Dragon Is Dead

Dragon Is Dead
Dragon Is Dead
Dragon Is Dead
Dragon Is Dead

Even though Dragon Is Dead is in early access as I write this, this is sure to be a game that makes my best games of 2024 list. This is just incredible in every regard, one of the most addictive, stylish, and badass roguelike experiences that I have had the pleasure to play! I could not get enough of this and I can see this being a game that for those that get into it, they are going to get super obsessively into it. This is truly something special and even in the early access state it is in, it is packed with content, thrills, and lots of blood spills!

The Dark Dragons

If you are someone who is into dark fantasy, Dragon Is Dead has a story that you are sure to think is awesome. In this land, Guernian is the leader of the Dark Dragons and in his quest to fight the gods he has become evil and corrupted, and now we need to stand up to him and put a stop to his evil dark forces. We play the role of the Dragon Slayer and we need to slay Guernian and save the people who have been enslaved by him. This is cool and dark stuff and it is the kind of thing that I would love to see expanded as the game moves along development.

Looking To The Greats

I want to talk about the presentation of Dragon Is Dead before I dive into the gameplay as this is one of the most amazing looking pixel art games I have seen in quite some time. The quality of the pixel art here is second to none. The way the trees sway, the creepy skeleton goons walk and just the whole vibe of the world they have created truly comes through your screen and makes you feel like you are in this world. The large boss characters are so awesomely designed, they look like pixel art versions of stuff you would see in something like Elden Ring! The game clearly takes inspiration from stuff like Castlevania: Symphony of the Night and that is easily one of the best places you can get inspiration from!

Hacking And Slashing To The Max

The core gameplay of Dragon Is Dead is some of the most satisfying that I have ever come across in a 2D rogue like style of game before. The controls are so tight and precise that you truly do feel like you are in full control of your character. It makes for such a fun and exciting experience. You need to create a build and this is where a huge part of the fun as you have so much versatility, but the game is very clever in that chances are the build you start with will need to be changed radically as you progress as the game throws all kinds of different challenges your way. I was bashing my head against a brick wall trying to beat this boss, but when I tinkered with my build, I came across a set that was ideal for taking this guy on, this brings me to my next point.

Always Moving Forward

While the core hack and slash rogue like gameplay of Dragon Is Dead makes you want to keep on playing, the progression system here is truly amazing and it is even more amazing when you consider that the game is still being worked on. You have spells, abilities, gear, and more that you need to play around with to find the right build for the right situation. The skill tree is amazing in that it seems like it just keeps on expanding and offering me more stuff to work towards. This is just such awesome stuff, but while I am loving how deep and varied the progression in the game is. I do have to admit that I can see for some people this may be a tad on the overwhelming side.

9.5

If you love dark fantasy, if you love rogue like games, if you love hack and slash gameplay, Dragon Is Dead is going to feel like a game that is tailor made for you! This is truly incredible stuff and pretty much right from the start I was hooked. The game has so much style, but it is not trying to just skate by on its style, this game has a ton of substance too as there is so much to the gameplay and you always feel like you are working towards a new piece of gear or a new upgrade or a new skill!

Pros:

  • The setting and the style of the game are fantastic
  • I loved the hack and slash gameplay
  • The progression system is one of the best I have seen
  • The dark fantasy setting is so badass

Cons:

  • It may be a tad overwhelming for some
  • How long will the game be in early access?

Download Dragon Is Dead

PC

System requirements:

  • PC compatible
  • Operating systems: Windows 10/Windows 8/Windows 7/2000/Vista/WinXP

Snapshots and Media

PC Screenshots

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