Silicon Fusion >> News >> New Panzer Dragoon Orta screens

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10th September 2002:
New Panzer Dragoon Orta screens
Glue your eyes to the monitor - we've got a bunch of high-resolution screens from Orta's E3 trailer.
Posted by Marc Hull - Xbox - UK and Europe

The original Panzer Dragoon, which was released on Sega's Saturn many years ago, captivated all who played it, and quickly gathered the series a strong following. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough to save the console from a quick death, but after a sequel that was even more impressive than the first title, followed by an incredible RPG which was touted as a Final Fantasy beater, fans were soon left wanting more. Unfortunately, the Dreamcast came and went without even a whimper of information on the series from Sega, and reports that the original development group, Team Andromeda, had split up meant that soon hope of an update was lost.

Ironically, it was most likely Sega's retreat from the software market that prompted them to rethink the update situation, since they suddenly had to rely solely on their popular franchises to shift games across all platforms. And so, with Sonic appearing on the GameCube and Shinobi being revitalised on the PS2, Sega comissioned SmileBit (creators of Jet Set Radio and Gunvalkyrie) to produce a new instalment in the Panzer Dragoon series for the Xbox.

While many were expecting this new game to take the form of an RPG like the last title in the series, Azel, instead SmileBit are taking the franchise back to its roots by producing a fast-paced shoot 'em up like the first two. Once again, you'll ride through many levels on your Dragoon, shooting at enemies from all angles by shifting the view using the left and right shoulder buttons. Like the other games, you won't have direct control over your flight path, but instead can move your dragon slightly in each direction to avoid enemy fire, and every-so-often choose which path you want to take when you come to a fork in the level.

Graphically, the series has always been fairly strong, and Orta is no exception. The levels look both huge and detailed, with many effects such as rain and light beams providing a great atmosphere. The storyline is also expected to be strong throughout, with FMV cut-scenes continuing the story between each level like in the other games, although no firm details have been released yet.

Overall, Panzer Dragoon Orta is definitely one to watch out for - with Sega sighting the title as an important release, they're pushing money into it like a big-budget film. However, we just hope that gamers won't be put off by its simplistic on-rails gameplay when its released later this year.

Marc Hull

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Related Games:

Panzer Dragoon Orta
for Xbox

Screenshots