Ladies and gentleman all I can say is if you bought an Xbox and you don't buy this game. Then I don't know why you bought an Xbox! This is hands down the best damn example of an Xbox excusive! If you buy any game for your xbox buy this game! If you plan to buy a new game soon buy this game!! The POINT IS, BUY THIS GAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

what i mean is,

u can lock on and fire your beam, and as soon as the beam is let out u can change to glide wing and then use speed up pretty much during the transformation

Repost of my PD Orta impressions

I'll repost my brief initial impressions of Panzer Dragoon Orta (the one that set off the madness) with editing done here and there.

Graphics? My oh my. Incredible. Simply incredible. The environments are huge, detailed, and colorful. The demo has you going through Episode 1, but it doesn't show you everything on that level. Hell, everyone has seen endless amount of screenshots of this, so you know what to expect. So to put this in perspective, I'll just say... it's one thing to see tons of movies and images of this game on the internet, and it's a whole other thing to see this game in your face. I'll just leave it at that.

Music is top-notch as you would expect from a game in the PD series. Great stuff. Language remains in "Panzerese," with text showing on the bottom of the screen like the other PD shooters (excluding PD Saga). The sounds are kept intact with previous games, but clearer, and in surround sound.

As for some game specifics... There are lot more caverns and narrow passages which has you navigating around obstacles through levels. For a reference, think Episode 4 in Panzer Dragoon Zwei. There are multiple routes present like in PD Zwei. There are mini-bosses. (The ones in Episode 2 eerily reminds me of the Stage 3 boss in Space Harrier, which I bet isn't a coincidence.)

New to this series is the "Glide" system, which allows you to control the speed of the dragon. Speed up with 'X' button, slow down with 'B' button. And trust me when I say it makes a big difference in certain situations, and you'll need to learn where and when to use it to even survive at some parts of the game. There's a "Glide attack" move you can also do, but I haven't found the opportunity to do it yet.

Another new thing is the ability of the dragon to morph into different forms during battle. There are 3 forms to choose from. I'm not going to spoil it for you as far as explaining this in detail.

As far as difficulty, the game seems more challenging to me than it had for the previous PD shooters. If you die at a boss, you have the option of starting right where you encounter it if you choose to do so. Otherwise, you can either start from the beginning of the level or save then quit. And speaking of the bosses...

Boss fights are great. Everyone has seen or played the demo version of this game, right? Well, the Episode 1 boss does some things in this game that it doesn't do in the demo game. You've all been warned. Episode 2 boss is cool too. The Episode 3 boss fight is incredible. The things that go on, the forms it changes to... wow! And I'm not even gonna say what goes on in Episode 4. *shakes head* Stunning. So far this is where I stopped playing at for a moment.

People... Panzer Dragoon Orta has lived up to it's hype. Get it!

Kruza

I was going to give impressions last night, but I was too addicted to PDO and couldn't post for other reasons also. This brief review was rushed since I am at work, so bear with me please. Anyway, this game is an epic masterpiece that should not be missed by any gamer whether you are an XBox, GC or PS2 fanboy. The graphics are simply breath-taking and the imaginative environments and creatures are some of the most creative and exquisite ever to be displayed in a video game. Games like this is why Sega is the best game developer in the world.:D The game is considerably challenging and definitely takes time to truly master the controls such as the dragon morphs, which weapons to use during certain nail-biting situations and the patterns of the enemies require some memorization to prevail. Also, the dragons can be powered-up through the game sort of like experience points in a traditional RPG. This could be the best XBox game yet(yes, and I own all of the good and great ones) just for the extravagant presentation, unparalleled controls and the flawless, tantilizing graphics. So far, judging by how far I am, I find the length to be perfect for this type of game. Last, but not least, there are a vast quantity of unique extras to unlock in the "Pandora's Box" for replay value with some side quest missions, history of Panzer Dragoon, cinemas and other suprises that I haven't unlocked yet. Of course criteria has to be meet before these are unveiled to you, but that is anothr reason to play through the game. Fans of frantic shooters and action games shoudl be right at home with Panzer Dragoon Orta. Get this game now!!!

Last edited by Rhage Furi on 01-16-03 at 10:23:40 AM

I cant wait to get off work and play some more. Here's PAs take:

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Well we picked up Panzer Dragoon Orta this afternoon and I’ve put a few hours into it. It’s just as good if not better than I had hoped. The visuals are superb, the controls are spot on and the story is engaging. You can’t really ask for much more. They have seriously jacked up the difficulty compared to the demo that came out a few months ago. You will really need to master the art of switching back and forth between forms quickly. The game is actually very reminiscent of Ikaruga in that way. Each form is better in different situations. If the screen is full of swarming missiles the seeking lasers on the light mode are where it’s at. Gotta beat the shit out of a huge worm? Then you want the powerful lock on beam that comes standard with the heavy form. Bosses will have you switching constantly between forms in an effort to maximize the damage you deal.

I can’t really speak to the replay value as I have only put a few hours into it. You are graded on your performance in each level so there is the incentive to go back and get a better score. Many levels also have multiple routes that you can take and after you beat a level it will tell you which of the routs you took and which ones remain unexplored. Not to shabby for what is essentially a shooter.

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Some quick impressions:

Before this game I only truly felt real gaming enjoyment on Xbox with Halo. This is the second game on Xbox that makes me happy to own one. On my 60" widescreen HDTV, this game is godly. It's fast, controls are responsive, sounds great and is extremely fun. Make no mistake, this is a straight up, Panzer shooter. Aside from the morphing forms (which brings more to the table than I thought it would) the gameplay is still the same. That may either be good or bad, depending on your views, but IMO it's extremely good. The only slight negatives I feel, are that the actual music isn't quite as epic as I had hoped. Still very good, but it didn't grab me like PD1. I'm not humming any tunes today at work so I know this is the case. Second, while the graphics are GREAT, there seems to be a little more pixelization that I expected. Small but noticable. Not nearly as clean as the screens posted over the past year, but we knew they wouldn't be I guess. Finally, since the game probably won't sell well based on Sega's recent bad luck, the game will probably drop in price pretty soon. My advise is NOT to wait. Get it now if you own an Xbox, it's worth the $50 (unlike most games these days). Nobody can possibly have any serious issues with this game. It's quality!!!!

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Originally posted by shuri
I'm somewhat worried about the replay value tho.

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We must spread the word of the greatness that is PDO! This game deserves to sell more so than any game this generation :)

worst rental i did ever!!

don't loose money by renting this! buy it instead.

IF sega use that game engine into a new panzer RPG = best selling game ever, i mean in the 15 million range (if enough xbox are sold of course).

Sega took a little more time to fishish the product this time and voila! sega feel and gameplay in a nintendo like quality product.

Forget splinter cell graphic and slow gameplay, this is were the fun is. Now sega, where are the Panzer toy line?

this game feels soooooooooo much deeper than any of the previous instances. gameplay wise this is much more than a "rail shooter" its more like a hella intense vertical shooter. hell, from now on this type of game isnt a rail shooter its a 3d shmup.

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Originally posted by PG2G
We must spread the word of the greatness that is PDO! This game deserves to sell more so than any game this generation :)

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I am simply overjoyed with how PD Orta turned out. Smilebit just stepped up to the plate and delivered a Grand Slam.

Even the extras in Pandora's Box are so complete and expansive that they count as multiple shorter games in themselves. Even the original is better integrated than expected, such as play PD and the cinema opens up in Pandora's Box.

There is no better videogame possible than a replayable, hardcore, tightly-designed, score-based (and truly Xbox-only beautiful) shooter mixed with a mature/intelligent storyline. That is a rare thing, and why PD has always been special, but Xbox Orta takes it to a new level especially in gameplay.

Just look at the unbelievably well-animated expressions of confusion on Orta's face in certain scenes, or play the sub-missions with young Imperial boy Iva. Just with well-written text, a still, and some well-timed music they have you connect with the story before even starting Episodion 1.

Ok. I played more last night and I take back everything bad I said about this game. Indeed this lives up to the hype. Its truly an evolved panzer. Its certainly not as musical is its predecessors which is a big negative in my book, but everything else is so enhanced. Its whole new kind of panzer game. I love how they integrated the aspects of Saga into a shooter.

Spreadin the Panzer DragoOWNAGE!!

Another great review.

http://www.ztgamedomain.com/XBox/Reviews/O-T/panzer_dragoon_orta.htm

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This game is one of those titles that is so well made it will go down in history as one of the best games on XBox that nobody played, Sega keeps hashing out classics with no audience to enjoy them. When will hardcore be mainstream? Who knows but for now I sit and enjoy one of the finest games this decade. Highly Recommended!

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You will really need to master the art of switching back and forth between forms quickly.

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Finally, a third Xbox game that I am actually anticipating playing when I get off work. :) I'm going to be doing a review of the game for the other GA and while I won't give the grade away, I'll just say it will score immensely higher than my Rygar review. :)

oh, so u played it and liked it then cmb? i was gonna say, "hey do me a favor, and dont play and rate the game on the easy mode, play it on normal", i havent palyed easy mode but im fairly certain the form switching is not all that imperative in that mode since u can probably take much more hits, whereas in normal if u dont dodge some of the bigger boss hits, u'll die quickly.

"i havent palyed easy mode but im fairly certain the form switching is not all that imperative in that mode since u can probably take much more hits, "

Actually you do still have to morph alot even in Easy mode. :p

I'm on the main boss right now. I'm giving the game a rest for now because it keeps whooping my ass. :p

Of course I played it. I had gotten the demo with Splinter Cell and PDO on it and found it intriguing so I got the game and so far I am finding it very enjoyable.

And I never play games on easy. :) Except Gradius III&IV. Even on extra easy those games are as hard as rocks. :)

i need some help with the stage 7 boss...

possible spoilers ahead.....
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its the 1st battle with abadd, after you encounter orta's mother. no matter what i do, nothing seems to cause him much damage. when the target recticals appear on his head and pelvis region, i'm not sure where i'm supposed to position myself for the most damage (the map in the upper corner confuses me when it shows the arrows indicating a glide manuever is needed).

EDIT: nevermind, just beat him (with an S ranking, A for the stage!)

Last edited by op_ivy on 01-16-03 at 04:29:31 PM

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Ladies and gentleman all I can say is if you bought an Xbox and you don't buy this game. Then I don't know why you bought an Xbox! This is hands down the best damn example of an Xbox excusive! If you buy any game for your xbox buy this game! If you plan to buy a new game soon buy this game!! The POINT IS, BUY THIS GAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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no, most people bought an xbox to play Halo dennis, not a volleyball game.

ARRRRR matey! This game sounds insane.

Too bad i'm backlogged on my xmas games (Prime, Splinter Cell, Shinobi, Hod3, etc.) So I wont be picking this game up till say....2007.

Man do I ever suck at this game!!! I'm so pumped. Just tried to play through level 4 (survived level 3 boss with just a sliver of life left) but I couldn't keep track of everything.. my head is still spinning. Missles and ships are flying at you from every which way. My fingers were literally locked on to the triggers as I was trying to find all the foes. But while I was spinning around the game wuold force you into dives and climbs and .. i'm a little dizzy..

There must be several hundreds of foes in that level but those stupid mirrors took me to the cleaners.. Are you supposed to dash around those? Dash through them? Berserk em?

Normal = Inhuman. Maybe its manageable if you've memorized the enemy locations and know when to change forms and when to dodge versus dash versus shoot. Holy cheese it this game strategic. I cannot conceptualize how difficult the hard mode will be. And if there is an unlockable difficulty mode then this game will forever don the coveted "I 0wn Iceman" T-shirt.

iceman, take on easy mode first. :D

then try tackling normal mode.....:D


peace

"There must be several hundreds of foes in that level but those stupid mirrors took me to the cleaners.. Are you supposed to dash around those? Dash through them? Berserk em?"

dash through, some will die right away, others will be behind u, then u just look back and shoot them to destroy them.

Argh!

I'm at the last Episode playing on Normal mode, but that last boss keeps lighting me up. I can't get pass it's second form, when it starts shooting the swift-moving lasers that can't be dodged (or so I believe after hopelessly failing to do so) with even the fast Glide Wing. So far, the only hope I have for passing this part is if I use the GW Berserk attack which shields me for a little while. But the GW Berserk attack runs out long before the last boss stops shooting those lasers. Grrr... I will find a way to take that bastard down!

Kruza

Last edited by Kruza on 01-16-03 at 05:17:33 PM

Might have to.. if the levels keep getting harder. I noticed that level 3 was tougher than levels 1 and 2. And 4 is no slouch.

Gigantic fleet is owning me, but it is soooo beautiful :eek WHY ARE THERE SO MANY ENEMIES It is still amazing and still fun. I loved it when

Orta was speaking to Mobo's elder about how she has no Family and Friends.

I almost cried :(


And Yes KAOS... This is teh Shooting Soul Calibur. PANZER DRAGOoN CALIBUR!!!!!! ;)

ALSO, The voice acting is GRRRRREAT!

Last edited by Skies of Azel on 01-16-03 at 05:06:02 PM

I keep getting owned on stage 4 as well. I can't beat the second boss for shit

Anyway have you guys adjusted your sound settings? I lowered the games sound effects to about half and boosted the music in full. Simply bad ass baby,makes the epic battles all the more memorable with those tunes backing Orta.

<goes to listen to the Orta soundtrack>

good music always gets you through your day abit easier:)

Absolutely beautiful game, I couldn't ask for anything more in a rail shooter. But I really suck at Orta, I cannot beat level 2. The other Panzers were pretty simple, they really upped the difficulty level.

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Originally posted by dennis580
Um no Wulfer most gamers are going to buy DOAXBV next week which is the real reason to get a Xbox. PDO will be a total flop. PDO is a very niche game and does NOT appeal to most gamers.

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^Play on Easy to get used to the game (thats what I am doing, and its STILL hard ).

I love the music in Gigantic Fleet. Teh AMAZING :)

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Originally posted by Dya
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Be careful with the spoilers there Skies. ;)

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quote:

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Anyway have you guys adjusted your sound settings? I lowered the games sound effects to about half and boosted the music in full. Simply bad ass baby,makes the epic battles all the more memorable with those tunes backing Orta.

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Yeah the default sounds settings are sorta wacked. The music makes the game even more involving when you adjust it to your liking.

People who beat it, can you choose the level you want to go to after you beat the game?!?

spoilers ahead...

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kruza, i'm in the same boat your in (normal). i can get to his second form with 95% health, but those lasers just tear me to pieces... next time i'm going to try to switch to the glide wing form and time my slow down and speed ups with it right when he fires the lasers...

post if you pass him (and how)

Geez, this game is hard even on the easy setting. I'm looking forward to replaying it on the other levels when I get decent enough. The water effects = :eek.

got stuck on the last boss last nite... turned it over to my roomie to play. Still at work toda