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{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2013}} {{About|the series|the first game|Dragon Slayer|other uses|Dragon slayer (disambiguation)}} {{SeriesInfobox | name = Dragon Slayer <br> <small>ドラゴンスレイヤー</small> | developer = Nihon Falcom, Hudson Soft | publisher = Nihon Falcom, Square, Hudson Soft, Nintendo, Sierra Entertainment | composer = Falcom Sound Team JDK, Yuzo Koshiro, Toshiya Takahashi, Mieko Ishikawa, Jun Chikuma | genre = Action RPG, Open-world, Metroidvania, Real-time Strategy, Adventure | platforms = NEC PC-88, NEC PC-98, MSX, MSX2, FM-7, Sharp X1, Sharp X68000, Nintendo Entertainment System, TurboGrafx-16, MS-DOS, Super Cassette Vision, Game Boy, Mega Drive, Satellaview, PlayStation, Saturn, Microsoft Windows, Dreamcast | dplatforms = Virtual Console }} {{nihongo|'''Dragon Slayer'''|ドラゴンスレイヤー|Doragon Sureiyā}} is a series of video games developed and published by [[Nihon Falcom]]. The first ''[[Dragon Slayer]]'' title was an early [[action role-playing game]], released in 1984 for the [[NEC PC-8801|NEC PC-88]] computer system and ported by [[Square (company)|Square]] for the [[MSX]].<ref name=Dragon-Slayer/> Designed by [http://www.giantbomb.com/yoshio-kiya/3040-5470/ Yoshio Kiya],<ref name="retro_3">{{cite web|url=http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/JPNcomputers/Japanesecomputers3.htm|title=Retro Japanese Computers: Gaming's Final Frontier Retro Japanese Computers|page=3|author=John Szczepaniak|publisher=Hardcore Gaming 101|accessdate=2011-03-29}} Reprinted from {{citation|title=[[Retro Gamer]]''|issue=67|year=2009}}</ref> the game gave rise to a series of sequels, nearly all of them created by Falcom, with the exception of ''[[Faxanadu]]'' by [[Hudson Soft]]. The ''Dragon Slayer'' series was historically significant, both as a founder of the [[History of Eastern role-playing video games|Japanese role-playing game]] industry,<ref name="gtm_falcom">{{cite journal|last=Szczepaniak|first=John|title=Falcom: Legacy of Ys|journal=[[GamesTM{{!}}Games<sup>TM</sup>]]|date=July 7, 2011|issue=111|pages=152–159 [153]|url=http://imageshack.us/f/32/yshistory02.jpg/|accessdate=2011-09-07}} ([[cf.]] {{cite web|last=Szczepaniak|first=John|title=History of Ys interviews|url=http://blog.hardcoregaming101.net/2011/07/history-of-ys-interviews-by-john.html|work=Hardcore Gaming 101|accessdate=September 6, 2011|date=July 8, 2011}})</ref> and as the progenitor of the action role-playing game genre.<ref name=4Gamer-Retro/><ref name=GameSetWatch/> The series encompasses several different genres, which include action role-playing, [[action-adventure]], [[Metroidvania|platform-adventure]], [[open world]], [[Turn-based game|turn-based]] [[Role-playing video game|role-playing]], and [[real-time strategy]]. Many of the early titles in this series were [[PC game]]s released for the PC-88, [[NEC PC-9801|PC-98]], MSX, [[MSX2]], and other early Japanese [[Personal computer|PC]] platforms, while some were later ported to [[video game console]]s. The series also features [[video game music]] soundtracks composed by [[chiptune]] musician [[Yuzo Koshiro]] and the [[:ja:Falcom Sound Team jdk|Falcom Sound Team JDK]]. ==History== Although commonly referred to as a series, the ''Dragon Slayer'' name is used to designate the body of work from producer [http://www.giantbomb.com/yoshio-kiya/3040-5470/ Yoshio Kiya]. There is no continuity in plot or even genre, but most of the games use [[Role-playing video game|role-playing game]] (RPG) elements and experiment with [[Real-time game|real-time]] [[action game]]play.<ref name=Gamasutra/> ===''Dragon Slayer'' and ''Xanadu'' (1984–1985)=== The original ''Dragon Slayer'' and its sequel ''Dragon Slayer II: Xanadu'' are credited for being the progenitors of the action RPG genre,<ref name=4Gamer-Retro>Kamada Shigeaki, [http://www.4gamer.net/specials/retro/retro01.html レトロゲーム配信サイトと配信タイトルのピックアップ紹介記事「懐かし (Retro)] ([http://translate.google.co.uk/translate?hl=en&sl=ja&u=http://www.4gamer.net/specials/retro/retro01.html Translation]), 4Gamer.net</ref> abandoning the command-oriented [[turn-based]] battles of previous RPGs in favour of real-time [[hack and slash]] combat that requires direct input from the player, alongside [[Puzzle game|puzzle-solving]] elements.<ref name=1UP-Kat>{{cite web|title=Hack and Slash: What Makes a Good Action RPG?|publisher=[[1UP.com]]|date=May 18, 2010|url=http://www.1up.com/do/blogEntry?bId=9030743|accessdate=2011-03-02}}</ref> These games went on to influence later series such as ''[[The Legend of Zelda]]'',<ref name=Dragon-Slayer/><ref name=4Gamer-Retro/> ''[[Hydlide]]'', and Falcom's own ''[[Ys (series)|Ys]]''.<ref name=Dragon-Slayer>{{cite web|author=Kurt Kalata|url=http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/dragonslayer/dragonslayer.htm|title=Dragon Slayer|publisher=Hardcore Gaming 101|accessdate=2011-03-02}}</ref> The way the ''Dragon Slayer'' series reworked the entire game system of each installment is also considered an influence on Square's ''[[Final Fantasy]]'', which would do the same for each of its installments.<ref name=Gamasutra>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/4066/game_design_essentials_20_rpgs.php?page=13|author=John Harris|title=Game Design Essentials: 20 RPGs – Dragon Slayer|publisher=[[Gamasutra]]|page=13|date=July 2, 2009|accessdate=2011-03-02}}</ref> According to ''[[GamesTM|Games<sup>TM</sup>]]'' and John Szczepaniak (of ''[[Retro Gamer]]'' and ''[[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]]''), [[Enix]]'s ''[[Dragon Quest]]'' was also influenced by ''Dragon Slayer'' and in turn defined many other RPGs.<ref name="gtm_falcom"/> The original ''[[Dragon Slayer]]'', released for the PC-88 in 1984,<ref name=Dragon-Slayer/> is considered to be the first action-RPG. In contrast to earlier turn-based [[roguelike]]s, ''Dragon Slayer'' was a [[dungeon crawl]] RPG that was entirely real-time with action-oriented combat.<ref name=GameSetWatch>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesetwatch.com/2006/07/column_compilation_catalog_fal_1.php|title=Falcom Classics|publisher=GameSetWatch|date=July 12, 2006|accessdate=2011-03-18}}</ref> ''Dragon Slayer'' also featured an [[Mini-map|in-game map]] to help with the dungeon-crawling, required [[Item (gaming)|item]] management due to the inventory being limited to one item at a time,<ref name=Dragon-Slayer/> and introduced the use of item-based puzzles which later influenced ''The Legend of Zelda''.<ref name=4Gamer-Retro/> ''Dragon Slayer'' was a major success in Japan, where its [[Overhead perspective|overhead]] action-RPG formula was used in many later games.<ref name=Xanadu/> The game's MSX port was also one of the first titles to be published by [[Square (company)|Square]].<ref name=Dragon-Slayer/> The sequel ''[[Dragon Slayer II: Xanadu]]'', released in 1985, was a full-fledged action RPG with many [[Statistic (role-playing games)|character statistics]] and a large quest.<ref name=GameSetWatch/><ref name=Falcom-Xanadu/> ''Xanadu'' incorporated a [[Side-scrolling video game|side-scrolling]] view during exploration and an overhead view during battle,<ref name=Xanadu>{{cite web|first=Kurt|last=Kalata|url=http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/xanadu/xanadu.htm|title=Xanadu|work=Hardcore Gaming 101|accessdate=2011-09-07}}</ref> though some rooms were also explored using an overhead view. The game also allowed the player to visit towns, which have training facilities that can improve statistics, and shops that sell items, equipment that change the [[player character]]'s visible appearance, and food that is consumed slowly over time and is essential for keeping the player character alive. It also introduced gameplay mechanics such as [[Platform game|platform]] jumping, magic that can be used to attack enemies from a distance,<ref name=GameSetWatch/> an early [[Karma]] morality system where the character's Karma meter will rise if he commits sin which in turn affects the temple's reaction to him,<ref name=GameSetWatch/><ref name=Falcom-Xanadu/> a heavier emphasis on puzzle-solving,<ref name=1UP-Kat/> and individual experience for equipped items.<ref name=Falcom-Xanadu/> It is also considered a "proto-[[Metroidvania]]" game,<ref name="1up_metroidvania">{{cite web|author=Jeremy Parish|title=Metroidvania|work=GameSpite.net|url=http://www.gamespite.net/toastywiki/index.php/Games/Metroidvania|accessdate=2011-03-25}}</ref> due to being an "RPG turned on its side" that allowed players to run, jump, collect, and explore.<ref>{{cite web|title=8-Bit Cafe: The Shadow Complex Origin Story|author=Jeremy Parish|date=August 18, 2009|publisher=[[1UP.com]]|url=http://www.1up.com/do/blogEntry?bId=9001783|accessdate=2011-03-25}}</ref> The game gained immense popularity in Japan, setting records for PC game sales, selling more than 400,000 copies.<ref name=Falcom-Xanadu>{{cite web |url=http://www.falcom.co.jp/xanadu_next/xanadu/xanadu.html|title=Xanadu Next home page|accessdate=2008-09-08 }} ([http://translate.google.co.uk/translate?hl=en&sl=ja&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.falcom.co.jp%2Fxanadu_next%2Fxanadu%2Fxanadu.html Translation])</ref> ''[[Xanadu Scenario II]]'', released the following year, was also an early example of an [[expansion pack]].<ref name=Xanadu/> The game was [[Nonlinear gameplay|non-linear]], allowing the eleven levels to be explored in any order. It was also composer [[Yuzo Koshiro]]'s first [[video game music]] soundtrack.<ref name=Gifford>{{cite web|author=Kevin Gifford|title=Xanadu Scenario II|work=MagWeasel.com|date=June 3, 2010|url=http://magweasel.com/2010/06/03/xanadu-scenario-ii-nihon-falcom-10186/|accessdate=2011-03-25}}</ref> ===''Romancia'' to ''Sorcerian'' (1986–1987)=== In 1986, ''[[Dragon Slayer Jr: Romancia]]'' simplified the RPG mechanics of ''Xanadu'', such as removing the character customization and simplifying the numerical statistics into icons, and emphasized faster-paced platform action, with a strict 30-minute time limit. The action took place entirely in a side-scrolling view rather than switching to a separate overhead combat screen like its predecessor. These changes made ''Romancia'' more like a side-scrolling [[action-adventure]] game.<ref name=Gamasutra/><ref name=Romancia/> In 1987, ''[[Legacy of the Wizard|Dragon Slayer IV: Drasle Family]]'' returned to the deeper action-RPG mechanics of ''Xanadu'' while maintaining the fully side-scrolling view of ''Romancia''.<ref name=Romancia>Kurt Kalata, [http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/romancia/romancia.htm Romancia], Hardcore Gaming 101</ref> The game also introduced an [[open world]] and [[nonlinear gameplay]] similar to "[[Metroidvania]]" platform-adventures, making ''Drasle Family'' an early example of a non-linear, open-world action RPG.<ref name=gsutra_20games>{{cite web | last = Harris | first = John | title = Game Design Essentials: 20 Open World Games – Dragon Slayer | publisher = [[Gamasutra]] | date = September 26, 2007 | url = http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/1902/game_design_essentials_20_open_.php?page=11 | accessdate = 2008-07-25}}</ref> That same year also saw the release of ''Xanadu's'' spin-off ''[[Faxanadu]]'', a side-scrolling platform-action RPG.<ref name=Xanadu/> Later that year, the fifth entry ''[[Sorcerian]]'' was released. It was a party-based action RPG, with the player controlling a party of four characters at the same time in a side-scrolling view. The game also featured character creation, highly customizable characters, class-based puzzles, and a new scenario system, allowing players to choose which of 15 scenarios, or [[Quest (video gaming)|quests]], to play through in the order of their choice. It was also an [[episodic video game]], with expansion disks released soon after offering more scenarios.<ref name=Dragon-Slayer/><ref name=GameCola>[http://gamecola.net/2010/10/sorcerian-pc/ Sorcerian (PC)], ''GameCola.net'', October 30, 2010</ref> Two of the games released for the [[Nintendo Entertainment System|Nintendo Famicom]], ''Dragon Slayer IV: Drasle Family'' and the spin-off of ''Xanadu'' known as ''Faxanadu'', were released on the Nintendo Entertainment System in North America. The former was renamed ''[[Legacy of the Wizard]]''. The second of the three games released for the Nintendo Famicom, ''Romancia'', has never been released in North America for any platform. An English fan translation of the Famicom version of ''Romancia'' was released on April 23, 2008, by DvD Translations. An English version of ''Sorcerian'' was released in North America for [[MS-DOS]] in 1990, published by [[Sierra Entertainment|Sierra On-Line]]. ===''Legend of Heroes'' to ''Legend of Xanadu'' (1989–1995)=== An English version of the 1989 title ''[[Dragon Slayer: The Legend of Heroes]]'' was released for the [[TurboGrafx-CD]] in 1991, and is usually known as simply ''Dragon Slayer''. Subsequent ''[[The Legend of Heroes|Legend of Heroes]]'' games dropped their association with the ''Dragon Slayer'' series. In contrast to the action-oriented gameplay of most other ''Dragon Slayer'' titles, the ''Legend of Heroes'' titles use [[turn-based]] combat, while the 1991 title ''[[Lord Monarch]]'' on the other hand was an early [[real-time strategy]] game.<ref>{{cite web|last=Kalata|first=Kurt|title=Vantage Master|url=http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/vantagemaster/vantagemaster.htm|work=Hardcore Gaming 101|accessdate=September 6, 2011}}</ref> The final games released as part of the ''Dragon Slayer'' series were the action role-playing games ''[[Dragon Slayer II: Xanadu#Sequels|The Legend of Xanadu]]'' in 1994 and ''[[Dragon Slayer II: Xanadu#Sequels|The Legend of Xanadu II]]'' in 1995. [[NEC]]'s television promotion for ''The Legend of Xanadu'' cost [[¥]]300 million yen,<ref>{{cite web|title=Other Titles|url=http://www.falcom.com/licence/character/other_e.html|publisher=[[Nihon Falcom]]|accessdate=April 23, 2012}}</ref> or nearly US$4 million.<ref>{{cite web|title=Currency Conversion|url=http://www.xe.com/ucc/convert/?Amount=300&From=JPY&To=USD|publisher=[[XE.com]]|accessdate=April 23, 2012}}</ref> ==List of games== {{see also|Dragon Slayer II: Xanadu#Sequels|l1=Xanadu: Sequels|The Legend of Heroes}} The games in the series include: *1.1 ''[[Dragon Slayer]]'' (1984) **1.2 ''Dragon Slayer Gaiden'' (1992) *2.1 ''[[Dragon Slayer II: Xanadu]]'' (1985) **2.2 ''[[Dragon Slayer II: Xanadu#Sequels|Xanadu Scenario II]]'' (1986) **2.3 ''[[Faxanadu]]'' (November 16, 1987) **2.4 ''[[Xanadu Next]]'' (2005) *3.1 ''[[Dragon Slayer Jr: Romancia]]'' (1986) *4.1 ''[[Legacy of the Wizard|Dragon Slayer IV: Drasle Family]]'' (''Legacy of the Wizard'') (July 17, 1987) *5.1 ''[[Sorcerian]]'' (December 20, 1987) **5.2 ''[[Sorcerian#Add-ons|Sorcerian Additional Scenario Vol. 1]]'' (1988) **5.3 ''[[Sorcerian#Add-ons|Sorcerian Additional Scenario Vol. 2: Sengoku Sorcerian]]'' (1988) **5.4 ''[[Sorcerian#Add-ons|Sorcerian Additional Scenario Vol. 3: Pyramid Sorcerian]]'' (1988) *6.1 ''[[Dragon Slayer: The Legend of Heroes]]'' (1989) **6.2 ''[[Dragon Slayer: The Legend of Heroes II]]'' (1992) *7.1 ''[[Lord Monarch]]'' (1991) **7.3 ''Lord Monarch Online'' (1991) **7.3 ''Advanced Lord Monarch'' (1991) **7.4 ''Monarch Monarch'' (1994) *8.1 ''[[Dragon Slayer II: Xanadu#Sequels|The Legend of Xanadu]]'' (1994) **8.2 ''[[Dragon Slayer II: Xanadu#Sequels|The Legend of Xanadu II]]'' (1995) ==References== {{reflist}} ==External links== *{{moby game|id=-group/dragon-slayer-series|name=''Dragon Slayer'' series}} *[http://hg101.kontek.net/dragonslayer/dragonslayer.htm Hardcore Gaming 101: Dragon Slayer] *[http://homepage2.nifty.com/tkdate/about/about.html ''Dragon Slayer'' series] {{ja icon}} *[http://web.archive.org/web/20091027092404/http://geocities.com/dvdtranslations/romancia.html NES Romancia Translation] {{Dragon Slayer series}}
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