If you've been waiting patiently for news of a sequel to Dragonyhm, then you're not alone. We're lucky enough to be in a world where we're getting new Game Boy Color games published by ModRetro to play on both the Chromatic and original Nintendo hardware, and out of all of those games, Dragonyhm stands head and shoulders above the rest.
When I sat down to review Spacebot Interactive's epic RPG, I didn't think that I would become obessessed with it to the point of befriending the creators, getting them on a podcast, and having them laugh at my terrible progress with the trampoline segment in one of the later dungeons (if you've had a go at this, then you know the struggle is real). For the first time in a long time, I got the same feeling that I had completing a game as I did after finishing Ocarina of Time - I was sad that it had ended, and I immediately wanted more. Dragonyhm is one of the best GBC games on the planet, period, and now I'm finally getting a sequel.
Spacebot Interactive have confirmed that a second Dragonyhm game is officially underway with a brand new storyline, original soundscape and soundtrack, and more exciting puzzles to wrap your head around. After speaking with creators Chris and Bumbiss, I can officially confirm that there are no indications that the game is going to be called 'Dragonyhm 2' - Spacebot are much more inventive than that!
Credit: Spacebot Interactive
So, what breaking news can I give you? Well, one of the main differences between the first game and the upcoming sequel is a change to the battle system.
Dragonyhm is very much a turn-based RPG, whereas the new game will champion real-time combat and take on more of an action-adventure theme in the same vain as The Legend of Zelda games of old. You'll be able to use basic slashes, spin slashes, and magical attacks. Health will be used up in real time, with a bar to let you know how much you have left. At least you'll know when to retreat when the going gets tough!
The magic bar functions like the stamina bar in Breath of the Wild and will replenish itself over time, so retreating every now and again will allow you to come back into the fight with more firepower.
I can imagine that there will be new variations of the Archendi language to get to grips with, as well as a need to look back at my instruction booklet to help with ciphers whenever coming across old artefacts or statues.
The images that you're seeing in this article are the first to be shared with the world about the upcoming sequel, which as a fan of the first game is incredibly exciting for me. And considering the last game almost broke me, I'm fully prepared to book myself into a calming retreat while I complete the next one.
It looks like Kris might not be the main character of this game this time around either and that a new female protagonist could be taking his place, though if you listened to our podcast with the Spacebot team, you'll know that they keep everything very close to their chest. Kris does look to be in the pictures and trailers and also looks to have some dialogue, but have we seen the main character before somewhere?
I've got my suspicions, but Spacebot undoubtedly won't confirm this fact until after you've got stuck into the game and discovered the information for yourself, but that's what I love the most about these guys. The level of mystery surrounding the first Dragonyhm game is what made it so special, and I'm sure Spacebot have many more tricks up their sleeves for the sequel.
The dialogue portraits of the characters look like they'll really help the narrative flow too. As a writer and a prolific reader, that's going to help me get immersed in the story and it gives a JRPG feel to the game that complements the fantastic scenes and sprites in this game. I said it with the first game too, but you really would be forgiven for forgetting that this is a Game Boy Color game at times!
How many of you discovered the secret ending to the first game? If you didn't, then look away now because I'm about to do a serious spoiler for you... Doesn't that dragon in the trailer look like the 'Crooked Angel' dragon we see bouncing the ball that the child throws to it? I'm just speculating here, but I think there's a high chance they're the same!
That's all of the information I have to give you now, but take solace in the fact that a second Dragonyhm game is on its way, and that hopefully you won't have to wait much longer to see more gameplay coming out of Spacebot Interactive HQ! Just as long as the Quakzals make another appearance - those guys deserve their own spin-off game!
In the meantime, check out our podcast episode with creators Chris and Bumbiss below! And if you haven't bought a copy of Dragonyhm, what are you waiting for? Head to the ModRetro store for more information!
