VGSources / Games / Interplay Entertainment
role-playing video game
Dragon Wars
By Interplay Entertainment, released 1 Jan 1991
- Linux
- macOS
- Microsoft Windows
- Commodore 64
- Apple II series
- Nintendo Entertainment System
What it is
Dragon Wars is a fantasy role-playing game from Interplay Entertainment, originally released in 1991. The story begins with a search for Dilmun, a legendary paradise, under the rule of King Drake, who has outlawed magic. After being arrested and sent to Purgatory, the party must rely on its wits and magic to survive. Exploration and turn-based combat are central to the journey, with more than 60 monsters and 65 spells. Players can adjust the complexity of combat resolution, set spell strength and choose tactics for ranged fighting. A paragraph book adds story details as the adventure unfolds. The game is listed for Linux, macOS and Windows, as well as older systems including Commodore 64, Apple II series, NES, DOS and Apple IIGS. Steam features include single-player, Steam Cloud and Family Sharing.
What players like, and what they don't
- More than 60 monsters and 65 spells
- Adjustable combat resolution complexity
- Ranged combat tactics can be selected
- Steam Cloud support
- Single-player only
- Steam platform listing is Windows, macOS and Linux
Who it suits
It suits solo RPG players interested in fantasy exploration, turn-based combat, spell use and a story conveyed partly through a paragraph book.
Dragon Wars centers on a fantasy journey shaped by exploration, magic and turn-based battles. Its adjustable combat options and paragraph-book storytelling are useful details for players considering an older-style RPG.
