Interface

Jump around

Basic movement is done Quake style - aiming and turning via the mouse, and moving and strafing through the keyboard. Using different key combinations, you'll be able to get Rynn to do a variety of acrobatic moves. If you hit a directional key and crouch at the same time, Rynn will duck and roll in that direction. Similarly, Rynn can flip sideways or backwards by combining jump and a regular key. Mastering this type of movement is key to dodging enemy attacks. It is possible to block with your weapon, but in many cases you'll still sustain a small amount of damage.

Winter barbeque

What goes up must come down

Hitting people

What's a game without combat? Drakan includes a robust hand to hand combat system. Pressing attack results in a swipe of your current weapon. It is possible to fight with just swipes, but you're not going to get as much fun or power unless you do the combo maneuvers. Like Street Fighter, you can use different button combos to unleash a wide variety of different moves. Forward, back, attack results in a 180 spin and swipe at whatever's behind you. Back, forward, attack results in a spin attack that segues into another swipe. There are a number of other moves, including simple thrusts, and so forth. This adds a whole new dimension to melee combat in games. Tactics, strategy and quick reflexes are the hallmarks of close combat, and Drakan simulates these without overwhelming the gamer.

Splashed it right next to the falls

Nice waterfalls

Dragon interface

Flying around with the Dragon is like piloting a helicopter - you can't really point yourself down or upward very well, but you can hover in place and change altitudes as easily as you move forward or sideways. Each breath weapon has a primary and secondary attack, and it's very simple to aim the breath weapons. Your current "charge" level is represented by a colored orb in the bottom right hand corner. When it's drained completely you need to wait a while before launching another projectile. Generally, the more powerful secondary attacks drain more charge than the primary attacks.