Zzap


Saint Dragon

Publisher: Kixx
Machine: Commodore 64/128

 
Published in Zzap #84

Saint Dragon

Don't worry, this has nothing to do with dodgy Atari computers, never mind the ancient Dragon 32! Mind you, this obscure coin-op conversion doesn't really breathe fire.

It's your standard horizontally scrolling shoot-'em-up with loads of swarming nasties to blast. The main novelty is that you don't control a spaceship, but instead, a dragon. Well, it's meant to be a dragon; it actually resembles a snake with its shortish tail curling as it moves around the screen. This comes in useful for deflecting bullets - you can even wrap yourself up in it for extra protection.

Of course, the other way of defending yourself is by splitting plasma bolts at enemies, some of which take several hits to destroy. But they're easily despatched once you've collected a few icons to arm up with superweapons like torpedoes, lasers and bouncing bombs. Then it gets a bit too easy - especially with four continue-plays to complete five multi-loaded levels. The main hazard is a glitch which occasionally kills off your dragon for no reason at all!

On the positive side, there's always plenty of sprites zipping about the screen, plus some nice giant cheetahs (though sadly they don't leap, as in the coin-op) and impressive end-of-level superbaddies. The action is accompanied by a pleasant tune (which can be swapped for average FX).

Not a brilliant conversion of a not-too-brilliant coin-op, St. Dragon was distinctly average for a full-price release. Only a year later, it's not a bad budget buy.