Dragon is Dead Reviews
Dragon is Dead has evolved significantly since its Early Access debut. TeamSuneat has delivered on much of its promise, delivering a more polished action roguelite packed with content and engaging combat. The inclusion of a new playable character, UI improvements, and a challenging endgame have made the experience even more rewarding for players who enjoy pushing their limits.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
It’s a gorgeous pixel-art game that liberally borrows from Diablo in all the right ways, and as a big fan of both ARPGs and roguelikes, Dragon is Dead was a refreshing mash-up of both that ends up being greater than the sum of its parts. It doesn't quite hold up into the end game, but by that point I’d had so much fun cosplaying as a certain Norse deity that I found it hard to complain.
Overall, I really enjoyed the 15 hours it took to finish Dragon Is Dead. With more chapters, characters, equipment, and difficulties promised with V1.0 and beyond, I’m looking forward to continuing my adventure.
I won’t say that Dragon is Dead isn’t sometimes a good time. Its system of upgrades and progression mechanics can lead to powerful characters. At the same time, rarely are repetitive runs through the same areas memorable. I think ultimately Dragon is Dead would have been a more enjoyable game framed as a traditional hack-and-slash Souslike ARPG, where its combat and character building could shine. In its present form, the roguelite elements, repetitive runs, generic setting and dull writing overshadow the genuinely enjoyable elements.
Dragon is Dead is a solid, challenging, and technically well-crafted action roguelite. The combat system is responsive and rewarding, with wide room for customization thanks to an articulate skill tree and elemental builds that reward experimentation. Persistent progression between runs encourages you to improve, while well-characterized bosses offer intense challenges. However, those hoping for complex levels or deep exploration may be disappointed: maps are simple, repetitive, and structured as arenas, more functional interludes than true worlds to discover.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Dragon is Dead has quite a bit of potential now that it has left its early access period. Its novel approach to character building, loot management, and skill trees makes for a complex and satisfying roguelike experience. On the other hand, some of its endgame combat may prove too frustrating, especially when compounded by the traditional difficulty curve that comes with the roguelike gameplay loop. Its pixel art is gorgeous, though!
Dragon Is Dead has a great sense of style and a lot of good ideas, but its execution of mechanics makes it feel a bit confused about what it wants to be.
The ruthless, difficult roguelite Dragon Is Dead unashamedly displays its influences. For players who like to master difficult mechanics, the game offers comprehensive character customization, tight, gratifying combat, and a rewarding gaming loop. Although it struggles with level diversity, narrative depth, and sometimes annoying difficulty spikes, it's a promising and heartfelt game.
RPGamers that enjoy loot systems and roguelites in general will certainly find something to appreciate here, but the game is unlikely to sway those who don’t already enjoy the genre.
Dragon is Dead combines the enjoyment of collecting loot and creating your perfect build in a side scrolling action roguelike fashion. It has its flaws with a lot of aspects, but is undeniably fun with the seemingly limitless builds that you can make.