Panzer Dragoon Saga/Magazine articles

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File Date Source Title and comments
Logo-pdf.svg 1997-03-28 Sega Saturn Magazine (JP), "1997-11 (1997-04-11)" "Special Report"
6 pages as Panzer Dragoon RPG (Placeholder), but is referred to as AZEL in the included interview. The game is reported as ?% complete, but in the same interview it is narrowed down to somewhere between 20 and 30%. It makes special note of the "evolution" of the Panzer Dragoon series, with a retrospective of the series' Sega Saturn releases thus far (including Panzer Dragoon I & II).

The "check point" is that this game further fleshes out the series' world, but can still be enjoyed by beginners, so summarizes the world and gives 3 key words to describe it. The game's staff say the plot is unrelated to the previous and cannot yet confirm if there are any returning characters. There is also a shot of the opening cinematic, something noted to be a staple of the series. The next page has another "check point", wondering if all the series' mysteries will be fully explained. The plot is detailed and a chart is used to show character details for Edge, Azel and Craymen, with art, ages and their relation to each other. There is also concept art of a hunter (Gash[1]) riding a Coolia.

The third set of pages focus on the game's visuals. The first check point is that everything is rendered using real-time polygons. They asked the development staff how big the game is, and they (Takeshita and Kusunoki) cannot as it is still in development, but assume it will probably need 2 or more discs to fit in. Some screenshots show off the different perspectives during field gameplay (how perspectives are changed is not yet known) and a hallmark of RPGs: cities (directing readers to the interview below for more specifics on what they contain). The next check point is about the battle scene, which there isn't a lot of visual reference to talk about (the screenshot used is actually from the field), from the interview it is confirmed to be similar to previous installments. The topic of contention is what the familiar lock-on system will be used for. Development staff confirm the game has hit points, magic points and experience points like other RPGs, but as it's a dragon where the dragon fights, these points aren't for the main character.

Along the bottom of the pages 3 through 6 is an interview with director Manabu Kusunoki and program chief Hidetoshi Takeshita, recored at Sega on March 10. On the first set of pages, they talk about development beginning near the end of Zwei, the choice to make it an RPG coming from a desire to explore the world down to its finest details and satisfy demands for a high-end RPG on Saturn, and discuss which RPG conventions it follows, such as party members and weapons/items bought in shops. A highlighted reveal is that the dragon will fly from the start of the game, unlike Zwei, and eventually talk about what freedoms and limitations the player has in terms of flight. After the first mention of this they discuss some lore regarding the characters and they clarify that they couldn't show screenshots of the battles yet.

In the next set of pages, Kusunoki and Takeshi confirm that the save system is still being discussed, but will probably have some symbolic meaning, they are cryptic about lock-on and battles in general (though are pressed for more details and say it is being designed so people who are not good at shooters can find excitement), confirm every conversation will be voiced, and their Takeshi's given highlights becomes highlighted by the article: AZEL may be an RPG and include familiar elements, but is not bound by the conventions of Dragon Quest or Final Fantasy. They themselves bring up that more could be done, like adding an objective view to battles. It ends with a final message to readers. Afterwards is a notice to check out the game at Tokyo Game Show 1997 Spring.

Freak 55 IL Preview 2.jpg 1997-xx-xx Freak (IL), "4/97"
Logo-pdf.svg 1997-04-04 Sega Saturn Magazine (JP), "1997-12 (1997-04-18)" "Special Report"
2 pages. Focuses on the unanswered questions left over from previous games. From Panzer Dragoon, they wonder about the tower and the true meaning of the ending. From Panzer Dragoon Zwei, they wonder about Shelcoof, the ancient ruins, the empire and the emperor, the ending and the guardian dragon. Includes an interview with Manabu Kusunoki and Katsumi Yokota, discussing the concept by the series' unique dragon designs and and the magazine's cover illustration (created by Yokota), as well as other aspects of the game's character design such as Yokota's apparent lack of influences and his attempts to mix nature with humanity in its character design.
Logo-pdf.svg 1997-04-11 Saturn Fan (JP), "1997 No. 8" "Sega Dynamic Preview"
4 pages as Azel: Panzer Dragoon RPG (Placeholder).The game is listed as ?% complete (as of April 11), targeted at all ages. The first page uses the illustration which was the cover of the previous Sega Saturn Magazine issue, with profiles for the depicted characters Edge and Azel. It gives the first look at the game's battle screens, breaking down the HP/BP, Gauge and Radar interface elements, discussing the importance of positioning and the 4 moves players have at their disposal. A Panzer staple, gigantic bosses, are also previewed, and a few of the series' mysterious are brought up, such as the old century in Panzer Dragoon and the empire in Panzer Dragoon Zwei. Little Lagi (a character from their Panzer Dragon Zwei coverage) says he'll try to show in another game and asks Azel to invite him on a date.

Includes Saturn Fan's second developer interview, with designer Yukio Futatsugi and programmer Hidetoshi Takeshita. The discussion focuses on the new form of combat, including the flow of battle, their intention to drop lock-on from battle and the different radar design compared to Zwei. They also talk a bit about the lore, such as whether or not humans view dragons as abominations and how many mysteries will be resolved.

Logo-pdf.svg 1997-04-11 Sega Saturn Magazine (JP), "1997-13 (1997-04-25)" "Special Report"
4 pages as Azel: Panzer Dragoon RPG (Placeholder). Tokyo Game Show 1997 Spring report. Entirely focused on the battle system, pointing out all the interface elements and gushing about the important positioning aspect. It talks about what has and hasn't been brought over from the previous games, namely lock-on. There are 2 "check points": using berserk attacks at the right time and targeting enemies weak points. It also talks about the "danger zone", positions where enemies have stronger power. The check points here are the use of the main character's gun, which seems to be different from past games, and how the screen can sometimes change to a CinemaScope aspect ratio.

On the bottom of pages 2 to 4 is Sega Saturn Magazine's third developer interview, with Manabu Kusunoki and Yukio Futasugi. They discuss the progress of development, with battles nearly correct, and specific aspects of battles are confirmed such as how encounters work, how much freedom there is in positioning and what the controls actually are. Items are heavily discussed, both the ability to use items in battle and what can be collected throughout the game. They are asked at the end to give a highlight of the game.

Logo-pdf.svg 1997-04-25 Sega Saturn Magazine (JP), "1997-15 (1997-05-09)" "Special Report"
4 pages as Azel: Panzer Dragoon RPG (Placeholder), listed as ?% complete.
Logo-pdf.svg 1997-05-16 Sega Saturn Magazine (JP), "1997-17 (1997-05-30)" "Special Report"
5 pages
Logo-pdf.svg 1997-05-23 Sega Saturn Magazine (JP), "1997-18 (1997-06-06)" "Special Report"
4 pages
Logo-pdf.svg 1997-xx-xx 576 KByte (HU), "Június 1997"
Logo-pdf.svg 1997-xx-xx Saturn Power (UK), "June 1997"
Logo-pdf.svg 1997-06-27 Sega Saturn Magazine (JP), "1997-23 (1997-07-11)" "Special Report"
5 pages
Logo-pdf.svg 1997-07-25 Sega Saturn Magazine (JP), "1997-27 (1997-08-08)" "Special Report"
7 pages
Logo-pdf.svg 1997-08-22 Sega Saturn Magazine (JP), "1997-30 (1997-09-05)" "Special Report"
5 pages
Logo-pdf.svg 1997-08-29 Saturn Fan (JP), "1997 No. 17" "Sega Dynamic Preview"
4 pages
Logo-pdf.svg 1997-08-29 Sega Saturn Magazine (JP), "1997-31 (1997-09-12)" "Special Report"
4 pages
1997-xx-xx Strana Igr (RU), "Sentyabr 1997"
1997-xx-xx Sega Power (GR), "Ávgoustos-Septémvrios 1997"
Logo-pdf.svg 1997-09-26 Saturn Fan (JP), "1997 No. 19" "Sega Dynamic Preview"
3 pages
Logo-pdf.svg 1997-10-03 Sega Saturn Magazine (JP), "1997-35 (1997-10-17)" "Special Report"
5 pages
Logo-pdf.svg 1997-10-24 Sega Saturn Magazine (JP), "1997-38 (1997-11-07)" "Special Report"
5 pages
Logo-pdf.svg 1997-10-31 Saturn Fan (JP), "1997 No. 21" "Sega Dynamic Preview"
4 pages
Logo-pdf.svg 1997-11-07 Sega Saturn Magazine (JP), "1997-40 (1997-11-21)" "Special Report"
4 pages
Logo-pdf.svg 1997-11-14 Saturn Fan (JP), "1997 No. 22" "Sega Dynamic Preview"
4 pages
Logo-pdf.svg 1997-11-14 Sega Saturn Magazine (JP), "1997-41 (1997-11-28)" "Special Report"
5 pages
Logo-pdf.svg 1997-11-21 Sega Saturn Magazine (JP), "1997-42 (1997-12-05)" "Special Report"
6 pages
Logo-pdf.svg 1997-11-28 Saturn Fan (JP), "1997 No. 23" "Sega Dynamic Preview"
2 pages
Logo-pdf.svg 1997-11-28 Sega Saturn Magazine (JP), "1997-43 (1997-12-12)" "Special Report"
5 pages
Logo-pdf.svg 1997-12-05 Sega Saturn Magazine (JP), "1997-44 (1997-12-19)" "Special Report"
6 pages
Logo-pdf.svg 1997-12-12 Computer & Video Games (UK), "January 1998"
Logo-pdf.svg 1997-12-12 Saturn Fan (JP), "1997 No. 24" "Sega Dynamic Preview"
3 pages
Logo-pdf.svg 1997-12-12 Sega Saturn Magazine (JP), "1997-45 (1997-12-26)" "Special Report"
4 pages
Logo-pdf.svg 1997-12-26 Saturn Fan (JP), "1998 No. 1" "Sega Dynamic Preview"
6 pages
Logo-pdf.svg 1997-12-26 Sega Saturn Magazine (JP), "1998-02 (1998-01-09,16)" "Special Report"
4 pages
Logo-pdf.svg 1998-01-09 Sega Saturn Magazine (JP), "1998-03 (1998-01-23)" "Special Report"
4 pages
Logo-pdf.svg 1998-01-14 Computer & Video Games (UK), "February 1998"
Logo-pdf.svg 1998-01-16 Saturn Fan (JP), "1998 No. 2" "Sega Dynamic Preview"
3 pages
Logo-pdf.svg 1998-01-16 Saturn Fan (JP), "1998 No. 2" "Saturn Soft Impression"

Review
Version Rating Awards Calculated score
NTSC-J 7/10   8/10   7/10
73
[Info]
Logo-pdf.svg 1998-01-16 Sega Saturn Magazine (JP), "1998-04 (1998-01-30,02-06)" "Special Report"
4 pages
1998-01-23 Famitsu (JP), "1998-02-06" "Cross review"

Review
Version Rating Awards Calculated score
NTSC-J 8/10   9/10   9/10   9/10 Dendo
88
[Info]
Logo-pdf.svg 1998-01-23 Sega Saturn Magazine (JP), "1998-04 extra (1998-02-06ex)" "Special Report"
4 pages
Logo-pdf.svg 1998-01-23 Sega Saturn Magazine (JP), "1998-04 extra (1998-02-06ex)" "Sega Saturn soft review"

Review
Version Rating Awards Calculated score
NTSC-J 9/10   9/10   9/10
90
[Info]
Logo-pdf.svg 1998-01-30 Saturn Fan (JP), "1998 No. 3" "Souryoku Kouryaku"
Walkthrough, 10 pages
Logo-pdf.svg 1998-xx-xx Strana Igr (RU), "Yanvar 1998"
SGK 62 PL Panzer Dragoon Saga Burning Rangers.jpg 1998-xx-xx Świat Gier Komputerowych (PL), "2/1998"
Logo-pdf.svg 1998-xx-xx Neo (PL), "Luty 1998"
Logo-pdf.svg 1998-02-11 Computer & Video Games (UK), "March 1998"
Logo-pdf.svg 1998-02-13 Saturn Fan (JP), "1998 No. 4" "Kouryaku"
Dai 2 Kai, Walkthrough, 4 pages
Logo-pdf.svg 1998-02-13 Sega Saturn Magazine (JP), "1998-06 (1998-02-27,03-06)" "Sega Saturn Soft Complete Guide"
Walkthrough, 4 pages
Logo-pdf.svg 1998-02-20 Sega Saturn Magazine (JP), "1998-06 extra (1998-03-06ex)" "Sega Saturn Soft Complete Guide"
Walkthrough, 3 pages
Logo-pdf.svg 1998-02-27 Saturn Fan (JP), "1998 No. 5" "Hyper UL-Tech"
Tips and tricks
Logo-pdf.svg 1998-02-27 Sega Saturn Magazine (JP), "1998-07 (1998-03-13)" "Sega Saturn Soft Complete Guide"
Walkthrough, 3 pages
Logo-pdf.svg 1998-xx-xx GamePro (US), "March 1998" "Role-Player's Realm"
Preview article.
Logo-pdf.svg 1998-xx-xx Joypad (FR), "Mars 1998"
Review
Version Rating Awards Calculated score
NTSC-J 8/10
80
[Info]
Cover article
Logo-pdf.svg
1998-xx-xx Mega Console (IT), "Marzo 1998"
Review
Version Rating Awards Calculated score
NTSC-J 90%
90
[Info]
1998-xx-xx Secret Service (PL), "Marzec 1998"
Logo-pdf.svg 1998-03-05 Sega Saturn Magazine (JP), "1998-08 (1998-03-20)" "Sega Saturn Soft Complete Guide"
Walkthrough, 2 pages
Logo-pdf.svg 1998-03-11 Computer & Video Games (UK), "April 1998"
Review
Version Rating Awards Calculated score
RatingStar Full.svgRatingStar Full.svgRatingStar Full.svgRatingStar Full.svgRatingStar Full.svg
100
[Info]
Logo-pdf.svg 1998-03-11 Sega Saturn Magazine (UK), "April 1998"
Review
Version Rating Awards Calculated score
PAL 96%
96
[Info]
Logo-pdf.svg 1998-03-13 Saturn Fan (JP), "1998 No. 6" "Ranking Street"
Game Seisekihyou

Review
Version Rating Awards Calculated score
NTSC-J 4.12/5   4.09/5   3.68/5   3.8/5   4.05/5   4.14/5
80
[Info]
Logo-pdf.svg 1998-03-13 Saturn Fan (JP), "1998 No. 6" "Hyper UL-Tech"
Tips and tricks
Logo-pdf.svg 1998-03-13 Sega Saturn Magazine (JP), "1998-09 (1998-03-27)" "Sega Saturn Soft Complete Guide"
Walkthrough, 2 pages
Logo-pdf.svg 1998-03-20 Sega Saturn Magazine (JP), "1998-10 (1998-04-03)" "Sega Saturn Soft Complete Guide"
Walkthrough, 2 pages
Logo-pdf.svg 1998-03-25 Edge (UK), "April 1998"
Review
Version Rating Awards Calculated score
PAL 9/10
90
[Info]
Logo-pdf.svg 1998-03-27 Saturn Fan (JP), "1998 No. 7" "Hyper UL-Tech"
Tips and tricks
Logo-pdf.svg 1998-xx-xx Ação Games (BR), "Abril 1998"
Review
Version Rating Awards Calculated score
9.5/10 The Best of Ação Games
95
[Info]
1998-xx-xx Master Games (BG), "April 1998"
Logo-pdf.svg 1998-xx-xx Strana Igr (RU), "Aprel 1998"
Review
Version Rating Awards Calculated score
9/10

  • V-2
  • S-1
  • I-2
  • G-1.5
  • O-1.5
  • A-1
90
[Info]
Logo-pdf.svg 1998-xx-xx SuperGamePower (BR), "Abril 1998"
Review
Version Rating Awards Calculated score
5/5
100
[Info]
Cover article
Logo-pdf.svg
1998-0x-xx Mega Force (FR), "Avril/Mai/Juin 1998"

Review
Version Rating Awards Calculated score
NTSC-J 90%
90
[Info]
Logo-pdf.svg 1998-04-01 Mega Fun (DE), "05/98"
Review
Version Rating Awards Calculated score
PAL 87% Gold Game
87
[Info]
Cover article
Logo-pdf.svg
1998-04-01 Sega Magazin (DE), "Mai 1998"
Review
Version Rating Awards Calculated score
PAL 95% Get It!
95
[Info]
Logo-pdf.svg 1998-04-03 Sega Saturn Magazine (JP), "1998-11 extra (1998-04-17ex)" "Sega Saturn Soft Complete Guide"
Walkthrough, 2 pages
Logo-pdf.svg 1998-04-08 Fun Generation (DE), "05/98"
Review
Version Rating Awards Calculated score
PAL 9/10
90
[Info]
Logo-pdf.svg 1998-04-08 MAN!AC (DE), "05/98"
Review
Version Rating Awards Calculated score
PAL 80%
80
[Info]
Logo-pdf.svg 1998-04-10 Saturn Fan (JP), "1998 No. 8" "Hyper UL-Tech"
Tips and tricks
Logo-pdf.svg 1998-04-17 neXt Level (DE), "Mai 1998"
Review
Version Rating Awards Calculated score
PAL 85%
85
[Info]
Logo-pdf.svg 1998-04-21 Next Generation (US), "May 1998" As Azel: Panzer Dragoon Saga
Review
Version Rating Awards Calculated score
NTSC-J RatingStar Full.svgRatingStar Full.svgRatingStar Full.svgRatingStar Full.svgRatingStar Empty.svg
75
[Info]
Logo-pdf.svg 1998-04-21 Ultra Game Players (US), "May 1998"
Review
Version Rating Awards Calculated score
PAL 9.3/10 Ultra Award
93
[Info]
Logo-pdf.svg 1998-04-29 Video Games (DE), "5/98"

Review
Version Rating Awards Calculated score
PAL 85% Classic
85
[Info]
Logo-pdf.svg 1998-xx-xx GamePro (US), "May 1998" "Role-Player's Realm"

Review
Version Rating Awards Calculated score
NTSC-U
Graphics: 4.5 Sound: 4 Gameplay: 4 FunFactor: 4
83
[Info]
Logo-pdf.svg 1998-0x-xx Consoles + (FR), "Mai 1998"
Review
Version Rating Awards Calculated score
PAL 93% Mega Hit
93
[Info]
Logo-pdf.svg 1998-xx-xx Joypad (FR), "Mai 1998"
Review
Version Rating Awards Calculated score
PAL 7/10
70
[Info]
Logo-pdf.svg 1998-05-xx Gamers' Republic (US), "June 1998"

Review
Version Rating Awards Calculated score
NTSC-U A-
91
[Info]
Logo-pdf.svg 1998-0x-xx Electronic Gaming Monthly (US), "June 1998" "Review Crew"

Review
Version Rating Awards Calculated score
NTSC-U 9.5/10   9.5/10   9.5/10   10/10 Gold
96
[Info]
Logo-pdf.svg 1998-0x-xx Next Games (FR), "Juillet 1998"
Review
Version Rating Awards Calculated score
PAL 8/10
80
[Info]
Logo-pdf.svg 1998-xx-xx Neo Plus (PL), "Lipiec-Sierpień 1998"
Review
Version Rating Awards Calculated score
8/10

  • graphics-8
  • sound-8
  • gameplay-8
80
[Info]
Logo-pdf.svg 1998-08-05 Sega Magazin (DE), "September 1998"
Alaab Alcomputtar Panzer Dragoon Saga Page 12-13.PDF 199x-xx-xx Alaab Alcomputtar (SA), ""
Review
Version Rating Awards Calculated score
91%
91
[Info]
1998-xx-xx Secret Service (PL), "Wrzesień 1998"
Review
Version Rating Awards Calculated score
9/10
90
[Info]
1998-xx-xx Master Games (BG), "Oktomvri 1998"
Logo-pdf.svg 1998-xx-xx Hyper (AU), "November 1998"
Review
Version Rating Awards Calculated score
PAL 90% Big Rubber Stamp of Approval
90
[Info]
Logo-pdf.svg 1998-11-25 L'essential des Achats pour Consoles (FR), "Vol. 1"
Review
Version Rating Awards Calculated score
70%
70
[Info]
Logo-pdf.svg 2000-03 Sega Saturn Magazine (JP), "Readers rating final data" "Sega Saturn Magazine (JP) readers final rating"

Review
Version Rating Awards Calculated score
NTSC-J 9.4304/10
94
[Info]

References


Panzer Dragoon Saga

PanzerDragoonSaga title.png

Main page | Comparisons | Credits | Hidden content | Magazine articles | Video coverage | Reception | Technical information


Books: Panzer Dragoon Azel (1998) | Azel Panzer Dragoon RPG Official Guide (1998) | V Jump Books Game Series: Azel: Panzer Dragoon RPG (1998) | Azel Panzer Dragoon RPG Guide Book (1998)
Music: Azel: Panzer Dragoon RPG (1997) | Azel: Panzer Dragoon RPG Complete Album (1998) | Sona Mi Areru Ec Sancitu (1999) | Azel: Panzer Dragoon RPG Memorial Album (2001) | Resurrection: Panzer Dragoon Saga 20th Anniversary Arrangement (2018)

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