anzer is back in action, but certainly not in its coolest form. As soon as Sega hinted that it would resurrect the franchise, I prayed to the almighty Dragoon that it would be a sequel to perhaps the previous generation’s best RPG, Panzer Dragoon Saga. However, Sega had other plans. Instead, we get the third incarnation in the shooter line, which definitely isn’t a bad thing.

In fact, while I sort of expected Sega simply to poop this one out, Orta actually comes packed with a few surprising enhancements, injecting some depth into the gameplay. First, players have the ability to jet forward and backward. This mechanic comes in handy when dodging attacks and busting through encroaching enemies, but its main purpose allows the player to circle a target – which is somewhat similar to Saga’s combat system. Second, the dragon can change into one of three forms on the fly. Each type has its strengths and weaknesses, which means that you must constantly consider which form will be most advantageous.

Furthermore, I am absolutely stunned with Orta’s presentation. Although the story can feel convoluted at times, the graphics, the environments, the music, and especially the language really help to immerse you in the experience. Throughout the adventure, the characters speak a language that actually combines German, Japanese, English, Latin, and a few others.

Unfortunately, Orta isn’t without a few annoying problems. First, despite the additions, it still plays a little too much like its predecessor, which means that you’re stuck on a linear flight path most of the time. I had sincerely hoped that the new development team at Sega would be more innovative with this product, or at least grant the player a little additional freedom to move. Second, like in previous installments, dodging objects and enemy fire still seems to depend on luck more than skill, which often results in taking an unfair amount of damage. And, on a few occasions, you simply don’t see where the attack is coming from until you get hit three or four times!

Fans of the series will definitely erupt with joy the moment they pop this bad boy into their Xbox. Even if you’re not a fan, though, Orta will definitely keep you amused for a weekend.   

ANDREW REINER   8.25 From the ashes of the Sega Saturn cometh one of the most stylistic and gameplay intensive shooters in all of gaming. Panzer Dragoon is most certainly back in all of its splendor. While it would have been nice to move the series to complete 3D, developer Smilebit did a commendable job recreating the gameplay intricacies and general atmosphere that the series’ original developer, Team Andromeda, had lain forth. The lock-on technology, timed events, and end of level grading system haven’t changed in the slightest. The only significant enhancements are more or less limited to a new dash maneuver, which manifests new strategies, and the ability to level up and switch dragons on the fly. Of course, the graphics are simply out of this world, tapping into every facet of the Xbox hardware. I loved the Saturn series, and this entry is just as good, but more so in that nostalgic kind of way.