Classic Games Database
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Dragon Wars

Review
Also known as
The Bard's Tale IV ドラゴンウォーズ

This first-person RPG blends turn-based combat with a deep skill system as you lead a banished party to reclaim a corrupted island.

Dragon Wars was developed and published by Interplay Productions and first released for MS-DOS in 1990. The legacy year matches the earliest commercial release on the DOS platform, and no earlier release of the original game on any platform is known.


							Dragon Wars cover
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About Dragon Wars

Dragon Wars is set in Dilmun, a once peaceful island now corrupted by the antagonist Namtar. The player begins with a party of four characters in the city of Purgatory, initially lacking equipment and unable to use magic due to a ban. A primary goal involves restoring the use of magic.

The gameplay operates from a first person perspective with step by step movement, where enemies appear randomly. Combat is turn based, and the overall style is reminiscent of the Bard's Tale series. However, it expands on that foundation with a comprehensive skill system and an auto map feature.

Success depends on careful allocation of skill points, making character development challenging. The broader objectives include survival, escaping the starting city, and ultimately confronting Namtar, while also acquiring better gear during the journey.

Dragon Wars Screenshots

10 images
Title screen
ingame #1
Character Status
The Stosstrupen - Namtar's Secret Police
Character statistics and inventory
Omnious Fellow - There's no way to kill this guy...he just runs off
This is Mystalvision. Namtar's lapdog.
Praying to Irkalla
Say hello to Mr. Humbaba. Purtagory's heavy weight tag team champion.
Your first encounter with Namtar.