Defender of the Crown / Dual Blades impressions

Following Aero the Acrobat’s second adventure on the GBA, Metro 3D has released two new games – Dual Blades and Defender of the Crown. Both games were on display at this year’s E3 and recently, we had the opportunity to play the final version shortly before their official release in stores last week.

It’s been awhile since I’ve actually been excited about any fighting game – well, not since Capcom vs. SNK 2 at least. Dual Blades marks the newest fighting game to grace the Game Boy Advance. The story puts players in the role of one of several characters, summoned from timelines of past and present in a no-holds barred contest for a weapon of ultimate power - the Dual Blades). Alperen, the architect of this grand event (who also happens to be the world’s greatest warrior) has decided to grant each of the participating competitors the opportunity to bear the sword and gain immortality and unimaginable power. Of course, there’s a catch to Alperen’s generousity – what hidden motive lies behind his invitation? Only the brave and diligent can unravel the mystery and discover Alperen’s true intents and the secret of the Dual Blades.

As you may have assumed from the title’s namesake – Dual Blades is primarily a weapon-based fighter, adopting a gameplay style mildly reminiscent to the Neo Geo classic Samurai Showdown IV, mixed with a bit of ballistic aerial combos. The game features a total of 9 characters, 8 of which are immediately accessible at the start of play. Each character possesses four special moves – the player must select two out of the available four selections before engaging the opponent. Not only does this feature proves to be advantageous against the more challenging computer (or human) opponents, but adds some diversity as well. Overall, the moves are fairly straightforward and easy to execute. Regardless of your skill level, you’ll encounter very little difficulty (if at all) pulling off any of the moves featured in the game. Many of the commands (within the limits of the two face and trigger buttons respectively) consist of one or more buttons press in conjunction with the D-pad.

Aside from the standard hack and slash, and defensive functions, Dual Blades also features a recovery function, which interrupts the current move being executed and allows you to retreat and initiate a new offensive attack. The breaker moves (which I am still managing to master) can be likened to the Darkstalkers' Guard Reversal system which interrupts your opponent’s move, useful doing high-string combo attacks. There’s also a power gauge which gradually fills up by executing attacks or incurring damage. Once filled, the player is able to unleash the special moves which were selected before the match (note: the player must make a selection prior to each new battle against a new opponent). Suffice it to say, unleashing these moves upon your opponent result in massive damage and will put them in a world of hurt.

Dual Blades certainly feels inspired from a number of classic fighting games, Samurai Showdown, Weaponlord and (insert any manic combo fighting title here). The gameplay is relatively smooth and challenging (difficulty setting can be configured from Easy to Deadly – read: Very Hard). The backgrounds as well as the characters are very large and colorful, albeit exceptionally animated in some instances, which proves the axiom “bigger is better” is not always the case. There are several game modes besides the standard “arcade” mode, includes a Versus, Time Attack and Survival Mode. In addition, there’s also a Training Mode – a staple in nearly every modern fighting game designed for players to hone their skills, learn the nuances of every character and then some.

Handheld users who can’t get enough fighting action (and grow impatient for the domestic release of Street Fighter Alpha 3 Upper should consider adding Dual Blades to their collection.

Defender of the Crown

Meanwhile, in the 12th century, players will be challenged to bring restoration to the throne as the title implies - Defender of the Crown. King Richard has been slain and all of England is in the midst of a civil war. It’s up to you to lay siege against the enemy and outwit the vile Normans to bring peace back to the land. Metro 3D’s medieval strategy/action combat game is based on the award-winning classic of the same name, developed by Cinemaware. In addition, opportunities to raid other kingdoms are executed in a side-scrolling layout (you against a generic army soldier). I enjoyed this particular feature especially since it breaks from the norm of the select, point-and-click. Successfully invasions allow you to build up your army and reputation. In order to save England, you’ll have to sharpen your skills, military prowess and swordsmanship. Fight well and win the love of the beautiful damsels…but don’t expect it to come easy.

In a nutshell, Defender of the Crown consists of a campaign mode in which players will engage in majestic tournaments where they can joust for land, fame and fortune, and go against their rivals throughout the land in the hopes to conquer them and their territories. Before you embark on your campaign, select a character which fits your profile. Their attributes are based upon leadership, swordsmanship, and jousting. Occasionally, when you’re in a pinch on what to do, players can get pointers from Robin Hood hiding out in Sherwood Forest.

DotC’s strength primarily lies in the strategy and action elements, complimented by a myriad of highly detailed cut scenes and animated sequences. Cinemaware has also incorporated a number of medieval tunes and sound effects which balances the entire experience.