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Dragon Slayer

A 1984 Japanese action RPG that drew on Ultima and Wizardry.

1 source1 tips

Where Dragon Slayer comes up1 episode or test

Gcreator of Game Maker's Toolkit testThe Birth of the Japanese RPG | Design Icons
At a glanceDragon Slayer swapped menu battles for real-time combat
Before: turn-based RPGs
  • Menu battles
  • Turn-based combat
  • Ultima and Wizardry as models
Dragon Slayer, 1984Won
  • Real-time combat
  • Still drew on Ultima, Wizardry
  • Zelda followed in 1986

Sparked a 1984 wave of action RPGs

From Dragon Slayer page note

What was said about Dragon Slayer

  • Dragon Slayer swapped menu battles for real-time combat in 1984. Dragon Slayer was part of a 1984 wave of action RPGs that replaced turn-based menu battles with real-time combat. It drew on Ultima and Wizardry, two Western RPGs.

    Tower of Druaga also drew on Ultima and Wizardry. The Legend of Zelda followed in 1986, with Miyamoto citing The Black Onyx and Ultima. The source describes the moment as "an explosion of action RPGs, with real-time combat". The lesson: change one core mechanic of an established genre to make something new.

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