Dragon Isles

Dragon Isles description

An interesting artifact from the world of computer games from Israel - Dragon Isles relating to the RTS genre appeared in the period when after the success of Dune 2, many game studios rushed to come up with their strategies in real time. Of course, in most cases it was a clone of masterpiece from Westwood, but the Israelis managed to create a completely original thing, though the actual influence of the founder of the RTS genre gone unnoticed.

The plot of the game is simple: there lived a certain island nation (located, incidentally, on the Dragon Island archipelago – hence the name of the game), but once sailed bad people - and the state suddenly became. Survived only the Emperor and a handful of people. However, the Governor did not grieve, and gathered his squad and swam to win his throne back. At this point the game begins. The single player campaign (multiplayer is not here) is a series of missions, each of which tells the story of the battle for the next island. The goal of each scenario is to destroy the enemy base. Part of the game is completely symmetric, i.e. have the same types of units and structures, and differ only in color.

Read the previous paragraph, the question arises: what is so special about this game? However, do not rush to pass: as usual, the whole raisins buried in the mechanics. Based on the gameplay of Dune 2, the authors simplified some elements, thus making an Dragon Isles more friendly to the player. For example, a resource in the game only one – money, and is generated automatically by special constructions, and replaces it is not the usual "spice", and electricity (each building consumes a certain amount of gold, so to speak - "the maintenance"); the behavior of the units has been automated (frame-something else came up): simply press the "defense" or "attack" - and the soldier will begin to search for purpose or automatically attack any enemy unit who had the temerity to come close to the protected area. The player left with only the ability to control the movement of the soldiers (you need to click on a unit, choose the order "forward" and specify the destination point). All the buildings of the database are available immediately, no "study technology" is not required, the main thing - that enough gold. As you progress through the player will unlock new buildings and more powerful units.

Other interesting features: the game has no "fog of war"; the player on the field of battle are not disembodied spirit, and thus the Emperor riding a dragon (the authors definitely loved King's Bounty), the soldiers are able to grow in levels by gaining experience from killing enemies (if you survive), and, accordingly, do more damage.

A few words about the schedule. Striking detailing of sprites and their diverse animations: the author of these lines for about five minutes just sat and watched the work of local farmers as they harvest crops, watered the beds, plant gardens, etc. are Not deprived of animations and soldiers: they famously waving swords, and getting delivery some time in pain, in the case of large damage – naturally bleeding. And all this despite the fact that the sprites "Dragon Islands" only a few pixels larger than those of "Dune 2".

Summary: the gameplay is dynamic and exciting, the office being developed for a couple of minutes, and apparently the game looks good. What else is necessary for happiness?

Enjoy playing Dragon Isles online, it can be played on your browser and is free.

Source: Archive.org, Mobygames.com