I just beat Panzer Dragoon Saga around an hour ago. I had beaten the on-rails shooters before playing Saga and the three alone made the Panzer Dragoon series into my favorite. I went in with high expectations; Panzer Dragoon Saga somehow managed to exceed them. As many have noted, nothing really plays like it, but so many games should feature its mechanics. Its story was great and left me with good, healthy suspense as to if Edge’s dragon is in fact part of his destiny or if it’s just a mass-produced biological construct like the ones shown by Azel in Uru. Edge’s development, from being focused on revenge against Craymen to forging a relationship with Azel, was another strong part.
My few sole issues with the game possibly stem from my own lack of curiosity about the battle system and how I play RPGs in general. I tend to conservative using super moves as I view their PP, magic requirements, etc. as too valuable to use on basic enemies. I did not experiment with Berserk moves as much as I should’ve and consequently was not as familiar with their use as I should’ve been. I think I would’ve liked to see more of Edge’s and Azel’s relationship develop. The character interactions are some of my favorite parts of Skies of Arcadia. (Fina is still the best girl in any SEGA RPG, sorry Azel)
And speaking of Skies of Arcadia, I think Panzer Dragoon Saga managed to usurp that game as my favorite RPG and my third favorite game. I think Ocarina of Time just barely beats out Saga for second.
I hope Sega eventually revives the series with new entries like they’re doing with Jet Set Radio, Crazy Taxi and the others. To the best of my knowledge though, there are only rumors of rumors mixed with wishful thinking that this great video game series will return. In the meanwhile I’m going to replay Panzer Dragoon Orta and start Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.
