DragonHeart: Fire and Steel (PC)

GameSpot editors' review

• CNET editors' rating: 1.5 stars Poor
  Detailed editors' rating
  Overall score: 3.4 (1.5 stars)

• Reviewed by:
  Jim Varner
• Reviewed on: 02/04/1997
• Updated on: 05/01/2000
• Released on: 11/30/1996
• Originally published on GameSpot: DragonHeart: Fire and Steel (PC) Review

The past six months have not been kind to mega-publisher Acclaim Entertainment. Record losses and large stockpiles of unsold games have placed the future of the once mighty publisher in serious doubt. Although the company blames its misfortunes on the market's transition to 32-bit consoles, I suspect that the true reason for the company's woes lies in its practice of flooding the market with poorly programmed platform games based on motion picture property rights. Even though Acclaim's president promises to stress quality over quantity in the future, the gaming community must contend with the likes of DragonHeart today.

Loosely based on the film that wowed moviegoers last summer, DragonHeart follows the adventures of a medieval dragonslayer named Sir Bowen in his attempt to rid the world of an evil King. Along the way, he befriends Draco, the very last of the mythical creatures. (Never mind the fact that Sir Bowen has just finished off Draco's entire "Friends and Family" calling circle). Together, man and beast join forces to destroy the king's army and rescue the obligatory damsel in distress.

With a plot this rich in gaming potential, you would think that Acclaim would choose to produce a quality RPG, adventure title, or even a nice "Panzer Dragoon" style shooter. Alas, all we get for our $40 is yet another hastily designed platform game.

On the subject of gameplay, fans of the popular "Shinobi" series will feel right at home here. Using only your wits and a little fancy swordplay, you must single-handedly defeat countless soldiers, skeletons, and other minions before confronting one of nine "boss" dragon waiting at level's end. Lather, rinse, repeat.

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