Dragon's Crown Pro (PlayStation 4) Preview

Everyone is just trying to make it in the world. It doesn't matter what year it is, who is in government, or whether there are fire-breathing dragons flying around and being a nuisance; as an adventurer, you will do anything and everything to satisfy that lust and reap all the treasures that come with it.

That's the gist of how your quest begins in Dragon's Crown Pro. Selecting from a variety of brutish and attractive males and females with their own classes and entirely original combat styles, a number of short stages are to be conquered with any one of these characters. Very much in classic beat 'em up fashion, each stage is made up of various screens that expand or lead to new areas once the rooms have been cleared of enemies, while a boss awaits at the end to put a halt to your determination.

The opening hours consist of tackling the single paths through each stage, returning to town to heal up and stock up on items, whilst equipping any new gear that might do a better job of it next go around. With side-quests offering extra motivation to go back out and help level up the chosen hero through gained experience points, this all serves to ready the player for the meat of what Dragon's Crown can offer, as each stage eventually throws up the chance to raid alternate paths and delve deeper into the story and its gameplay.

The co-operative side to proceedings is always at the forefront, as even AI players will hop in if no other online randomer or friend joins you. While the allies can be turned off, Dragon's Crown is a multiplayer experience at heart, just like many brawlers from ages gone by were. The difference here is that up to four players can work together to take down wyverns, succubi, dragons, and krakens, with each class playing pivotal roles in ensuring the team comes out on top in the end.