Dungeons & Dragons: Chronicles of Mystara Review, bringing back two classics

If you expected the new Capcom Xbox Live Arcade release, Dungeons & Dragons: Chronicles of Mystara, to be a brand new entry into the ever-loved Dungeons & Dragons games, then you’ll be highly disappointed.

If you did, however, expect another great re-release of a classic, then you’ll be much happier. Returning in all of its pixelated glory – and with an HD overlay and other improvements –  is Dungeons & Dragons: Chronicles of Mystara which packages two great games – Shadow Over Mystara (1996) and Tower of Doom (1993) – into one XBLA download. For those who are reluctant to play this game because it dons the “Dungeons & Dragons” name, you probably should play the game before judging it.

This button-mashing classing brings back the carpal tunnel feeling that some users remember as a younger version of themselves playing the games. In Tower of Doom, gamers can choose between fighting as a dwarf, fighter, elf or cleric – each offering a varied style of play. This game does, however, lack the thief and magic characters who are found in Shadow Over Mystara.

Don’t think for a second this button-masher is simply that. To get through the game, you’ll be required to pay attention and also use strategy. Yes, selecting the cleric and rampaging through the game is an option, but to get the most enjoyable experience, gamers should take the time and learn all of the different combos that come with the games.

Particular joystick movements and button combinations have different results, all of which are helpful for completing the game. Anyone who has played Final Fight or Streets of Rage will find the game relatable and enjoyable. Those who are used to getting combos down in titles such as Mortal Kombat or Street Fighter will find the combo-creation aspect of the game to be enjoyable. Mastering the combos isn’t an easy task.

Where the game lacks, but not by a large margin is an issue that probably only occurred to me. The problem I encountered with the game was the lack of the ability for me to press two buttons at the same time to complete a combo. It might have been me mashing away and not carefully trying to execute the combos. The only time I really noticed it was when I walked in one direction and tried to punch, my character would have to stop in order to punch. It doesn’t take away from the gameplay, but just a minor tidbit I noticed.

The games come complete with bosses and shouldn’t take more than a couple of hours to play through. The replay value in them come with the use of other characters to beat the game and also ramp up the difficulty. The games support the Xbox’s achievement system so earning those will always add to the replay value.

Hitting the marketplace at a $14.99, the bundle for the two games won’t disappoint. Though some may find the price tag to be a bit high, it will be well worth it for both core and hardcore fans of the series – or those who are looking to pick up a new challenge.