Crimson Dragon

 Xbox One
User Score
6.5

Mixed or average reviews- based on 259 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 147 out of 259
  2. Mixed: 32 out of 259
  3. Negative: 80 out of 259

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  1. Sonicfishcake42
    Dec 15, 2015
    9
    I bought this game as soon as I got my Xbox One, this was one of the things I was really looking forward to. I'm a big fan of the Panzer Dragoon Series and this to me was the gem of a game that I didn't think would ever be created. If you have a deep rooted nostalgia for the Saturn era and Panzer Dragoon then you will adore this game.
  2. alienwarefx
    Aug 7, 2014
    9
    if you are a panzer dragoon fan ,you will love this game. it really takes me back to my saturn days playing panzer and panzer saga.good graphics and good music. cant go wrong and at the time of this writing is free with games with gold but i would still pay the 20 bucks for it.
  3. NeoGeoMVS
    Aug 7, 2014
    9
    great game.well worth it if you like panzer dragoon series.the graphics look like last gen but it really doesnt matter here. the music sounds faithful to the series and it is very fun.
  4. mineidstillmine
    Jun 4, 2016
    10
    Why didn't I know about this game sooner? I'd love to elaborate on why I think this game didn't get the credit it deserved but I'll spare the corporation bashing for private discussion. So I'll skip to the review. Any fan of titles like Panzer Dragoon will love this game. The controls are clunky until you get past the FPS pre-programming of games like CoD. Your aim does not have to changeWhy didn't I know about this game sooner? I'd love to elaborate on why I think this game didn't get the credit it deserved but I'll spare the corporation bashing for private discussion. So I'll skip to the review. Any fan of titles like Panzer Dragoon will love this game. The controls are clunky until you get past the FPS pre-programming of games like CoD. Your aim does not have to change just because you move your dragon. Now to the micro pay option, what a bummer that this didn't work out. Think about it for a second, if you absolutely love the game but now all your dragons are leveled. With games without micropay that's the end of game over thanks for playing. But wait this game had micropay so now you can invest in the game and who knows maybe enough people feel the same way and oh wait what's this now there is a new dragon to play with did they just say there coming out with 2 more in a few more months. how is this any different from oh I don't know lets say CoD lately or any other game on the market these days. But reputable publicity companies tear into this games micropay option, which i have yet to feel pressured in anyway to buying anything at all. So Crimson Dragon gets killed before it can even grow. For what it's worth I think this company did a great job on this game and will continue to show my support… Expand
  5. Friendzie
    Dec 27, 2013
    8
    For a $20 download game, this is a steal. It honestly feels like it could have been a full release. While it's not exactly that next-gen in any way, I didn't want a Xbox One so that every game I played would be somehow objectively better than past games, and I certainly didn't expect LAUNCH titles to be able to make the most of the hardware. What launch titles can? Looking at it as a game,For a $20 download game, this is a steal. It honestly feels like it could have been a full release. While it's not exactly that next-gen in any way, I didn't want a Xbox One so that every game I played would be somehow objectively better than past games, and I certainly didn't expect LAUNCH titles to be able to make the most of the hardware. What launch titles can? Looking at it as a game, it's the first on-rail shooter I ever played which lets you target enemies separately from your own movement. This means you can fly right while shooting to the left. In the past, if you had to dodge bullets the opposite direction from an enemy, you'd potentially miss your chance to hit something. While this can be frustrating to learn how to use properly, it's really no less of an improvement than going from Wolfenstein 3D to Quake in terms of how much more control it gives the player. Some people complain about the grinding, but there is really none. Replaying a level to get a better score, master the game, and get more items is not grinding. If that's grinding, then EVERY shooter is grindy. Think about what progression was like in other Panzer Dragoon games or even Star Fox. You would play until you got a Game Over, then replay the same levels over and over until you won. If the game feels too hard for you, you can change the difficulty to casual, too. One thing I love in this game is the different abilities and and dragon types. The options you have to change your weaponry are huge, and make a real difference. Microtransactions aren't an issue because there's nothing you can buy with money that can't be easily won in the game. I don't even know why they bothered giving you that option. The game is not designed around that at all. Overall, if you enjoy on-rails shooters like this then you can't pass this up for $20.… Expand
  6. Zikkyn
    Nov 25, 2013
    10
    I don't know what's up with the "official" reviews, but those guys must not be playing the same game I'm playing. Haven't been able to put it down!!!!
  7. shimmera4
    Nov 22, 2013
    10
    I’ve been playing Crimson non-stop (tired). First, I’m a huge Panzer/shooter fan so I must thank the team for actually bringing this game to the XBOX. I have to say the gameplay is nothing like the reviews describe. There is a ton of replayability, Ive evolved/unlocked multiple dragons, collected a variety of different skills (lasers of death) and have a ton of cash for more stuff. TheI’ve been playing Crimson non-stop (tired). First, I’m a huge Panzer/shooter fan so I must thank the team for actually bringing this game to the XBOX. I have to say the gameplay is nothing like the reviews describe. There is a ton of replayability, Ive evolved/unlocked multiple dragons, collected a variety of different skills (lasers of death) and have a ton of cash for more stuff. The levels are gorgeous, but of course I was not expecting much visually from a game that only costs $20. Having wingman you can hire from other players is pretty neat especially since you get rewarded if players use yours. Also I liked the free flight areas, it was nice being able to go faster or stop and float to hit key spots on the bosses.

    Is the game hard? Yes, if you are playing Classic. But that’s what I love about the game. If Crimson was easy, I would have been disappointed. But there is a Casual mode, which I assume is less difficult for people who just want to see the story or are simply not good at shooters. I should note that a wingman is a must if you are playing classic mode, you will get pwned if you do not bring one. I read complaints about MTX, but I never needed to use it. It seems MTX options are there if event you want something quickly. But again, the missions give you aton of cash so I never needed it.

    One small wish item, it would have been nice to swtich the controls to something more like the old Panzer games where the reticle was fixed to the dragon. Not a biggy as the new controls are easy to pickup.

    In summary, for $20, you’ll get an awesome shooter with lots of repalyability. I for one am looking forward to seeing the next designation of Draco.     … Expand
  8. Taka33
    Apr 9, 2014
    8
    Crimson Dragon is a brilliant and underrated game with gorgeous visuals and a very good story. Playing CD is like taking a trip through a modern art museum, except all of the paintings are moving, and all the sculptures are breathing, and every display is shooting swarms of genetically enhanced laser missiles at the thoughts inside your head. Honestly, I can't recommend Crimson Dragon enough.
  9. Smoogster
    Nov 24, 2013
    8
    I have to start by saying I figured by all the negative reviews this game would be an utter disaster, I am so glad I always bite my lip and go in and try these games myself, just like Knack this game was fantastically addicting. It brings me back to the days of the old school arcade, walking in and dumping a bunch of quarters and not wanting it to end, I barely even noticedI have to start by saying I figured by all the negative reviews this game would be an utter disaster, I am so glad I always bite my lip and go in and try these games myself, just like Knack this game was fantastically addicting. It brings me back to the days of the old school arcade, walking in and dumping a bunch of quarters and not wanting it to end, I barely even noticed micro-transactions existed in this game you get so much money and crystals the spending real money option becomes useless.

    You'll be so immersed into this game and fixated in evolving your dragons that you'll see what your hard work brought to your newly bad ass visualized dragon.

    Support this game if you're a fan of phantom dust, this will likely make guys like phil spencer give the go to creating the sequel.

    the only negative this game has is the abyimal story and the horrible camera, (which is very workable after awhile but still hinders some spots in the game), so give it a go it's just 20 dollars and you're bound to become hooked.    … Expand
  10. yaketyYak
    Nov 23, 2013
    10
    I believe Crimson Dragon is a prequel to Panzer Dragoon.

    Did you love Panzer Dragoon? Then you will love this too. It feels like a classic Sega arcade game with some modern sensibilites. You control the dragon flight with one analogue, the shooting reticle with the other. It takes a certain time, but you finally achieve a "flow" created by the gameplay, outstanding visuals (some    I believe Crimson Dragon is a prequel to Panzer Dragoon.

    Did you love Panzer Dragoon? Then you will love this too. It feels like a classic Sega arcade game with some modern sensibilites. You control the dragon flight with one analogue, the shooting reticle with the other. It takes a certain time, but you finally achieve a "flow" created by the gameplay, outstanding visuals (some reviewers have called it ugly? I don't get it. It's very Moebius.) and the awesome music.

    When playing this game, I'm always smiling. I'm so happy to be playing what I consider a prequel to Panzer Dragoon. You see, the story tells of humans recently arriving on this planet populated by dragons, then they start getting infected and some survivors can bond with their dragons. They also start discovering some ancient ruins. If you know your Panzer history, you totally realize that this could be the background for when Panzer begins, except Panzer is probably thousands of years in the future of Crimson. The "ancient" technology looks very similar and the "bonding" with dragons, which is common in Panzer, but just beginning here in Crimson.

    As you keep on playing, it opens up and you can feed & evolve dragons, just like Panzer Dragoon Saga! You start off with some dragon powers, but you eventually get some that act pretty much like the original Panzer lasers you remember, you just don't start off with them. You equip/gain dragon powers, like you would equip weapons in RPG's.

    I remember when Panzer Dragoon came out. It was criticized for the horrible frame rate (15fps), rough graphics (even for a Saturn Game) and the on-rails gameplay. Reviews were average. Later came Panzer Dragoon Zwei, which got way better reviews due to it being more polished and having higher production values. Then came Panzer Dragoon Saga which was a culmination of all three and was just an outstanding action RPG.

    I can tell from most of the "professional" reviews, that all they know about Panzer Dragoon is that it was a Saturn game. By reading the reviews, they make no mention of its gameplay history and background, just that a few members of the team worked on it. However, Panzer Dragoon was not regarded as a classic back then, but only through time (and its sequels) has it gained that achievement. None of the reviewers seem to acknowledge this.

    If this game had been $60, I would give it a 8 or 9. However, it's $20. The cinematics are mostly hand-drawn images. You can tell they just put all their money into the gameplay sections. And that's ok. If we get a full $60 game, I would expect super-cool CG cinematics. Let's hope they can do that in a new "prequel". I am glad someone at Microsoft took the chance on this team and this game. Congrats!    … Expand
  11. masterx1059
    Dec 26, 2013
    6
    I really wanted to like Crimson Dragon. It was a game that intrigued me ever since it was previewed in the game magazines. And at first, I did like it. But it became obvious that there were a couple of deal breaking flaws that keep it from being really good.
    GRAPHICS(7): Plenty of colorful levels to play through, but not much detail. You also play through the same areas several times. In    I really wanted to like Crimson Dragon. It was a game that intrigued me ever since it was previewed in the game magazines. And at first, I did like it. But it became obvious that there were a couple of deal breaking flaws that keep it from being really good.
    GRAPHICS(7): Plenty of colorful levels to play through, but not much detail. You also play through the same areas several times. In total, the graphics are good, but not great.
    PRESENTATION(7): Crimson Dragon attempts to tell a story, but it falls flat and very cliché.
    GAMEPLAY(6): Flying dragons is a lot of fun, but when you are supposed to have an upgrade system for your dragons, yet you don't have the necessary items to upgrade them, then it's broken. I played most of the game with one dragon that I never maximized.
    CONTROL(5) When the game is on rails, it plays fine. When you enter free flight zones, it's broken. Controlling your dragon in these sections is unresponsive and confusing. The game should have stayed on rails the whole time.
    FUN(7): Despite all it's problems, Crimson Dragon is still fun, even if it's short lived.
    OVERALL(6): I thought Crimson Dragon should have scored higher, but the broken upgrade system and free flight controls bring it down. For me it was worth the money, but I'll probably never play it again.    … Expand
  12. heegs
    Aug 1, 2014
    1
    Check this game out while it's free... otherwise give it a WIDE berth. The controls are awful and there's no real motivating reason to press through the campaign.
  13. Taka35
    Feb 23, 2016
    8
    The gameplay for Crimson Dragon is a (small) step down from its spiritual predecessors like Panzer Dragoon Orta and Panzer Dragoon 2, however I found the levels, graphics, and extras more than made up for that. I found that there's tons of stuff to do in Crimson Dragon, more so than in its (spiritual) predecessors. CD boasts a large extras section called "Dragon Roost" that will allow youThe gameplay for Crimson Dragon is a (small) step down from its spiritual predecessors like Panzer Dragoon Orta and Panzer Dragoon 2, however I found the levels, graphics, and extras more than made up for that. I found that there's tons of stuff to do in Crimson Dragon, more so than in its (spiritual) predecessors. CD boasts a large extras section called "Dragon Roost" that will allow you to upgrade and modify your dragons. Dragon Roost is a spectacular mode that will be sure to keep you coming back for more. Besides the (hidden & unlockable) films, illustrations and records options available in CD, there's also plenty of playable levels featuring tons of different dragons. I personally love the option of being able to hire a wingman in order to help me beat a level or area. Something else that's also completely unique to Crimson Dragon is the boss fights. I'd say about 50% of all boss fights are not on rails, which really mixes things up and gives the game another layer.

    Though it belongs to the limiting genre of rail shooters, Crimson Dragon still rises up to become a great game that doesn't necesarily soar above my expectations, but it did at least meet them. Even as a shooter, its good controls, astounding visuals, and all-around enjoyable gameplay come together for one hell of ride.    … Expand
  14. partyintheback
    Nov 24, 2013
    10
    Superb game! If you're a fan of Sega, then you'll be happy to know that the diving force behind the Panzer Dragoon titles worked on this. Crimson Dragon is a Panzer Dragoon title in everything but name. The graphics are beautiful considering it's an inexpensive downloadable game, the gameplay will feel familiar to Panzer Dragoon vets while doing some things differently, the RPG progressionSuperb game! If you're a fan of Sega, then you'll be happy to know that the diving force behind the Panzer Dragoon titles worked on this. Crimson Dragon is a Panzer Dragoon title in everything but name. The graphics are beautiful considering it's an inexpensive downloadable game, the gameplay will feel familiar to Panzer Dragoon vets while doing some things differently, the RPG progression system will keep you playing for a long time, etc. The low reviews for this are way off. If you like Yukio Futatsugi's work (Panzer Dragoon, Phantom Dust), you owe it to yourself to pick Crimson Dragon up.… Expand
  15. nonchalantgamer
    Aug 15, 2014
    6
    I picked this up on marketplace for free with the games with gold and its a decent game. First off the visuals aren't going to blow you away but they aren't bad but being on a next gen console they should have been a bit better. The game-play is pretty fun overall and very fast paced which i enjoy but what annoys me and takes away alot of the immersion is the bad camera angles thatI picked this up on marketplace for free with the games with gold and its a decent game. First off the visuals aren't going to blow you away but they aren't bad but being on a next gen console they should have been a bit better. The game-play is pretty fun overall and very fast paced which i enjoy but what annoys me and takes away alot of the immersion is the bad camera angles that constantly ruin the experience for me and are inconsistent. I also wish the free flight areas were integrated more because those offer more freedom but are again hampered by terrible camera work. With a nice evolving/leveling system plus medals/achievements this game has some good replay-ability but alot more choice and tuning could have been done to make this a better game. definitely worth a try though if you pick it up for free.… Expand
  16. Stevesitz
    Jan 28, 2015
    5
    Good game in small doses. Worth the free price tag (while it was) but not something I would pay for. Nothing too exciting and gets very repetitive. Its fun getting started but then you realize how limited the 'free flying' is and that your options are limited as far as weapons and dragons. Can be very difficult at times but it seems like its more because of the sluggish controls ratherGood game in small doses. Worth the free price tag (while it was) but not something I would pay for. Nothing too exciting and gets very repetitive. Its fun getting started but then you realize how limited the 'free flying' is and that your options are limited as far as weapons and dragons. Can be very difficult at times but it seems like its more because of the sluggish controls rather than the enemies themselves.… Expand
  17. Broyax
    Mar 30, 2017
    1
    On se croirait revenu dans les années 90 avec cet ersatz décomposé de Rebel Assault : du prédirigé précalcuchié où on bouge un curseur et on tire. Pas très beau de surcroît, c'est peu de le dire, voire carrément de mauvais goût. Rien à garder, le reste à jeter aux oubliettes des étrons vidéo-très-vaguement-ludiques et d'un pathétique affligeant.
  18. Xplocion
    Aug 22, 2020
    7
    The good:
    A great game of riding dragons, flying through the skies and exploring unknown worlds. Shot'em Up type of galleries. Rewards for login and for connected friends. Wide catalog of dragons to get and unlock. Highly replayable
    The bad: After a while it bores you. Slow progression which makes hooking difficult. Nearly impossible to beat achievements to eliminate a specified    The good:
    A great game of riding dragons, flying through the skies and exploring unknown worlds. Shot'em Up type of galleries. Rewards for login and for connected friends. Wide catalog of dragons to get and unlock. Highly replayable

    The bad:
    After a while it bores you. Slow progression which makes hooking difficult. Nearly impossible to beat achievements to eliminate a specified number of enemies make the game frustrating and you end up abandoning it.

    What Meh:
    The tribute that was not ... in videos and presentations it seemed like a worthy successor to Panzer Dragon Saga but the generation changes (From Xbox 360 to Xbox One) and the control change (from Kinect to normal Control One) annihilated it. No one came up with a crossover with Dreamworks's “How to Train Your Dragon” or with James Cameron's Avatar    … Expand
  19. Raviel1827
    Aug 19, 2014
    7
    When I initially saw the mediocre reviews of the game when the Xbox launched last year, I just skipped this game and forgot about it. Thanks to Games With Gold I got a chance to play it anyways and so far, I'm very glad for that.

    Microtransactions in the game seems to be the real downfall for everyone, yet they're just annoying in the beginning but quickly after half a days work (and    When I initially saw the mediocre reviews of the game when the Xbox launched last year, I just skipped this game and forgot about it. Thanks to Games With Gold I got a chance to play it anyways and so far, I'm very glad for that.

    Microtransactions in the game seems to be the real downfall for everyone, yet they're just annoying in the beginning but quickly after half a days work (and without paying a penny might I add) there's no reason to worry about them. For example; In the beginning you earn about 2000 credits and start out with 15000 overall. Items will cost 10000-14000 credits, which seems ridiculous. But about the time you get to evolve your first dragon (for me atleast) you start earning 15000 credits every mission, no problems.

    There are six dragons to fly with four attributes total. All of the dragons can evolve and learn secondary attacks with diffirent attributes from their own. You can also change the core attribute of your dragon if you have the items for it. Items for evolving and changing attributes are found in levels, mostly the items are attained from rare monsters that (seem to) pop up every so often but not necessarily in the same level as you saw them the first time.
    The only problem I have with the six dragons is that there seem to be an unbalance. I haven't encountered it by myself yet since it seems like I'm so early in the game. But you can tell by the next cool little segment.

    In the game you can hire a wingman with credits, yeah hire, around 10000-11000 each and they only stick around a set amount of missions. Here's where you will find out which dragons are the best. In the beginning you have wingmen produced by the game but when you start hiring, it's other player's dragons, how they've evolved it and their attributes. Most of them (everytime I hire one) are fully evolved, max leveled light attributes. The best attack I've seen so far comes from those dragons, a little unbalanced but nothing gamebreaking.

    The story is simple but nice and I guess more of it would make sense if you've played Panzer Dragoon (which I have not). Graphics are more of what you would expect from the 360 but it's not an ugly game considering how the scenery looks. B-E-A-utiful world.

    Now to Gameplay, pretty simple aswell, it's an on-rails shooter so if you miss an enemy, he's gone. Eventually you'll go into a free-flight mode to fight big monster bosses. That mode is frustrating as heck, luckily, it doesn't happen very often.

    -Would I have bought it if it wasn't offered on GWG? Nope
    -Am I glad it was offered? Yes I am
    -Would I have bought it if I knew how much I'd like it if it wasn't offered on GWG? Yeah, actually yes.    … Expand
  20. Tabla
    Feb 9, 2023
    7
    Entertainment, its a good game to be a indie, Panzer Dragoon saga has a little brother in Crimson Dragon. I bougth this game for 4.94 euros so it's cheap

Awards & Rankings

15
#15 Best Xbox One Game of 2013
15
#15 Most Discussed Xbox One Game of 2013
12
#12 Most Shared Xbox One Game of 2013

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
55

Mixed or average reviews - based on 39 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 39
  2. Mixed: 27 out of 39
  3. Negative: 10 out of 39
  1. Level7.nu
    Sep 29, 2014
    40
    With fire breathing dragons and breathtaking views Crimson Dragon could be an intense and unique experience. But it isn’t. Instead it’s a dull and ugly adventure that doesn’t take advantage of the premises of the genre nor the dragons.
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  2. GameCritics
    Jan 22, 2014
    35
    Crimson Dragon is clumsy, frustrating and often downright hideous. I realize that the Xbox One's launch lineup was pretty underwhelming, but even those new owners desperate for software to play on it should keep Crimson Dragon low on their lists.
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  3. X-ONE Magazine UK
    Dec 30, 2013
    60
    At a cheaper price, Crimson Dragon would be a little more acceptable; although it’s enjoyable at its core, there are few redeeming features.
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