Vanillaware returns with arguably its best game to date, a tribute to beat-em-ups with much deeper elements.
The audio is okay, with music that really fits the fantasy-based era that Dragon's Crown is in. Some of the voicework can be annoying – like Rannie and his upbeat tone when he unlocks chests (a little upbeat there?) – but for the most part the characters sound as you'd expect. The sound effects are suitable as well, for a game of this nature.
There are minor quibbles that players will come across with Dragon's Crown. Why no Cross-Buy support, for instance? A game like this is practically begging for it. Also, online play should've just been unlocked from the beginning. I understand the need to offer rewards, but seeing as how it's one of the biggest draws in the game, Atlus shouldn't have locked it up.
And…yes…there are big-breasted women in the game. Some people feel that this design is "unrealistic" and doesn't make a proper fit. It's going to annoy some -- feminists, for instance -- to a varying degree. However, I just accepted it as part of the fantasy folklore. Opinions vary, of course.
All in all, Dragon's Crown is a wondrous throwback to the grand era of beat-em-ups escalated on a new level thanks to RPG elements and the joy of playing with others. Its design is easily amongst Vanillaware's best work, and the gameplay provides something new for fans of this sort of game, as well as those seeking out new loot to collect. It's been a long time coming, but this Crown has kept its shine intact.
(Even though those boobs might distract you...)
Score: 8.5 / 10
