Drakkhen Review

If you like exploring unusual and experimental RPGs from the past, Drakkhen is worth checking out. Originally released in 1989, this game stands out for its unique atmosphere and its mix of traditional RPG elements with some really odd design choices. It’s not a perfect game by any means, but it has a strange charm that keeps pulling you in—especially if you enjoy retro games or missed it back in the day.

Gameplay

The gameplay of Drakkhen is both its strength and weakness. The game is an open-world RPG where you explore a mysterious land filled with dangerous creatures, cryptic NPCs, and the titular dragon-like Drakkhen rulers. There’s little hand-holding, so you’re often left figuring things out on your own—something I personally enjoy, but I can see how it might frustrate players who prefer more structure.

Combat is real-time but automated, which means you spend more time strategizing before a fight than actively controlling it. For some, this is a downside, as it can feel like you’re just watching your party fight instead of actively participating.

Atmosphere and Graphics

What really sets Drakkhen apart is its mood. The game creates an eerie and mysterious vibe that’s hard to describe. Part of this comes from its unique 3D overworld graphics. For a game from the late '80s, the ability to travel a pseudo-3D environment with day-night cycles was pretty impressive. But let’s be honest: the visuals haven’t aged well, and the color palette is strange, even jarring at times. That said, this weird aesthetic gives the game its own identity.

The music and sound effects are minimal but effective, adding to the overall sense of mystery.

Puzzles and Exploration

One thing I liked about Drakkhen was how it encouraged exploration. It doesn’t guide you much, so you’re left to wander the world, stumbling upon quests, dungeons, and encounters. However, this also means you can get lost or stuck pretty easily, especially with some of the game’s more obscure puzzles. A lot of the enjoyment comes from figuring things out and slowly unraveling the game’s cryptic world.

What Doesn’t Work

While I liked the game, it’s far from perfect. The combat, as mentioned, can feel passive. The story isn’t particularly deep or memorable, and you’ll often feel like you’re just wandering aimlessly. Also, Drakkhen can be brutally difficult at times. If you’re not careful, your party will die in random encounters before you’ve had a chance to prepare properly.

The pacing is uneven, and some areas feel more fleshed out than others. There are moments where it feels like the game is wasting your time, especially when backtracking.

Recommendation

If you’re a fan of retro RPGs or want to experience something unique, give Drakkhen a try. It’s not for everyone, but there’s a weird charm to it that’s hard to explain unless you play it. Just be prepared for some frustrating moments and odd design choices.

Verdict: It’s an acquired taste. Not the best RPG from that era, but it’s memorable in its own quirky way.

Score: 7/10.
“I liked it.”

Drakkhen Review If you like exploring unusual and experimental RPGs from the past, Drakkhen is worth checking out. Originally released in 1989, this game stands out for its unique atmosphere and its mix of traditional RPG elements with some really odd design choices. It’s not a perfect game by any means, but it has a strange charm that keeps pulling you in—especially if you enjoy retro games or missed it back in the day. Gameplay The gameplay of Drakkhen is both its strength and weakness. The game is an open-world RPG where you explore a mysterious land filled with dangerous creatures, cryptic NPCs, and the titular dragon-like Drakkhen rulers. There’s little hand-holding, so you’re often left figuring things out on your own—something I personally enjoy, but I can see how it might frustrate players who prefer more structure. Combat is real-time but automated, which means you spend more time strategizing before a fight than actively controlling it. For some, this is a downside, as it can feel like you’re just watching your party fight instead of actively participating. Atmosphere and Graphics What really sets Drakkhen apart is its mood. The game creates an eerie and mysterious vibe that’s hard to describe. Part of this comes from its unique 3D overworld graphics. For a game from the late '80s, the ability to travel a pseudo-3D environment with day-night cycles was pretty impressive. But let’s be honest: the visuals haven’t aged well, and the color palette is strange, even jarring at times. That said, this weird aesthetic gives the game its own identity. The music and sound effects are minimal but effective, adding to the overall sense of mystery. Puzzles and Exploration One thing I liked about Drakkhen was how it encouraged exploration. It doesn’t guide you much, so you’re left to wander the world, stumbling upon quests, dungeons, and encounters. However, this also means you can get lost or stuck pretty easily, especially with some of the game’s more obscure puzzles. A lot of the enjoyment comes from figuring things out and slowly unraveling the game’s cryptic world. What Doesn’t Work While I liked the game, it’s far from perfect. The combat, as mentioned, can feel passive. The story isn’t particularly deep or memorable, and you’ll often feel like you’re just wandering aimlessly. Also, Drakkhen can be brutally difficult at times. If you’re not careful, your party will die in random encounters before you’ve had a chance to prepare properly. The pacing is uneven, and some areas feel more fleshed out than others. There are moments where it feels like the game is wasting your time, especially when backtracking. Recommendation If you’re a fan of retro RPGs or want to experience something unique, give Drakkhen a try. It’s not for everyone, but there’s a weird charm to it that’s hard to explain unless you play it. Just be prepared for some frustrating moments and odd design choices. Verdict: It’s an acquired taste. Not the best RPG from that era, but it’s memorable in its own quirky way. Score: 7/10. “I liked it.”