Games Database
PS2
Adventure
| Also for: | PC, Xbox, GameCube | ||
| Viewed: | 3D Combination | Genre: | Adventure |
| Media: | DVD | Arcade origin: | No |
| Developer: | Revolution | Soft. Co.: | Revolution |
| Publishers: | THQ
(GB) |
Released: | 14 Nov 2003
(GB) |
| Ratings: | PEGI 12+ | ||
| Accessories: | Memory Card | ||
| Features: | Analogue Control Compatible: analogue sticks only | ||
Summary
Six years on from the release of the last instalment in Revolution's mythical adventure series and those lovable heroes George Stobart and Nico Collard are back in an all-new escapade. Retaining the series' themes of conspiracy, historical mystery and a good old-fashioned quest for justice, The Sleeping Dragon delivers the usual dose of Broken Sword adventuring but, this time, having moved on from the old-style point and click idea, appearing courtesy of an innovative new 3D interface.
The story remains just as involving and intriguing as ever, with the two adventurers finding themselves drawn into a terrifying scheme to harness an ancient power. Brought together by fate, they fight sinister forces, uncover and ancient conspiracy and soon discover a fiendish source of pure evil.
As mentioned before, the game has taken a completely different direction in terms of visuals and, subsequently, gameplay, with all the environments now rendered in full 3D. As such, control of the characters is now performed directly via the Dual Shock, as you wander around exploring, seeking out those vital items and interacting with the game's diverse set of characters. Another new element to the proceedings is the introduction of what are known as 'action events'. Not dissimilar to the quick time sequences in Shenmue, these action events are scenes that appear throughout the game, demanding both quick reactions and decision-making. For example, one particular scene sees Nico accosted by a gun-wielding adversary, with only a frying pan and a very short amount of time on her side. You know what to do!
As you would probably expect, the adventure throughout The Sleeping Dragon is as immersive as it is long, featuring plenty of twists and spanning a number of exotic international locations. The quest to unravel the mystery of the 'Voynich Manuscript' and the secret of the evil power takes the duo to the jungles of the Congo, castles in Prague, the back-streets of Paris, and even England's premier festival location Glastonbury.
It's been a while but the wait has been worth it. The classic adventure genre has been desperate for a bit of life breathing into it and The Sleeping Dragon has done just that, re-writing the tried and tested formula for the contemporary gamer.
The story remains just as involving and intriguing as ever, with the two adventurers finding themselves drawn into a terrifying scheme to harness an ancient power. Brought together by fate, they fight sinister forces, uncover and ancient conspiracy and soon discover a fiendish source of pure evil.
As mentioned before, the game has taken a completely different direction in terms of visuals and, subsequently, gameplay, with all the environments now rendered in full 3D. As such, control of the characters is now performed directly via the Dual Shock, as you wander around exploring, seeking out those vital items and interacting with the game's diverse set of characters. Another new element to the proceedings is the introduction of what are known as 'action events'. Not dissimilar to the quick time sequences in Shenmue, these action events are scenes that appear throughout the game, demanding both quick reactions and decision-making. For example, one particular scene sees Nico accosted by a gun-wielding adversary, with only a frying pan and a very short amount of time on her side. You know what to do!
As you would probably expect, the adventure throughout The Sleeping Dragon is as immersive as it is long, featuring plenty of twists and spanning a number of exotic international locations. The quest to unravel the mystery of the 'Voynich Manuscript' and the secret of the evil power takes the duo to the jungles of the Congo, castles in Prague, the back-streets of Paris, and even England's premier festival location Glastonbury.
It's been a while but the wait has been worth it. The classic adventure genre has been desperate for a bit of life breathing into it and The Sleeping Dragon has done just that, re-writing the tried and tested formula for the contemporary gamer.
