Good UI, cinematic cutscenes are great as well, but gameplay is ultimately boring, infinite amount of same looking enemies that had to be killed with 1 button
  27. Linkman
    Dec 2, 2018
    7
    Drakengard is a truly love and hate game. For all of the amazing story moments, there's the insanely repetitive and frustrating gameplay you have to slog through to get to the story. What's here in narrative is amazing, just not backed up by strong gameplay.

    The story revolves around two kingdoms known as the Union and the Empire during the medieval era, with the Empire gaining the    Drakengard is a truly love and hate game. For all of the amazing story moments, there's the insanely repetitive and frustrating gameplay you have to slog through to get to the story. What's here in narrative is amazing, just not backed up by strong gameplay.

    The story revolves around two kingdoms known as the Union and the Empire during the medieval era, with the Empire gaining the upper hand in the fight. You play as Caim, the prince of the Union who is severely injured during battle against Empire troops during their assault on the castle of the Union goddess, Furiae, who is also Caim's sister. Caim then runs into a dragon severely injured as well during the fight, with his first instinct being to kill it, due to his parents also being killed by a dragon. However, they both decide to make a pact in order to heal their wounds at the cost of Caim losing his voice as part of their pact. From then on, they seek to fight against the Empire and win the battle once and for all.

    Although the story does start off as typical fantasy and the same old one man chosen to save the day, it slowly descends into a dark tale of hate, killing, war, and death. There even some story sequences that will totally catch you off guard the first time you play through it and will leave you thinking over what you just saw. It's also a game in which there is not one character to root for and every character has some sort of awful quality that hinders their overall personality. This is also a game that you will feel compelled to get all five endings to, since they all end in dark and bizarre points and will give you a full sense of the big picture of the narrative.

    While it's clear Yoko Taro (The director of Drakengard) has put a lot of time and effort into creating an original albeit dark and morbid world and narrative, his focus on the gameplay is a major downgrade in comparison. the bulk of the game mostly requires the player during ground missions to walk around on the battlefield, taking out targets to get to the next part of the mission and riding your dragon to move around faster and take out enemies from the sky. You'll also take control of your dragon during aerial missions, but aside from two different attacks and unable to leave your dragon, there's not much difference. The one thing that does save the combat from being completely repetitive are the weapons in the game, which each can be leveled up 3 times, becoming more powerful and deadly the more they're used (which you also should collect as many as you can the first time, since the final ending requires the player to find all weapons). Some, like Caim's beginning sword, can simply allow him to fire fireballs and hit the floor causing AOE damage, but then others, such as maces or hammers, can launch rocks from the ground or cause a storm of lighting around Caim. Even so, you're still going to be killing the same enemies over and over, and it only gets worse as the game goes on, with the enemies eventually appearing in full abundance and able to take cheap hits at you. The later sections will drive you insane and sometimes will make you want to break your controller.

    When it comes to the presentation, Drakengard hasn't aged well, but still has some bright spots. Graphically, it does show it's age clearly, with unclear textures and very bland environments, which do though add to the overall dark war feel of the game's world. Character designs do have a distinct look to them, giving off the whole medieval era while also being very original in design and visuals. The music, though, is definitely the highpoint of the presentation. It primarily focuses on using 10 to 15 second loops from actual orchestrated symphonies and replays them on repeat during the missions. Although it sounds annoying, they do an excellent job in giving off the sickening and dark tone of the game and will definitely have players feeling uncomfortable and genuinely creeped out. Growing Wings, the song that plays during the final credits of ending B, is a perfect example.

    Overall, I would have no issues recommending Drakengard to someone, but only if you're willing to put up with the mediocre and at times, horrible gameplay. It's a shame in the end too, since the story and world Yoko Taro creates in the game is so original and intriguing that you will constantly be compelled to keep pushing through the gameplay just to see where it ends up next. If you can deal with the gameplay that, as I said, will frustrate you and make you want to break your controller, you will be rewarded with one of the most original, brutal, and probably darkest narratives ever created in a video game. Otherwise, look to other things.

    P.S. Warning: Be prepared to die a lot on the final boss of the final ending, ending e. It will drive you crazy. Good Luck!    … Expand
  28. SelfPlayer123
    Feb 13, 2023
    7
    For anyone who likes Yoko Taro this is an absolute must-play. However the critique is more than justified. The Gameplay is insanely repetitive but not as bad as some like to claim. The story is amazing, but some parts are just down right very poorly acted. The hacknslash style mixes great with the overall RPG style and it feels great to level your stuff, however the game would have beenFor anyone who likes Yoko Taro this is an absolute must-play. However the critique is more than justified. The Gameplay is insanely repetitive but not as bad as some like to claim. The story is amazing, but some parts are just down right very poorly acted. The hacknslash style mixes great with the overall RPG style and it feels great to level your stuff, however the game would have been better of with a souls-like style, as some encounters don't seem to mix well with its style. Overall this game remains a stable 7/10, but is hardly any innovation.… Expand
  29. Persona2Anime
    Sep 26, 2022
    0
    Terrible game, terrible story, has nothing worth of true value in the slightest.
  30. Milkshakezin
    Jul 6, 2022
    8
    Cool game, cool history, great universe (if you know where it goes after Branch E makes better). The gameplay is good.....and sometimes it isn't. A lot of people curse the gameplay, but I think it is fun actually, only in some battles the dragon looks wacky.
  31. Vatt1ghern
    May 15, 2021
    10
    It's a great game. Very dark and gruesome which makes it very unique. This game have birth to NieR Series.
  32. Boring_Schultz
    Dec 16, 2021
    6
    Drakengard has a great idea at the base, but a disgusting implementation, both in gameplay and in technical terms.
  33. MadIsAdopted
    Dec 5, 2022
    5
    Original Drakengard is an absolutely beautiful and gritty tale, followed by above average music. However its gameplay is literally a crime against humanity. You indeed have to be a masochist in order to enjoy playing it even for an hour. Technical condition is acceptable while looking back at how much money was invested into game's development. Definitely wouldn't recommend playing itOriginal Drakengard is an absolutely beautiful and gritty tale, followed by above average music. However its gameplay is literally a crime against humanity. You indeed have to be a masochist in order to enjoy playing it even for an hour. Technical condition is acceptable while looking back at how much money was invested into game's development. Definitely wouldn't recommend playing it unless you want to discover the Yoko Taro lore first hands… Expand
  34. Nikkisann
    Aug 20, 2022
    5
    Worst game I ever played, guys who made it hate you, they probably didn't expect anyone to play it. I mean, the gameplay sucks, flying on dragon kind of fun, but the rest part of the game so annoying, boring and dump. The last boss fight at E(truth) ending most difficult and stupid fight I've ever seen, it took me 5 hours to beat that...
    The characters and story is interesting, but you    Worst game I ever played, guys who made it hate you, they probably didn't expect anyone to play it. I mean, the gameplay sucks, flying on dragon kind of fun, but the rest part of the game so annoying, boring and dump. The last boss fight at E(truth) ending most difficult and stupid fight I've ever seen, it took me 5 hours to beat that...
    The characters and story is interesting, but you better watch let's play than play it yourself.    … Expand
  35. VLG
    Aug 22, 2023
    10
    A hidden gem. I played this as a teen, looking for something similar to Dynasty Warriors, and i absolutely loved it. The combat just works, and the amount of different weapons, each one with their own moves and speacial moves, that you can unlock and level up are INSANE. But, even if mechanically it's kind of similar to DW, the story and aesthetics are pretty much unique, and never foundA hidden gem. I played this as a teen, looking for something similar to Dynasty Warriors, and i absolutely loved it. The combat just works, and the amount of different weapons, each one with their own moves and speacial moves, that you can unlock and level up are INSANE. But, even if mechanically it's kind of similar to DW, the story and aesthetics are pretty much unique, and never found anything similar since then... except for, maybe, Fear and Hunger. Depressing, dark and apocalyptic, every character has a tortured sould and nobody is saved at the end. It's a lesson in hopelessness. Some of the endings are so shocking and deep that, to this day, i really think nobody is still able to make justice to them.… Expand
  36. Caffe
    Sep 4, 2023
    7
    Drakengard has a great idea at the base, but a disgusting implementation, both in gameplay and in technical terms. The gameplay is insanely repetitive. The story is amazing, but some parts are just down right very poorly acted. The hacknslash style mixes great with the overall RPG style and it feels great to level your stuff, however the game would have been better of with a souls-likeDrakengard has a great idea at the base, but a disgusting implementation, both in gameplay and in technical terms. The gameplay is insanely repetitive. The story is amazing, but some parts are just down right very poorly acted. The hacknslash style mixes great with the overall RPG style and it feels great to level your stuff, however the game would have been better of with a souls-like style, as some encounters don't seem to mix well with its style. However, for anyone who likes Yoko Taro and for those who want to discover the ancestor of nier this is an absolute must-play.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

30
#30 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2004
15
#15 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2004

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
63

Mixed or average reviews - based on 55 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 55
  2. Mixed: 34 out of 55
  3. Negative: 8 out of 55
  1. RealGamer
    72
    It seems ironic that in Square Enix’s attempts to make a game appealing to fans of two genres they have actually created a game that features pretty standard gameplay and may not attract its intended audience.
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  2. Just RPG
    65
    Just isn't fun enough to keep you playing. With repetitive missions, no multiplayer and mediocre gameplay, it often devolves into a chore.
    Read full review
  3. Armchair Empire
    59
    Two genres thrown together that don’t really try to be better than the games that they’re based on, descending into a mundane exercise in repetition.
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