Dragon Force

PRESS START

An Introduction To Today’s Game

If there was ever a game that demanded a remaster in order to introduce it to modern gamers, it’s Dragon Force. 

It’s a system seller. A game so good you could justify buying a Saturn just to play it. Even today, with the lack of any remasters or remakes, I’d say: go ahead and get a Saturn to play this. 

Considering it has 8 scenarios that each take about 40 hours to complete, you would definitely get your money’s worth. This game is a monster of content. 

Throw in some engaging strategy elements, some beautiful pixel art and overall great writing, you have one of the most overlooked classic RPG’s ever. 

One of the reasons to start this newsletter was to showcase forgotten gems. Games the modern audience has maybe never heard of. Dragon Force is a prime example of this.

This is a game I highly encourage you to track down and try. The ones who have played it, usually rank it among their favorite games ever. It’s that good. 

So grab some tots, get that Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha (yes, that combo works) and let’s dive into this Sega classic.

BEHIND THE PIXELS

Let’s Dive Into The Game

Explaining Dragon Force to someone who has never played it usually starts with a simple idea. It is a strategy game where you guide one of eight monarchs across the continent of Legendra, uniting nations and preparing for a larger threat that rises later in the story.

The map sections play at a steady pace as you manage castles, assign generals and decide which borders matter in the long run. The goal stays clear. Strengthen your kingdom, recruit loyal officers and gather enough power to stand against the return of Madruk.

Most of your time is spent issuing weekly orders. You can promote generals, search for hidden items or persuade captured officers to switch sides. These quiet moments shape your entire campaign, because the officers you collect and invest in determine how flexible your strategy becomes.

If the game receives any criticism, it’s usually this aspect. It can be a little slow at times and the pacing can turn some people off. You have to be invested in your army and see it slowly grow.

Those who just want to fight all the time will be frustrated. This wasn’t a problem for my play through, as I love this stuff. But just know what you’re getting into when you start this. There will be a lot of menus, and a lot of down time.

Battles are where the game comes alive. When two armies meet, the view shifts into a wide battlefield filled with up to one hundred soldiers per general.

You choose formations, select a plan such as advance or charge and watch both forces collide in long rows of sprites.

Troop types counter each other, so flying units can overwhelm certain infantry while archers and spellcasters swing the pace of a fight. You can change tactics mid battle and decide when a retreat is better than losing an important general.

The screenshots showcasing the battles sold me instantly back in the 90s. Even today, seeing them makes me want to fire the game up again.

The presentation carries a mix of dramatic storytelling and cute visuals. Story scenes use expressive portraits, while the battlefield sprites move with simple but lively animation.

The soundtrack supports both moods with energetic themes for combat and calmer pieces during planning turns. The music didn’t hit for me like other Working Design RPG’s, like Lunar or Vay, but it does enough to get the job done.

The Working Designs translation also needs to be addressed. They were known for bringing games from Japan and rewriting the games to include more humor, which usually included lots of dated pop culture references and some jokes that would make some cringe.

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WHERE TO PLAY

• The original copy or emulation will be your best bet for tracking this down.

• Original Copies of the Game (All prices in USD)

  • Loose: $107

  • Complete: $277

  • New/Sealed: $370

GAME INFORMATION

Cover Art

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RETRO NEWS

Here’s a quick roundup of the latest retro gaming news we’ve dug up.

• Vectrex Mini Opens Late Pledges For Fans And Collectors
  The modern mini-Vectrex replica is accepting late backers, giving retro fans another shot at securing the system before production.
  Read more at Retro News

• Experts Warn Retrobrighting Could Damage Classic Consoles Over Time
  New findings suggest common whitening methods may weaken aging plastics and cause long-term damage.
  Read more at Time Extension

• Rare Sonic Arcade Cabinet Expected To Break Records At Auction
  A one-of-a-kind Sonic arcade machine may fetch over fifty thousand dollars at auction.
  Read more at Time Extension

GAME OVER

Why You Should Play This

Playing Dragon Force now feels like opening a time capsule that still works in the present. Its mix of empire building, real time clashes and character focused storytelling gives it a depth that rewards players who enjoy slow, thoughtful strategy.

Each campaign changes how the world unfolds, so even a single playthrough can lead to dozens of hours of planning and experimentation. The process of watching your generals grow stronger and your borders expand remains satisfying, especially when a risky decision pays off during a large battle.

There are quirks you should expect. The pace can feel slow, especially during repeated fights or long stretches of map movement. The menus and camera controls reflect their era, so it takes practice to move between screens comfortably. The translation carries a nineties humor style that some players may enjoy and others may find dated.

If you can settle into its rhythm, there is still a compelling experience waiting underneath. The combination of large scale battles and kingdom management remains unusual, making Dragon Force one of the Saturn titles that is worth revisiting for strategy fans who enjoy taking their time.

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